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For many, the Maldives is a place to unwind, take things slow, and let the mood dictate their lives for a change. For others, the endless possibilities of water sports in the Maldives bring forth a sense of excitement and thrill that very few places in the world can deliver.
Admittedly, accidents do happen in the Maldives. Even though they are rare, some can be avoided if travelers take extra precautions when indulging in both over and underwater sports.
Therefore, it is vital to keep in mind the following safety tips for water sports in the Maldives. These suggestions are valid for all swimmers, be it a beginner or an expert. In the end, spending a few minutes safeguarding yourself is the difference between a forgetful and memorable vacation.
Take out an insurance
Travel insurance is a necessity nowadays and a COVID requirement for visiting the Maldives. If you plan to be super active while on the islands, check that your insurance policy covers injuries that may arise due to water sports.
While operators take all required precautions, things can and do go wrong. The Maldives has excellent medical facilities, but you might have to travel by boat or seaplane to reach a hospital, which in itself can be expensive. Thus, it is worth paying a higher premium so that any transportation and hospital stays are also included in the insurance policy.
Pack the right clothing
When we think about heading to a tropical paradise, our focus is on packing our favorite bikinis, swimming trunks, and dresses that will add a dash of color to our photographs. However, for water sports, clothing needs to also act as a protective shield.
Even though the Maldives is known for its powdery white sandy beaches, carry water shoes, especially if you will be snorkeling around reefs, which can have sharp corals or fish that sometimes nibble on toes.
Now, bikinis are excellent for a swim in the resort’s pool or a photo session. But if you plan to snorkel for long in the open seas, pack a wetsuit that will help avoid sunburn and give an extra layer of protection.
Don’t hide information
Some of the water sports in the Maldives require that you sign a disclosure form. This includes informing the tour operator about any medical conditions. Even if you feel perfectly fine, it is still necessary to reveal any previous or ongoing ailments you might have suffered.
Occasionally, you won’t be allowed to partake in an activity because of your medical history. But please remember, this is for your own safety. Moreover, if you do not reveal medical details, and something happens, your insurance might not cover the resulting medical costs.
Wear your life jacket
The water around the Maldivian islands is typically calm. However, the ocean can be unpredictable. Currents can be deceptively strong, or fear of being in the open seas might get the best of a novice swimmer. Even if you are an excellent swimmer, wearing a life jacket during any water sports is of the utmost importance.
It might be a boat ride, paddle boarding, riding a jet ski, or a banana boat; life jackets have saved one too many lives not to be taken seriously. Tour operators and water taxis will have life jackets on their boats at all times. Even if not compulsory, you should still wear one for your own safety.
Life jackets are typically available in different sizes. However, when traveling with children, ask the resort if you can borrow smaller-sized life jackets for the duration of your stay. This way you can use them at any time without a worry.
Stay with your group
Whether you are wreck diving in the Maldives or kayaking in the open seas, always stay with your group. Once you are in the water, the enchantments of the natural surroundings can often make you drift away unknowingly.
However, distancing yourself from the group can make it difficult for others to reach you, should there be any kind of emergency. A special precaution of staying close to your instructor should be taken when diving along with a current and during blackwater diving.
Pay Attention
The Maldives is a favored water sport and diving destination because it offers diversity, unlike any other island archipelago. As a result, even if you are a professional diver and have indulged in water sports globally, the local rules, regulations, conditions, and practices might differ.
Therefore, you must pay attention to your tour operator before jumping into the water. Don’t hesitate to ask about any doubts you may have. In the water, it’s best to be safe than over-confident.
It is also vital that you follow fundamental diving and snorkeling rules like anywhere else in the world. This particularly involves not touching marine life with your hands. Also, be careful and do not step on corals. More importantly, do not remove any corals from their natural habitat for photos or any other reason.
Take care of the equipment
During your trip to the Maldives, there is no need to bring any water sports equipment from home since snorkel, dive, and surf gear can be rented with ease on most islands.
However, you must handle all equipment with care. Check to make sure it fits well and that you are comfortable using it. In the case of jet skis, kayaks, paddleboards, and the likes, have a thorough look at the equipment’s condition. Only use it if you are confident about it.
When out in the sea, use the water sports equipment as if it were your own. Remember, if mishandled, you might be required to pay for any damages. Basically, follow the same procedure you would when renting a car.
Carry sunscreen
We all relish the warmth of the sun on our bodies. Still, no matter where you are in the world, the sun can sometimes be devilish and spoil an entire vacation.
When having so much fun around the water in the Maldives, it is easy to forget about putting on sunscreen or a hat. This is likely to happen more so with children.
So, make it a habit to rub sunscreen before leaving your room every morning, even if it’s just breakfast you are going out for. Also, carry a bottle of sunscreen with you at all times, and keep applying it at regular intervals to avoid getting sunburnt.
Pack a waterproof bag
There are a few essential items to keep in mind when jotting down a packing list for the Maldives. Among them is a waterproof bag, even if you plan to spend most of your time on an island resort.
Having a waterproof bag handy means you can carry a few valuables to the beach and not worry about them getting wet if a wave suddenly comes over. This is more important when at a resort where we sometimes take things for granted.
Moreover, you will eventually sit in a boat, whether to travel between islands or during a day trip. Keeping your electronics in a waterproof bag gives that extra bit of security if they were to fall overboard.
Don’t forget your camera
No ordinary camera will do. When you plan a once-in-a-lifetime holiday in the Maldives, it’s worth investing in an underwater camera. Preferably an action camera so you can take photos while snorkeling, kayaking in the ocean, coming down slides from your water bungalow, and while running around on the beach.
Photography enthusiasts should also look into bringing a mirrorless or DSLR camera. The scenes on land are as spectacular as they are below water. Admittedly, sunsets and seascapes in the Maldives do half your work by being so beautiful. But with a good camera in hand, and it can be a mobile camera too, you are guaranteed stunning photographs to make your friends, family, and Instagram followers just a tiny bit jealous.
