Best Underwater Restaurants in the Maldives : Dining Guide

The Maldives is a collection of gorgeous islands dotted in the Indian Ocean. Fondly called the Paradise on Earth, the best underwater restaurants in the Maldives offer some exquisite underwater dining experiences on the Earth. Built below the ocean surface with panoramic glass walls, the underwater restaurants in the Maldives offer grand views of marine life and redefine the meaning of underwater dining. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, celebrating an anniversary, or simply seeking an unforgettable culinary adventure, these underwater restaurants in the Maldives will deliver experiences that justify their premium pricing. 

Key Takeaways

• The Maldives features 6 world-class underwater restaurants, ranging from Rs. 6,620 to Rs. 30,900 (1,140-5,320 MVR) per person for unforgettable dining experiences surrounded by marine life.
• Most underwater restaurants require advance booking and are exclusive to resort guests, with some offering all-inclusive dining packages.
• Ithaa Undersea Restaurant holds the distinction as the world’s first all-glass underwater restaurant, while 5.8 Undersea Restaurant is the largest.
• Peak dining times are sunset hours, and most restaurants accommodate special occasions like proposals and anniversaries with advance notice.
• Transportation to these restaurants typically involves speedboat transfers, with some located up to 500 meters from the main resort.

Best underwater restaurants in Maldives

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant – Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

• 

Ithaa holds the prestigious title of the world’s first underwater restaurant that is completely made of glass. This subaquatic restaurant in the Maldives provides a panoramic view of the beautiful marine life, thus making the dining underwater a surreal experience.

• Location: Rangali Island, Ari Atoll
• Operating Hours: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM daily
• Average Cost: Rs. 17,700 (3,050 MVR) for lunch, Rs. 31,000 (5,340 MVR) for dinner

Subsix – Niyama Private Islands, Maldives

Subsix combines underwater dining with nightlife entertainment in the Maldives. The interiors of the restaurant include chairs inspired by sea anemones and coral-like chandeliers, thereby making the restaurant feel like a part of the ocean itself. Subsix is the first underwater restaurant in the Maldives, with weekly parties held every Wednesday and Saturday.

• Location: Huluwalu, Dhaalu Atoll
• Operating Hours: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM daily
• Average Cost: Rs. 6,600 (1,140 MVR) per person

SEA – Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

As the name suggests, SEA sits directly on the ocean floor with mirrored interiors, and one can enjoy the unobstructed views of the marine life while tasting the culinary dishes. SEA truly redefines the meaning of underwater fine dining in the Maldives, and dining here is one of the best things to do in the Maldives.

• Location: Kihavah Huravalhi Island, Baa Atoll
• Operating Hours: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
• Average Cost: Rs. 19,500 (3,360 MVR) per person

5.8 Undersea Restaurant – Hurawalhi Maldives

• 

Known to be one of the best underwater restaurants in the Maldives, this venue holds the record as the world’s largest all-glass underwater restaurant. The restaurant specialises in multi-course tasting menus that change seasonally. The strategic location of the restaurant provides the best possible views of the house reef, where guests often see reef sharks, sea turtles and manta rays.

• Location: Hurawalhi Island, Lhaviyani Atoll
• Operating Hours: 12:30 PM – 9:15 PM
• Average Cost: Rs. 25,600 (4,410 MVR) per person

Minus Six Meters – OZEN by Atmosphere at Maadhoo

Positioned 20 feet below the blue lagoon, Minus Six Meters focuses on modern seafood cuisine with stunning underwater vistas. This exclusive underwater restaurant is a gem in the list of luxury dining in the Maldives.

• Location: Maadhoo Island, South Malé Atoll
• Operating Hours: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Average Cost: Rs. 13,250 (2,280 MVR) per person

H2O – You & Me by Cocoon Maldives

• 

H2O ranks amongst the best Maldives ocean-view restaurants as it treats its diners with a 360-degree view of the Maldives’ exotic marine environment, while they enjoy their delicious multi-cuisine meals. 

