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Last updated on December 2, 2024
Filitheyo is a fantastic snorkeling destination that boasts almost everything the Maldives offers. The beaches are pristine and, above all, the snorkeling is extraordinary. Encounters with eagle rays, sharks, and turtles are almost a daily norm. Napoleons, anemonefish, clown triggerfish, unicornfish, puffers, starfish, sweetlips… so many sights await the snorkeling enthusiast.
Filitheyo is a resort island in the Faafu Atoll, Maldives. It can be reached by seaplane or by speedboat from Male (transfers are arranged by the resort).
The island is triangular-shaped, and surrounded by a reef. The east coast is not suitable for snorkeling or swimming (access forbidden). The other two sides, north and south, are both great for snorkeling. The choice between the north and south sides will depend on the conditions of the day, with the windward side being more sheltered.
The water entrance is from the beach. The resort has marked with poles the passages between the lagoon and the outer reef, numbered 1 to 8 on the map.
In the lagoon, the current is usually very light, but it can be stronger on the outer reef. It is more comfortable to use different entry and exit points and to drift between the passages, following the current. See end of page for advice on currents in the Maldives.
Between passage 5 and passage 7, the lagoon is quite narrow. This area, visited by blacktip reef sharks, Napoleon wrasses, and darts, is however very interesting.
Use passages 5, 6, or 7 to get to the outer reef, which allows for great explorations. While the reef top features colorful reef species such as clownfish, triggerfish, wrasses, and snappers, the drop-off offers frequent encounters with sharks and schools of eagle rays.
On this side, the lagoon is much wider, and you have to swim 200 to 300 meters to reach passages 2 and 3. The sand, dotted with bleached coral and a few living ones, hides small treasures such as juvenile rockmover wrasse or hermit crabs gatherings.
Passage 3 takes you to the overwater bungalows, which shelter many fish in their shade.
Exploration of the outer reef between passages 3 and 1 is straightforward and allows you to see the same species as on the northern reef. Watch out, however, for the dhonis that pass between passage 2 and passage 1 for tours and guest transfers.
Finally, when there’s no current, you can follow the drop-off east of passage 1, which can offer some great encounters.
This spot is the house reef of Filitheyo Island Resort.
There are two factors to consider when it comes to currents in Maldives:
By combining these two aspects, you can get an idea of the expected current and perhaps even choose a time when it is weak.
These spots are accessible to anyone with basic snorkeling skills, and feeling comfortable in the water and with his snorkeling gear. You will enter the water from the shore (beach, pontoon, ladder, rocks) or from a boat. The water height in the sea entrance area is reasonable, but you will not necessarily be within your depth. Moderate currents can occur in the area, even when the sea conditions are good. The distance to swim to reach the most interesting snorkeling areas of the spot does not exceed 200 meters. 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.
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Snorkeling spots are part of a wild environment and their aspect can be significantly altered by weather, seasons, sea conditions, human impact and climate events (storms, hurricanes, seawater-warming episodes…). The consequences can be an alteration of the seabed (coral bleaching, coral destruction, and invasive seagrass), a poor underwater visibility, or a decrease of the sea life present in the area. Snorkeling Report makes every effort to ensure that all the information displayed on this website is accurate and up-to-date, but no guarantee is given that the underwater visibility and seabed aspect will be exactly as described on this page the day you will snorkel the spot. If you recently snorkeled this area and noticed some changes compared to the information contained on this page, please contact us.
The data contained in this website is for general information purposes only, and is not legal advice. It is intended to provide snorkelers with the information that will enable them to engage in safe and enjoyable snorkeling, and it is not meant as a substitute for swim level, physical condition, experience, or local knowledge. Remember that all marine activities, including snorkeling, are potentially dangerous, and that you enter the water at your own risk. You must take an individual weather, sea conditions and hazards assessment before entering the water. If snorkeling conditions are degraded, postpone your snorkeling or select an alternate site. Know and obey local laws and regulations, including regulated areas, protected species, wildlife interaction and dive flag laws.
