How to swim with the Dolphins in the Maldives – An amazing experience

 Regarded as one of the most rewarding and magical experiences one can sign up for during a getaway in the Maldives, swimming with the dolphins is a true treat for marine life fans. Offering tourists the chance to interact with the world's friendliest mammal, many local resorts and tour operators organize swimming with the dolphins excursions annually. From finding the right tour organizer to staying safe, here's everything you need to know about coming face to face with flipper in Maldives.

                                                            Img via Pixabay

Swimming Does Not Mean Wading

Those who are planning on signing up for "swimming with Dolphins" tour packages should be aware that the swimming skills to enjoy this activity cannot be overlooked. Those who are excellent swimmers need not worry about their aptitude for this kind of encounter but those with minimal swimming and wading skills should inquire as to the nature of the experience as some tour operators will not provide life jackets or other buoyancy tools depending on the setting in which the experience is set to take place. Those who are unconfident swimmers should refrain from engaging in this type of activity as it is not only risky for oneself but also for the marine creatures involved should one panic or behave erratically during the meeting.

In the Wild Vs Confined Space

Most travel websites and brochures advertising Swimming with Dolphins packages fail to specify just where and how the activity is set to take place. Note that one can swim with dolphins in the open seas and also do so in a confined setting such as a pool or similar body of water in an aquarium or marine sanctuary. All tourists should make it a point to ask their tour operators on the location and the nature of the encounter as swimming with the mammals in the wild is vastly different from interacting with dolphins in an aquarium tank. The rules and regulations at play will also change based on the setting so getting some clarity is crucial.

Draw Them In

Unless one is specifically instructed to do so, it is wise to refrain from touching the dolphins as wild creatures may react negatively to this type of intimate behaviour. Marine creatures are not used to human touch so it is necessary to exercise caution even if one feels confident of the animal's affinity towards them. Some dolphins may not be in the right mindset to interact or be playful as the timing of these tours can disrupt their routine. Avoid drawing near dolphins with the hope of petting or interacting with them but draw them towards you instead by swimming around them confidently.

Documenting the Experience

Most tour operators in the Maldives will offer participants a number of options when it comes to documenting their lone time with the dolphins, whether it is in the form of a commemorative photo op or a video of the experience. If such documentation methods are not part of the package, inquire if bringing one's own underwater camera is a good idea because different tour operators will have different rules pertaining to this aspect of the experience. If you are swimming with dolphins with a group or with a loved one, it is possible to have the other participant capture the encounter on film but once again, it is best to consult your tour organizer on whether it is permitted.

Prep Well

Those who are prone to seasickness should take medication to remain nausea-free during the experience while applying sun tan lotion is also necessary as in any open water swimming experience. Trusting and relying on the valuable information provided by the tour guides is crucial to the success of any interaction with wild marine life as they are best equipped to lend the most important tips and cues as to how to make the most of the experience.

What to Expect

Although it's considered among the fun things to do in Maldives and has been featured in countless online publications such as The Maldives Travel as a must-have travel encounter for all tourists, keep your expectations in check. Dolphins may or may not warm up to you and they definitely will not perform tricks as they do in Sea World or other amusement parks where the creatures are taught behaviours to entertain holidaymakers.

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