Shall I Visit The Maldives if I Cannot Swim or Snorkel?

I have previously been to a number of destinations that involve subversive water activities and I could not participate.

I saw this all-inclusive deal by Qantas to the Maldives but I fear it would not worth the trip if I cannot enjoy these activities - it looks like the water world to me.

What's your view? Shall I skip it for a drier destination?

Comments

  • +16

    Should you breed if you have no common sense?

  • +9

    You don't need to know how to swim to go scuba diving. But if that's of no-interest too, then you have your answer already.

    Maybe use the money to learn to swim at your local aquatic centre. It's never too late and no shame in it.

    • +9

      It would be very stressful to dive if you aren't already pretty comfortable in the water.

    • +1

      You don't need to know how to swim to go scuba diving

      Huh? Can you imagine how stressful that would be, with all that weight and gear in an environment you are not able to not kill yourself in by doggy paddling?

      Dude will have a heart attack!

    • +1

      Whilst technically true, in reality this is silly.

      Scuba is all about being comfortable and chill and keeping your heart rate and metabolism low to conserve oxygen and enjoy more dive time. Even just the entry into the water and the small waves hitting your face before you decend or whilst you wait on surface to get back on the boat would be very uncomfortable for someone unable to swim, and more than likely ruin your entire experience.

      Source: been scuba diving for decades, have my nitrox, adv, wreck spec etc etc.

    • You don't need to know how to swim to go scuba diving. But if that's of no-interest too, then you have your answer already.

      I applaud your efforts to nudge along natural selection.

      (@OP I was joking, don't go scuba diving if you don't know how to swim)

    • +1

      You don't need to know how to swim to go scuba diving.

      wtf. No, do not even consider scuba diving if you can't swim… good grief.

  • +8

    subversive water activities

    That's illegal, so you shouldn't go anyway.

    • +1

      Water cannon?

      • +1

        Water sports?

        • +2

          Waterboarding
          .

        • Does Bora Bora have plumbing ?

  • +6

    Shall I Visit The Maldives if I Cannot Swim or Snorkel?
    yeah you can go and watch people swim or snorkel

  • +8

    Maybe it would be the incentive you need to begin swimming? It's a good skill to have and you don't have to be Olympic standard to have a good time in the water.

  • +4

    Interested to know why you haven't learnt to swim.

    • +5

      They are probably waiting on a better value deal for lessons. They aren't cheap for adults. ;-)

    • Not everyone was born in coastal cities and may have migrated here from landlocked countries where there was no need or ability to learn how to swim.

      Simple as that really.

      • +1

        You only need to swim if there's an ocean?

        Swimming is a basic skill that's at worst handy to have, and at best life-saving.

  • +4

    subversive water activities and I could not participate

    Very rebel of you.

  • +10

    You might as well watch a documentary on the Maldives and go to your local buffet.

  • +7

    Shall I Visit The Maldives if I Cannot Swim or Snorkel?

    The activities below, don't require swimming or snorkelling.

    Underwater Walking: This activity allows you to walk on the ocean floor with a special helmet that provides air, letting you experience the underwater world without needing to swim.
    Kayaking: Paddle through the crystal-clear waters and enjoy the stunning views of the islands from a kayak.
    Beach Yoga: Many resorts offer beachside yoga sessions, which are a great way to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
    Island Hopping: Explore different islands, each with its unique charm and attractions.
    Sunset Cruises: Enjoy a romantic sunset cruise and take in the breathtaking views of the Maldivian sunset.
    Jet-Skiing: This thrilling activity doesn't require swimming skills and is a great way to explore the waters around the islands.

    • +3

      ChatJVT please rewrite this response in the form of those cringey employee training rap videos circa early 90’s

      • cringey employee training rap videos circa early 90’s

        🕺

    • +1

      JV with an actually useful first post in a thread? What is happening with the world?!

  • Shall I Visit The Maldives if I Cannot Swim or Snorkel?

    i hear the sharks there are very fast. not a place to learn how to swim

  • +1

    I can’t swim but Maldives is still on my bucket list

    • Impossible to believe you didn't have a parent chucking you in the deep end as a youth.

      • I was a very sickly child (or at least my parents would always say). If it wasn’t for school I’d probably say I spent most of my childhood at home.

  • +2

    You can build sand castles.

  • +2

    Are you taking the cat with you?

  • Why not just learn how to swim. It's not hard, you don't need to become the next Michael Phelps, you just need to be able to float (potentially for hours) and move. Floating is easy, bet a teacher could teach you that in five minutes. You could snorkel from the surface and still have fun, maybe only going down a meter or two for a moment, you don't need to be down there like Jacques Cousteau to have fun. Bring a waterproof Kindle with you and read a book in paradise while floating around.

    • +1

      Yeah, nah! It's not as simple for some folks.

      source: 3+ years of adult swimming lessons

      • So you just sink to the bottom when you get into water? Even with three years of lessons? You don't just sort of lean back and float, and then figure out how to stay floated, then start moving. Whats' so hard about it. Can you tread water?

        • +1

          Non-swimmer here. Happy to answer your empathetic questioning:

          1. Yes
          2. Can't speak for original responder, but I don't have time for lessons.
          3. No.
          4. Access to facilities, time and a decent instructor.
          5. No.

          I did snorkel in Fiji once after practising in a pool for hours. It was magical. Coral is sharp.

      • +1

        User name checks out

        I do believe this. Some people just aren’t as buoyant or coordinated in the water. However I think most people can get to the point where they’d be able to participate in water activities like snorkeling or wading in calm water. For OP I think it depends if they’ll actually enjoy it or not.

