Great question — dolphin-watching is one of the Maldives’ signature experiences. Below are resorts that are consistently recommended for reliable dolphin encounters (each entry includes why it’s good and an official source):

Top resorts / hotels to see dolphins

• Conrad Maldives Rangali Island (South Ari Atoll) — regular “dolphin cruises” and sunset yacht trips from the resort; South Ari is a known hotspot for spinner and bottlenose dolphins. (conradmaldives.com)
• Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru (Baa Atoll) — runs marine-biologist‑led dolphin talks and dhoni dolphin-watching cruises; Baa Atoll has abundant marine life and frequent spinner dolphin sightings. (nichegetaways.com)
• Niyama Private Islands — advertises a resident pod and a “Lucky Dolphin” cruise (no feeding; natural encounters). (niyama.com)
• Anantara Veli / Anantara Dhigu (South Male / nearby atolls) — regular dolphin‑watching and sunset dolphin cruises; resorts note resident spinner dolphin pods nearby. (anantara.com)
• Gili Lankanfushi (North Malé Atoll) — well-known sunset dolphin cruises, plus a published dolphin‑watching code of conduct and marine‑biologist briefings. (gili-lankanfushi.com)
• Veligandu Island Resort (Ari Atoll) — sunset dolphin cruises promoted by the resort and frequent sightings around the island. (veligandu.com)
• Kihaa (Kihaadhuffaru, Baa Atoll) — offers regular dolphin‑watching excursions and is well placed in Baa Atoll for marine encounters. (kihaamaldives.com)
• COMO Maalifushi — runs sunset dolphin cruises (often paired with champagne/canapés) and reports regular pod sightings in its atoll. (comohotels.com)

Quick notes and tips to improve your chances

• Best times: dolphins can be seen year‑round, but cruises are typically scheduled at sunrise or sunset when dolphins are most active — book one of those slots. (Resorts commonly run sunset/morning dolphin cruises.) (conradmaldives.com)
• Sightings aren’t guaranteed: these are wild animals; reputable resorts state that encounters are likely but not certain. (niyama.com)
• Choose resorts that launch directly from the island and/or run dedicated “lucky dolphin” or “sunset dolphin” trips — that raises your odds because staff know local pod routes. (conradmaldives.com)
• Pick a resort that uses marine biologists or trained guides — they know behaviour patterns and will follow best practice to reduce disturbance. (nichegetaways.com)
• Respectful watching: don’t feed or chase dolphins; let them choose to approach the boat. Many resorts publish codes of conduct to minimize disturbance — prefer operators that follow these rules. (gili-lankanfushi.com)

If you want a shorter list by travel style (luxury, best value, closest to Malé, family‑friendly) I can group these resorts that way and include transfer times (seaplane vs. speedboat).