How to Snorkel Responsibly and Safely in the Maldives –  

The lovely Maldives is an outstanding holiday destination offering a myriad of attractions for visitors to experience. Undoubtedly, one of these is the clear waters that surround its islands and mesmerizing undersea environment where you could encounter an array of entrancing marine creatures. Accordingly, it isn’t surprising that many holidaymakers take the opportunity to go snorkelling here. Some tips for snorkelling responsibly and safely are provided below. 

Avoid contact with marine creatures and keep away from the bottom

As marine animals are not domesticated creatures, you must never attempt to touch turtles, whale sharks or any other denizens of the ocean. Many sea creatures are delicate and could easily be injured by humans. Similarly, you should avoid making contact with the bottom of the sea, as you could thereby step on stingrays or other easily injured creatures. Additionally, when kicking with your fins, you should take care to not disturb animals, damage coral formations, stir up silt or even annoy fellow snorkelers! Always be careful around corals as these formations which are an integral part of the marine ecosystem develop slowly over centuries and are easily damaged. 

Don’t chase or feed sea creatures 

Like other animals, wild ocean creatures will often swim away when approached; if this happens, you should never chase them as this could cause significant stress and change natural patterns of behaviour. Accordingly, if a fish, turtle, octopus or any other creature retreats, you should do the same. 

You must also never feed any ocean creatures as this could result in many negative consequences. For instance, feeding marine life could alter natural behavioural patterns, result in ill health for the creatures fed, damage the environment and upset the equilibrium of ocean habitats; it could lead to danger for marine life as well as humans. 

Be a responsible visitor 

Whilst snorkelling, you may take the opportunity to report any kinds of debris that you encounter underwater; you could also help to remove such material. You should never take away seashells or any other elements of the ocean environment as this could negatively affect the sea’s chemical compounds as well as the creatures who rely on these objects. As the tropical sunlight will be rather strong, you should always take care to use adequate sunscreen before going snorkelling; that said, don't forget to use reef-safe sunscreen when in the water so as not to harm coral life. A choice of accommodation to consider from which you could engage in responsible snorkelling and also experience the islands to visit in Maldives is the appealingly located Adaaran Select Meedhupparu. 

Support conservation efforts 

To support conservation, you could share your knowledge regarding protecting the ocean as well as snorkelling responsibly with those who are less knowledgeable about these matters. Additionally, if you happen to notice a snorkeler behaving inappropriately or carelessly in the waters, you should take the opportunity to politely inform them about the consequences of such behaviour. When availing yourself of the services of snorkelling operators, you must only select those who follow ethical practices and are committed to protecting the environment. 

Snorkel safely 

When snorkelling, you should always wear fins to have adequate propulsion in the waters. You should never go snorkelling on your own; for safety, you must always go snorkelling with a buddy. You must also take care to remain aware of your distance from the shore, as it would be easy to drift away whilst engaged in this activity.

It wouldn’t be a good idea to take a dip in the waters after spending time at the bar, as your senses could be impaired due to the effects of alcoholic beverages. It would be a worthwhile idea to visit your resort's dive or water sports centre to obtain information regarding the local ocean conditions as well as the best areas for snorkelling.