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

I just want to thank everyone's advice and love the occasional sarcasm. I should clarify that I can swim poorly in a pool…Do the Maldives have cultural attractions like town centres, temples or night markets?

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

  • +48

    Should you breed if you have no common sense?

    • +5
      • +5

        I didn't even need to click on this to understand the reference :)

        • Same. If anyone hasn't seen it, they really should not breed!

      • +2

        Welcome to Costco, I love you.

      • As a long time fan of this movie, I only recently read how the movie is filled with people wearing crocs because the costume designer thought they were so stupid looking that crocs the start up would fail… only for them to turn out as a huge market success lmao. so funny

    • +1

      Then there will be no members/threads in Ozb, Scotty won't be happy :)

    • Should you breed if you have no common sense?

      That's about 90% of Australians out of the gene pool then…

  • +23

    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.

    • +37

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

    • +8

      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!

    • +10

      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.

    • +1

      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)

    • +6

      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.

    • +1

      This. One of my friends went to Great Barrier Reef and did scuba diving, she couldn't swim, she just kept close to the instructor and had a good experience.

    • I understand what you're trying to say, but also highly disagree that you don't need to know how to swim.

      Scuba diving can be a very dangerous activity, and if you can't even swim or be comfortable in the water, I wouldn't recommend it at all. Also, to get your diving licence you need to be able to swim and float as at a minimum. You don't need to be the best swimmer, but you need to be decent enough. Source: Advanced PADI diver.

      I've been to the maldives before I could scuba and I felt like I was just missing out. I did some snorkeling which is fine too, but if you can't even swim you would struggle to snorkle too. I have seen a few people who just floated around with life jackets but again, not really the same and you can't see as much.

      All in all, you could go to the Maldives, but its literally an atoll with a thousand or so islands, with most of the activities being water based. If you're fine just lounging around on the beach and resorts, then you can do that too. You can also still go whale watching or checking out the manta rays but yes, you won't get as much out of it.

      Regarding town centres and markets, each island is fairly small, its not like a bustling island in each place. Perhaps better to go somewhere else.

    • Do any of the people shocked by this scuba dive. Of course you can Scuba when can't swim. A discover dive is the equivalent of tandem skydiving. A water phobia would be different though. Can you swim in dive gear, nope. Should you at any point ditch your dive gear, nope. And I find it impossible to be stressed by anything underwater, even my shark phobia.

  • +12

    subversive water activities

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

  • +17

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

  • +20

    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.

    • -1

      I struggle to believe adults cant swim these days..

      • +10

        It's an Australian thing, nationalised swimming lessons from birth. Other countries, swimming is treated as optional.

        • +1

          Swimming lessons are optional here, my kids have all done them but they have been organised and paid by me.

          I grew up in the UK where we would have weekly lessons at school if it had a pool or we were taken to the closest pool.

          • @onetwothreefour: All NSW kids get swimming lesson vouchers these days: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/firstlap
            Prior to 2020 it was close to universal in public schools, not sure about private. In about year 5 or 6 there would be a 2 week block where you went to the pool for an hour each day.

            • +1

              @mskeggs: Your first point is untrue: First Lap Voucher Expiry - First Lap vouchers expired on 30 June 2024.

              It was a brief chapter of history post-covid, where your kids needed to be a certain age at the period of time.

              As for how common it is in schools, I can't speak to that.

              • @JakeyJooJoo: Ta, I should have read more closely, that program has finished.

      • +3

        Lots of news reports on tourists drowning. If you've grown up in some big Asian city, swimming is a totally optional activity that many people never engage in. If you're from some other parts of the world then swimming pools are rare and natural water sources are too polluted to go into.

        Nationalised swimming is a very Australian thing, as is dousing yourself in sunscreen (ask any Brit).

  • +7

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

    • +13

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

    • +9

      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.

      • +2

        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.

        • +18

          You have to recognise this is coming from a very Australian mindset. There really are places where swimming is not an issue, and the vast majority of people never learn. There are also places that don't even have easy access to swimming pools.

