How to Plan a Snorkelling Adventure in the Maldives - Guidelines on Organising the Ultimate Snorkelling Tour During a Maldivian Holiday

 With nearly two thousand five hundred coral reefs to its name, is it any wonder that the Maldives is ranked among the top snorkelling hotspots in the world? Regardless of the duration of the getaway, every visitor must make time to explore the underwater landscapes of the Maldives on a snorkelling expedition. From finding the right tour operator to creating a snorkelling site list, here are some guidelines on planning a memorable snorkelling adventure during your Maldivian vacation.

                                               Img via Wikimedia Commons

 1. Stay at a Snorkelling Hub

The easiest way to make sure you make the most of the snorkelling opportunities available in the Maldives is to stay near some of the best snorkelling hubs in the country. While most Maldives island resorts the likes of but not limited to the Grand Park Kodhipparu have house reefs where one can also spend a few hours exploring marine creatures that live closer to shore, it is necessary to be within close range of the archipelago's top snorkelling hotspots. As all travel to and from snorkelling sites depend on boat trips, staying near a snorkelling hotspot can be easier on your wallet and allow one more ease of access to the best sites.

2. Time the Visit

Although the water temperatures and visibility in the Maldives remain excellent throughout the year, those who wish to make the most of their snorkelling adventures should travel to the country from January to April. This also coincides with the peak tourist season in the country, which falls between November and April. The clear water conditions during this period make for a more pleasant snorkelling experience thanks to the abundance of marine life and great visibility.

3. Find the Right Organiser

There are countless snorkelling tour packages in the Maldives and most of these are put together by the resorts themselves or by independent tour operators. Finding the right fit for you depends on the duration as well as the cost of the tour. Some snorkelling expeditions will include a plethora of the country's top snorkelling venues while others will focus on a specific atoll and its main snorkelling hubs. Note that you can organise bespoke snorkelling tours according to your needs, but these types of experiences will cost more than organised tour packages.

 4. Start with the Banana Reef

Locally known as Kuda Kalhi, Banana Reef is one of the country's finest snorkelling hubs and is thus named due to the odd shape of the reef. Serving as a verdant habitat for countless marine species including black snappers, giant squirrelfish, barracudas, oriental sweetlips, sharks, and soldierfish, one of the most frequently spotted species in this area of the Indian Ocean include Palette Surgeonfish, commonly known as Dory fish due to the Finding Nemo Disney movie.

 

5. Don't Forget Manta Point

Located just off the coast of Lankanfinolhu Island, Manta Point is a reef that's known to be a big hit with those in search of Manta Rays. Snorkellers will be able to get up close and personal with these charming creatures thanks to the abundance of Manta Rays occupying the reef. Also known as Emas Thila, the reef extends across nearly a kilometre and provides snorkellers with an excellent area to engage in their favourite activity. Other species that are found in the area include sharks, spangled emperor fish, masked banner fish, and napoleons.

 6. Explore the Depths of HP Reef

Located at the North Malé Atoll, HP Reef or "Girifushi Thila" is another captivating snorkelling hub that's ideal for beginners as well as seasoned experts. The tiny reef fish found hiding in the coral reefs are not the only species that one is likely to encounter as eagle rays, barracudas, and grey reef sharks are also known to make an appearance.