• Location: Uthurumaafaru, Raa Atoll
• Operating Hours: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Average Cost: Rs. 11,920 (2,050 MVR) per person

Maldives Underwater Restaurant Prices and Packages

Category	Restaurants	Average Price
Budget-Friendly	Subsix, H2O	Subsix offers lunch at the lowest: Rs. 6,600 (1,140 MVR) per person
Mid-Range	Minus Six Meters, SEA	Offer exceptional value with packages starting at Rs. 13,250 (2,280 MVR) per person
Premium Dining	Ithaa, 5.8 Undersea Restaurant	Packages start at Rs. 17,700 (3,050 MVR) for lunch.

What’s Typically Included in the Maldives undersea dining

• Multi-course tasting menu
• Complimentary transportation options from the restaurant
• Welcome drinks
• Personalised service and special occasion arrangements

Dietary Accommodations and Special Occasion Dining

• 

• Most underwater restaurants accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. 
• A number of underwater restaurants in the Maldives design menus to suit special events and parties.

Planning Your Maldives Underwater Dining Experience

Before diving into experiencing undersea dining in the Maldives, it is advisable to plan your trip to make the most out of it.

Best Time to Visit for Underwater Restaurants

• The sunset hours, typically between 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, offer the best underwater dining experience in the Maldives. 
• The dry season that runs from November through April is the best time in the Maldives to experience underwater dining, as it presents the clearest water visibility for marine life viewing.

Booking Requirements and Advance Reservations

The majority of underwater restaurants in the Maldives have to be booked in advance, at least 2-4 weeks before the peak season.

What to Expect: Dress Code, Menus & Atmosphere

• Taste multi-course menus rather than single menu options. 
• Most underwater restaurants in the Maldives maintain smart casual dress codes and offer special arrangements for anniversaries and other celebrations.

Transportation and Logistics for Underwater Restaurants

Getting There

The majority of the restaurants are located at the best luxury resorts in the Maldives, and the well-developed network of Maldives transportation makes it easily accessible for international travellers. Most underwater restaurants in the Maldives include transportation in their dining packages. 

Timing Considerations

Arrive at least 15-30 minutes before, as most restaurants have pre-dinner cocktails or photography opportunities to enhance your underwater dining experience in the Maldives.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Underwater Restaurant in the Maldives for You

The best underwater restaurants in the Maldives feature an exquisite culinary experience by combining delicious cuisines with unparalleled views of marine life. While these restaurants charge a premium price due to their exclusive underwater nature, the memories created justify the investment. Plan your extraordinary culinary journey with Pickyourtrail’s customisable Maldives Holiday Package or Maldives Honeymoon Package and prepare yourself for the magic of dining beneath the ocean.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maldives Underwater Restaurants

How much do underwater restaurants in the Maldives cost?

Underwater restaurant prices range from Rs. 6,620 to Rs. 30,900 (1,140-5,320 MVR) per person, depending on the venue and meal service. Lunch typically costs less than dinner, and some restaurants offer all-inclusive packages that provide better value. Premium restaurants like Ithaa and 5.8 command higher prices due to their exclusive nature and world-renowned status.

Do I need to stay at the resort to eat at the underwater restaurants in Maldives?

Most underwater restaurants are exclusive to resort guests, including Ithaa, 5.8, and H2O. However, some venues like Subsix may accept external bookings with advance arrangements. Contact restaurants directly to inquire about availability for non-resort guests, as policies can vary seasonally.

What should I wear to underwater restaurants in the Maldives?

Smart casual attire is the standard dress code at most underwater restaurants. This typically means collared shirts for men and elegant casual wear for women, with closed-toe shoes recommended. Avoid beachwear, flip-flops, or overly casual clothing. Some premium venues may have stricter formal requirements.

Can children eat at underwater restaurants in the Maldives?

Age policies vary by restaurant. 5.8 Undersea Restaurant only permits guests 15 and older, while H2O is adults-only as part of a couples resort. Ithaa, SEA, Subsix, and M6m generally welcome children, though it’s advisable to confirm age policies when booking.

How far in advance should I book underwater restaurants in Maldives?

Book 2-4 weeks in advance during peak season (November-April) and at least 1-2 weeks during off-peak periods. Popular venues like Ithaa and 5.8 may require longer advance booking, especially for sunset dining slots. Special occasion arrangements require additional lead time for customisation.