How to Snorkel in Maldives – Useful Tips to Get You Started!

 If you’re considering making a trip to the island paradise destination that is the Maldives, watersports should be at the top of your list. And out of all the water-based activities, one of the simplest yet most rewarding ones is snorkelling – for the Maldives is rich in marine life and has plenty of majestic views to offer you beneath its sparkling aquamarine waves. Here are some tips to help you learn more about how to enjoy snorkelling there!

Image via Naladhu Private Island Maldives

 Step One – Keep an Eye Out for these Creatures!

 One of the main joys of snorkelling is to take in the scenic underwater visions of colourful coral and the exotic marine creatures that live and frolic in and around it. When you’re out for a snorkelling session, some of the creatures to keep an eye out for include angelfish, parrotfish, manta rays, sea turtles, and clownfish. If you’re lucky, you might also get to snorkel amidst dolphins and nurse sharks!

 Step Two – Enjoy Snorkelling Expeditions to Marine Life Hotspots

 While the waters of the Maldives don’t lack for marine creatures, if you’re serious about snorkelling above all else, consider making an excursion to a place such as the Baa Atoll. This atoll, for one, has earned the designation of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. There’s plenty of marine creatures and terrain to be explored here, and places such as Hanifaru Bay is known for activities such as manta ray gatherings.

 Step Three – Pack the Right Gear

 Note – this point applies mostly to those who are planning on staying outside of the many luxury resorts. While you can usually buy whatever you need at shops in Malé, for example, if you are serious about snorkelling, and don’t want to spend extra, consider taking some of your snorkelling equipment with you on your trip. This includes items such as flippers and the snorkelling mask and fins. Also, it can be comforting to be able to use the equipment that you’re familiar with and that fits you just right. However, if you feel that the gear doesn’t make a big difference to you and you prefer the convenience of travelling light, you can also find many places in the Maldives to rent snorkelling gear from.

 Step Four – Or Don’t Pack Any at All!

 Regardless of the above point, do keep in mind that if you’ve booked a stay at one of the luxury Maldives island resorts, most of them will offer you snorkelling gear rental free of charge or at a small cost. For example, Naladhu Private Island Maldives offers its guests complimentary use of snorkelling gear for the duration of their stay. So, if you plan only to snorkel at such a resort, then you don’t have to pack your own gear if you don’t want to go through the hassle.

 Step Five – Choose a Resort with a House Reef

 If you do plan on snorkelling while you’re staying at a luxury resort, make sure that you pick one that has a house reef. A house reef has the advantage of being located a short distance away from the shore of the private island that your resort is located. So you’ll be able to swim out to it yourself whenever and as many times as you like. Or, if it’s a little further away, you’re resort is likely to have arranged several complimentary boat transfers out to the reef multiple times a day for your convenience. 

 Step Six – Ask your Resort to Arrange Snorkelling Tours

 Some resorts offer special snorkelling packages seasonally, such as snorkelling with manta rays or nurse sharks and so on. So keep an eye out for these. And if you’re die-hard on experiencing the best that the Maldives can offer, even if such seasonal snorkelling specials aren’t visibly on offer, it’s always worth asking your concierge to see if they can arrange one for you.