The word “snorkelling” comes from the word “Snorkel”, where a mask is connected to a tube allowing you to breath keeping the face down in the water. Today the word snorkelling means swimming which a mask, mouthpiece and flippers to discover the seabed and the creatures that live there. This type of activity has increased in popularity since communication and means of transport have opened up tourism and holidays in some of the remotest parts of the planet to a wider population. It is really open to everyone and you only have to a have a minimum swimming ability and the desire to understand the sea. On board the Macana Maldive boats an instructor will deal with accompanying the snorkelling lovers on their first dip. These instructors are experts regarding the Maldive seabed and are capable of leading you on a swim along the waters’ surface in the most beautiful and interesting parts of this area.
A multitude of small coloured fish live amongst the coral’s branches. Sponges grow between the coral and these are the turtles favourite food. Along the reef you will see: Barrier Sharks, Eagle Rays, Garden Eels. Amongst these eels the beautiful circle shaped Ray hides itself and it looks like a UFO space ship. One of the most enthusiastic encounters is surely that of the Mantas which measures from 5 to 6 metres, with the open rostrum and mouth swallowing large quantities of water to subtract the plankton on which it feeds. The Whale Shark is the biggest fish in existence, up to 18 metres long, and it belongs to the shark family, but it feeds exclusively on plankton. With a little bit of luck it is possible to see its big mass from the boat or from the dhony, and then putting on your mask and your fins you can swim with it which will be an unforgettable experience.