Joanna James
One of the reasons that snorkelling and diving in Maldives are so popular is the whopping array of marine life to encounter. But before you head off on your underwater escapades, here are five marine species that should be on your bucket list of creatures to see below the waves!
If you or your kids love Nemo from the animated hit, ‘Finding Nemo’, you will adore his Maldivian ‘cousin’, the Amphiprion nigripes! These charming little fish, also called anemonefish, live in a harmonious relationship with sea anemones. While the anemone provides them with food and protection amidst its venomous tentacles, the clownfish repays the favour by keeping it safe from parasites and predators. Watching these pint-sized beauties dart in and out of anemones is a delight for snorkellers of all ages. Bring or rent an underwater camera to capture their beauty and maybe even get a unique selfie with them!
Don’t let their name intimidate you; these gentle giants are neither harmful nor a weird hybrid of a whale and a shark! Reaching lengths of up to 12 metres, these majestic creatures glide effortlessly through the waters, feeding on plankton and giving you the perfect chance to get up close to the largest fish on the planet. The Maldives is one of the few places in the world where you can spot them year-round, especially in the South Ari Atoll. Look to stay at a resort here like Nova Maldives which not only offers excursions to whale shark hotspots like Maamigili Beyru but also helps you find out more about these creatures and conservation efforts.
Prepare to be mesmerised by the elegance of manta rays as they glide like marine ‘ballerinas’! In this tropical destination, you will mostly encounter reef mantas, which can have a wingspan of up to four and a half metres. These creatures are often found feeding in nutrient-rich waters, especially in places like Hanifaru Bay in the Baa Atoll or Rangali Madivaru in the South Ari Atoll. While enjoying watersports in Maldives, don’t miss the chance to snorkel near manta rays; seeing them swoop and swirl is nothing short of magical. It’s nature’s version of a marine ballet, and you have got front-row seats… minus the black tie!
Oriental sweetlips look like they are straight out of an underwater fashion show. Sporting bold stripes, bright spots, and lips that could rival a celebrity’s pout, this fish is as stylish as they come! Even more fascinating is their incredible transformation as they grow; while juvenile creatures may have white and black splashes, as they grow older, the splashes turn into stripes while the fins get a pop of yellow… talk about a fishy makeover! Spotting one of these beauties on a snorkelling or diving trip is bound to add a splash of colour to your day.
Gliding gracefully through the water, green turtles embody tranquillity. As one of the most commonly spotted sea turtles in the Maldives, they are a delight to encounter. Predominantly herbivores, these gentle creatures can often be found feeding on sea grass and algae around reefs. Watching a green turtle surface for a breath of air before diving back into the depths is an experience that’s both calming and awe-inspiring. It’s almost like they are reminding people to take a deep breath and enjoy the moment, a lesson every traveller could use on holiday!
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
