Snorkeling in Ukulhas: Velidhoo & Picnic Island

Two islands, two reef systems, one day of snorkeling in the Maldives

Snorkel two distinct reefs around Ukulhas in the Maldives: Velidhoo, an abandoned resort island where marine life thrives in the absence of crowds, and Picnic Island, a marine protected area where you spot turtles unique to the region, sharks and schools of fish. The trip runs 7.5 hours with an English-speaking guide, snorkeling equipment, lunch and speedboat transport included.

The experience

Velidhoo is the anchor of this day. The island was once a resort and now sits empty, which means the reef around it has recovered into something the operator calls excellent for snorkeling. The water is clear and full of live corals and fish. The island itself is lined with palm trees and white sand, so there is time to rest and photograph between water sessions. The abandoned buildings give the place a remote, lost-in-time feeling that sets it apart from the busier snorkeling sites in the Maldives.

Picnic Island comes second, and it is a different kind of stop. This one is inhabited and sits inside a marine protected area, which is why the marine life there is distinct. You snorkel the nearby house reef and watch for sea stars, sharks, schools of fish, and the turtle called Vela: a species you see only in this region. The island itself is small and surrounded by the layered blues the Maldives is known for, and sandbanks often form within walking distance, so there is room to explore on foot as well. Two small coral formations sit just offshore, so if the main reef does not hold your attention long enough, you can extend the snorkeling there.

The day runs 7.5 hours total. You travel by speedboat, which means the ride between islands is fast and the boat can reach sites the larger ferries cannot. Snorkeling equipment, a picnic lunch and bottled water are included. An experienced crew handles the boat and the guide speaks English throughout. The trip suits all fitness levels, and infants can join if they sit on an adult's lap.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• speedboat transfer from Ukulhas to both islands.
• picnic lunch.
• bottled water.
• service of an experienced English-speaking crew.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (3 to 90 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tuktukdude Maldives

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you follow the commentary and the crew's directions without translation. This works for any English speaker joining the group, whether you are snorkeling for the first time or you have done it many times before.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What is Velidhoo island like for snorkeling?

Velidhoo is an abandoned resort where the reef has recovered into an excellent snorkeling site because of the lack of human presence. The water is clear and full of live corals and fish, and the island has white sand beaches and palm trees, so you can rest between water sessions and take photographs.

Will I see turtles on this snorkeling trip?

Yes. Picnic Island is where you are most likely to spot them: specifically the turtle called Vela, which is unique to this region. You will also see sea stars, sharks and schools of fish on the house reef there.

How long does the full day take?

The experience runs 7.5 hours from start to finish, including speedboat travel between Ukulhas and both islands, snorkeling time at each site, and a picnic lunch break.

What equipment and food are included?

Snorkeling equipment, a picnic lunch and bottled water are all included. You do not need to bring or rent gear separately.

Is this trip suitable for beginners?

Yes, the experience is suitable for all physical fitness levels. If you have never snorkeled before, the crew can help you get comfortable in the water, and the reefs are accessible to swimmers of different abilities.