How to Have a Responsible Snorkelling Experience in the Maldives - Learn How You Can Help

 The Maldives is a snorkeller’s paradise. With an underwater world that’s so enchanting, it’s no surprise that the Maldives is loved by water sports enthusiasts. Did you know that the fragile marine life of this tropical paradise is at risk? Due to climate change and various other factors caused by humans, the Maldives’ corals are dying, which in turn affects marine life. While you absolutely must experience snorkelling in the Maldives, it’s important to be responsible in your activities. 

img via flickr

Don’t Touch

The corals and fish species living in the Maldivian waters are so beautiful that you could be tempted to touch them – but don’t. These marine species are incredibly fragile, and they’re already under threat, so do not touch them. More importantly, don’t step on the corals. Granted, most tourists don’t intentionally step on corals, but it could happen, so be careful.

Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodation 

This is more important than you think. You might believe it’s not going to make a big difference, but it does. Understand that resorts are a key part of the Maldivian experience – in the Maldives, things to do are often tied to the resort.You’ll spend most of your time at the island resort, exploring the surrounding beautiful waters. This is why it’s important to make sure that they do their part to protect the stunning tropical environment of the Maldives.Luckily for you, finding an eco-friendly hotel in the Maldives is no difficult task. You have a range of places to choose from, including Huvafen Fushi Maldives.

Keep off the Bottom 

Stay off the bottom to avoid touching or stepping on marine life like stingrays. When you kick with your fins, make sure it doesn't disturb the marine life. Just be mindful of what you’re doing, and try your best not to harm the precious marine life.When you snorkel near corals, be mindful of your fin kicks. Some corals only grow about 2 centimetres a year, and if you pinch a branch off by kicking, you can stop its growth or pluck it from the root altogether.

Don’t Chase 

Hard to believe it happens? Well, it does. Some tourists chase after marine life as if they were pets living in the house – as if they would play a game of hide and seek with them. Remember that these fish species are incredibly fragile, and you’re not a regular part of their lives. Just seeing you could already startle them, and if you chase after them, it could stress them out and change their behaviour patterns. If they’re curious, they’ll come out of their hiding places to see you, but you cannot and shouldn’t follow them around.

Don’t Litter 

Littering the underwater world is as unethical as it gets, so don’t do it. If you see any trash underwater, remove it if you can, or at the very least, report it to the resort. This will help conservation efforts.Yes, seashells are pretty, but do not remove them from the ocean. They’re an essential part of the marine ecosystem, and taking them can impact the amount of essential chemical compounds.

Don’t Feed the Fish 

Human food isn’t good for fish, which should be obvious. But some tourists try to feed the fish – don’t be one of them. Baby whale sharks, for example, eat about 40 pounds of plankton a day, and giving them human food will mess up their eating habits and could very well be harmful to them. Just like you, as a human, can’t eat fish food, they can’t eat your food.

Choose a Responsible Operator 

Choosing a responsible tour operator is just as important as choosing an eco-friendly resort. There’s a code of conduct that all tour operators should follow. For instance, allowing tourists to physically interact with marine animals goes against that code. That’s the kind of tour operator you should avoid.