Cocoa Island - 5*
Leisure Facilities
During your stay at Cocoa Island, they offer numerous activities, including many that are complimentary.
Morning and sunset yoga classes are complimentary, as well as aquatherapy session, guided snorkeling and fish feeding.
Paid activities include snorkelling and fishing trips, as well as sunset cruises offering a chance to watch dolphins at play, who are often active in close proximity to the resort.
The Maldives in general, and Cocoa Island in particular, offer very good water-based activities from diving to surfing. The waters surrounding the islands are clear, calm and exceptionally beautiful. The white sand and shallow lagoons mean sunshine reflects off the seabed, creating pools that are a warm, brilliant turquoise. This is also why the Maldives are highly appealing to families, with children able to snorkel safely.
Snorkelling
For those who don’t dive, there is no need to miss out on the spectacular marine life of the Maldives. With just a mask and flippers, there is plenty to see around each resort and in the lagoon, with Cocoa Island’s relatively undisturbed waters making for some excellent opportunities. Children also much enjoy snorkelling, with complimentary gear provided to guests of Cocoa Island.
On the south side of Cocoa Island (by the villas), there is a wall drop off that’s 115ft to 148ft deep. Snorkellers will see an abundance of marine life such as Moray Eels, Trumpet Fish, Needle Fish, Soldier Fish, Lion Fish, Grouper, Snapper, Cod, Anthias, Cardinal Fish, Bluefin Jack, Sweetlips, Emperors, Butterfly Fish, Banner Fish, Angel Fish, Amemone Fish, Parrot Fish, Powder Blue Surgeon Fish, Convict Surgeonfish, Unicorn Fish and Puffer Fish. Occasionally Fusiliers are spotted here, as well as Trigger Fish, octopus and turtle.
On Cocoa Island’s north side near the guest and supply jetty, there is a different topography. Coral and rock formation slopes 100ft down to the sandy bottom. Many of the same species can be seen as on Cocoa’s south side, but there are also sightings of Giant Trevally, Baby Tuna and the occasional Eagle Ray.
In the lagoon that surrounds Cocoa Island, shallow, waist-deep waters at high tide support different species again. The marine life changes as it gets closer to the island and it is common to see baby Black-Tip Sharks in packs of up to 20 or more.
Black Splotched Sting Rays are frequent visitors to the lagoon, as they come in to feed, with one huge Black Blotched Ray with a stumped tail a regular visitor.
For those who wish to explore further, Cocoa Island can arrange trips to magnificent snorkelling sites. Among the best of them is the safe but exciting reef of Fushifathi, the whole excursion usually taking around two hours.
Diving
Cocoa Island benefits from being brilliantly placed for diving, with some of the best sites in the region only a 10- to 30-minute boat ride from the resort. There are at least 25 sites nearby, including a wreck, and the waters here offer something for all levels of competence.
Sailing
Due to the brilliant sunshine, gentle winds and excellent visibility, sailing in the Maldives is a delight. The calm, shallow waters provide the perfect learning ground for beginners while open water can offer challenges for the more experienced.
The dry season sees light to moderate winds from the northeast. The wet season sees moderate southwesterly winds. There is very rarely over 25 knots of wind, making the Maldives a year-round sailing destination with the seas at their calmest during the high season (roughly November to April).
At Cocoa Island, catamaran sailing is available on a complimentary basis. Charges apply for lessons or for when you wish to be accompanied by a captain.
Sunset Cruise
Sunset cruising is a popular touristic pastime, with Cocoa Island offering its resort speedboat (fully crewed) for those who want to watch sunset over the waters of the South Malé Atoll. This is a chance to watch dolphins at play, who are often active in close proximity to the resort.