Spinner and bottlenose dolphins are commonly spotted at sea during the dolphin cruise and from the resort. May. For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. There are seven sea turtle species in the world, and five of them can be spotted in the Maldives. November and December present better weather chances and clearer water visibility for snorkeling and diving. Five of the seven species of sea turtles in the world can be found in The Maldives, and there are two species that are seen far more frequently than the others the Green Sea Turtle and the Hawksbill Turtle. WebBest Times To Visit Maldives The best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April. Republic Day, which occurs in November, celebrates the establishment of the Republic of Maldives in 1968. For Maldivians, Independence Day is one of the most important days of the year. Maafushivaru is a great place to see sea turtles and there are many spots across the island where they love to hang out. Warm clear seas, tropical vistas and utter luxury: say hello to anoverwaterbungalow or villa vacation in 2023. The Maldives is a Muslim country with laws and rules that differ from the Western world. Learn more. The act of egg collection on many turtle nesting beaches poses a grave threat and is one of the many reasons why turtles are listed as endangered. They are definitely one of our favourite marine animals to spot on underwater adventures in The Maldives. You can expect lots of sunny, warm days with little rain and a nice sea breeze when you visit Maldives at the right time of year. A threat to these ecosystems can make all life vulnerable. The Maldives is home to some of the worlds best snorkelling and scuba diving spots, so take some time to explore its underwater beauty. After hatching, baby turtles must crawl as fast as they can to the water and avoid a multitude of predators. +11. Youll see a rainbow of tropical fish, sea turtles, and manta rays, over 3,000 coral reefs, and unique formations under the seas around Maldives. You can watch local fisherman bring their bountiful catches ashore and enjoy the unique Maldivian flavors added to make memorable dishes. Check out the beautiful turtle spotted on Komandoo island in the video below: Another place where you can snorkel with turtles in the Maldives is on Athuruga island. January. Backpackers looking for a lively atmosphere will find it on Bikini Beach, with booze boats and floating bars just off shore if you insist on a drink (note: alcohol is prohibited on all public islands). While they have natural predators, humans are to be blamed the most; be it being hunted for meat, eggs or shells, traded as pets, getting entangled in fishing gear or losing natural habitats, turtles in the Maldives face a tough road to survival. If youre looking for somewhere to see turtles in the Maldives then youre in the right place. Web45 reviews. Since the Maldives is a Muslim country, Ramadan is an extremely significant holiday. According to Skyscanner.com, flights from Miami, New York City and Chicago are cheapest in February. A threat to these ecosystems can make all life vulnerable. Youll see the greatest number of them in the channel to the south of the atoll from May through to December. The high annual fee is only worth it if youre taking full advantage of the cards benefits. Ari Atoll, Maldives The Maldives are made up of more than 1,000 coral islands divided into 26 ring-shaped atolls in the Indian Ocean. Manta rays and whale sharks enter a feeding frenzy in June thanks to the increased plankton in the water, which has average visibility at this time of year. Leatherback Sea Turtles (pictured above) are the largest of the turtle species. The hawksbill turtles do not grow very large, they measure up to 90cm. August may be the overall cheapest time to go, but the water visibility isnt great for snorkeling and diving. Something wrong? The high season in the Maldives tends to run from December to April and for a good reason! If you book one of their beachfront villas, you can often see turtles feeding on seagrass in the lagoon just meters from the beach. Best Time to Visit the Maldives for Diving The Maldives is a dream destination for many scuba divers. The green sea turtles mostly eat seagrass, seaweed and algae. The loggerhead sea turtle is found in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific and spends most of its life in saltwater habitats, with females briefly coming ashore to lay eggs. In 2020, Huravee Day was celebrated on Jan. 28. Its so beautiful that youll never want to leave. On the island of Gan, pay your respects at the British War Memorialbefore signing up for a thrilling descent with the nearby skydiving school. We saw them much more often on both Angaga and Vakarufalhi. Affiliate Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. Youll see the greatest