Im slowly working my way around the world and sharing my journey as I go. The Maldives is actually home to 5 out of the worlds 7 sea turtle species and theres a thriving community of turtles that call the Maldives home. Coral reefs around the world are under threat. Sea Turtle Hatching Featured in. Today, turtle poaching is increasingly rare, however, the harvesting of turtle eggs from nesting females continues to be an issue in The Maldives amongst locals. The wet season generally tends to be the slow season. Obviously December is an expensive time to visit the Maldives so subject to budget Amari and Komandoo are hot spots for turtles. Maafushi is one of the best places to see turtles in the Maldives. Its dry, warm, and less humid at this time of year with excellent water visibility to enjoy the world-class diving and snorkeling around the islands. Home Travel Asia Travel Guide Maldives Travel Guide Whens the Best Time to Visit the Maldives? Dont worry these types of sharks are harmless but it is a great way to impress your friends and family when you get home. 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. Reduce your carbon footprint without compromising the wow factor on your next getaway. Most active nesting time for turtles lies in the months of May and June and their hatching falls from July to August. 6 years ago. Republic Day, which occurs in November, celebrates the establishment of the Republic of Maldives in 1968. Spinner and bottlenose dolphins are commonly spotted at sea during the dolphin cruise and from the resort. Other islands we have seen the odd turtle are Kuredu ,Angaga, Embudu,vilamendhoo and so on. $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. The actual date varies with the Islamic calendar (it takes place on the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar). They have been around for the last 100 million years. 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. Spinner and bottlenose dolphins are commonly spotted at sea during the dolphin cruise and from the resort. Bioluminescence can only be seen in turbulent water, such as in the waves on the shoreline or wake from a boat. Here are some of the best places in the world to do it. His shell is over 1 meter long making him the biggest sea turtle in the area. Sea turtles have been swimming in the oceans for much longer than humans have walked the earth. Most active nesting time for turtles lies in the months of May and June and their hatching falls from July to August. Leatherback Sea Turtles (pictured above) are the largest of the turtle species. In fact, nearly half of all the green sea turtles in the Maldives live in this area. WebYour best bet is to visit between June and October, which is when the plankton are typically present. This post was originally published on Oct. 12, 2019. Its dry, warm, and less humid at this time of year with excellent water visibility to enjoy the world-class diving and snorkeling around the islands. There are also certain times of year when you can actually see baby turtles hatching from their eggs and making their first run towards the ocean. For the best chance of being able to swim with turtles in the Maldives, book onto a Maldives snorkeling tour. 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. 35 helpful votes. 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. First, lets take a look at what makes this archipelago nation so special. 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. The temperature between these months remains between 24C and 31C. Kureda island is considered the best place to see turtles in Maldives apart from seagrass rich lagoons. The food in Maldives on another level, often starring freshly-caught seafood prepared in delicious ways with tasty seasonings and sauces that travelers relish. Swimming with whale sharks is an unforgettable experience. Many are based on the Islamic lunar calendar, which differs from the Gregorian calendar many of us are familiar with. The blend of customs, religions and cultures forms an unmistakably Maldivian culture, which was shaped when Islam was introduced to the region during the 12th century. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip. Its a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean and draws hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. Remind Me. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 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. If you plan to try surfing, July is perfect and priced low enough to be appealing. Between these months you will not be facing any sightseeing issues because the humidity level will also Spotting Turtles. 7 mins ago Follow 202.8k Images 5.6k Followers Source. The good news is that, on average, it only rains for about 4 hours a day during this period. WebWe also saw lots if turtles at Komandoo. Start with Muleeaage Palace, the official residence of the President of the Maldives and a dazzling example of dak bungalow architecture. Maafushivaru is a great place to see sea turtles and there are many spots across the island where they love to hang out. Every period has something to offer visitors, even in the dead center of the wet season. Here's everything to know. Athuruga. In 2021, the holiday will fall on Jan. 16. Bioluminescence can only be seen in turbulent water, such as in the waves on the shoreline or wake from a boat. Whale watching aside, spotting turtles is a fun activity to experience out at sea; it can even be enjoyed on a Whale Submarine adventure that can be organised while staying at resorts such as Adaaran Prestige Vadoo. They usually inhabit shallow lagoons, feeding mainly on sea grass, biting off the tips of the blades of sea grass, which keeps the grass healthy. You can watch local fisherman bring their bountiful catches ashore and enjoy the unique Maldivian flavors added to make memorable dishes. Here's how travelers can help. Snorkeling and diving excursions offer some wonderful opportunities to see turtles in Maldives. This is a traditional folk dance and song that will make you feel connected to the ancient cultural roots of Maldives. But theres plenty more to this special slice of the Indian Ocean, attracting the gamut of travelers from backpackers to big families. