Joanna James
The splendours of the Indian ocean are very visible as you explore the Maldives and the many marine delights it has to offer. Here is some marine life that can be found in the Maldives.
The Maldives is home to a wide variety of rays which can be observed close to the surface of the sea as they jump through the water using their fins. While rays travel together the mantra ray which can measure 7 metres from tip to tip is one of the easiest to spot. The eagle ray which has white spots on its black body is also easy to observe even though its half the length of a manta ray.
Being longer than most of its siblings and equipped with stingers on its tail and spine the stingray is one of the most dangerous kinds of rays.
The Maldives is home to 5 endangered species of turtles: Olive Ridley, Leatherback, Loggerhead, Green and Hawksbill, four of which can be found around the reefs. Hawksbill and Green turtles are the easiest to spot from the bunch.
June to November is the best time to visit the Maldives for turtle watching as it's during this period the turtles will come ashore to lay eggs. If you're patient and lucky you might see these magnificent creatures lay eggs and venture back to the ocean.
The Indian Ocean is home to more than 700 types of fish, which can be classified as 'pelagics fish' and 'reef fish'. While Reef fish such as scorpion fish, Moray eels and lionfish live close to the slopes of reefs that surround the lagoons on each island the pelagic fish such as the sharks, turtles and dolphins can be mostly found in the deep seas. Pelagics will sometimes venture close to the reefs when they are hunting for food.
Sponges, clams, filter feeders, coral shrimp, starfish, feather stars and hermit crabs are some of the reef fish that can be found on the reefs of Maldives.
While sharks smaller in size can be found by swimming in lagoons near the island you'll have to go deep sea diving to see the deadlier and older sharks. Blacktip reef, Whale, Scalloped Hammerhead, Grey reef, Leopard and Whitetip reef sharks are some of the species that you'll see in the Maldives. The best Maldives resort for snorkelling will ideally offer shark excursions and the experience is something that is well worth the price and effort.
Dolphins and Whales can be only found in the deep ocean; hence, you must book a tour through a hotel or resort similar to Baros Maldives to see these magnificent creatures.
While Sperm Whales and Blue Whales can be observed from afar, Spinner dolphins and bottle-nosed dolphins can be observed up close as they swim side by side with boats in large groups.
The Maldives offers a large variety of wreckage sites, atolls, and reefs, which are brimming with underwater flora and fauna. Whether you're a newbie diver or a professional diver, Maldives has got you covered. You can either bring your own diving gear or rent it from the hotel or resort you are staying at for a nominal fee. A night dive is recommended as it's during this time that polyps expand to feast on unsuspecting victims.
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