The Maldives is a popular destination for people who enjoy beaches and water sports. This island nation, which consists of more than 1,000 islands in the Indian Ocean, is an especially attractive destination if you want to go snorkeling. The Maldives is famous for its white beaches and incredible coral reefs, providing a breathtaking snorkeling experience for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike.
Advantages of Snorkeling in the Maldives
The Maldives offers some of the most spectacular snorkeling in the world. This is due to the abundance of coral reefs in the region, as well as extremely clear waters. There are, in fact, close to 70 distinct species of coral reefs and more than 700 species of marine life. This means when you snorkel here you are sure to see an amazing variety of flora and fauna. Just some of the species you are likely to see include reef sharks, various kinds of turtles, rays, napoleons and morays. Whether you are an expert on marine life or not, you can still appreciate the colourful array of creatures you will be able to observe.
Best Places to Snorkel
The Maldives contains a large number of islands, but not all are equal when it comes to snorkeling. Ideally, you want to be on an island with its own good quality house reef. Otherwise you may have to travel from your hotel or resort to another island to get the best snorkelling experience. Fortunately, quite a few islands in the Maldives do contain superb house reefs. A few of the islands that are known for this include Embudu, Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo, Fihalhohi, Reethi Beach and Eriyadu. This is by no means a complete list. When choosing where you are going to stay in the Maldives, you should do your research and make sure it provides quality snorkeling.
What is the Best Time of Year to Snorkel in the Maldives?
The Maldives are beautiful all year round, but certain times of year are better than others for snorkeling. The best months overall for snorkeling, as well as for diving and swimming are January through April. This is when you’re likely to experience the best weather and the clearest waters.
From May through September, the weather is less predictable and you are more likely to encounter storms. October and November are usually calmer but visibility is often reduced because this is the time of year when plankton are most abundant. Of course, you can enjoy snorkeling in the Maldives any time of year. If, however, you have a choice, you may want to plan your trip based on these factors.
General Snorkeling Tips to Keep in Mind
Here are a few general guidelines to remember when you go snorkeling in the Maldives.
- Be Aware of the Weather and Sea Conditions - Depending on the location and time of year, currents and weather conditions may vary quite a bit. Stay in an area that’s consistent with your experience and snorkeling skills.
- Apply Plenty of Sunscreen - Always apply sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30 before snorkeling. It’s also best to snorkel with a rash guard shirt to protect yourself from UV sun rays.
- Rent or Bring Your Snorkeling Gear - If you are an experienced snorkeler, you may have your own gear. Otherwise, you’ll be able to rent it at the resort where you’re staying. If you plan to do lots of snorkeling, it can be cheaper to buy your own gear rather than rent it every day.
Looking to travel to the Maldives, but not sure where to start? Get in touch with Alpha Maldives, the leading luxury tour operator in the Maldives who are experts on the Maldives and can help create your dream holiday!