Welcome Back: Today's Episode of the Day in the Life of Valerie
Here I am swimming with nurse sharks in the largest Indian Ocean, in Maldives.
My trip (detailed below) consisted of shark swimming, sting ray petting, dolphin watching, jet skiing, paragliding, beaching, and fun tubbing within 2 nights. I stayed in the Arena Hotel with sea side view, half board. I booked this bespoke destination travel package through Tour Radar who I highlyy recommend.
In order to capture the picture with the nurse sharks using a drone, men threw food for the sharks around me to get into my shot.
The same with the sting rays. These animals are all protected in Maldives and therefore do not feel threatened by humans, they are fed everyday at the same times so they know that they do not need to exert energy to kill me in order to eat - I hope that puts some minds at rest.
Activity Prices:
Shark swimming 🦈 , Sting-Ray petting, Private beach 🏝️ and Dolphin watching 🐬 - Package
For $70 you can see all three beautiful sea creatures
Jet skiing, paragliding, kayaking and fun tubbing - Package 🚣♀️
For $90 you can do four water activities for 15 minutes each.
You can also surf board, hire a bike, get a package, and other activities.
Interesting facts:
1) Maafushi Island, Maldives island where I stayed has 3 mosques 🕌 , 1 school 🏫, 1 hospital 🏥 and 1 prison.
2) You cannot purchase alcohol on local islands (unless you pay for a resort or island hut).
3) You must cover all shoulders and knees when on public beaches in most areas.
4) Maldives is only 1.5 hours away from Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 so you could make a tour to save flight costs of returning 🛫
Here is my guide - you can check out his dancing on a tiny 100m long island in my Instagram highlights.
My Itinerary - downloadable below
What you need to know:
Currency
- Dollar $
- Euro €
Religion
- Muslim
Languages
- Dhivehi
- English
Foods
- Variety
Customs
- No alcohol sold unless in a private resort.
- Cover shoulders and knees on beaches.
Charger point
- AU (UK - G)
Population:
- 700,000
These a nurse sharks and we had to keep our arms beside us incase we got caught on their teeth 😓