Introduction

Snorkeling in the Maldives is a special activity common to all the resorts . All equipment required for snorkeling or diving is available at the resort, so there is no need to bring any equipment with you. However, if you are an enthusiast - be sure to pack your own kit. Almost all resort islands have a "house reef" located close to the beach and teeming with marine life. So, no matter what age you are, go to it and enjoy the magic of the Maldives underwater world. For beginners and experts alike, the Maldives must surely rank amongst the best snorkeling and diving destinations in the world. The combination of the diversity of marine life and the crystal clear water with visibility up to 60 meters can rarely be found elsewhere.

Learning to Snorkel

Snorkeling is easy and well worth the time invested in learning how. All resorts have the necessary equipment and can help you learn how to snorkel. Many resorts provide complimentary lessons in how to snorkel. These are usually conducted in shallow lagoons or swimming pools.

Where to Snorkle?

Most resorts contain their own 'house reef' - a sheltered and safe area which is ideal for snorkeling. The slope where the house reef meets the open water has many interesting features such as cliffs, terraces and caves. There are clearly visible changes in the coral and other marine flora as the water gets deeper. You can see both the smaller fish which frequent the reef flats and sometimes much larger animals that live in the deep water between the islands, but come close to the reefs to feed.

The best islands for snorkeling have narrow reef flats with lots of channels through to the outer reef slope. Some resort islands, however, have very wide lagoons and extensive reef flats.

Resorts that don't have a reef just offshore usually provide several boat trips a day to a good snorkeling site.