Friendly disclaimer! We want to be as accurate as possible, but given these challenging times, we urge you to recheck that the venues are open when you decide to visit.
The Maldives in the Indian Ocean comprises 1192 islands which are grouped into 26 atolls. The country’s unique geography is home to one of the most delicate environmental systems on the planet – 5 percent of the planet’s reefs are found in the Maldives which in turn provide shelter to a large number of fishes. It is no wonder that underwater activities like snorkelling and scuba diving are hugely popular among locals and tourists alike.
The beauty of the Maldives transcends the pearly beaches and tranquil ocean waters; there is an entire world underwater that is surely a point of fascination for anyone visiting the country. What if you could experience the underwater from your dining space? The Maldives has taken architectural innovation to a whole new level! Here are 6 restaurants for an unparalleled underwater dining experience.
Ithaa Undersea Restaurant
Ithaa is the world’s first undersea eatery, situated 16 feet below the surface of the Indian Ocean. It offers a 180-degree panoramic view of the colourful coral reefs and marine life, transporting you to an underwater fantasy land within moments. The restaurant is made of glass walls and to stand looking up to the marine animals swimming above you, is a surreal experience. You may catch sight of a whale shark, if you are lucky!
Ithaa boasts of splendid fusion cuisine that blends the best of the East and the West. All items are prepared with locally sourced seafood and other ingredients like spices. The lunch and dinner menus comprise extravagant four-course or six-course meals that are sure to impress.
Location: Rangali Island, Alif Dhaal Atoll
Timing: 11 am to 12 am every day
Website: Ithaa Undersea Restaurant
Subsix at Niyama
Subsix takes the underwater experience very seriously which is reflected in the decor and design of the place. Anemone-shaped chairs, coral-shaped chandeliers, and capiz shells that hang from the ceiling make the restaurant particularly atmospheric. And you are surrounded, of course, by scores of fish and other marine life forms, located 20 feet below the sea.
Subsix is perfect if you are seeking an underwater dining experience on a budget. There is no compromise to the quality of food as well as with the dining experience. It was the first underwater nightclub in the Maldives and continues to be the most visited underwater restaurant.
Unravelog tip: Try not to miss the Glow Parties that Subsix is famous for!
Fun fact: The restaurant also hosts lectures by marine biologists that are well attended by marine life enthusiasts and travellers interested in the diverse aquatic life of the Maldives.
Location: Niyama Private Islands, Huluwalu, Dhaalu Atoll
Timing: Lunch hours are from 12 pm to 2:30 pm. Underwater Glow party takes place every Wednesday and Saturday from 9 pm onwards.
SEA – Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
The SEA provides a spectacular view of marine life in the form of an underwater zoo that comprises green turtles, butterflyfish, clownfish, and parrotfish. It is easy to be lost in the dreamlike ambience of the restaurant when you are not busy reading the encyclopedia of marine life featured at every table.
SEA serves exceptional Maldivian cuisine. It is a great choice for underwater dining if you are looking to tickle your tastebuds with local delicacies like Maldivian lobster as part of a five-course lunch or a four-course dinner. Besides lunch and dinner, SEA is also popular for its delectable breakfast.
Fun fact: The restaurant has the world’s first undersea wine cellar. You can take help from the sommelier to pick the right wine that compliments your choice of food.
Location: Kihavah Huravalhi Island
Timing: Lunch hours are from 12 pm to 2 pm and dinner, from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm.
5.8 Undersea Restaurant
This restaurant gets its name from the fact that it is located 5.8 meters below sea level. It is the world’s largest undersea restaurant and looks like a giant aquarium, with moray eels and sharks for company. The decor is minimal yet captivating, perfect for a quiet lunch or dinner.
The restaurant offers extensive five-course lunch and seven-course dinner, with a wide range of vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian dishes. All food items are sustainably sourced which contributes to the flavours and authenticity of the dishes.
Location: Hurawalhi Island Resort, Lhaviyani Atoll, Hurawalhi Island
Timing: Lunch is served from 12:30 pm onwards, sunset dinner from 6:15 pm onwards, and moonlit dinner from 9:15 pm onwards.
Website: 5.8 Undersea Restaurant
H2O Underwater Restaurant
H2O by Chef Andrea Berton is a relatively more recent undersea restaurant with an all-encompassing view of the ocean while you enjoy a delicious meal. The restaurant has a limited capacity of 20 seats offering a real intimate setting to your underwater dining experience.
Fun fact: H2O is located on a reef!
Location: Ookolhufinolhu, Lhaviyani Atoll
Timing: 12:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Website: H2O Underwater Restaurant
Minus Six Meters Underwater Restaurant
Minus Six Meters is yet another fine dining experience under the sea known for its exotic seafood cuisine. It is located 20 feet under the sea with charming decor and impressive architecture. You will be especially stoked to see so many sea turtles swimming around you!
Unravelog tip: Check out their seafood items – traditional dishes cooked with a modern twist.
Location: OZEN by Atmosphere, Maadhoo Island, South Male Atoll
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