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. The first week sees the end of the festive season, which February. Spotting Turtles. Find hotels and airbnbs near Sea Turtle Hatching (Map) Turtle spotting. Related: The best starter travel credit cards. Komandoo. The temperature between these months remains between 24C and 31C. The waters around this luxury resort are so unexplored, enthusiasts are regularly finding new dive sites, with fifteen species of shark found so far. Named for their shell, which is leather-like rather than hard, like other turtles and has five ridges that run the length of the shell, leatherback sea turtles are one of the most migratory, crossing both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. May. She uses her flippers to dig a nest and lays from 50 to 200 eggs. Although, as a tourist, there is not much to worry about. Lets not forget the top-notch dining options from globally acclaimed chefs who fly in for the season. Maldives is known for its white sand beaches, diverse wildlife and tropical plants, and stunningly blue waters that surround the 200 inhabited islands. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. A threat to these ecosystems can make all life vulnerable. People interested. This is best part of the dry season among the Maldivian islands and it makes for the perfect trip to paradise. Maafushi. WebHigh season is from November to April but all year round the reefs feature very healthy hard corals, colorful reef fish, hawksbill and green turtles, reef sharks and eagle rays. But what the Maldives is best known for is its luxury resorts with overwater bungalows and impossibly clear blue waters. WebThe best time to see turtles in Maldives would be from May to August. Thulusdhoo is the island to stay at, where reasonably priced guest houses host a friendly surfing crowd. 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. Insider travel tips and guides. The temperature between these months remains between 24C and 31C. The best time of year to see turtles hatching in the Maldives is between May and August as this is when the turtles return to the Maldives to lay their eggs. The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April. Its Asias smallest country, but this tiny island nation packs in big adventure, scenery, and tropical vibes. This is the tail end of the rainy wet season (typically May to October) and the start of the sunny, warm dry season (November to April). September-January tend to hover around the 80 degree mark, and February-August tend to reach a little higher around the mid-80's. 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. March. Web45 reviews. December is arguably your best bet for those looking for a more stylish experience with plenty of nightlife options. rove.me. Its in the 70s and 80s year-round here, thanks to the tropical and comfortable climate. 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. It is estimated that only 1 out of 1,000 hatchlings survives to be an adult so they need all the help they can get. Prices peak at around $705 per night in December. Chances are any time you decide to visit, the Maldives will be pleasantly warm. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Find the bliss of an overwater bungalow closer to home: the Caribbean's most worthy alternatives. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. Learn more. If you plan to spend a lot of time on the beaches and exploring the cities, this is the best time to visit. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. If you want to stay on the island and swim with the turtles, book your stay at Kuredu Resort Maldives which has a private beach area. From Namibias wind-swept Skeleton Coast to Javas G-Land, discover the best place to hang ten, whatever your surfing ability. It is perfect for sightseeing, enjoying cultural activities, water sports and savouring the local cuisine. Re: Maui - best month to see turtles. There might be slightly less sunshine this time of year and rates tend to be lower and the crowds thinner. January. The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April. Fly-and-flop newlyweds looking for desert-island seclusion cant really go wrong: pick your budget, find your paradise. If youre trying to save some cash, your best bet is travelling during the monsoon season (May through September). There are seven sea turtle species in the world, and five of them can be spotted in the Maldives. This pretty island is set by a stunning lagoon teeming with sea life. While many animals on both land and sea emit a bioluminescent light (think: fireflies and jellyfish), the plankton often appear at the waters surface, giving it a bluish glow. After hatching, baby turtles must crawl as fast as they can to the water and avoid a multitude of predators. Human Officially, its a no-go for non-Muslims, but if youre modestly dressed and visit outside of prayer time, youre likely to be welcomed in. Its a great spot to sail especially in a traditional Dhoni boat with the strong sea breezes that continually blow across the islands. Stay at the stunning 5* Komandoo Island Resort & Spa for the ultimate luxury experience. Another great place where you can see turtles in the Maldives is on Kandolhu island. This idyllic island has a resident population of sea turtles that can often be seen all around the island. Every year, thousands of visitors flock to this tropical paradise to get a glimpse of these majestic creatures as they make their way through the Indian Ocean. They help to maintain the health of the sea grass beds and beach vegetation, which protects against loss of marine life and beach erosion. Youll feel like youre swimming in an aquarium with the vast range of tropical fish, giant sea turtles and more that lurk in the waters surrounding this paradise island. A female sea turtle comes ashore to nest, mostly at night. Waters are calmer during December and January. Olive Ridley Sea Turtles (pictured above) are the smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world. Mother turtles lay up to 100 eggs in each nest. Pack lightweight clothes that are comfortable for warm weather and also quick-drying items in case of rain showers. 