When the sun sets, it’s time to experience the best of COMO Maalifushi and COMO Cocoa Island after dark, from swimming with whale sharks to private cinema experiences.

While the Maldives are best known for their sunny, white-sand beaches, night-time introduces a new dimension to the islands’ natural beauty: a world lit by moonbeams. Here are the best ways to experience the Maldives by night at COMO Cocoa Island and COMO Maalifushi.

Whale Shark Night Snorkelling

Whale sharks migrate through the warm Maldivian waters between the start of November and the end of April each year. They’re the largest fish species in the ocean, growing to more than 40 feet long, but these blunt-snouted, slow-moving animals are gentle giants.

An iconic night-time adventure from COMO Maalifushi begins with a call to the resort from local fishermen, often at short notice, reporting a sighting of whale sharks in the nearby waters. Professional guides give a briefing, and wetsuits are distributed before the boat sets off from the resort. Once the whale sharks have been spotted, you can snorkel with them or watch from the deck, seeing their distinctive star-like patterns glow under the night sky.

Lavadhoo Sleepover

Lavadhoo is an uninhabited island neighbouring COMO Maalifushi, covered in palm trees, where you can spend a night camping in total privacy under the stars. The experience starts with a sunset cruise to the island on board a traditional Maldivian dhoni, often punctuated by spinner dolphins leaping across the bow. At Lavadhoo, a barbecue is prepared for supper, with fresh grilled meat and fish accompanied by Champagne.

After the sun drifts below the horizon, a projector screen is set up for an open-air, candlelit movie viewing of your choice. At bedtime, you’ll retire to a canopied bed on the shore, the night sky glimmering through the net and the sound of gentle waves lulling you to sleep.

Private Cinema Under the Stars

At COMO Cocoa Island and COMO Maalifushi, you can spend an evening watching a movie on the beach. A large projector is set up for a private viewing, complete with plush beanbags or cinema beds and warm popcorn served throughout.

Accompanying meal options range from light snacks to barbecue or a three-course dinner. With candles lit and the occasional fish flickering through the ocean’s shallows, this is a great way to spend a memorable evening with family.

UV Night Snorkel

COMO Cocoa Island’s house reef is notable for its variety of fish and healthy coral population, which is helped by the island’s coral propagation schemes. At night, the bright colours of this underwater world are stripped to silver by the moonlight unless illuminated by special UV torches and mask lenses. A night-time snorkel of the reef, accompanied by a marine guide, is a chance to see this transformation.

While you might catch a glimpse of lobsters and lionfish, the real stars of this night-time show are the different types of coral species, which appear in fluorescent greens, yellows, reds, and oranges.

Sandbank Barbecue Dinner

At COMO Cocoa Island, private dining experiences are one of the best ways to experience the Maldives by night. While the options range from five-course meals to canapés and cocktails, a pared-back barbecue dinner is one of the best ways to let the night sky take centre stage.

As dusk gathers, the barbecue is set up on an isolated sandbank surrounded by the Indian Ocean. A live cooking experience unfolds as a chef grills a selection of meat and fresh fish, with a dedicated server on hand to serve Champagne.

For more iconic experiences in the Maldives, contact the COMO Maalifushi and COMO Cocoa Island teams now.