Joanna James
Maldives consisting of 26 coral atolls is one of the safest and most serene destinations for snorkelling. Island house reefs and verdant lagoons provide the best backdrop for this rewarding sport.
The house reef that surrounds Biyadhoo Island is quite verdant. Easily reached from the beach the reef is thriving with a variety of marine life and coral varieties. There are seven entry points from the coral stalagmites of the reef. Amidst these is a cave crowded with nudibranchs and ghost pipefish.
This reef consists of a shipwreck the Rannamaari. Around this thriving ridge are groupers, fusiliers, batfish, moray eel and nurse sharks. The wreck of Rannamaari was once a dredger that was used to clean the lagoon until it was sunk on purpose in 1999 to create an underwater ornament. Named after a legendary demon the wreck is today thriving with all manner of vivid coral and tubastrea polyps.
The beautiful lagoon of Kurumba Maldives is surrounded by wave breakers; these assist in creating low currents and reducing waves; conditions just right for snorkelling. Here at a depth of just 1 to 1.5 metres, you will observe small coral clusters and marine life in abundance. Beyond the breaker, the coral is more varied with promises of spotting giant stingrays and huge turtles. At this resort beginners too can enjoy the pleasures of Maldives snorkelling under the expert guidance of instructors at the Majaa Recreation centre. Another fascinating aspect that takes snorkelling in Maldives to new exciting heights is Night Snorkelling at Kurumba. Observe a whole new world on these thrilling tours offering one sight of marine life that only come out at night.
One of the steepest drop-offs in the Maldives is attached to the house reef of Filitheyo. On the northern edge of the island, the drop is as sheer as 50 metres. Divers traversing these waters have come across giant manta rays and elusive whale sharks. There are seven entry points to this reef from the lagoon. A purposely sunk boat around this reef harbours nurse sharks, sting rays and a number of fascinating marine life.
There is a vertical drop in this reef that is found quite close to the island's beach making currents strong especially around the northern edge. Only experienced swimmers should take on this house reef clearly marked with more than one access point. Many admirers of this reef suggest taking on the reef minus foot flippers in order to avoid damaging the corals that grow close to the surface; besides flippers are not needed around this reef due to the strong current.
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