      • +3

        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.

        Yep. I realise that but, every year people drown that can't swim. People that can't swim drown trying to save their children that can't swim. I rock fished for 20 years and mates and I pulled in a number people rock fishing that couldn't swim. We saved a dad and his two sons at Avoca Beach. The dad panicked and we had a hellava job. Luckily we were board riders and strong swimmers.

        People should learn to swim. It may save their life one day.

        I grew up 7 minutes walk from South Curl Curl beach.

        • +2

          The lore behind the name

          • +1

            @SpainKing:

            The lore behind the name

            Yep. You got it.

            Christmas high tides were the best. Mates and I used to hold on the the safety chain and let go as the huge swells took us diagonally across the pool.

            We were forbidden to do that by our mothers.

    • +2

      I can't swim. My family was just never into swimming, we didn't have a pool, we didn't go to aquatic centres, we didn't go to the beach. Im nearly 40 and I would say it has never really been a problem, hardly ever go to the beach and if I do I simply stay between the flags and don't go too deep because I know my limitations (i.e. I cant swim). I have a kid now and we will teach him to swim but personally I have never seen the need or encountered a time where I needed it.

      • +1

        I have a kid now and we will teach him to swim but personally I have never seen the need or encountered a time where I needed it.

        Not having a shot mate but, as I said above, People that can't swim drown trying to save their children that can't swim.

        You don't want to be that person.

        The National Drowning Report 2023 has been released and analyses fatal drownings across Australia between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023. During this time, 281 people lost their lives to drowning and many more were affected by non-fatal drowning injuries.

        • Awesome reply and that's a really logical and scary notion about parents drowning attempting to save their kids. The other angle to consider is that when someone is drowning, they often cling onto anyone and everyone (including kids) to try and save themselves, thereby putting their kids or others at risk. You can see this phenomenon in Bondi Rescue where people drowning will frantically grab onto the lifesavers who are trying to save them and almost cause them to drown too in the rescue process.

          @Nebargains - you're never too old to learn to swim mate. Imagine the amazing fun you'll have with your kids if you learnt to swim and could take them to the beach and frolic in the water with them with confidence. When you take your kids for swimming lessons, why don't you take one of the instructors aside and ask them to help you (paid obviously)?

          • @gyrex:

            Awesome reply and that's a really logical and scary notion about parents drowning attempting to save their kids.

            An update with drownings.

            The National Drowning Report 2024, published by the Royal Life Saving – Australia in partnership with Surf Life Saving Australia, found there were 323 drowning deaths over the past 12 months, 14 per cent higher than last year

  • +4

    subversive water activities and I could not participate

    Very rebel of you.

  • +14

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

  • +11

    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.

    • +7

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

      • +1

        cringey employee training rap videos circa early 90’s

        🕺

    • +8

      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

  • +2

    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.

      • +1

        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.

  • +3

    You can build sand castles.

  • +2

    Are you taking the cat with you?

  • -1

    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.

    • +8

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

      source: 3+ years of adult swimming lessons

      • -1

        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?

        • +7

          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.

          • @Nugget234669: Used to know an older woman called 'Coral', she liked taking young soldiers who were on course home from the local pub. There was a rhyme made up about her name "Coral gives………" damn, wish I could remember how the rest of that goes.

        • I'm comfortable enough in the water to do outrigger or surfski, but I can't backfloat for shit after years of swimming lessons. I also get cold really fast in ocean water- I just don't have enough bodyfat.

          Not everyone is built for swimming in the ocean.

          • -1

            @rumblytangara: Couldn't you get a vest that increases your buoyancy by a certain amount to make it easier? It won't look out of place, a small floatation vest, and there's little chance of it falling off. I don't understand why something I find so easy can be so hard for some of you when I'm terrible at everything. You mustn't be trying hard enough, or staying tense instead of loosening up and adjusting your sense of gravity or whatever to the water.

