Aerial view of the Filitheyo Island Resort

Maldives is a diver’s paradise. There are very few islands like Maldives when it comes to getting a view of breathtaking sights and landscapes and a taste of stunning under water experiences. Maldives is a favored holiday destination for couples on honeymoon, and beach vacationers and is an extra special treat for under water adventure enthusiasts. In many cases, the areas around the islands are surrounded with coral reefs that stretch out far into the ocean. It is these magnificent atolls, lagoons and house reefs that bring divers and underwater explorers to its scenic depths.

Snorkeling in a school of fish

Every person who comes on a Maldives vacation desires to come within touching distance of thefascinating fishes and marine animals. All, from the cautious swimmer to the professional diver come to Maldives to experience the pleasure and privilege of seeing exotic fish and sea animals in the clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Many of the holidaymakers like snorkeling because they find the prospect of diving into deep waters slightly daunting and may not be ready for the open deep ocean. Snorkeling gives the diver who is hesitant to go into the deep the advantage of seeing a myriad of marine life from the safety of shallow waters.

For the snorkeling novice, getting into waters to swim with the fish may not be easy but it is a great way to start unlocking the first steps to underwater sports. All that the potential snorkeler will need is some good swimming knowledge, an instructor and snorkeling equipment which one can buy from shops selling diving equipment or get on site. The main equipment needed for snorkeling are a mask, a snorkel and a pair of fins.

Snorkeling Equipment by Ejdzej

Making sure that one has the proper equipment that fits is very important. The snorkeler getting equipment on rent may have certain issues with the fit of the mask, the snorkel, the length, flexibility or comfort of the fins. It is therefore a good idea to buy this equipment prior to your departure in a specialized shop where you will be able to get professional advice. A good and well-fitting snorkeling gear is a good start and this will save future underwater headache.

There are different type of masks with different visibility features and a purge valve. The snorkels are as central to the snorkeling process as the masks. There are different snorkels like the plain snorkel, dry snorkel and snorkel with a wave deflector. The dry snorkel is a good option because it keeps the water out allowing the snorkeler to breathe easily.The snorkeler can, however, choose the one that will suit him the best. The fins should also be well fitting and comfortable to give the snorkeler the reassurance and ease while in water. Too long they will be tiring, too short not powerful enough.

Another important necessity is a good sunscreen lotion which is very essential to keep the snorkeler from suffering sun burns, a long sleeve t-shirt or what is called a skin which is a kind of very thin lycra made dive suit.
It is a good idea to practice with the new equipment, especially when one is new to snorkeling. Using the snorkel and masks and practicing breathing through the snorkel – first only with the mask and snorkel on and then immersing the head into water and breathing through the snorkel and purging water that enters the snorkel is good practice before going snorkeling.

Once the snorkeler has got the basic technique and is ready to take the plunge, he/she should remember to be calm and relaxed and stay on the outer area of the group of snorkelers which will ensure the best marine sightings and safety from any collision with a fellow snorkeler.
Maldives as a snorkeling destination is very popular among tourists and, therefore, most of the star hotels in the country offer their guest special snorkeling packages to make the most of their holiday to the island.

Lily Beach: Direct access to the reef from your villa

Special mention should be made about the Lily Beach Resort and Spa on the Huvahendoo Island which is situated along the South East of the Ari atoll which has a wide area of corals and reefs making it a magnificent area for snorkeling. The house reef on the island is a splendid with a wide variety of marine life that inhabits the waters in this area. The snorkeler is given all the assistance by the resort when it comes to equipment, guides and other help. The waters in this area are teeming with turtles, sting ray, frog fish, dolphins, eagle ray, lion fish, moray eels, parrot fish and a whole lot more of other species of fish. On some days, especially during the months from May to November the snorkeler also gets the privilege to come up close to whale sharks and mantas. The visitor also has the choice to go on a night snorkeling trip along the atoll.

Filitheyo Island Resort: House Reef

The Filitheyo Island Resort which is situated close to the Faafu atoll is also a great snorkeling destination because of the superb great house reef that surrounds it. A profusion of trigger fish, clown fish, angel fish, turtles, sting rays, oriental sweet lips, red groupers and many more different species of fish make the water down burst into different colors of the rainbow with these exotic fishes swimming around. The visitor to this island resort will surely not be disappointed with the snorkeling experience that can be got in this area of Maldives.
Snorkeling is a very relaxing sport and has many enthusiasts who snorkel for long periods of time taking in the wonder and beauty of the world beneath the waters. Even a snorkeler new to the sport is sure to be interested and get hooked to this underwater sport for life. What better environment than the Maldives to get into this sport. So if you are serious about snorkeling you should definitely book your next Maldives vacation!