Great — here are top Maldives resorts known for excellent snorkeling and easy house-reef access, grouped for different priorities. I’ve included one-line reasons and a source for each recommendation.

Luxury resorts with outstanding house reefs and marine programs

• Anantara Kihavah (Baa Atoll) — in the Baa Atoll UNESCO biosphere, excellent house-reef snorkeling plus easy access to Hanifaru Bay (manta hotspot) and on-site marine programs. (maldives.com)
• Milaidhoo (Baa/Noonu region) — luxury island with a beautiful fringing reef and high chance of turtle, ray and manta encounters; strong marine-focused guest experiences. (maldives.com)
• Hurawalhi — vibrant house reef, lots of reef life and guided snorkel options; also good for excursions to nearby snorkeling sites. (maldives.com)

Best for reliable, swimmer‑friendly house reefs (easy shore entry)

• Vilamendhoo (South Ari Atoll) — one of the Maldives’ most famous house reefs, great for snorkeling straight from the beach and regular turtle/reef‑shark/large‑fish sightings. (crownandchamparesorts.com)
• Baros (North Malé Atoll) — house reef is close to shore all around the island, excellent for casual snorkelers and night snorkeling. (maldives.com)
• Veligandu — two accessible reefs (one beach-accessible), good snorkeling variety close to accommodations. (maldives-paradise.com)

Top picks for mantas / whale‑shark opportunities

• Resorts in Baa Atoll (e.g., Anantara Kihavah, Vakkaru) — Baa Atoll is the place to target mantas (Hanifaru Bay seasonality noted) and many resorts run manta/whale‑shark excursions. (maldives.com)
• Vilamendhoo / South Ari atoll resorts — South Ari is a well-known whale‑shark area; resorts here organise reliable excursions. (crownandchamparesorts.com)

Great mid‑range / adults‑only options with good reefs

• Komandoo (Lhaviyani/North) — small adults‑only island with a shallow, rich house reef that’s easy to access. (maldives-paradise.com)
• Kuredu (Lhaviyani/Noonu area) — large island with extensive fringing reef and many nearby snorkel/dive sites; family‑friendly but lots of snorkeling options. (maldives.com)

Quick selection tips

• “House reef” + “shore access” = snorkel whenever you like; look for resorts that advertise beach/fringing reefs and guided orientation sessions. (maldivescalling.com)
• If you want mantas, prioritize Baa Atoll (Hanifaru Bay) and plan for the local manta season (many sources note increased sightings June–November). (realmccoydigitalmedia.com)
• For whale sharks, South Ari Atoll (Vilamendhoo and nearby islands) is the classic choice. (crownandchamparesorts.com)

If you want, I can:

• Narrow these to your travel style (luxury, budget, family, adults‑only), or
• Check transfer times from Malé and current availability/pricing for specific dates.