As the Maldives consists of coral reefs, you are never too far away from vibrant life these alive megastructures host. As fascinating as snorkelling or diving among schools of fish may be, there is however a significant advantage of having lively coral blocks right on your resort’s doorstep for there is nothing quite like putting on the equipment and swimming into the vivid underwater just in front of your villa or the island’s jetty. It doesn’t get more convenient than that!

An easily accessible house reef teeming with life is one of Hurawalhi’s assets, and often a decisive factor for both novice snorkellers and divers and those who have already been hooked by these activities.

Besides the convenience of being able to explore reef life without having to hop on a boat or having to swim a lot to reach it, the island’s house reef is also truly beautiful! It is covered with fusiliers, snappers and bannerfish that can be found all around the island in the shallows.

What’s special about Hurawalhi is also the mobula ray cleaning station, located at a section of the reef we call Aquarium. This is where these fascinating fish (the larger manta rays’ cousins) go to have their bodies cleaned by the cleaner wrasses – a fish spa for the fish, so to say, open to them 24/7!

In the lagoon and around the edge of the reef it is also common to see juvenile lemon sharks hunting glassfish. The rare ornate eagle ray is spotted quite frequently by the front jetty of the island and around the undersea restaurant. Apropos 5.8 Undersea Restaurant: if you absolutely don’t want to or can’t snorkel or dive, you can make up for it with a dinner 5.8 metres below the sea and admire the stunning sights of the reef through glass, no mask and fins required!