number of them in the channel to the south of the atoll from May through to December. Sounds grim right? The hotel offers turtle snorkeling tours so you can snorkel and dive with the beautiful sea turtles, giving you the chance to see them up close and personal. Enrollment required. (Enrollment required for select benefits.). You might also like:Maldiveson a budget: How to penny pinch in paradiseHow to choose the bestMaldivesisland for your travel style10 incredible experiences in theMaldivesto go beyond the villa. The temperature between these months remains between 24C and 31C. Ayada Maldives is perfectly placed. From Namibias wind-swept Skeleton Coast to Javas G-Land, discover the best place to hang ten, whatever your surfing ability. Learn more. But when is the best time to visit the Maldives? These key tips protect both you and the turtles. These are the Leatherback, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Green, and Olive-Ridley Turtle. Report inappropriate content. In short, the best time to travel to the Maldives is between November and April, when the weather is sunny and dry (which is why its known as the Dry Season). Festivities include marching bands, parades, speeches, ceremonies and children walking the streets wearing their best clothes a true display of the countrys culture, heritage and pride. This turtle has a relatively small head with a distinctive hawk-like beak, and flippers with two claws. From fresh tuna curries and smoked fish pastries to flavorful fish soups and banana flower salad, Maldivian food blends tropical tastes with Indian flavors in a delicious way. 3. Report inappropriate content. Straight to your inbox. Another great place where you can see turtles in the Maldives is on Kandolhu island. If youre lucky, you will see these mesmerising creatures on both snorkelling and diving trips, or around the islands house reef. Something wrong? WebBiyadhoo does have a couple of turtles but you have to be in the right place at the right time - we have usually seen them at least once on each visit typically early in the morning before everyone hit the reef snorkelling. Lets not forget the top-notch dining options from globally acclaimed chefs who fly in for the season. I would stongly recommend you visit CEA in Akumal and signing up for a turtle nesting tour. Save. Youll see the greatest number of them in the channel to the south of the atoll from May through to December. Its also the more expensive time of year to go since rooms and flights are in high demand. Save. So dont worry about packing too many sweaters. As a tropical destination, theres no need for heavy winter clothing and bulky items. 7 mins ago Follow 202.8k Images 5.6k Followers Source. April is generally considered the best time to visit Maldives if youre looking for a combination of great weather and lower prices. This is also one of the driest times of the year, with little chance of downpours or storms spoiling your fun. Check out the video below which shows a turtle spotted whilst snorkeling in Maafushi: One of the best places to see sea turtles in the Maldives is on Kuredu island. Check out the kind of sights youll see if you choose to go snorkeling in Maafushivaru in the video below: Another fantastic place where you can swim with turtles in the Maldives is the island of Komandoo. Let's plan you dream trip there! Some good news is that in 1995, The Maldivian Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture banned the catching or killing of sea turtle species, as well as the importation and sale of turtles and turtle products. Heres our guide to navigating the entry requirements for visiting Sri Lanka as a tourist, with information on visa types, costs and how to apply for one. Dont miss the Vaadhoo Island (Raa Atoll) during your trip, where millions of bioluminescent organisms light up the seas at night with an ethereal glow. WebThere are resident (full time) turtles all year round in Akumal Bay and Half Moon Bay. Maafushivaru. Why not try it for yourself. To ensure the turtles remain safe, theres a few key things to bear in mind when swimming with them in the Maldives. For the best chance of being able to swim with turtles in the Maldives, book onto a Maldives snorkeling tour. Choosing where to goin the Maldivesis a big decision. Snorkeling and diving alongside sea turtles is a super popular activity in the Maldives. The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. Be mindful of extended exposure, and try to wear protective clothing when spending long hours in direct sunlight. They also feed on algae, sea grasses, barnacles, fish, jellyfish and sponges. But what the Maldives is best known for is its luxury resorts with overwater bungalows and impossibly clear blue waters. