Magnificent Snorkelling in Kuramathi island Maldives!
I had snorkelling at least 6 hours a day during 10 days enjoying the magnificent marine creatures(small and big stuff,regenerating corals) of this veritable wonder of nature.
I was only! bitten 4 times by a Titan Triggerfish,which has done it because of the fish feeding or perhaps I was too close of its nest?In Maldives ,the snorkelling is amazing and for me,who cannot no more dive because of my ears,I have found there a kind of Paradise.My last snorkelling in Bali,Lombok,Samoa,Vanuatu,even Fiji were finally average in comparison with done there!I have seen there big stuff like sharks,stingrays,humphead wrasses,trevallies...I'm only sorry about I haven't seen any turtle!(this time!).
The El Nino in 1998 raised suddenly the temperatures around Maldives atolls by as much five degrees Celsius and the corals expelled then their algae which feed them and died;as up to 90% of the Maldivian corals have been least and are bleached BUT fortunately the local reef is on the way to regeneration.
The best spot of snorkelling on Kuramathi island is between the Waterbungalows 250 to 280:we were lucky to be in the 255!Under its stairs lies a gentle moray but the water there is a little cloudy and it houses also a Guineafowl pufferfish.
As usual,early morning and at dusk are the best times for snorkelling.
There are 7 channels through the house reef providing a snorkelling even at low tide,but be cautious and hold your stomach in!I didn't meet there stong currents but occasional ones exist!
I had despite our light luggage(only one hand luggage each) my own mask,snorkel,fins,toothpaste as antimist,and as camera a light(150 g without its battery) Canon Ixus 850 IS with its housing,cautious I have brought also my Aquapac disposal!
To avoid sunburn and protect from minor scraps against the corals I had got a Lycra teeshirt and pants but next time,I'll bring also my socks and a wig!
According to a reliable French snorkeller,the 25 usd snorkelling safari is a waste of money!
I try to give the English name of the fishes,but there is great variation in the usage of English names:according to the book of Dr.
I have also the use of the excellent book of Gerald Allen,Roger Steene,Paul Human and Ned Deloach:Reef Fish Identification,Tropical Pacific.
I'll put LATER CAPTIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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