        • It's not so much about buoyancy - we're all pretty similar in makeup. It's about panic and its often self sabotaging reflexes. Being immersed in something that can kill you if you don't know how to commandeer yourself properly in it is understandably frightening regardless the fact that our rational brain tells us it's a common skill. This idea of "just learn to swim" when you're scared of the water is a bit like "just get over it" when you're depressed.

          • @fantombloo: I think it can be both. I’ve always had a reasonable layer of subcutaneous fat even with a low BMI, and I float like a dream. My husband on the other hand is pretty sinky. But yes definitely fear and confidence is a big part of it. My kid is only little and still learning and it doesn’t come as naturally to him as other kids, when I’m watching him it’s a coordination/body awareness thing. I also think getting that confidence as a kid is key. It’s much harder to learn as an adult.

    • +1

      Why not just learn how to swim. It's not hard

      Floating is easy

      Learning to swim as an adult is not as easy as you may think, especially when your ability to swim is as natural as breathing you can't really judge others.

  • try with a life jacket. i went to maldives and aint a strong swimm.er they provided life jackets and i was able to snorkel in shadow water fine

  • +1

    Depends if you just cant swim but are ok in the water, or you freak out in the water.

    As mentioned they will give you life jackets, there are some places you can get a lilo or board to float on. You wont drown. But if staring down to the depths will freak you out, then thats not a great choice

    Plenty of people just sit around the pool and drink.

    there are other water sports, kayaking, sailing etc.

    Its not a place I would chose to go if you dont like the water; may as well go to Fiji and get much the same experience for cheaper and a shorter flight.

    • there are some places you can get a lilo or board to float on.

      OP, if you can't swim do not go in deep water without a life jacket.

      Board or lilo is not safe. Life Jacket.

  • +3

    No! Maldives is NOT cheapcheapverycheap

  • +2

    i'm a rubbish swimmer (i'm the type of person who likes to be able to touch the sand/ground at the beach)… but I enjoy snorkelling. The flippers will help you float a little and the snorkel means you can breath to your hearts content. Once you get the hang of it, you won't need to worry about drowning. Sometimes wetsuits can help with a bit of buoyancy; however, it sounds like life vests are an option in the maldives. I'd say go for it with the life vest, you can also practice in the shallows without the vest and get your confidence/skills up. Go with a friend, you'll find something new to enjoy. it'll open up a whole new activity… lots of great places to snorkel in Australia and overseas.

  • +1

    Plenty of better value places to visit that have many more things to do that aren't water related.

  • +1

    Are you taking your cat with you?

  • Having visited the Maldives twice and visited 5 islands… No. You'll be stuck on an incredibly beautiful but incredibly small island with not much to do. My wife and I spent almost every waking moment in the water and there wasn't much else to do on land apart from drinking and eating.

  • +1

    Should I go to the Maldives? (obligation/advice, e.g., ought I go, must I go?)

    Shall I go to the Maldives? (Intention, preference, e.g., willI I go? I might go)

    You're welcome.

  • -1

    I hear the alcohol is really great there as locals leave it all to you.

  • I saw this all-inclusive deal by Qantas to the Maldives

    Bargains don't have to dictate every decision, especially holidays

    What do you want to get out of travelling?

  • +1

    Learning to swim is like learning to drive. Things U should know how to do when it's the right age!!

  • +1

    Theres other activities you just have to do your research. Some people on holidays just relax and dont need a full itinerary.

  • Shall I take a tour of a peanut factory if I'm deathly allergic to peanuts?
    Sorry, just taking the piss. Your title cracks me up.

  • +1

    Most activities will provide a life vest. Go have fun.

  • Book the holiday, do some swimming lessons before you leave. It's kinda like driving a manual car, looks terrifying and difficult when you first start, but once you get the hang of it you don't even think about it.

  • Australia is an island, every international destination requires travelling across water.

    There’s a lesson here …

  • Enough about swimming. The Maldives, for me, is up with the worst destinations anywhere. I’m astonished at their popularity, though it may be because of the ‘insta images’ of idyllic huts on pontoons. Their ‘captive audience’ prices, their attitude to booze, but particularly their attitude to rubbish. Not on the tourist trails, they have entire islands deep in rubbish that is not degrading this century. There are far better places to go.

    • When did you go and how much did you pay

  • Need more details

    Is it physically can't or just fear

    What about if you wore life vest

    • Yeah that is the question you need to answer.
      If you are not terrified of the deep water and can enjoy snorkeling and swimming with a life jacket, then go for it.
      I took my mum there a few years ago.. she is not a swimmer and wouldn’t go where she can stand even with a life jacket.. she still had a blast just chilling close to shore with all the colourful sea life around her.
      Do a few swimming lessons as well before you go.

      • ya they need to include more details otherwise can't really comment

  • How I learnt to swim and a child and how I taunt my adult partner to swim.

    • Buy a wetsuit.
    • Get in the water and mess about, the wetsuit will make you much more boyant and you will build a lot more confidance.
    • After 10-20 hours time in the water in a wetsuit, take it off, you'll be fine to float and tread water.

    As long as you have air in your lungs it is incredibly hard to sink, think of blowing up a balloon and trying to push it under water.

    • As long as you have air in your lungs it is incredibly hard to sink

      negative

  • It’s astonishing that some adults don’t know how to swim and simply accept it.

    Get some swimming lessons and learn - you don’t have to be an expert to stay safe in the water.

  • Maldives is incredible, especially if you go to a top class resort.

    My main memories are breakfast buffets on the beach that last all day, boat rides, sitting on the balcony of the over water bungalow looking out into paradise, walking along the beach, yes a little bit of swimming and snorkeling but far from the main part. It's paradise on earth.

  • Should I go to the Antarctic if I don't like the cold? I went to the Artic before and didn't like it, too much ice.

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