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Ithaa Undersea Restaurant

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Ithaa Undersea Restaurant (Maldives)

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Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, located at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island in the Alif Dhaal Atoll, is historically significant as the world's first all-glass undersea restaurant. Opened on April 15, 2005, the structure is situated five meters below the surface of the Indian Ocean, offering diners a panoramic 270-degree view of the surrounding coral gardens and marine life. The restaurant was designed by the New Zealand-based architectural firm M.J. Murphy Ltd. and features a distinctive curved acrylic roof made of R-Cast acrylic, which provides exceptional clarity and strength. With a maximum capacity of only fourteen guests, the venue provides an intimate dining experience where visitors can observe various species of fish, sharks, and rays in their natural habitat. The entire structure, weighing approximately 175 tonnes, was constructed in Singapore before being transported to the Maldives and lowered onto the seabed. Today, it remains a landmark of architectural innovation and a prime example of high-end tourism infrastructure in the Maldives, though its original design lifespan was estimated at roughly twenty years.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272728292928282828282727
Rain mm49334591182136154172169178215188

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The undersea restaurant is accessible only to guests with a table reservation. As it is a restaurant, visiting outside operating hours is not possible.
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Typical hours
The restaurant typically opens for lunch and dinner. Exact hours vary by season and should be confirmed at the time of booking.
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Photography
Photography is allowed inside the restaurant, but without flash so as not to disturb other guests. The panoramic windows offer excellent shots of marine life.
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Time needed
A meal typically takes about two to three hours. Allow extra time for staying on the resort grounds.
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Combine with
The restaurant is located at the Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa on Rangali Atoll. Combine the visit with snorkeling or a diving trip in the area.
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Getting there
The resort is accessible only by seaplane or boat from Malé. Transfer must be arranged in advance with the hotel.
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Insider tip
Book your table weeks or even months in advance, as the restaurant is very popular. Request a window seat for the best view.

Geography

Coordinates
3.61750, 72.71610

Facts

  • Opened on April 15, 2005, as the world's first undersea restaurant.
  • Located 5 meters below the surface of the Indian Ocean.
  • The structure provides a 270-degree panoramic view through acrylic.
  • Features a limited seating capacity of only 14 guests.
  • The 175-tonne structure was fully constructed in Singapore.
  • The estimated operational lifespan of the building is 20 years.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Fenfushi Ancient MosqueFenfushi Ancient Mosque9 km · NWExplore →
Sun Island BeachSun Island Beach11 km · NWExplore →
MaamigiliMaamigili14 km · NExplore →
South Ari Atoll Marine Protected AreaSouth Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area15 km · NExplore →
Lily BeachLily Beach17 km · NExplore →
MathiveriMathiveri19 km · EExplore →
Dhigurah Whale Shark SanctuaryDhigurah Whale Shark Sanctuary21 km · NExplore →
Maaya Thila Marine SiteMaaya Thila Marine Site22 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Ithaa Undersea Restaurant (4)

Pineapple Island Hausriff📍 landmark

A shallow house reef surrounding Pineapple Island, convenient for observing tropical fish.

Rangali Madivaru📍 landmark

A well-known aggregation site for manta rays in the current-rich waters of Ari Atoll.

Rangali manta point📍 landmark

A seasonal manta ray observation point located near the sandbanks of Rangali.

The Over Water Spa🎡 recreation

A luxury wellness center built on stilts directly over the turquoise waters of the lagoon.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How deep is the restaurant?
About 5 meters below sea level.
Do you need a reservation?
Yes, well in advance as it is very popular.
Is it expensive?
Yes, it is an exclusive luxury experience.
What is there to eat?
Modern gourmet cuisine featuring seafood.
Can children join?
Lunch yes, evenings are often for adults only.
Ithaa Undersea Restaurant: where is it located?
Ithaa Undersea Restaurant is located in Maldives.
Ithaa Undersea Restaurant: what is there to see?
Highlights include Pineapple Island Hausriff, Rangali Madivaru, Rangali manta point.
Ithaa Undersea Restaurant: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Ithaa Undersea Restaurant: why is it worth visiting?
Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, located at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island in the Alif Dhaal Atoll, is historically significant as the world's first all-glass undersea restaurant.
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History & landmarks

Hanifaru Bay — Ithaa Undersea Restaurant (Maldives)
Hanifaru Bay
A legendary marine protected area world-famous for massive gatherings of manta rays and whale sharks.
🗺️
Sea of Stars (Vaadhoo)
A stunning natural phenomenon on the beaches of Vaadhoo Island, where bioluminescent plankton lights up the water at night.
Bikini Beach (Maafushi) — Ithaa Undersea Restaurant (Maldives)
Bikini Beach (Maafushi)
One of the most famous public beaches in the Maldives where tourists are allowed to relax in swimwear, a rarity on local islands.
Tsunami Monument — Ithaa Undersea Restaurant (Maldives)
Tsunami Monument
A memorial structure in Malé honoring the victims of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.
Maldives National Museum — Ithaa Undersea Restaurant (Maldives)
Maldives National Museum
A museum preserving the rich history of the island nation, featuring royal antiquities and Buddhist artifacts.
Sultan Park — Ithaa Undersea Restaurant (Maldives)
Sultan Park
A lush green park in the heart of Malé, built on the grounds of the former royal palace.
Victory Monument — Ithaa Undersea Restaurant (Maldives)
Victory Monument
A significant monument commemorating the victory over foreign mercenaries during the 1988 coup attempt.
Grand Friday Mosque — Ithaa Undersea Restaurant (Maldives)
Grand Friday Mosque
The city's most prominent architectural landmark, featuring a golden dome that dominates the Malé skyline.