The best reefs for snorkeling. Snorkeling in the Maldives - our review. How is snorkeling different from other dives?

Hospitable Cyprus is famous for its stunning nature. Chamber bays and their surroundings picturesque beaches make you forget about gray cities and endless problems. Among the many options for coastal recreation, two pearls stand out - this is blue lagoons. One is located near the resort of Ayia Napa, it is always crowded here. The second, more intimate and secluded, lies on the Akamas Peninsula, near the city of Polis. Natural attractions at opposite ends of the island are separated by about 200 km. The journey from one to the other by car takes about 4 hours.

Eilat - Southern City Israel, washed by the waters of the Gulf of Aqaba of the Red Sea. The resort is suitable for year-round recreation, as the temperature never drops below +20 °C even in winter. The hottest month is July. The thermometer shows almost +40 ° C. Water during the winter months warms up to +21-22 °C, and in summer up to 24-25 °C. Compared to other cities, the local climate is drier, the humidity is only 15-20%, so the heat is relatively easy to bear.

Phuet is one of the best Thai resorts, offering a lot of options for a pleasant pastime. The island offers chic beaches, spa treatments, themed shows in a variety of establishments, shops, restaurants.

Pure clear water, the calm Laccadive Sea and an unimaginable number of reef inhabitants make snorkeling in the Maldives one of the best in the world. Diverse Coral reefs located in the lagoons Maldives atolls and inhabited by underwater inhabitants, play with colors and provide an opportunity to enjoy them, armed with a mask and flippers. In the Maldives, it is absolutely not necessary to wear scuba gear, because everything can be seen wonderfully from the surface of the sea! Some lagoons like a hotel Reethi Beach Resort, are literally a stone's throw from the shore, so you can snorkel at any time. Snorkeling and watching the underwater life of the reef among schools of fish, turtles or manta rays is an unforgettable experience and wonderfully relaxing!

snorkeling is a very easy and safe way to see small reefs that are a few meters under water and their underwater inhabitants. Snorkeling on the surface of the turquoise lagoon and occasionally diving into the channels between the coral reefs - that's what it is snorkeling in the Maldives.

Usually snorkelers go by boat to one of the lagoons with the purest water and colorful corals. The boat waits while people swim nearby, periodically diving under the water. This is the so-called spot snorkeling. For one trip by boat, you can usually visit 2-3 spots.

You can also go snorkeling off the coast on your own. To do this, you need to choose the right one, for example 5-star resorts Vilamendhoo And Lily Beach or inexpensive Nika Island.

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In addition to simplicity, snorkeling is also the cheapest way to get acquainted with the rich diversity of the underwater world of the Laccadive Sea in time, as well as the beginning of the path to serious diving for every novice diver.

Reefs of the Maldives formed by more than 70 species of colorful corals, which are home to more than 700 species of fish and other underwater inhabitants. Unlike scuba diving, which provides an opportunity to get acquainted with a variety of corals and inhabitants of deep reefs, snorkeling in the Maldives allows you to see many different fish swimming among small corals in the sun-warmed waters at the very surface of the sea. It is also an opportunity to start acquaintance with the underwater world by observing it in a simple way that do not require special training. Those who can’t swim should not worry, because you can snorkel even in a life jacket without plunging completely under water!

• • It is best for good snorkeling to choose in the Maldives over the reef.

It is one of the best places in the world to start snorkeling and scuba diving. Learning to snorkel in the Maldives is quite inexpensive compared to other similar places in the world. Everyone, even in, usually has everything you need for snorkeling, and you can discuss a trip plan to different spots on coral reefs to explore them with the manager and book a transfer.

You will be taken by boat from one spot to another and wait until you swim. The more people who want to snorkel, the cheaper the sea trip will be. And if the house reef is located right next to an island, then there is nothing easier than to arrange the best snorkeling in the Maldives - you need to take fins and a mask and recover to swim. However, if you don’t know how to swim, you should definitely take the help of an experienced instructor who will definitely teach you how to snorkel.

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Coral reefs, where people go for snorkeling, can be located either at a shallow depth in one of the lagoons, or right next to the islands. The coral reefs surrounding the island are called in the Maldives house reef. This is the best place for snorkeling, as colorful corals grow in it, among which many different underwater inhabitants live.

