The Maldives for Adventure Seekers

The Maldives is famous for its stunning coastlines, vast coral reefs and exotic sea creatures. Apart from various water activities, travellers can experience all sorts of fun activities from sea walking to underwater dining!

img via pickpik 

Snorkelling/Scuba diving

For those who want to discover marine and coral life, snorkelling is the best way to do so. Most resorts will have a house reef, making it easy to venture out and snorkel to your heart’s content. The Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, Manta Point and Banana Reef are some of the best snorkelling spots in the Maldives. Scuba diving is another popular activity, with locations like Maya Thila, Coco Thila, and Kandooma Thila offering incredible coral reefs filled with abundant marine life. A Maldives diving resort such as the likes of Velassaru Maldives will be able to organise an excursion for experienced divers.

Underwater dining 

Dining in the Maldives is anything but ordinary! Immerse yourself in the deep blue sea while enjoying a fancy star-class meal with guests like sharks and manta rays for company. If you are up for this unique meal, night try looking up restaurants like this to get your very own underwater dining experience.

Glass bottom boat ride

If you prefer a more relaxed beach experience, glass-bottomed boat rides are perfect for observing marine life and enjoying the comfort of a leisurely boat ride. Some excursions will include a cookout and time for swimming and snorkelling. It’s the ideal activity for all the non-swimmers of the group.

Sea walking

Sea Walking allows visitors to stroll along the sea floor and experience the undersea like never before, surrounded by nature beneath the waves. Naturally, those who attempt this must be able to swim, and with an instructor present, it is perfect for kids and adults alike. The best time for sea walking is from January to April.

A Guide to Swimming with Manta Rays in Maldives

A truly unforgettable encounter, swimming with manta rays can be enjoyed in the Maldives though you must follow some vital steps as given below.

Choosing an Excursion

For such encounters, stay at a resort that offers manta ray excursions in an ethical and sustainable manner. This includes properties like Velassaru Maldives that have a resident marine biologist who will provide you with a deeper understanding of these ocean denizens and will accompany you on your adventures.

Entering the Water

From such a luxury hotel, Maldives manta ray encounters await, though before you begin, there are some things to keep in mind. Remember to enter the water calmly and quietly, about 33 feet (10 metres) away from the mantas; when swimming, ensure your fins are below the water to avoid splashing and scaring them off.

Approaching Mantas

Don’t get closer than 10 feet (3 metres) to the mantas; remain still and let them come towards you. Remember to give them a clear path to swim and only make your approach from the side. It is also important to NOT touch these creatures and refrain from chasing after them once they swim past you.

For Scuba Divers

scuba divers
scuba divers |Image via unsplash

While the above tips are for general manta encounters including snorkelling, there are additional guidelines for scuba divers. On your dive, remain near the seabed but ensure not to damage the reef; also, whenever a manta ray swims towards you, don’t block its way and instead, stay where you are and keep low.