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

cheapcheapverycheap on 20/08/2024 - 17:48
Last edited 21/08/2024 - 10:45 by 1 other user
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?

Travel Asia Maldives

Comments

      • Poor Ass on 21/08/2024 - 10:54

        Personally I am also not a strong swimming and I've snorkelled many places and I can say that there are some places so shallow you can stand on the ground and feel safe while you can also float and see the sea life and corals. Just don't go too out and don't take those boats that take you out, stay near shore.

        normally the areas have little to no waves so I think you can get away with life vest even if you are not strong swimming

        all the best.. how much is the trip and how long?

      • Save 50 Cent on 21/08/2024 - 10:55
        -1

        Then either overcome that fear or don’t go.
        Perhaps try doing it with just swimmers on and snorkeling gear with a life jacket. If you still can’t do it, then don’t bother spending thousands in the maldives and go somewhere else. There are plenty of other things to do in the world.

  • Kegsta on 21/08/2024 - 09:35
    -1

    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.

    • Poor Ass on 21/08/2024 - 10:01
      +1

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

      negative

  • trapper on 21/08/2024 - 10:02

    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.

  • hopper on 21/08/2024 - 10:03

    https://tenor.com/bkH80.gif

  • isthisreallife22 on 21/08/2024 - 10:07
    +2

    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.

    • eek on 21/08/2024 - 10:41
      +2

      Dive off the over-water bungalow, swim underneath and wave at your wife through the glass floor. Things that the OP won't be able to do.

      • isthisreallife22 on 21/08/2024 - 10:43

        Yeah but you only do it once or twice in the whole trip. I dont think not doing that would detract from it too much. You might even be able to request a bungalow that is in shallow water if you just want to wade around.

        (Does OP have a wife btw?)

        • eek on 21/08/2024 - 10:53

          Possibly, get a bungalow closer to shore - or OP could dive in with one of those floating rescue rings on a rope and tie it to the bungalow. In saying so, I found there was maybe 2m difference between high and low tide at the bungalow we stayed at. Either way, 100% agree it's paradise!! Wife has been nagging to go again.

  • OzzyOzbourne on 21/08/2024 - 10:12
    +3

    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.

    • isthisreallife22 on 21/08/2024 - 10:43

      I hate the cold but still occasionally travel to extremely cold places for the adventure.

  • petestrash on 21/08/2024 - 12:29
    +1

    Without mentioning the deal and hotel, I'm assuming it's one of the island resorts, and not a hotel in the capital Male.

    Perhaps you could mention the deal, so you can get more accurate feedback, not just on swimming but the deal itself.

    Don't forget once you are on an Island resort you can only eat at the resort restaurants, and they are not cheap.

    For the Maldives I would suggest including full board or half board in your booking to take the pain out of paying as you go.

    Drinks packages may also be worthwhile if you plan to drink a bit.

    All the island resorts require either a boat transfer or a seaplane, or sometimes both.

    Doe the deal include transfers?

    Depending on the resort, this requires transferring from the boat/plane either to a wharf or onto a beach, are you comfortable with that?

    As others have mentioned it's never too late to learn how to swim, and you'd be much more comfortable around water if you did some lessons before you left.

    That said how comfortable are you floating on the water with a lifejacket on? Most resort beaches are fairly sheltered behind a coral reef and have minimal currents.

    I have seen plenty of non-swimmers go snorkelling with a lifejacket on. But none of the beaches have lifeguards, so I'd only suggest doing this if you were with a swimmer who could help if you get into trouble.

    The Maldives resorts are islands, and generally there is nothing other than the resort on the island.

    The size of the islands and non-water activities very considerably between them. This should factor into your decision.

    Resorts usually offer various boating trips in small boats, like fishing and sunset cruises/dinners etc.

    Islands close to Male usually offer boat trips to Male if you wanted to walk around a city to visit a Mosque or shops. The shuttle prices charged by the resorts are very high. If you can book a one way trip, you can find a much cheaper return by negotiating with one of the local boat owners.

    Some resorts are close to non-resort islands and offer day trips to visit the locals.

    If your happy just relaxing and generally having good food, without leaving the resort, then enjoy your holiday without swimming.

  • jakt70 on 21/08/2024 - 13:36

    It would have to be a damn good deal to forgo everything the location is known for. I'd save my money and find a trip I could enjoy to the fullest.

  • 82norm on 21/08/2024 - 13:47
    +2

    Bring lots of sunscreen and UV protection. Sunburn is worse than drowning.

  • JimB on 21/08/2024 - 15:38
    +1

    I suggest you start practicing in the pool.

    I also find it easier to swim in the ocean than the pool due to salt water buoyancy

  • lonewolf on 21/08/2024 - 15:39

    I used to be able to swim when i was much smaller and where the country i was from had large pools but no-one liked the water so they were always empty. I came to australia and got put off by the crowds and sadly over time as i grew, i seemed to have forgotten how to swim or more importantly the technique to breathe while swimming.

    Anyway I have been to maldives and other water islands / countries. Snorkelling is fine as they will give you floaties or vests but more importantly i found scuba diving the best and the easiest to do if you cant swim, as you dont need to be worried about breathing plus the groups are smaller and you get to see a lot more while you are down there without running into other people.

  • Frederico Z on 21/08/2024 - 15:51

    Swimming is staying alive while in deeper water.

    Best to keep out of it, I reckon. There is something down there that wants to eat you.

