5 Different Types of Sea Turtles Found in the Maldives - Information about These Fascinating Creatures of the Oceans

Hawksbill turtles are the most common sea turtles found in the waters of Maldives. These gentle creatures are truly quite beautiful to behold. It is known to be a small to medium-sized turtle which has a wonderfully shaded shell. The marking on the shell help to camouflage the turtle as it swims amidst the colourful coral reefs. The head of the hawksbill turtle is small and it has a 'bill' which resembles the bill of a hawk. Hence the name hawksbill turtle has been given to it. The flippers of this turtle have two claws too. Hawksbill sea turtle generally feeds on barnacles, see grass as well as small fish. Sadly, the hawksbill sea turtle is the most threatened species of sea turtle in the world.

Green turtles which are also known as black sea turtles can also be spotted in Maldives with ease. These turtles feed mostly on algae and sea grasses and so they are considered to be herbivorous. The green turtle can grow to lengths of 100 cm. They can also weigh between 113 and 82 kg. Green turtles can live for about 80 years in their natural habitats.

Green turtles have also been included in the IUCN and CITES lists of endangered species in the world. Pollution can also increase the risks that these turtles face in the sea. Of course, other threats that they have to face include over-harvesting of eggs as well as the hunting of grown animals.

Needless to say, the loggerhead turtles have a large head, which gives the species its name. It is the largest hard-shelled sea turtle in the world. Larger specimens of this breed can measure up to 280 cm! This turtle has powerful jaws and they feed mostly on sponges as well as jellyfish that abound in the sea.
If you stay at water villas in Maldives that offer easy access to the top dive sites, you will get the chance to witness the splendour of these creatures with immense ease. Places like Dhigali Maldives are quite popular among those who are keen on enjoying underwater adventures in Maldives.

Olive Ridley sea turtles are also known as Pacific Ridley turtles are the smallest sea turtles in the world. Their numbers far exceed that of the other species of sea turtles too. This species is known to be mostly carnivorous. They will also feed on algae and small fish.

The leatherback sea turtle is the largest species of sea turtles in the world. The leather-like look of their shell has given this species its name. The hard black shell of the turtle is indeed quite beautiful! This species feeds mostly on jellyfish which abound in the waters of the sea.