Snorkeling in the Maldives
It is impossible to travel to the Maldives - a nation of 1,192 coral islands dotting the Indian Ocean - without putting your face in the water. At least once. Warm water, an extraordinary diversity of marine life, and exceptional visibility make the Maldives a top snorkeling destination. Even with kids. Watch angelfish wiggle in and out of coral. Observe anemone as it dances in the waves. Spot manta rays as they casually glide by. A snorkeling vacation in the Maldives is all about introducing children to the wonders of the underwater world.
The Maldives offers something for beginners and advanced snorkelers alike. The house reef - the coral reef surrounding each island - is in many cases just a few strokes or steps from shore. And it is teeming with marine life. Snorkeling along the inner house reef affords the tranquility of the shallow lagoon and ensures junior can stand up rather than attempt the dog paddle when clearing his mask. Advanced snorkelers in search of action will want to head to the channels and discover the underwater equivalent of village life.
Snorkeling in the Maldives is enjoyable at anytime of the year. On average, the water temperature is 25°C (77°F). Visibility, exceptional at any time, is best in March and April just prior to the onset of the wet monsoon. And notwithstanding the December 2004 tsunami and coral bleaching in 1998, the diversity of the marine life remains beyond compare. What lies below the surface of the water is a true wonder of nature. Its no wonder the Maldives is one of the best snorkeling spots.
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Maps
Online maps are a great travel planning resource as well as a means to getting the kids involved. Plan your itinerary before you depart. Use online maps of the Maldives to map the atolls and locate snorkel and dive sites.
Books
Books are a great way to introduce younger children to a new adventure and get teens and tweens ready for a family snorkeling trip. Get recommended reading lists for travel to the Maldives and discover great children's books about the ocean for kids keen on identifying fish and reading stories about the sea.
Music & Sound
Explore marine life through sound. Discover dolphin sounds and whale song. Listen as whales groan, warble, whistle and churr.
News
Getting the latest marine news will prepare you and the kids for a snorkeling trip. Discover the latest in marine conservation. Find out what scientists and researchers are saying.
Kids' stuff
Websites make learning about marine life fun. Find free fish coloring pages. Find fun facts about fish. Discover what fish eat and find out how fish keep clean. Explore the oceans, learn more about food chains and discover the weird waters of the deepest abyss through games whether you are a novice snorkeler or avid scuba diver.
Organizations
Associations and non-profit organizations can be a valuable resource as well as means to get involved. Learn more about a few of the organizations involved in marine conservation and discover who's doing what to protect the world's coral reefs.
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