Joanna James
As exciting as an underwater expedition sounds, it is an activity that demands considerable skill. Before discovering the treasures of the deep here are a few things you need to keep in mind.
When exploring the underwater world, you need to have the right gear and be able to move around with ease. Be it snorkelling or diving, exploring the underwater world means you need to go shopping for equipment, though many hotels and resorts generally also give you the option to rent equipment too. A mask and some fins are good enough to snorkel above the reefs, but diving is one step higher and as such you will need far more equipment when delving into the deep blue. In general diving gear includes a mask, a fin, a dive computer for decompression unit calculation, a wet or a dry suit to ensure your temperature is maintained underwater, weights, tanks and accessories. You need to do your homework to decide what you will precisely need for your particular excursion. Hiring diving equipment is generally a good idea when travelling overseas.
Your destination may be known for underwater expeditions but the ocean is a vast place and unless you know exactly where to head to, you will be lost both literally and figuratively! This is where research comes in handy. Read, explore and understand. Only with adequate background work will you be able to get hold of the best spots for exploration. Take Maldives for instance. This pristine piece of paradise has a range of dive and snorkel hotspots that cater to both the expert and the novice alike. All you need to do is choose the right spot and you are bound to have the time of your life. If you are still a beginner, the Guraidhoo Island has an excellent dive school. But to really learn all about what this ocean has in store, you can also benefit from chatting with the local divers in the area. Most luxury hotels in Maldives have dive and snorkel sites in the vicinity. At the doorstep of PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi, for instance, there is Shark Point, Peak, Rasfari and Manta Point.
Each destination has its own ideal months for diving. Warm, sunny weather is quite obviously the best season for the activity as the current is favourable and clarity is pristine. The rainy season is known for murky waters and the winds can really mess up the water currents. In Maldives - even though the weather is tropical and diving is relatively good year round, it is best to avoid the wet season that falls between May and August. The best time to dive here is during the hot summer months which fall from December till April. At this time the water is soothing and is adorned by a wide variety of fish.
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