Joanna James
The diverse range of sea creatures wandering in the depths of the cerulean blue oceans of Maldives will surely carry your breath away. Here are 5 of the most stunning marine lives you can witness during your snorkelling adventures on the island.
The number of tropical fish you will find in the oceans in the Maldives is insane. Clouds of fusiliers, schools of blue-striped snappers, sea anemones where clownfish reside, and sometimes a lost Nemo will keep you hooked to the wonders of the sea. You will also find the most stunning butterfly fish and unicorn fish, iridescent in contrast to the pale blue waters. Sea goldies also add colour to the ocean with their unmissable gold and orange shades. Pay close attention to the coral reefs where many fish stay hidden, and discover more unique, unseen creatures.
The Maldives is home to 5 of the 7 species of turtles you will encounter across the globe. Green turtles (Chelonia mydas), Olide ridleys (Lepidochelys olivacea), Leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea), Hawksbills (Eretmochelys imbricata), and Loggerheads (Caretta caretta) are the five types of turtles you can observe, each with their unique appearances and behaviours that are fascinating. There are several research and conservation projects for turtles on the island, where you can also witness turtles hatching their eggs. Lhaviyani Atoll, Kuredu Caves, and Innahura are some of the most famous areas to find turtles in the Maldives.
Shark-watching is one of the most popular resort activities in Maldives. Divers can usually spot a range of sharks in the seas by the Maldives, including black tip reef sharks, nurse sharks, and leopard sharks. Whale sharks can also be seen, and these majestic creatures can be up to 12 metres long. These mighty sharks in the deep oceans can be a truly magnificent sight for those who seek marine adventures. You can find more than 20 types of sharks in the Maldives archipelago, where unique ones such as Hammerhead sharks can be spotted if you’re lucky enough. It is certainly a one-of-a-kind experience.
In the surrounding oceans of resorts like Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, you will come across several rays, including manta rays, eagle rays, and stingrays. You will spot these iconic creatures while snorkelling, each with special features that help you identify them. Manta rays have a diamond-shaped body with large wings that spread up to 4 metres. Eagle rays are smaller in comparison, with pointed pectoral fins and small white spots on their diamond-shaped body. Stingrays are quite easy to identify, as they have a round, disc-like shape, and they’re usually found at the very bottom of the ocean.
Morays are quite the shy creatures that are the hidden gems of the Maldivian atolls. You can find them hiding in the crevices of coral reefs, or swimming along the reefs looking for fish to gulp down. Giant morays and Honeycomb morays are the most commonly found variants, often seen with their heads popping out from the reefs and opening and closing their mouths in rhythm, with their eyes wide open. The largest ones can weigh up to 30kg and can be 1 to 2 metres long.
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