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Travel News Talk

Uncover Top Snorkelling Sites in Marine Wonderland Maldives

Tipped to be Asia’s premier snorkelling and diving hub the Maldivian islands are a dream come true for water sports lovers. Here are some of the country’s top destinations for snorkelling expeditions.

 

1. Kandolhu
Revered as one of the finest snorkelling destinations in all of the Maldives Kandolhu is a well-kept secret among seasoned vacationers to the paradise archipelago. Far removed from the island collective’s resort islands this idyllic corner of the Indian Ocean is home to a house reef teeming with a variety of marine life. Located close to the mainland the house reef surrounds the atoll and provides ideal conditions for underwater exploration by snorkellers of varying experience levels. Stretched out across a number of miles the Kandolhu snorkelling hub is houses not only a plethora of marine creatures including sharks, parrot fish, triggers and clown fish but also various species of coral as well.

2. Vilamendhoo
Often described as a not-to-miss hotspot when it comes to the best snorkelling hubs in the archipelago Vilamendhoo is a popular stopover for frequent vacationers exploring the underwater landscapes of the country. Boasting a wealth of marine life including 200 types of fish within its submerged confines the site is located close to Ari Atoll and is a veritable coral Mecca in its own right. Famed as the home of the largest congregation of young whale sharks in the world the snorkelling hotspot boasts several drop offs as well. Frequently spotted marine life in the area includes trigger fish, napoleon wrasses, unicorn fish, sharks and colourful butterfly fish. Visitors based at Cocoa Island by COMO, Maldives or any other Maldives luxury hotel with a comprehensive snorkelling program can arrange tours of the venue through the hotel.
3. Ellaidhoo
Considered the number one snorkelling heartland in the Maldives no snorkelling expedition in the archipelago would be complete without a stopover at this iconic marine life hub. With a well-known shipwreck littering its sea beds the area is home to not just one but a whopping three Protected Marine Areas. Renowned for the wealth of marine species occupying its watery confines snorkellers will come across a large number of fish varieties as well as habitats in this popular marine breeding ground. Beginners as well as seasoned snorkellers can test their skills at Ellaidhoo which provides conducive conditions for deep sea explorers of every calibre.

4. Angsana Ihuru
When it comes to some of the top house reefs in the Maldives none comes close to Angsana Ihuru. Best known for its unspoilt and pristine underwater coral gardens the island which is as captivating above surface as it is below boasts a marine landscape untouched by human activity. An impressive 140 types of fish call this verdant paradise home with principal inhabitants being napoleon wrasses and several species of sharks.

5. Gaafu Alifu
Regarded as one of the top hubs for snorkelling expeditions in the southern reaches of the Maldives the Gaafu Alifu atoll is another famous snorkelling site that is worthy of its hype. Housing a breathtaking submerged terrain complete with colourful corals and schools of vibrant fish species Gaafu Alifu atoll and coral reefs are often used for training newbie snorkellers and scuba divers owing to the locale’s idyllic conditions suitable for beginners. A staggering 1200 types of marine life is known to call the area’s water home with sea turtles and porcupine fish being some of the most frequently encountered species.

Source: http://www.comohotels.com/cocoaisland/