Top Things to Know About Snorkelling in Maldives – Prepare for Exciting Underwater Escapades

One of the most remarkable aspects of snorkelling in Maldives (or anywhere else for that matter) is that it's an activity suitable for everyone, regardless of age or prior experience. You don't need to be a certified diver or have advanced swimming skills. If you can swim and are comfortable in the water, you can snorkel! This makes it a fantastic family-friendly adventure where both kids and adults can explore the underwater wonders together, creating lasting memories of shared moments below the waves.

The Maldives is home to an astonishing variety of marine life, making each snorkelling excursion a thrilling adventure with plenty to observe. Be prepared to encounter colourful schools of reef fish weaving through coral gardens, stoic sea turtles, stealthy stingrays and perhaps, even majestic manta rays or harmless reef sharks in their natural habitat. You can also see the vibrant corals which provide shelter for a multitude of species, creating a living ‘aquarium’ that will leave you mesmerised by the sheer richness in marine biodiversity

Another great thing about this activity is that you can enjoy it free of charge at certain all inclusive hotels; Maldives getaways at private island resorts like VARU by Atmosphere make an ideal example of this. As part of its comprehensive all-inclusive package, you can look forward to the complimentary use of snorkelling gear without any additional cost. Moreover, such resorts take it a step further and include unlimited snorkelling excursions as well, allowing you to explore various underwater hotspots around the island. This kind of package inclusion is ideal since there is something new to discover each day.

The Maldives comprises 26 natural atolls, each with its unique underwater treasures waiting to be discovered on snorkelling adventures. That said, some destinations truly stand out like the North Male Atoll, renowned for its exceptional sites where you can enjoy snorkelling or diving to spot diverse marine species. Other key places to experience this activity include the South Male Atoll, Lhaviyani Atoll, Baa Atoll and Ari Atoll. The sheer accessibility of snorkelling sites also makes it convenient for travellers to indulge in this aquatic adventure at their own pace.

Many fun things to do in Maldives can be enjoyed year-round thanks to its tropical climate and snorkelling is no exception. The peak season, running from November to April, features calm seas and excellent visibility, making it the most popular time for this water sport (and other underwater activities such as diving). However, even during the off-peak period from May to October, you can still enjoy snorkelling; this is because the rain that arrives during this period doesn't typically persist all day so you will still have time to enjoy the sunshine and explore a vibrant world beneath the azure waves.