  • FlyingMiffy on 21/08/2024 - 16:27

    If you panick in water, it might not be a good idea to go but snorkling with floatation aids and a life vest is quite common. Be aware though, you will be in open water and there wont be lifeguards everywhere.

    As someone else has already mentioned, buoyancy tends to be better in salt water so it will be easier than in a pool but dont rely on that as a guide.

    If you are travelling with others who are strong swimmers, that would help too. Ive taken the missus snorkling plenty of times and she would be turtle grade in swimming school speak…

  • archieduh on 21/08/2024 - 19:55

    If you can keep yourself afloat with a vest, i would say give it a go.
    At low tide you can "snorkel" in chest deep water in a protected area. You can also get transparent kayaks.

  • SteveD on 21/08/2024 - 21:39
    +3

    @cheapcheapverycheap: I am sorry to see lots of harsh comments for your question.

    I've visited the Maldives twice, and each time was a different experience. On my first trip, I immersed myself in deep-water scuba diving and snorkelling. But by my second visit, I wanted to experience more than water, one that allowed me to truly savour the natural beauty of the islands.

    During my second trip, I booked a sunset cruise and spent a relaxing evening watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean. While chatting with the captain, I discovered that you could rent smaller boats for a more private experience. He kindly gave me the contact details of some local boat owners, and I reached out to one of them to arrange a personal boat hire for the following evening.

    That night turned out to be incredible—just my family and I in the middle of the ocean, dolphins swimming by, and the serene beauty of the sunset. We were so taken with the experience that we decided to hire the boat every morning and evening for the next ten days. Each morning, we would pack breakfast and enjoy it in the middle of the ocean, while each evening, we savoured dinner under the stars. It was one of the most serene and unforgettable experiences of my life.

    During the day, we explored cultural tours and visited Maldivian villages, immersing ourselves in their rich traditions and way of life. We also indulged in a Maldivian culinary experience, savouring traditional dishes, and participated in cooking classes where local chefs taught us how to prepare authentic Maldivian cuisine.

    If you are into hiking like I am, you can embark on the Kuredu Island hike, the Kuramathi Island loop hike, or the Asian Rock hike. Afterward, unwind and rejuvenate at one of the excellent spas available in the area.

    There are several inhabited islands where you can camp overnight, and we took the opportunity to do so for a couple of nights. It was a fantastic experience, allowing us to enjoy the island all to ourselves.

    There is plenty of activities in the Maldives that don’t require getting your feet wet! 😊 😊 I found that I enjoyed my second trip more than my first.

  • McFly on 21/08/2024 - 23:04

    https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/maldives

    Exercise a high degree of caution in Maldives due to the risk of civil unrest and the threat of terrorism.

    • Gina Rinehart on 22/08/2024 - 12:30
      +1

      Most of western Europe has that rating these days.

  • brad1-8tsi on 22/08/2024 - 13:26

    subversive swimming is what all the terrorists do

  • Salternative on 22/08/2024 - 14:59

    Too much words mate, all you need is

    Want to go to maldives , cant swim, anything else thats good there for a non swimmer?

    • cheapcheapverycheap on 03/09/2024 - 11:25

      Too *many words.But I appreciate your encouragement for conciseness.

  • Commander Shepard on 22/08/2024 - 18:48

    Im an average swimmer especially now that I am getting older and have gained some weight.

    Go snorkling with a pool noodle or wear a life jacket.
    There is also plenty of other watersports available like kayaking etc.

  • liongalahad on 22/08/2024 - 22:14

    I'll let ChatGPT respond:

    The Maldives is renowned for its stunning overwater villas, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, making it a top destination for those who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and diving. However, if you’re not keen on water activities or are unable to fully participate in them, the Maldives might not offer as much in terms of alternative attractions.

    What You Should Know About the Maldives:

    1. Focus on Water Activities: The Maldives is predominantly about its marine life and water-based activities. Most of the experiences revolve around the ocean, whether it's snorkeling, diving, or simply lounging in an overwater villa.

    2. Limited Cultural Attractions: Unlike some other tropical destinations, the Maldives doesn't have much in the way of cultural attractions like town centers, temples, or night markets. The capital city, Malé, has a few sites such as the Grand Friday Mosque, the National Museum, and some local markets, but these are quite small and might not justify a trip by themselves.

    3. Resort-Centric Experience: The Maldives is also very much a resort-centric destination. Many people stay within their resort for the entire duration of their trip, which means limited opportunities to explore local culture or different environments.

    Should You Skip It?

    If you're primarily interested in cultural experiences, exploring towns, or enjoying dry-land activities, you might find the Maldives limiting. If you’re concerned about not being able to fully enjoy the primary attractions (water activities), you might consider a destination that offers a broader range of activities, both aquatic and non-aquatic.

    Alternative Destinations:
    - Bali: Offers a rich cultural experience with temples, vibrant markets, and stunning landscapes, in addition to beautiful beaches.
    - Thailand: Cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai are full of cultural attractions, night markets, and temples, while the islands offer beautiful beaches.
    - Italy (Amalfi Coast, Sicily, or Sardinia): Combines stunning coastal scenery with rich history, architecture, and culinary experiences.
    - Greece: Offers beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and vibrant nightlife, particularly in places like Santorini or Crete.

    Conclusion:
    If the allure of the Maldives for you is primarily the water-based activities, and you're not able to participate in them fully, it might be worth considering a destination that offers more diversity in terms of things to see and do.

  • tonka on 23/08/2024 - 20:59

    People go on holidays to eat and drink and judge service staff . Swimming is just an excuse.

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