If the island you're staying on has a rich house reef, you're in luck. Here you can snorkel whenever you want, and there is no need to hire a boat to take you to a spot away from the island.

There are 3 types of house reefs for snorkeling in the Maldives:

• Reef oval or round shape surrounding the island on all sides. Usually such a reef is quite narrow, but it is close to the island at a shallow depth and is best suited for independent snorkeling. But the main drawback of such a reef is the lack of lagoons and the richness of the underwater world.
• Crescent shaped reef, found in the middle of the atolls. The island is usually on one side of the reef, with the rest forming a semi-enclosed lagoon. This type of reef is the most convenient for snorkeling due to the lack of strong currents and the rich diversity of its inhabitants. Often, resort islands are located near these reefs.
• Barrier reef in the form of a long arc on the edge of the atoll. Looks like a crescent-shaped reef, but due to its proximity to open storms ocean depths constantly exposed to strong currents and unstable water temperatures. Because of this, this type of reef is rarely interesting, and since the impact of El Niño, many barrier reef corals in the Maldives have become discolored. Therefore, snorkeling on the barrier reef is the most difficult and least interesting.

So for the best snorkeling best with a lagoon and reef in the middle of the atoll.

Here best hotels in the Maldives with a house reef for snorkeling:

• Four Seasons Resort- rating 9.3 (5 * hotel in the style of a traditional Maldivian village and bright tropical plants, With good reef, Kuda Huraa island, North Male atoll)
• Adaaran Prestige Water Villas- rating 9.4 (5* water villas, big reef inside the lagoon around Meedhoo island, Raa atoll)
• Lily Beach Resort & Spa- grade 9.2 (5* beach or water villas, all inclusive, fringing reef around Huwahendhoo island, South Ari Atoll)
• Nika Island Resort & Spa- grade 8.9 (5* villas on the beach and above the lagoon, reef around the lagoon and inside, Nika Island, North Ari Atoll)

Snorkeling equipment

Before going on a snorkeling trip, you need to choose the right mask with a snorkel and fins according to your size. It is very important to make sure that they fit you before you set sail, otherwise you risk being left with nothing. Check that the mask fits snugly on the face without squeezing it. The fins should also be exactly on your leg, and not slip off. Your comfort while snorkeling on the reef should come first, so if your gear doesn't fit, be sure to change it or ask for an adjustment.

The best time of the year for snorkeling in the Maldives is the beginning of the year, from January to March. At this time, the water in the sea is the most transparent and calm, which means that the visibility under water is the best. Although the rest of the time, watching the underwater life of coral reefs is also quite pleasant, so you can combine it with snorkeling.

Most resorts and diving centers hold organized snorkeling tours in the Maldives, but many of the most impressive spots can also be visited from cheap hotel by ordering sea ​​excursion on a small dhoni boat. So you can enjoy sea ​​beauties only in the company of your friends, avoiding a noisy trip with random fellow travelers.

Weather and sea water temperature in the Maldives during the year:

• More about the weather at Maldives and seasons read.

When we ourselves rested on, we went snorkeling to several spots. On one of them, because of the current, it was difficult to stay on the surface, all the forces went into the fight against the constant drift to the side. But we liked other spots much more, and we fully enjoyed the beauty and richness of coral reef life. If we ever go to the Maldives again, we will definitely include snorkeling in our travel program! You, too, do not miss the opportunity to go snorkeling in the Maldives, because the combination of such a wonderful climate all year round and an abundance of underwater inhabitants is not found anywhere else in the world.

And the pipe is now very popular. One of the reasons is the simplicity and accessibility of entertainment called. The popularity is largely due to the presence of places on the planet where vibrant underwater life is very close to the surface of the water. This, for example, coral islands V Indian Ocean With big amount bright fish. Along the edge of the reef can be found sea ​​turtles and octopuses. See stingrays on the sandy bottom, and moray eels in the crevices of the rocks.

Australia

Everyone knows about the Big barrier reef. A lot of islands around which life is in full swing in the ocean. The water is warm, and you can lie indefinitely and contemplate the underwater cinema, rich in various marine life. There is a slight risk of encountering a shark, but will that stop a true amateur. Just do not go into the water at dawn and after sunset.

