Maldives Snorkeling, Information on Maldives Snorkeling, Guide on Snorkeling in Maldives

Snorkeling in Maldives

The abundance of marine life is a source of attraction for not only diving enthusiasts but also for those passionate about snorkeling. Around 70 different species of colorful coral reefs make up the flora of this underwater city with more than 700 species of fishes and other aqua marine life taking the role of the fauna.

Snorkeling

The water currents play an important role in the gathering of the big fish species. Some of the interesting fish species found here are Dogtooth Tuna, Tuna, Trevally's, Jacks, Sweetlips, Butterfly fish, Mating octopus, Wahoo and Fusiliers. What makes Maldives special for the Snorkelers is the presence of rare marine life species like the giant Napoleon Wrasse.

Large pelagic or fishes that live in open water flourish in the crystal clear water of the lagoons where the tides moves in and out huge amounts of water. Through Snorkeling in Maldives, you can also see sharks, turtles, and anemones, schools of sweetlips, eels, octopus and rays. These marine life species abound in the waters of the Indian Ocean. In the late summer and during the fall, those participating in snorkeling can see mantas and whale sharks which are a very impressive and interesting sight.

If the islands of the Maldives are beautiful, what lies under the water

is a veritable wonder of nature. The reefs that encircle the islands and the Atolls are just as abundant in their variety of coral as the marine creatures that live in their variety of coral as the marine creatures that live in and around them. This, couples with the amazingly clear water, make snorkeling and diving in the Maldives a unique experience that one should not forego.

To appreciate this underwater world you don't need to be a professional diver. Snorkeling is one of the simplest ways in which one can have a glimpse of this amazing world under the water. Thus, all you need is a silicone mask to keep out the salt water enabling to improve your vision.

Maldives could be the ideal place for you to learn snorkeling, where you can put the mask on your face, fins on your feet and the air-tube in your mouth. With these simple devices you can enter the magical world beneath the surface. Frankly, it's just like being in a brightly-lit aquarium, with full of exotic tropical fish. Further snorkeling is the best way (with less risk) to explore the shallow reef; and the beauty of the Maldivian resorts is that all these resorts have good house reefs for snorkeling, with a short distance of swim.

Imagine, while you snorkel in the Maldivian waters the sun will lay on your back and the colorful corals, white sand below could one of the most euphoric experiences. To swim for the first time through a channel in the Maldivian coral reefs is really breathtaking. The coral edge suddenly drops away to the unknown deep - just like suddenly going over an abyss in a dream. But, instead of hurting forever downward you drift and glide like an aircraft. Resists the impulse to return to the lagoon, it's perfectly safe, despite the lurking shadows of big fish and sharks deep down by the coral face.

Snorkeling in Maldives is easy as well as relatively cheap and allows you to spend hours witnessing the under water nature of coral reefs. Why don't you follow some useful tips, which we believe will be more enjoyable. Initially you should buy, borrow or rent a mask that snuggly fits onto your face. Test the mask by putting onto your face without using the strap and breath in through the nose. If it fits properly it will not fall-off even when you lean forward. And then choose some fins, which you feel comfortable to your foot and a snorkel which easily fits into your mouth.

After the above basic steps now you must locate the best snorkeling area in your locality and how to reach them plus the potential problems; such as waves, currents or the difficulties in entries and exits. It is advisable to take adequate precautions against the sun, the deceptive cool of the ocean may increase the chances of a sunburn. T-Shirts will obviously help, but remember the sensitive skin on the back of your knees and neck. Waterproof sunscreen cream or the full protection of lycra body suits provides the best protection. Lycra suits also protects you from minor scraps against the coral and you can always use them afterwards for aerobics at home.

Finally, whenever possible always try and swim around the reef, rather than walking. Walking over shallow coral not only results in cuts and scraps, but more importantly it damages the corals often severely.

Where to Snorkel:

To fully enjoy the art of snorkeling, you should choose the snorkeling areas carefully. The reefs are the best areas for snorkeling. The slope can have interesting features like cliffs, terraces and caves. As the water gets deeper, the differences in the coral and other types of marine life are clearly visible.

Snorkeling gets to be more adventurous when you can see smaller fish and much larger animals that live in deep water but come close to the reefs to feed. The Islands with narrow reef flats with lots of channels and wide lagoons are the best for snorkeling. Resorts in islands that don't have a reef, provide tourists with boat trips to the good snorkeling sites.

Learning Snorkeling: Never done snorkeling before!

Taking the first step towards snorkeling can be fraught with worries. But, not to worry as learning snorkeling can be difficult but not impossible. All the luxury resorts in Maldives are equipped with well-qualified instructors. The first lessons of snorkeling are taught in shallow lagoons or swimming pools. Though every resort has snorkeling equipments for hire, it is always better to bring your own mask, snorkel and fins.

Reefs are the ideal place to snorkel and examine the contrasting nature of water and marine species. With cliffs and caves, house of reef are perfect spot for any person to peep into the hidden fascinating world. As you descend further you will examine the colors and visibility changes with every metre. From small to big fishes, these reefs entice fishes to its coral formation.

Resorts in Maldives have dive schools offering tips or guidelines to snorkel and equipments for snorkeling. Tourists don't have to worry a bit for equipments. While Maldives snorkeling in the Dhidhoofinolhu Eastern Reef on the South Ari Atoll, you can spot manta rays, turtles, moray eels, and lionfish. Dhidhoofinolhu Inner Lagoon runs along the east side of the island and the lagoon offer shallow with abundance of coral formation for snorkeling. Check your snorkeling equipments where they are in right condition or not before actually using them.

Snorkeling at night

For an astounding adventure in Maldives, most of the tourists experience snorkeling at night. Most of the resorts in Maldives arrange night snorkeling excursions. Watch whales and manta rays sleeping during night snorkeling. It is very important to know inside out about the place where you are going to snorkel. Underwater visibility is a crucial factor not only in snorkeling but also in scuba diving. Take underwater flashlight with you.

Those islands with narrow reef flats with lots of channels through to the outer reef slope are the best ones for Snorkeling . Resorts that don't have a reef just offshore usually provide a couple of boat trips per day to a good Snorkeling site.

Don't worry about the Equipment

All resorts in Maldives specialize in Snorkeling and the equipment required for Snorkeling is available at the resort. There is no need for you to bring your own equipment. Most of the resort islands have a "house reef" close by. From depths starting from one meter onwards, you have an eyeful of marine creatures.

Lessons in Snorkeling

Don't worry even if you don't have prior knowledge of Snorkeling . The resorts will help you learn it during the free lessons in shallow lagoons or swimming pools.

Spots for Snorkeling

What else can be the best areas for Snorkeling other than the reefs! Around a resort island this is often referred to as the 'house of reef'. The slope features cliffs, terraces and caves which makes quite exciting. As you go down deeper the changes in the coral and other marine flora is conspicuously visible. Along with the smaller fishes which frequent the reef flats you have the chance of seeing the larger ones which sometimes come close to the reefs to feed.