Dine at an underwater restaurant
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime meal surrounded by the Indian Ocean: dine while coral, reef fish and rays glide past panoramic glass walls. Popular options include Ithaa (Conrad Maldives, Rangali Island) — the world's first all-glass underwater restaurant — and 5.8 Undersea Restaurant (Hurawalhi) — one of the largest all-glass underwater dining rooms. Kihavah (Kihavah Huravalhi and nearby resorts) also offers memorable undersea dining experiences or private underwater setups; check your resort for exact offerings. This is a premium, romantic and highly photogenic culinary experience combining fine dining with marine views.
Location
Rangali Island (Conrad Maldives - Ithaa); Hurawalhi (Hurawalhi Maldives - 5.8 Undersea); Kihavah (Kihavah Huravalhi and nearby resort offerings), Various island resorts, Maldives, Maldives
Duration
Typically 90–180 minutes (depends on set menu length and whether pre- or post-dinner transfers/experiences are included).
Best Time to Visit
November to April (dry season) for calm seas and clearer underwater visibility. Off-season (May–October) can bring plankton and slightly reduced visibility but more dramatic marine life activity at times — check resort calendars and availability.
Pricing
Typical price range: USD 150–600+ per person (varies by resort, set menu, wine pairing and private options). Expect higher prices for multi-course tasting menus, exclusive/private bookings and peak-season dates. Note: transfers (seaplane/speedboat), service charges and taxes may be billed separately.
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Ithaa (Rangali Island): the original all-glass underwater restaurant — intimate 14-seat format, iconic for daytime reef views and champagne dinners.
5.8 Undersea (Hurawalhi): one of the largest all-glass underwater restaurants with multi-course tasting menus and elegant service.
Unique marine panorama — schools of fish, rays, reef sharks and corals visible through glass walls.
Chef-curated tasting menus, often with optional wine or champagne pairings.
Highly romantic and memorable — popular for proposals, anniversaries and special occasions.
Private bookings and exclusive-use options available at some resorts.
Itinerary
Book in advance (often weeks to months) and confirm transfer times (seaplane/speedboat).
Must-do: advise the resort of dietary restrictions and special occasions when booking.
Transfer to resort (seaplane or speedboat) and hotel check-in.
Time your booking to allow arrival at the restaurant without rushing; seaplane schedules are fixed.
Pre-dinner drinks / brief orientation; staff may escort you to the underwater dining descent.
Some restaurants require climbing stairs or a short walk; plan accordingly.
Multi-course tasting menu served; enjoy marine views through panoramic glass.
Photography is allowed but please respect other guests and low-light conditions; evening seatings can be moodlit.
Return to the resort villa or linger for drinks at the bar/ lounge.
Arrange return transfers in advance if leaving the island the same day.
Safety Requirements
Not suitable for guests with severe claustrophobia or extreme mobility limitations if stair access is required; check accessibility with each resort.
Follow staff instructions regarding movement and safety inside the restaurant (glass panels and viewing areas are for observation only).
If you have severe food allergies, inform the resort well in advance and reconfirm on arrival.
Children policies vary by restaurant and resort—some have age minimums or restricted seating for minors.
Pregnant guests should consult with their doctor; the dining environment is generally safe but consider comfort with enclosed spaces and travel logistics.
Tips
Book early — underwater restaurants are small and fill quickly, especially for sunset seatings and peak season.
Check and align seaplane/speedboat schedules with your reservation to avoid timing conflicts.
Dress code: smart casual to resort elegant; avoid beachwear unless specified. Some restaurants ask for no flip-flops.
Request dietary requirements and preferences when booking; chefs can often adapt tasting menus with notice.
Bring a good camera (low-light capable) but be mindful of reflections on glass and other guests — a small tripod or fast lens helps for night shots.
Consider ordering wine or champagne pairing for a fuller experience; pairings are often curated to complement multi-course menus.
If celebrating something special, tell the resort in advance — many offer surprises like a private dessert, photos or small decorations.
Confirm cancellation and no-show policies when booking; last-minute changes can be costly.
Combine the dinner with daytime snorkeling/diving excursions to maximize your marine-viewing opportunities.
