The crystal-clear turquoise balmy Maldivian waters are home to diverse and vibrant ecosystems, including a wide variety of coral species. These radiant multihued coral reefs show off aquatic creatures from microscopic plankton to imposing whale sharks, and everything in-between. Reef edges are teeming with stunning schools of fish and glowing coral, so vacation spots with a house reef close to shore are great for amateur snorkelers. Opting for Maldives resort packages inclusive of dive centre services and organised boat trips to deeper waters is a no-brainer. Aquafanatics at Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort is one such example that will transport guests by speedboat to the nearby house reef for daily guided snorkelling trips. Some resorts also offer the use of an underwater ‘rocket’ that will have you experiencing undersea life like never before, at speeds of up to 20 km/hr – almost as fast as a dolphin!
The multitude of reef fish species produce an explosion of underwater colour, whether it’s the beautiful blue-gold angel fish, the yellow butterfly fish, the red-white to orange-gold squirrel fish, the blue-green to purplish-blue Napoleon fish, or the multicoloured parrotfish and surgeonfish, just to name a few. Reef animals include bizarre-shaped sponges, sea fans, sea-squirts, and feather stars; and the more familiar-looking clams, starfishes, hermit crabs, and banded coral shrimp. Small juvenile reef sharks can also be spotted feeding on reef fish. Swim further to the edge of the reef into deep waters for rare but thrilling encounters with mature bigger sharks, like tiger, blue, whale and hammerhead; and those magnificent blue and sperm whales. Of course, no snorkelling adventure would be complete without the joys of swimming among playful bottle nosed and spinner dolphins, adorable yet endangered turtles, shy moray eels, and graceful stingrays and (larger) manta rays.
While snorkelling is a relatively easy and leisurely activity, swimmers should never do it alone, and be particularly mindful about tides and currents. Also, ensure the preservation of this glorious underwater environment by not touching, harming or taking corals and shells, or feeding fish, no matter how tempting!
Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.