Dangers in the Maldives: what you need to know before traveling

If you find it difficult to quickly adapt to new conditions, it is better to study all the exciting moments in advance. This also applies to the list of possible dangers in the Maldives. Especially when you go to the islands for the first time. It is worth familiarizing yourself with unpleasant situations that, of course, will not happen to you. It is in any case better to be prepared for the worse.

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Natural hazards of the Maldives

The main share of hazards in the Maldives are natural factors. Namely

• The underwater world, after which the vast majority of tourists fly to tropical islands.
• Scorching sun. The tropical climate can ruin a holiday for several days if protection rules are not followed.
• Rapidly changing current. Snorkeling or diving for beginners without the participation of an instructor should not even be considered.
• Coconut palms. The height of 20-30 meters turns the nut into a dangerous weapon.

Let us consider some natural risks in more detail.

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Dangers of the Maldives underwater world

The unique underwater ecosystem of the Maldives is mesmerizing with its beauty and diversity. Needless to say, special attention should be paid to the study of the ocean fauna here. It is not in vain that snorkeling and diving in the Maldives is the first on the list of the main entertainment. Coral reefs are home to over 2,000 marine species, from brightly colored small fish to reef sharks. Not all inhabitants of tropical waters are safe for humans. Be sure to research the information about the inhabitants of the Maldivian reefs in advance.

What and who should be avoided while snorkeling underwater

Corals. Stepping on corals with bare feet, or trying to break off a piece out of curiosity, you will not only harm the reef, but most likely yourself. The fact is that the edges of coral polyps are quite sharp, and the cuts they leave do not heal quickly or even with subsequent infection.

Sea urchins. They are like a fragile underwater flower. When pricked, the edge of a sea urchin thorn can remain in the body, as they break very easily.

Poisonous fish. Close contact with some fish species can cause serious health consequences. Especially the deceptive lionfish and stonefish should be avoided, which camouflages well at the bottom. Their spines release poison that can cause paralysis.

Trigger fish. Peaceful fish that becomes aggressive during the spawning season. If you inadvertently approach her nest, quite powerful and sharp teeth can be used. They are not poisonous, but the wounds will be painful.

Moray eels and stingrays. Special species, which you can meet completely unexpectedly for yourself and for them. Harmless animals are protected only in case of danger. But the thing is that moray eels can be overlooked among corals and stones and caught by accident. Like the stingray, which buries itself in the sand.

Sharks. Most often during snorkeling you can see reef or coral shark. Like all other shark species in the Maldives, they are completely harmless. The main thing is not to persistently impose your company on them.

How to protect yourself from dangers on the reef

• Do not touch anything with your hands - the first and golden rule.
• Maintain a distance of at least 1.5 meters from fish species unknown to you.
• Use special footwear in the water to protect against cuts.
• Do not go on night snorkeling without a guide.

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Maldivian sun

During a seaside holiday, you always need to take care of unaccustomed and unburned skin. And being in tropical latitudes and even more so. While on holiday in the Maldives, creams with a high degree of protection will be more effective. Moreover, it is better to purchase them in advance. After all, you can get hateful burns pretty quickly while you are looking for a store.

How to better protect yourself from the sun in the Maldives

• Always wear a hat and keep a bottle of drinking water with you to avoid heatstroke.
• In the first days of rest, it is better to be in clothes, wear T-shirts or long-sleeved shirts. It is better to swim in them while snorkeling.
• Even in clothes at the beginning of your holiday, you should not be in the open sun for more than 20 minutes.
• Remember to apply sunscreen to the most delicate areas of your skin. For example, ears or ankles that are constantly in direct sunlight.
• If, nevertheless, it was not possible to avoid skin redness, use special healing agents like panthenol on the burns.

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Natural hazards of the Maldives on land

Insects. You will not find dangerous wild animals or reptiles on the islands. There are not even dogs in the Maldives, as their maintenance is prohibited by law. Local residents can keep livestock and birds. Therefore, there is no cause for concern for tourists on land. The only thing that should be foreseen is antihistamines, in case of preventing an allergic reaction to insect bites. Mosquitoes increase the risk of contracting infectious diseases. At resorts, they are actively fighting with them, but on local islands there are more chances of getting a bite. The repellents in your backpack will definitely not be superfluous.

Coconuts. Falling coconut from a height of about 30 meters is a rather serious danger. Coconut palms in the Maldives are like sustenance. There are many of them and they are everywhere. It is not surprising that the highest death rate in the Maldives is precisely the death from falling on the head of a coconut. In the resorts, the ripening of the nuts is closely monitored and they are cut off on time. But you should still be careful when looking for shady coolness.

Asad Photo Maldives

Reef currents in the Maldives

The ocean current in the Maldives is associated with monsoon winds, as well as the period of ebb and flow. As a rule, there are no strong currents inside the lagoon of the island. They become visible at the edge of the reef, where the turquoise water merges with the dark blue. The danger lies in the fact that a strong current can carry away into the open ocean. Although most often the water goes around the reef itself. The deeper the reef channel, the stronger the current.

There are a few rules to follow for safe sailing on the outside of the reef:

• Do not swim alone if you are a beginner.
• Do not swim alone in unfamiliar places.
• If you are planning to snorkel on the outside of the reef, notify someone in the surrounding area about your plans.
• If you feel the force of the current, do not try to go against it. You need to swim across, towards the nearest land, turning 90 degrees.
• Study the instructions carefully and heed the advice of the sea guide, even if snorkeling is not a new activity for you.

Kurumba Maldives

What else to fear in the Maldives

Infectious diseases. Different climate, different water, environment, and, accordingly, other diseases. Before traveling to any tropical country, including the Maldives, it is worth dealing with vaccinations. If any of the basic vaccinations on your medical record are missing, it's best to play it safe.

Robberies. They constitute minimal risks in the Maldives. A Muslim state with strict rules and laws has a negligible crime rate. This is especially true of the resort islands, which are always cherished for their reputation. To avoid unnecessary incidents, do not take all your fortune with you on vacation, use an electronic safe in your room and a bank card when paying for goods and services.

Penalties. Danger is not danger, but unpleasant impressions of the rest can remain precisely from problems with Maldivian laws. Remember that the local islands of the Maldives have their own rules for relaxing on the beaches and alcohol is prohibited. The fine can be paid even by trying to smuggle alcohol into the Maldives through customs. Also remember to keep receipts for souvenirs made from seashells, coral and turtle shells. Only if you have a purchase receipt, you will be able to get on your plane with them without spoiled mood and financial losses.