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The ABCs of Snorkelling in the Maldives
You’ve got your mind set on spending your next holiday in the Maldives and there’s no stopping you? Congratulations! If you’re ready to turn your life upside down with a vibrant mix of activities, spend super-quality time with your dearest one(s) but take the risk of never wanting to spend your beach breaks anywhere else in the world but in this real-life depiction of paradise, the Maldives is definitely for you!
While here, be sure to devote a lot of time to floating in the sea – the diversity of marine life is alone worth the trip to the Maldives and thanks to favourable topography, many top reefs are shallow enough to be explored even by beginner snorkellers.
Snorkelling is fun – but it’s also a water activity that you shouldn’t underestimate. To ensure your reef exploration is as exciting as it is safe, we’ve compiled some helpful tips for snorkelling on the Maldives’ beautiful coral reefs and in the lagoons:
Use suitable equipment. There’s nothing worse than a leaking mask, so be sure it seals perfectly and stays in place without you holding it. Just place it against your face and breath in through your nose; if it stays there, you’re good to go! The strap shouldn’t be too tight.
Due to unpredictable currents in the Maldives, fins are a must. Buy or rent a pair that’s big enough to prevent cramps and to make it more comfortable to put them on and off. If you’re new to swimming with fins, practice in the lagoon first before going to deeper water. The dive center can teach you the basic – just sign up for the introduction or beginners’ course. The same goes for your snorkel – practice emptying it in the shallow water first and ask experts for advice on how to swim properly for it not to flood.
For extra reassurance, use an inflatable snorkel vest.
Sunblock is a must. The Maldives lies on the Equator, meaning sun rays are strong, and when we say strong, we mean crazy strong! Be sure you apply sufficient sun protection and one with a SPF no lower than 30 to all exposed areas of your skin. For even better protection, we recommend you wear a UV-resistant rash vest too. Before you head out and after you’ve exited the water, be sure to drink a lot of water to rehydrate.
Familiarise yourself with the area. Location is everything! While all areas around Maldivian islands appear fabulous for snorkelling at first sight, this may not always be the case. Due to the aforementioned currents as well as your experience and comfort in the water, it’s essential that you talk to the team about where the best places are and how to get there and back. Picturesque lagoons vye for our attention, but it’s important that also there you know what you and your snorkelling buddy are doing, so it’s best to seek advice and/or take an introductory course to ensure you get the most from your experience.
There are epic, environmentally friendly underwater encounters to be had at Innahura Maldives Resort, all there to help you add coral reefs – the main Maldives’ highlight – to your adventures mix. The resort’s team will be happy to assist you with the equipment and teach you the basics. Once you’re comfortable and have explored the lagoon, it’s time to head to Innahura’s house reef where the real reef action awaits, just 10 minutes away from the resort. The good news: complimentary boat trips to the house reef are offered by Prodivers!