Maldives

Small island-hotels bizarrely scattered in the Indian Ocean. Each has its own house reef, where in the background beautiful corals fish scurry. The movement seems chaotic and meaningless, but if you contemplate for a long time, then at some point you begin to understand that life in ocean waters subject to the universal laws of nature. In addition to fish, you can meet sea turtles, moray eels, small reef sharks and rays. Snorkeling in these waters is absolutely safe.

Indonesia

The Indonesian islands can give snorkelers a lot of impressions. In particular, in Bali you can find places with great underwater views. For example, Tulamben in the northeast of the island. Or small islands nearby (Meno, Gili, Lembongan). In addition to coral beauties, you can see in shallow water starfish blue, which is quite rare.

Thailand

In this country, the best places for snorkeling are located away from civilization. It is advisable to find generally wild areas, and then you can get indescribable pleasure from communicating with nature. Good for snorkeling Koh Tao, Similan, Nyangan, Phi Phi. There are also many small uninhabited islets, near which there will be the best snorkeling.

Malaysia

The territory of the island is stretched and consists of many islands. Those of them that are far from cities and industrial centers, have beautiful places for snorkeling. In particular, this is the island of Tioman, where there is a rich underwater world: from coral landscapes to fish flocks.

Egypt

This country has been and remains one of the most accessible for Russians. On the Red Sea, almost everywhere is good for a snorkeler. Although close to major cities and there is nothing to watch ports. Most hotels on the Egyptian coast have their own reef in varying degrees of preservation. You can see quite a lot of inhabitants of the sea, from parrot fish to whale sharks.

Seychelles

One of major islands included in Seychelles, may well be called a paradise for snorkelers. In the national park created on the island of Mahe, any swimmer with a mask will be able to see a large number of fish, turtles, dolphins, moray eels and whale sharks.

Very often, after a person truly enjoyed the underwater world for the first time, got real pleasure and wonderful memories from it, he wants to relive these feelings again and again. The next vacation is planned, rest time, budget, and here one of the most important questions is asked: "Where to go?". They start searching for reviews on the Internet, viewing reports, and finally surveying travel agency employees. And as a result, a complete mess is obtained in the head. How many people, so many opinions. Some enthusiastically talk about the miracles they saw in the place you are interested in. And in the next report, you can deduct that there is no living creatures in this place, the corals are trampled down and in general this is not the best place for snorkeling. And the more you read, the more confusing the situation. And all because reviews are written in most cases about everything at once - about the hotel in which they had a chance to live (and some suffered), the food that they had a chance to eat (and some to poison), tour operators and so on. The characterization of the place as a place for snorkeling remains to be judged only by fragmentary remarks such as "the only plus this place- beautiful sea" or something like that. Of course, there are exceptions when the review is supported by a mass of underwater photographs, a description of the place and time of shooting, and other important information. And it is precisely such reports that give that useful information, on the basis of which the final conclusion is made: "That's it, it's decided. I'm going exactly here."

But, you see, the search for such reports is a tedious task. Of course, it helps a lot to ask a question in the appropriate branch of a specialized forum like: "Where are the best places for snorkeling?" This turns out to be much more productive, since they already answer you on the merits and give you the information that you need. But then again, how many people, so many opinions.

Which place is right for you?

To find the answer to the last question, this section of the site is being created. The main idea of ​​this section is a peculiar virtual tour snorkeling spots. Next to the description of the place you can immediately see the photos taken in this place. The idea is not new and has already been applied in many places. But here the priority is precisely reliable information about underwater world- where, who and when was, what he saw and photographed.

The system works as follows. You choose a place, and in the preliminary description of the place you see several photos that best characterize this place.
If the author of the photo has specified the exact location in which the photo was taken, a "location" link will appear below the thumbnail of the photo.
By clicking on the link "place" or in the corresponding section of the classification, you will be taken to the description of the corresponding place. First, read the description on the site itself. And secondly, next to each description you will see a link "discuss on the forum", by clicking on which you can either read other people's descriptions of this place or add your own. In general, participate in the discussion, read other people's discussions, and as a result you will have a clear picture of the best places for snorkeling.