            Look at what this guy says about body position https://old.reddit.com/r/Swimming/comments/4t0d0z/does_being…
            You just adjust your body to the water. At a certain angle your head would dip underwater, but at other positions your head can stay above water with just very slight movements and certain positions. I don't think I believe that some people are so thin that that they just sink like a stone when trying to do the same thing. You sink like a stone because you don't know how to position and move your body, because you don't know how to swim.

            • @AustriaBargain: Wetsuits make huge difference to buoyancy, but that's still a floatation aid. Without one I will tend to sink more than most people. You also can't wear them when doing some water-related sports because they trap too much heat or get in the way.

              I also lose heat really, really fast compared to other people because I'm basically bone and muscle. I've had radiologist reports say they can't read my scans because there's not enough fat.

              I don't understand why something I find so easy can be so hard for some of you when I'm terrible at everything.

              People are good at some things and crap at others. That's like me saying "I don't understand how people have trouble rockclimbing when I find it so easy, surely it's easy for everyone" or "what do you mean you can't do a dozen chinups without a month of training- that's so easy."

              • -1

                @rumblytangara: But think and weak people can swim, fat and weak people can swim, strong people can swim, people who are uncoordinated and clumsy can swim. It doesn't seem to take any special skill or ability to training.

                • @AustriaBargain: You seriously think that swimming doesn't take skill and training?

                  The strongest, fittest people I've ever met are Nepalese mountain guides. They're inhumanly capable. Every single one of them would drown if you tossed them into the ocean fifty metres out from the shore.

                  Look, I can see that you're having trouble with this concept, but I'd suggest this is totally on you- you're not able to see from anything besides your own perspective. Which is okay, I guess, but you can't insist that it's a Universal Truth.

                  I could probably learn to swim a lot better if I took lessons again as an adult, but it wouldn't do anything about me going hypothermic without a wetsuit even in a summertime ocean- I'm just not built for it. I know this because I have oceangoing outrigger experience, which isn't the smartest sport for someone with my physiology.

                  • -1

                    @rumblytangara: No I understand that people from landlocked mountainous regions, or people that just never swam, not learning how to swim so they don't know how. I just don't understand what's so hard about it. They really can't learn to tread water or doggy paddle even with multiple professional lessons, they will still just sink under the water when you teleport them into water more than 7 feet deep?

                  • -1

                    @rumblytangara: Put them strong mountain men you admire so much into a pool as babies and they will swim just fine. Those mountain men aren't incapable of swimming, it's not impossible for them to learn.

                    • @AustriaBargain: You've been saying essentially the same thing for the past several posts.

                      As have I.

                      This conversation is just going round in circles.

      • +2

        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.

          • +1

            @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.

            • @morse: Agreed. My wife is a way better swimmer than me, bronze medalion level and all that. Compared to myself, I think I only passed level 5 in swimming lessons but can each swim decently. I'm probably a better diver than my wife partly experience, but also because I'm more chilled and panick less in the deep water.

    • +2

      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.

  • +2

    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

  • +3

    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.

    • +4

      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.

  • +5

    No! Maldives is NOT cheapcheapverycheap

  • +3

    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.

  • +3

    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?

  • +3

    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

      What about making babies?

    • Very similar experience, we spent a majority of our time in the water. Its an expensive place to sit around all day.
      A lot of places have packages with food and drink included but do you want to pay that such to eat and drink on the beach when there are so many beautiful places to do that for a fraction of the cost?

      In terms of markets or places to visit, if you want to go anywhere else you'll need an expensive boat or plane ride.
      Most resorts will have an activities brochure to look at. But an ongoing joke for us was everything being "plus plus" due to the two markings indicating the hefty extra taxes on top of the already high USD prices.

  • +3

    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.

  • +2

    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!!

  • +2

    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 …

  • +2

    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

    • -1

      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

    • mostly fear and physically poor swimmer. I once went into the water at the reef in diving suit and only to give up as my heart was about to jump out of my chest. :(

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