Beneath the Waves: Dine Underwater in Maldives

For years, travellers have put the ivory sandy beaches of Maldives at the top of their bucket list. The small island country is synonymous with paradise on earth. It’s the perfect honeymoon destination, where you can tan away under the equatorial sun all year round. While beachside bliss is one of the most celebrated attributes of the country, the islands welcome you to a new wave of unprecedented adventures. This time, beneath the ocean waves. Join us, as we explore the exciting underwater dining in Maldives — let’s discover some of the world’s most iconic underwater restaurants. 

Five metres below the surface of the ocean in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll is the world’s first-ever undersea restaurant. Ithaa, at Conrad Maldives, laid the groundwork for culinary artistry submerged in water. This acrylic tunnel is built similar to the world’s largest aquarium tunnel at Kuala Lumpur and serves 14 guests at a time. The glass rooftop presents panoramic views of the coral garden and the marine world flourishing around you. Ithaa presents a fusion menu of European and Asian-inspired cuisine paired with a selection of wines. The restaurant also welcomes you to celebrate special occasions, for weddings, birthdays and anniversaries. Ithaa promises an unforgettable dining experience exclusively for guests of the resort.

In Baa Atoll, Anantara Kihavah Maldives welcomes you to dine at SEA — home to the world’s first underwater wine cellar. This one-of-a-kind restaurant offers a 3D sensory journey beneath the ocean. Surrounded by the mesmerising beauty of the Indian Ocean, you can catch sight of sharks, turtles and tropical fish swimming by as you savour gourmet dining. From the classic Maldivian lobster to pan-seared Japanese wagyu and Scottish Salmon, their menu presents an impressive culinary escapade. Catering to 16 guests at a time, this immersive restaurant has also been voted World’s Best Underwater Restaurant for four consecutive years. 

Just 500 metres off-shore of Niyama Maldives in Dhaalu Atoll, lies the underwater restaurant Subsix. Take a short speedboat ride from the island and descend the three-tier staircase to discover an enchanting destination. From the Italian abstract chandeliers, the swooping curves of the clam-inspired bar, to the soft anemone chairs under the waves of Capiz shells draped from the ceiling, it is an ode to an undersea kelp forest. You can indulge in Champagne breakfasts or subaquatic lunches. Or embrace the hidden wonders of the night reef with gourmet dinners and glow parties. Niyama Maldives welcomes you to indulge in a theatre of underwater enchantment. 

Unlike many other underwater venues in Maldives, Immerse… Latitude 4° at Huvafen Fushi Maldives presents an intimate dining experience. Located eight metres below the ocean's surface, and just four degrees from the equator In North Male Atoll, it is the world’s only private underwater dining venue. Picture this; a panoramic window, a single elegantly dressed dining table and unparalleled, uninterrupted views of the captivating reef. The restaurant also provides a fully customisable menu which is individually tailored to your culinary preferences. A resident sommelier from the resort assists in picking out the perfect wine to accompany each chosen dish. It is a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the luxury of unique Maldivian dining. 

In addition to these four notable restaurants, Male Atoll is also home to the Minus Six Metres restaurant at Ozen Life Maadhoo and the Only Blu Under Ocean Restaurant at OBLU Select Lobiligi. Lhaviyani Atoll presents Hurawalhi Island Resort with 5.8 Undersea Restaurant while You & Me Maldives welcomes you to H2O at Raa Atoll. Embark on your next adventure in Maldives, and top it off with paradise found beneath the waves — book your travels featuring underwater dining adventure now!