A quick word of advice: Do not scream like a banshee as if you were in the movie Jaws should a shark swim by you at arm's length.
If you ever find yourself on holiday in the Maldives, that is.
There are more than 20 species of shark living around the tropical islands and very few of them pose any danger to humans. Locals and tourists alike love feeding the sharks so they are even less likely to attack people.
Another word of advice: Do not look surprised, or disgusted even, when someone spits into their snorkelling mask and rinses it out with sea water. It is a handy trick to keep your mask from fogging up. You may soon find yourself heartily spitting into your mask just like the locals.
Ah, the Maldives, those sparkling gems of the Indian Ocean. They are ringed by pristine, soft sandy beaches, clear tranquil waters, and more.
Here's the good news. Even if you only splash about now and again in a chlorine-choked public pool, you can still become a competent enough diver or snorkelling champ. Most Maldives resorts provide a range of equipment from boards and flippers to scuba tanks. They also provide training courses from basic to advanced in a safe and monitored environment.