Absolutely yes! With sea temperatures ranging from 77°F to 86°F (25°C-30°C) throughout the year, dipping in the waters off the Maldives would not be a problem.
Home to a diverse array of fish and other exotic marine life, it is well known that the Maldives provides one of the best marine life experiences compared to other travel destinations. Located below Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean, these stunning islands will have a panoramic view of the azure seabed all around you.
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How Safe Is Swimming In The Maldives?
Swimming in the Maldives waters is generally considered to be safe. You can usually walk on the seabed for about 20 metres – where most islands have shallow waters around them. Apart from extreme water excursions, you can always go for a casual swim in the warm water that will relax your body immediately.
These splendid islands are slightly on and above the equator so you will be dipping into nice, warm water with the bright sun shining over you. The sea temperature around the Maldives averages around 86°F (28°C) and rarely drops below 77°F (28°C).
However, there have been reports of deaths from drowning during the northeastern monsoon season (between January to March) due to strong tidal currents. Following these incidents, tourist officials usually warn all resorts to closely monitor their guests to ensure their safety.
So don’t let the monsoon keep you from visiting these resplendent islands, but it is best to be cautious while sticking to the guidelines set out by the authorities.
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Are There Shark Attacks In Maldives?
There are at least 30 unique shark species in the Maldives; surprisingly, shark attacks are non-existent. They are very human-friendly and most tourists can even swim alongside Reef sharks!
You will mostly see Whale sharks, Black Tip Reef sharks, White Tip Reef sharks, Nurse sharks and Hammer Heads. The most common type of shark is the Blacktip Reef shark which lives in shallow waters feeding on small fish.
Most resorts in the Maldives do shark feeding (even have shark feeding shows every morning) that keep them well-fed and familiar to tourists, and it is extremely rare that they would directly attack humans.
Baby sharks are also very friendly but make sure to never pet them unless a professional is nearby – it’s always good to stay out of harm’s way.
What Kind Of Water Excursions Can Tourists Experience?
Tourists from around the world visit the Maldives annually to enjoy the warm sun, azure blue water and sandy shores. Apart from swimming in the clearest seawater on Earth, there are many more water-based activities to engage in in the Maldives.
Snorkelling
You can start this series of experiences with a snorkelling trip that is perfect for non-swimmers (Pro tip: you can get snorkelling lessons via professionally trained staff and the water isn’t too deep). Snorkelling will provide you with a panoramic view of the sea bed, incredible corals, reefs and marine life that inhabit the seabed.
Scuba Diving
The Maldives is also a premier scuba diving destination, so you can get first-hand experience to witness uncommon sea creatures like stingrays, reef sharks, sea turtles and dozens of starfish. If you are looking for calmer and clearer waters, visit from December to May.
Dolphin Watching
If you travel a little further into deeper waters, you will also have the chance to watch dolphins gracing the nearby waters. These islands are home to several species of dolphins and the best location to see them is the Meemu atoll – with chances as high as 85%, much higher than any other.
Jetskiing
Another activity for non-swimmers to get an adrenaline rush is Jetskiing. Visitors will get a small tutorial and will be advised to wear a lifejacket to ensure safety. Jetskiing is only allowed in designated areas in the presence of lifeguards.
Surfing
Visit the Maldives between May and October (during the northeast and southwest monsoons) to get the best surfing experience of your life. The best and largest concentration of surf breaks is located in the North Male atolls.
Paddle Boarding
This is a modern water-based activity in the Maldives and can be generally recommended for those who aren’t into surfing. With calm, shallow and crystal clear waters, you will witness colourful fish swimming amongst the coral reefs right beneath you.
Can Non-Swimmers Have A Good Time In The Maldives?
The Maldives is the perfect getaway for anyone that can or cannot swim! This Asian paradise confirms that fun and adventure have no limits and it certainly isn’t limited to your swimming skills.
Here are a few ways you can enjoy your vacation without getting into the Maldivian waters.
Sandbank Picnics & Tours
Sandbanks are small patches of land in the middle of the ocean where you can enjoy your privacy and the glorious Indian ocean surrounding you.
If you have the chance to snorkel around these sandbanks (in the shallow water) with a professional nearby, you can ask for a lifejacket so you can enjoy it without needing to know how to swim.
Fishing Trips with a View
Visitors can take boat trips into the deep sea at any time of the year and enjoy the vivid orange and pink sunset hues while catching different varieties of fish.
The Maldives has an abundance of fish and guests are usually offered three types of fishing – trophy fishing, fishing in the coral reefs and freshwater fishing.
You can even take fishing lessons and try out different types of fishing as guided by experts.
Culture and Culinary Experience
It wouldn’t be incorrect to call the Maldives the hub of Asia as it has its own deeply rooted culture as well as external influences from India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Arab-Persia, Indonesia and even Africa.
If you want to experience the land of the Maldives, be sure to meet with the warm and welcoming locals to get a glimpse into their culture. If you are a foodie, get excited to taste and savour the different unique cuisines offered.
Stunning Sceneries on a Dolphin Cruise
Who says you must be a swimmer to have the best experiences in the Maldives? The dolphin cruises are a visitor favourite, especially among couples and those travelling with kids.
These tours are best enjoyed right before sunset – so that you can take in the dramatic change in the sunset hues. Witness spinner dolphins, spotted dolphins and bottlenose dolphins among others.
Conclusion
The best part about the Maldives is that all the impressive photos and screensavers you have seen represent exactly what you will see and experience while visiting in real life.
You can explore the beautiful sandy beaches, swim among exotic marine life in shallow waters and experience the culture and culinary expressions of the archipelago.
Swimming in the stunning blue waters of the Maldives is generally considered to be safe and you are sure to collect a million memories to take back home.