We bet you've already thought about dropping everything and having a leisurely, relaxed vacation somewhere closer to the sea. A great idea, but we know that your restless nature will prevail over fatigue and after a day of "seal" rest, the soul will ask for some activity. The best option in such a situation: buy or rent a mask, snorkel, fins and go to explore the underwater life. In the latest issue of the column, we figure out where and how to go snorkeling, and also come to the conclusion that snorkeling can become your personal discovery in 2016. Please note: the creation of the rubric became possible thanks to friendly support - a profitable payment card, which was created specifically for active travelers.

Why is snorkeling a must?

Snorkelling is extremely exciting. A minute to fit the tube and find a comfortable position in the water - and you forget about everything and plunge into another world. The main thing is not to get carried away and do not forget that for your own safety you can’t touch anything with your hands.

No preparation needed. There are no contraindications for health or physical endurance for this activity.

You don't need to know how to swim for this. To swim with a mask, you do not even need to be able to properly float on the water - a life jacket does not in the least interfere with monitoring underwater life.

Snorkeling costs next to nothing. Mask and snorkel entry level will cost you € 15-20, lay the same amount on simple fins. An organized swim with equipment included will rarely cost more than €30.

7 places for successful snorkeling

L'Ile de Riou, Marseille, France

This secluded beach was recognized as the best for snorkeling and diving not only by the editors of 34travel, but also by the main organization in France that trains divers (Fédération Française d "Etude et de Sport Sous-Marin). small beach in the center of the national park can only be reached by boat or boat from Marseille, and therefore here you will feel really alone. Needless to say, on the spot you can observe the rich and untouched underwater life. Now the location is used as the starting point for diving expeditions in the archipelago. Interestingly, in 1950, a huge number of ancient Roman amphoras and jugs were found at the bottom - if you go with a group, they even promise to show some of them.

The study of the bottom of the sea must be combined with the study of the main port and the heart of Provence - Marseille. Narrow streets leading to a huge port, the most delicious bouillabaisse (of course, because it was invented here), basilicas and cultural centers We are the perfect plan for you. Traveling in France: in addition to receiving a 1.5% refund on your balance from each purchase with PayOkay, the card allows you not to think about whether you have changed enough currency to take with you. The fact is that the exchange rate for payments in foreign currency by card is the most profitable - you can pay PayOkay for everything with a clear conscience.

Equipment. Usually included in tours. Order or check with the Tourist Center of Marseille - they will help with the finished trip and with ways to get to national park on one's own.

How to get there? You can fly to Marseille from Vilnius on Ryanair - with a transfer in Brussels or Rome. The cost of one-way tickets in summer will be about €100.

Isola Rossa, Sardinia, Italy

The beaches around this pretty small town are famous for their picturesque red rocks - in fact, this is where the name of the place came from. And although it's full sandy beaches, the water remains perfectly clear, and the number of people with masks is not annoying. Moray eels are easy to spot in the area, and the fish and corals are as colorful as those in the Caribbean. The former fishing village itself is just a few streets, two pleasant beaches in the town itself (Longa and La Marinedda) and another half an hour walk. Isola Rossa has two main diving centers where you can rent a mask and snorkel.

Equipment. Rent professional equipment from one of the diving centers (especially if you want to make a day trip to the Maddalena archipelago) or buy basic version right on the spot - you will keep within € 25-30.

How to get there? The plan is this: from Warsaw you fly to Milan on Wizz Air, and then change to Ryanair to the main city of Sardinia - Cagliari. From there, an unforgettable 6-hour journey awaits you (first by train to the Sassari station, and then only the bus is available).

Illes Medes, Costa Brava, Spain

Medes Islands - marine reserve in Catalonia (since 1983), on the very border with France. Precisely because of the conservation status and the fact that there are many rocks here, lovers water skiing neither fish nor snorkellers are disturbed. The fish here are small, but in all possible colors. Of the larger ones you will see guppies and even barracudas. Most importantly, don't touch anyone! You can get to the islands only in an organized way. In the northern part of the beach of the town of L "Estartit, there are many companies that offer snorkeling and diving tours. You can also get a ticket for a boat with a transparent bottom - if you don't feel like getting into the water yourself.

Equipment. Issued on the spot. You can bring your own, of course, but this will not affect the price. A tour with delivery and one hour of pure sailing will cost € 27. For example,.

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