Diving & Snorkeling at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives – What to Know

This guide dives into everything you need to know about diving and snorkeling at Gili Lankanfushi, including the house reef, coral restoration project, top dive sites, courses, and eco-initiatives.

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives isn’t just about barefoot luxury and dreamy water villas — it’s also home to a thriving marine world waiting to be explored. From beginner snorkeling around your villa to adventurous dives at world-renowned reefs, the island offers a wide range of underwater experiences.

Snorkeling at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives

A Giant Lagoon, But Not a Classic Snorkeling Island
Snorkeling is not the main asset of Gili Lankanfushi. The resort is gifted with one of the largest lagoons in Maldives, which means — as with most islands with vast lagoons — the best snorkeling spots lie further out from the shore.

Ideal for Beginners and First-Timers
Beginner snorkelers and children will surely enjoy the beautiful shallow waters directly from their water villas. It’s a gentle and safe way to discover Maldives’ magical underwater world. Snorkeling equipment is provided for free.

Gili Lankanfushi’s House Reef

Gili’s coral garden is a perfect place to initiate yourself to the pleasure of snorkeling. Carefully nurtured over the past few years by the island’s resident biologist, the garden is full of small reef fish and fascinating marine life. Some growing coral formations can even be spotted just a few steps from your villa deck.

Where to Snorkel Around the Island?

While Gili Lankanfushi is surrounded by beautifully clear waters, quality snorkeling is not immediately accessible from the beach or villas. You’ll need to swim about 10 to 15 minutes to reach the closest reefs — their location is visible on the resort snorkeling map below.

Gili Lankanfushi’s Snorkeling Map

Take a look at Gili Lankanfushi’s snorkeling map for a better understanding of the island’s surrounding reef and the best zones to explore.

Don’t feel like swimming ?
The resort also offers guided snorkeling excursions to the best reefs around the atoll.

The Coral Lines Project – A Unique Concept in Maldives

Launched in 2010, the Coral Lines Project is the first reef rehabilitation initiative in the Maldives. Using an innovative rope system, corals are nurtured in a sustainable and efficient way before being replanted into the wild. The project is led by Gili’s in-house marine biology team and contributes to reef recovery around the island.

Diving at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives

Gili Lankanfushi is ideally located in North Malé Atoll, a renowned diving area famous for :

• Spectacular shipwrecks
• Manta Point
• Numerous thilas (pinnacle reefs)
• Big species like reef sharks and rays

Over 20 local dive sites and 6 Safari dive locations are accessible directly from the resort.

Eco Dive Center Credentials

Gili Lankanfushi houses the first certified Eco Dive Centre in Maldives. In 2012, it was awarded the PADI Green Star Award and later certified by Green Fins, an organization supporting eco-friendly diving across Asia.

The center is equipped with:

• Multilingual instructors (English, French, Japanese)
• The latest Mares diving gear
• A 15-meter luxury dive dhoni
• A marine biology station

Diving Courses & Lessons at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives

All levels of PADI courses are available, from beginner to advanced :

• Private courses available on request
• Discover Scuba Diving
• Open Water Diver
• Advanced Open Water
• Rescue Diver
• Dive Master
• Specialty courses: Nitrox, wreck diving, underwater photography, bio-fluorescence night dive, and more
• Bubblemaker (8–9 years old)

Dive Center Equipment & Facilities

Gili Lankanfushi’s Dive Boats & Safety

Gili’s modern dive dhoni is fully geared for comfort and safety:

• Navigation systems
• Oxygen and first-aid kits
• Relaxation deck with cushions
• GPS and radio communication
• Onboard refreshments

Daily Dive Schedule

• 2 boat dives per day to different reefs
• 2 house reef dives daily
• Half-day and full-day trips by speedboat
• Night dives and private diving on request

Orientation Dives & Insurance

Before diving, all guests must:

• Hold an international diving license and logbook
• Complete an orientation dive unless they’ve logged a dive in the past 3 months
• Demonstrate 4 core skills (regulator recovery, mask clearing, neutral buoyancy, alternate air source breathing)
• Diving insurance is mandatory. Short-term coverage can be purchased at the dive center.

Famous Dive Sites Nearby Gili Lankanfushi Maldives

Here’s a taste of what awaits just minutes away from the resort :

• Rasfari
• Bodu Hiti Thila
• Rameez Place
• Thila Faru
• Shallow Point
• Manta Point
• Himmafushi Corner

Read more about Diving in North Male Atoll

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