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Ari Atoll, Maldives The Maldives are made up of more than 1,000 coral islands divided into 26 ring-shaped atolls in the Indian Ocean. Thanks to the Maldives geographic location, it's a popular destination for water-fueled adventure. You can either go snorkeling or diving in this glorious lagoon. Hawksbill turtles are mainly carnivorous and appear to be opportunistic predators, using their narrow beaks to extract invertebrate prey from crevices on the reef. With its crystal clear turquoise waters, abundant sea life, and gorgeous coral reefs, its no wonder why. The best time to visit the Maldives for whale watching is between October and April. Remind Me. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). With its crystal clear turquoise waters, abundant sea life, and gorgeous coral reefs, its no wonder why. Sea Turtle Hatching. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Hi, my name is Meg and, you guessed it, I love to travel. In fact, nearly half of all the green sea turtles in the Maldives live in this area. March. Things do get busier around Thanksgiving and at the end of December, but youll mostly find empty beaches and resorts (with great low season deals) at this time of year. 3. If youre not sure Maldives is the destination for you, check out these guides next to learn more about similar locations with that tropical, island vibe! This post will tell you all of the best places to see turtles in the Maldives including where you can swim with turtles and where you can see baby turtles hatching in the Maldives! All species of sea turtles are either threatened or endangered. Its super peaceful and youll feel like youve escaped life for a while. Kuredu the best established diving resort in the area at the northern tip of the atoll is known for its shipyard site, with two wrecks to explore. Weather This is the best season to visit Maldives. It is perfect for sightseeing, enjoying cultural activities, water sports and savouring the local cuisine. This is high season in Maldives, with Europeans coming for their winter holidays. When you encounter a turtle please respect its space, watching from a distance will allow you to view it for longer and not endanger the turtle in any way. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. Spotting Turtles. And youll still get plenty of sunshine in between showers. They have been around for the last 100 million years. Web45 reviews. You're not guaranteed tomorrow, and, often times, you can buy an international plane ticket for less than a domestic one. Jun. +11. Addu City is a place to experience proper island life, where youll hear the daily call to prayer as local fishers return with their catch. As an alternative to the better-known and more costly resort islands in the atoll, Omandhoo is a quiet island that has only recently started welcoming tourists. Now that would be a sight you wouldnt forget in a hurry. 35 helpful votes. Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Disney Cruise Lines Castaway Club loyalty program: Everything you need to know, 21 new Hyatt hotels where you can get 500 extra points per night, My first cruise to the Galapagos: The good, the bad and the absolutely adorable. Whilst out snorkeling or diving youll be able to see sea turtles, sharks, octopuses and a range of vibrant tropical fish. During the wet season, from May through October, some islands may experience upward of nine inches of precipitation in a single month. Plus Ups are excluded. Athuruga. 4. Your best bet is to book on the early or late end of the wet season to avoid crowds, find reasonable prices and increase the chances of maximum sunshine. The resort itself has an impressive knowledge of the resident turtle population and is actively involved in conservation efforts. Outside of the current welcome bonus, youre only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so its not a great card for other spending categories. Many island resorts host events throughout these peak months, such as beach parties and seafood barbecues. WebBest Places To See Turtles In The Maldives. The best place to see them in the Maldives if not the world is the South Ari Atoll, where these majestic giants dwell year round. In the southern atolls, the wet and dry seasons become slightly less pronounced. The holiday is usually celebrated for about a month in the spring. The best time to visit the Maldives for diving is between November and April. 6 years ago. WebWe also saw lots if turtles at Komandoo. During this time, you can find some of the best snorkelling and diving spots and an abundance of sea life ready to be explored but it is a bit wetter on-land. Spinner and bottlenose dolphins are commonly spotted at sea during the dolphin cruise and from the resort. It is perfect for sightseeing, enjoying cultural activities, water sports and savouring the local cuisine. In November, Marriott debuted its five-star JW Marriott Maldives Resort and Spa (with rooms available from 70,000 points per night on off-peak dates). Leatherback turtles have severely declined during the last century as a result of intense egg collection and fisheries by-catch. This is high season in Maldives, with Europeans coming for their winter holidays. Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. Best Time to See Bioluminescent Plankton in Maldives 2023 Rove.me Maldives is one of the worlds best diving destinations with more than 60 top-ranked dive sites around the group of islands. Remind Me. Their shell is usually hunted for and sold in the black market as jewellery. Bustling fresh markets give you a chance to peruse everything from fresh seafood and produce to handmade crafts and clothing. Leatherback Sea Turtles (Dermochelys Coricea). Youll deal with additional rainfall and cloudy skies, but the rains pass quickly and youll get much cheaper deals on flights, rooms, and resort packages at this time of year. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. The best place to see them in the Maldives if not the world is the South Ari Atoll, where these majestic giants dwell year round. Watch the brilliant blue natural light show (called the Sea of Stars) at night for a truly enchanting experience. Flights to Mal are generally cheapest in the late fall and winter, although the exact months vary depending on where you are flying from. Olive and Kemps ridley turtles only reach about only about two feet in shell length and weigh between 36 and 41 kg. The Green sea turtle is a pro and can stay underwater for as long as five hours! Chances are any time you decide to visit, the Maldives will be pleasantly warm. 3. There are seven species of sea turtles, you can see 5 in The Maldives. WebMaldives in Dry Season (December to April) Temperature ~31 degrees celsius by day and ~ 24 degrees Celsius by night. The surf season runs from mid-February through November, which is when the largest swells can be found. Theres a good chance of seeing manta rays here from May to November. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Jun. We saw them much more often on both Angaga and Vakarufalhi. Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Kureda island is considered the best place to see turtles in Maldives apart from seagrass rich lagoons. Jul. Practical info. Ive always travelled to the Maldives during this time of year and the weather has always been *delightful*. Maafushi is one of the best places to see turtles in the Maldives. Because of its location among important maritime trading routes, the Maldives maintains a rich culture influenced by Arabs, North Africans, Sri Lankans and Indians. Whether you intend to spend your time sipping cocktails, scuba diving or simply learning about a new and exciting culture, here's our definitive guide to some of the best times to visit the Maldives. Biggest fish in the sea? Waters are calmer during December and January. Kuredu. Coral reefs around the world are under threat. First, lets take a look at what makes this archipelago nation so special. Learn the best time to visit Maldives in our travel guide, along with tips on the cheapest and least busy time to go! Maafushivaru is a really small resort island, far away from the crowds. Check here before booking an award fare. You dont hear much about this part of the Maldives, which is surprising considering how good the diving is. With its crystal clear turquoise waters, abundant sea life, and gorgeous coral reefs, its no wonder why. Athuruga. This is a traditional folk dance and song that will make you feel connected to the ancient cultural roots of Maldives. rove.me. 35 helpful votes. I would stongly recommend you visit CEA in Akumal and signing up for a turtle nesting tour. If there's a specific religious event youd like to experience in the Maldives, be sure to check the exact date before booking travel. See full Affiliate Disclosure here. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. It's better if hatchlings make their way into the ocean on their own. WebBiyadhoo does have a couple of turtles but you have to be in the right place at the right time - we have usually seen them at least once on each visit typically early in the morning before everyone hit the reef snorkelling. Nowadays, it's rather difficult for them to find their way to the sea. Start Here Asia Maldives The Best Time to Visit Maldives in 2023, Written by: Author Debra Carpenter |Reviewed by: Editorial Team, Posted on Last updated: November 22, 2022. And the lower humidity at this time of year means youll feel less muggy in the heat. Five of the seven species of sea turtles can be found in The Maldives, with the two most common being the Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys Imbricata) and the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia Mydas).