Ever imagined savoring fine cuisine beneath a glimmering, aquamarine sea? While the Maldives is often associated with postcard-perfect beaches and turquoise waters, its most extraordinary experiences lie below the surface — quite literally.

Dining underwater, surrounded by kaleidoscopic coral reefs and schools of vibrant tropical fish, is more than a meal — it’s a surreal immersion into nature’s most exquisite aquarium. For discerning travelers planning their Maldivian escape, these aquatic dining experiences are more than a novelty; they are a defining part of the journey, and often a key factor when choosing a resort.

With over 175 resorts across the archipelago as of 2025, choosing where to stay can be overwhelming. To narrow it down, here are five of the most luxurious underwater dining experiences in the Maldives — each one a destination in itself.

Ithaa – Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

The world’s very first underwater restaurant, Ithaa — meaning “mother of pearl” in Dhivehi — opened its glass doors in 2005, six meters beneath the ocean’s surface. This gem of a restaurant lives up to its name, with a curved glass dome that offers a dazzling 180-degree panoramic view of the surrounding marine life. Intimate and exclusive, Ithaa seats just 14 guests at a time, enveloping them in an ambiance of hushed elegance and liquid light.

Guests can choose from a four-course lunch or a six-course dinner, with both menus spotlighting refined seafood creations. A “Visiting Hour” between 11 a.m. and noon also allows non-diners to sip canapés while soaking in the surreal underwater surroundings — a perfect photo op or a quiet moment of wonder.

Per Person Pricing
– Visiting Hour: USD $110
– 4-Course Lunch: USD $270
– 6-Course Dinner: USD $340

5.8 – Hurawalhi Island Resort

Named for its depth beneath the surface — 5.8 meters — this underwater marvel is the largest of its kind in the Maldives. Created by the prominent Crown Group, 5.8 Undersea artfully balances scale with exclusivity: just 10 tables are spaced generously throughout its glass-arched dining room, ensuring each meal feels deeply personal and luxuriously private.

From the moment you descend into the transparent tunnel, the ocean becomes your only wall. Coral gardens, swirling fish, and ambient lighting choreographed to match the movement of marine life turn the dining experience into a living, breathing underwater opera. Menus lean toward classic fine dining, with delicacies such as Alaskan king crab and Canadian lobster served across five- or seven-course menus.

Per Person Pricing
– 5-Course Lunch: USD $250
– 7-Course Dinner: USD $315

.

SEA – Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

Set within the UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll biosphere, SEA isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a shrine to art, wine, and the culinary avant-garde. Home to the world’s first underwater wine cellar, SEA boasts over 450 rare and vintage labels, expertly paired by on-site sommeliers to elevate each course to a sensory masterpiece.

Its signature Caviar Indulgence menu is an unapologetic celebration of opulence: think Hokkaido scallop tartare, lobster ceviche, and Australian Wagyu sirloin, each touched by a luxurious spoonful of caviar. Dining here is less a meal and more a symphony of sight, taste, and place — a tribute to nature’s underwater artistry.

Per Person Pricing
– Caviar Indulgence Lunch or Dinner: USD $370

Subsix – Niyama Private Islands Maldives

By day, Subsix is an ethereal underwater dining room; by night, it transforms into the Maldives’ deepest nightclub. Located offshore and accessible only by a short speedboat ride, this secretive venue begins its experience with a sense of adventure — and ends with a vibrant fusion of gastronomy and nightlife.

Lunch features a stylish four-course menu rooted in seafood-forward international fare and Nikkei cuisine, blending Japanese and Peruvian flavors with tropical finesse. Highlights include citrus-dressed octopus salad, fresh tuna ceviche, and truffled black coconut risotto — all served with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean’s most enigmatic residents.

The magic of Subsix culminates in its biweekly Glow Parties, held on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Here, guests can sip cocktails under neon lights while dancing alongside reef sharks in what is officially the world’s first underwater nightclub.

Per Person Pricing
– 4-Course Lunch: USD $250

m6m – Ozen Life Maadhoo

Short for “Minus Six Meters,” M6m is the Maldives’ first all-inclusive underwater restaurant — redefining indulgence with a seamless blend of dining and luxury. Unlike most underwater restaurants where each drink and dish adds up, M6mis included in OZEN’s signature ‘INDULGENCE’ Plan.

From gourmet seafood to premium spirits — including free-flow of authentic French champagne — everything is covered under your stay. Doting champagne lovers take note: M6m proudly serves unlimited flutes of Deutz Champagne, elevating every lunch or dinner into a bubbling celebration beneath the sea.

Per Person Pricing
One complimentary lunch or dinner included during stay