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Angaga is a tropical island in the South Ari Atoll of the Maldives. Known for its white sandy beach and crystal-clear waters, Angaga is a wonderful destination for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. The island is relatively small, allowing visitors to explore its entirety on foot. Although coral cover is not exceptional around Angaga, an extraordinary diversity of fish lives around the island’s reefs, making it a great destination for snorkeling enthusiasts.

Blacktip shark observed from the beach at Angaga Island
A small Blacktip Shark spotted from the beach.

How to get to Angaga snorkeling spot?

Angaga is a hotel island, which is exclusively dedicated to those staying at Angaga Island Resort & Spa. From Male, it can be accessed by seaplane (25 minutes flight).

Angaga Island snorkeling map
Angaga Island snorkeling map.

Water entrance for snorkeling Angaga

On the eastern side of the island, you can enter the water directly from the beach, near the jetty (snorkel entry 1 on the map). The narrow channel allows swimming access to the drop-off at all times.

On the western side, you would have to swim up to 300 meters from the beach through the lagoon (snorkel entry 2). So it’s best to enter the water from the stairs at the end of the water bungalows on the left side (snorkel entry 3).

Angaga coral reef snorkeling exploration

A coral reef entirely fringes the island. Angaga boasts excellent snorkeling possibilities, along its west shore as well as its east side.

Powder Blue Tang at Angaga Island
The Powder Blue Tang is a common sighting at Angaga Island.

On the island’s eastern shore the house reef is just a short swim from the beach, so you can easily explore the coral drop-offs at your own pace.

As you snorkel along the reef’s edge, you’ll encounter an array of coral formations, home to a variety of marine species. Colorful fish, including surgeonfish, triggerfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, and many more dart in and out of the corals.

Octopuses and morays sometimes hide under corals and in rock crevices. Under the Spa’s pier, reef squids and oriental sweetlips are frequently seen hiding in the shade.

School of reef squid at Angaga Island
A school of Bigfin Reef Squid near the jetty.

On the eastern shore, the reef flat is easily accessible and very shallow, making it a perfect area for beginners.

At the beginning of the left pier leading to the water bungalows, you can sometimes spot baby blacktip reef sharks darting through a school of tiny fish.

If you enter the water from that pier, you might be followed by curious batfish.

Moorish Idol at Angaga Island
A Moorish Idol.

To reach the reef drop-off, swim towards the channel, making sure there are no boats in the vicinity. There you might even observe larger marine creatures like sea turtles, whitetip sharks, and rays gracefully gliding through the water.

Restaurants and accommodations nearby

This spot is the Angaga Island Resort & Spa’s house reef.

 

  • Level required Beginner
  • Maximum depth4 feet/1.2 meters on the flat, 33+ feet/10+ meters on the drop off
  • Water entranceFrom a sandy beach or ladders
  • Potential DangersCurrents
  • Visitor numbersLow
  • Access costsCost of a stay at the Angaga Island Resort & Spa
  • Restaurants nearbyYes

MAP Spot

These snorkeling spots are accessible to beginners and kids. You will enter the water gradually from a beach, or in a less than 3ft. deep area. The sea is generally calm, shallow, with almost no waves or currents. These spots are usually located in marked and/or monitored swimming areas. It is not necessary to swim long distances to discover the sea life.

This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.