Snorkel/Dive Banana Reef
Banana Reef is one of the Maldives' most famous house-reef style dive and snorkel sites, located in the North Malé (Kaafu) Atoll. Known for its spectacular coral formations, swim-throughs and abundant pelagic and reef life, it suits both snorkelers and certified divers. Visibility is generally excellent and the site features shallow coral gardens as well as deeper walls and overhangs.
Location
Banana Reef (North Malé Atoll), North Malé (Kaafu) Atoll / near Malé, Maldives
Duration
Typical half-day snorkel trip: 3–4 hours. Single-dive boat outing: ~3–5 hours. Two-dive or full dive day: 6–8 hours (including transfers and surface intervals).
Best Time to Visit
November to April for the clearest water and best visibility. Diving and snorkeling are possible year-round, though the Southwest monsoon (May–October) can bring more variable conditions and currents.
Pricing
Typical pricing (approximate, subject to operator & season): Snorkel trip: USD 30–60 per person; Single guided dive: USD 65–110; Two-dive trip: USD 120–200; Discover Scuba Dive (intro): USD 90–140. Gear rental usually extra (mask/snorkel/flippers ~USD 8–15, full dive kit ~USD 20–35). Liveaboard or resort packages vary widely.
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Shallow coral gardens with vibrant hard and soft corals — excellent for snorkelers
Coral-covered pinnacles, swim-throughs and ledges attractive to photographers
Regular sightings of reef sharks, turtles, Napoleon wrasse and large schools of fusiliers and snappers
Good macro opportunities around overhangs and sandy patches (shrimp, eels, nudibranchs)
Accessible from Malé and many nearby resorts — can be done as a half-day trip
Itinerary
Pick-up / transfer from resort or Malé harbor
Exact pick-up time depends on operator; arrive early to complete paperwork and gear fitting.
Boat transfer to Banana Reef
Short boat ride (varies by departure point). Brief site briefing from the guide/dive master.
First activity — snorkel session or first dive
Snorkelers: stay near the surface and follow guide. Divers: perform safety checks and descend with buddy/DM.
Surface interval / boat rest
Time to rehydrate, check photos, and prepare for second dive (if booked).
Second activity — snorkel or second dive (if part of package)
Explore different parts of the reef; follow guide for current-aware routing.
Return to boat and transfer back
Disembark and transfer back to resort/harbor.
Safety Requirements
Snorkelers should be comfortable in open water, able to float and swim with a mask and snorkel
Diving: minimum Open Water certification for guided dives; Discover Scuba options available for non-certified guests with additional briefing
Check medical fitness for diving (cardiac, respiratory and ear issues) and carry dive insurance if possible
Follow guide/dive master instructions, maintain buddy contact, and respect depth/time limits
Be cautious of currents and use a surface marker buoy (SMB) if required; stay clear of boat traffic during surface intervals
Never touch or stand on coral — practice buoyancy control to avoid damage and injury
Tips
Use reef-safe sunscreen or a UV swim shirt — the Maldives strongly encourages coral-safe products
Bring a well-fitting mask and snorkel; renting poor-fitting gear reduces enjoyment
If photography is important, bring an underwater camera or rent a housing and ask the DM about good photo spots
Plan for motion-sickness medication if you are prone to seasickness; boat rides can be choppy at times
Book morning trips for calmer seas and better visibility in many months
Check with your operator about current strength — Banana Reef can have stronger currents at times and guides will choose safest approach
Respect marine life: do not chase or feed animals, and keep a safe distance from turtles and sharks