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. It can also appear after stirring the water with your foot or hand. TPG values it at $1,600. Its also worth noting that temperatures may be slightly lower due to the rain and cooler winds. The Maldives plays host to a number of amazing music festivals featuring international DJs and bands throughout the month. The best time to visit the Maldives for whale watching is between October and April. Kureda island is considered the best place to see turtles in Maldives apart from seagrass rich lagoons. Cheapest time to visit the Maldives Affordable airfare WebBest Times To Visit Maldives The best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April. I love seeing turtles too! While most of the population here lives in the capital, there are small towns and culturally rich villages scattered around the 200 inhabited islands of Maldives. There have even been sightings of baby turtles hatching on the beach in Mirihi! The first week sees the end of the festive season, which February. WebThere are resident (full time) turtles all year round in Akumal Bay and Half Moon Bay. You can see turtles all year round in the Maldives. The greatest number of hatching takes place from July to August. This is the ideal time for any activity on the water snorkeling, diving, boating, and swimming because the waters around Maldives are exceptionally clear with great visibility. The high season in the Maldives tends to run from December to April and for a good reason! More than 2,500 acres of the islands are forested with dense greenery and tropical plants making for amazing scenery. You will see some of the most spectacular marine life, including reef sharks, turtles, manta rays, barracudas, and eels. Looking for a romantic place to celebrate your honeymoon? Heres a look at some of the worst times to go. Its an experience that youll never forget. They also feed on algae, sea grasses, barnacles, fish, jellyfish and sponges. WebKuredu is lucky to be known as one of the Maldives top locations for green sea turtles, with dozens of individuals known to live in the lagoons and on the reefs around the island. These turtles can grow up to 100cm and like other species of sea turtles, they migrate long distances between feeding grounds and the beaches from where they hatched. This island has one of the biggest populations of green sea turtles in the whole of the Maldives due to its vast seagrass meadows so the chance of seeing a turtle is super high. Walnut is an adult male turtle who has been seen swimming and eating in the lagoon for over 10 years. Low Season: May to November. Warm clear seas, tropical vistas and utter luxury: say hello to anoverwaterbungalow or villa vacation in 2023. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Apr. 35 helpful votes. Explore the worlds most thrilling waves with Epic Surf Breaks of the World. 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. Traveling to new places has changed our lives, and we hope to share our experience, insight, and passion with you in order to inspire you to change yours as well! The Maldives is often warm and sunny throughout the year, but its climate is split into a wet season and a dry season. Hawksbill Turtles (pictured above) are the most commonly seen turtle along the reefs of The Maldives. Visiting during this time may mean crowds of tourists and higher prices, but it also brings more exciting activities like water sports, night markets, and excursions or just hanging out in your uber-romantic honeymoon villa. A warmer nest temperature will give more females and cooler will favour males. 3. Their lagoon has a huge reef which is filled with sea creatures including sea turtles, stingrays, sharks, tropical fish and more. If being the only dive boat in view is a priority, head south to Komandoo. We hope you enjoyed this blog post about the Turtles in The Maldives and hopefully it has inspired you to help, discover and be more aware of them! $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Weather This is the best season to visit Maldives. During the Maldives dry season, you can expect sunny skies for most of November through April. We saw them much more often on both Angaga and Vakarufalhi. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. Chances are any time you decide to visit, the Maldives will be pleasantly warm. Many restaurants do offer special meals for Iftar the evening meal breaking each daily fast which often comprise local foods and juices not typically served the rest of the year. Snorkeling and diving excursions offer some wonderful opportunities to see turtles in Maldives. Look for lagoons that are rich with seagrass as this is a favourite food of the Green turtles. There are 1200 or so islands, within 26 atolls, spanning an area the size of Portugal. These key tips protect both you and the turtles. Leatherback Turtles on the North Caribbean. The most commonly spotted species are the Hawksbill and Green Sea turtles, while the remaining three are the Olive Ridley, Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles. Kuredu. Here's a little bit more about us, Maldives Secrets, and what we do: Ready to fly out to The Maldives? Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. The holiday is usually celebrated for about a month in the spring. The olive ridley is mostly carnivorous, feeding on such creatures as jellyfish, snails, crabs, and shrimp, but will occasionally eat algae and seaweed as well. I love seeing turtles too! Theres a lot to do and see in Maldives, especially when you plan your trip at the perfect time of year. If youre dreaming of a honeymoon in paradise, this is the spot for you. 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. Cheapest time to visit the Maldives Affordable airfare 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. High season rumbles on, with accommodation booked out across the country. Web45 reviews. Theres a good chance of seeing manta rays here from May to November. Bora Bora is a hike. The higher prices of the peak season are easily balanced out with the ideal weather and range of water activities available from January to April. From the idyllic dry season with highs in the 70F-80F range to the much cheaper and less-crowded wet season with brief cloudbursts, youll find the best time to visit Maldives below. Human Snorkeling and diving excursions offer some wonderful opportunities to see turtles in Maldives. They help to maintain the health of the sea grass beds and beach vegetation, which protects against loss of marine life and beach erosion. Sounds grim right? The Maldives is a dream destination for many scuba divers. They even let you name a sea turtle if its a new one theyve never seen before so make sure you snap some photos if you see one. Depending on what youre planning, there are a few best months to go to the Maldives. As Bhutan reopens to tourism on September 23, 2022, its daily tourist fees are increasing. Be mindful of extended exposure, and try to wear protective clothing when spending long hours in direct sunlight. Komandoo. High season rumbles on, with accommodation booked out across the country. This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. Komandoo is a hotspot for turtles, especially hawksbill turtles. Jun. So dont worry about packing too many sweaters. 4. Loggerhead Sea Turtles (pictured above), or loggerheads, are so named due to their overly large heads with a horny beak that is significantly thicker than in other sea turtles. Then she covers them up with sand before heading back into the sea. Athuruga. Save. Take the opportunity to island-hop via boat or seaplane to see the relatively untouched atolls off the beaten path. Kuredu Island is one of the best places to observe the baby turtles' first steps. Low Season: May to November. According to travel search site Kayak, average hotel prices are at their lowest in May, when you can expect to pay $369 per night. They are definitely one of our favourite marine animals to spot on underwater adventures in The Maldives. Frusci. We saw them much more often on both Angaga and Vakarufalhi. WebTurtles in the Maldives are endangered and so they are protected. Hawksbill turtles are mainly carnivorous and appear to be opportunistic predators, using their narrow beaks to extract invertebrate prey from crevices on the reef. Sea Turtle Hatching Featured in. The temperature remains fairly consistent year-round, ranging only from the low- to mid-80's (Fahrenheit). The holiday is usually celebrated on July 26, which is when the country gained its independence from Britain in 1965. Start with a guided tour of Addu Nature Park or canoe in the Bedhi bay area to wend through red mangroves teeming with stingrays and sharks. 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. Related: Is the St. Regis Maldives worth the trip? The correct word for a baby turtle is a hatchling. Spotting Turtles. WebWe also saw lots if turtles at Komandoo. Choosing where to goin the Maldivesis a big decision. 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. One interesting feature of these turtles is that they always return to the same breeding grounds at the same time every year to lay their eggs. For Maldivians, Independence Day is one of the most important days of the year. Komandoo. +11. 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. Maafushivaru. This small island is surrounded by white powdery sand and a crystal clear water lagoon, its the stuff of dreams. Best Time to Visit the Maldives for Diving The Maldives is a dream destination for many scuba divers. Situated more than 600 miles southwest of Asia in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the Republic of Maldives consists of 26 natural atolls surrounding over 1,000 white-sand islands. Youll be able to swim with rays and whale sharks while getting a great deal on your stay! Nothing can beat that amazing feeling of seeing a sea turtle up close and personal in their natural habitat! Olive Ridley Sea Turtles (Lepidochelys Olivacea). Credit ranges are a variation of FICO Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. Plus, youll have more personal space on the beach. Why not try it for yourself. Rainfall is fairly consistent (and on the higher side) throughout the year. If youre lucky, you will see these mesmerising creatures on both snorkelling and diving trips, or around the islands house reef. After all, who wants to spend their paradise getaway cooped up in their hotel room to escape the rain? Most active nesting time for turtles lies in the months of May and June and their hatching falls from July to August. It only takes a few minutes to walk from one side of the island to the other! 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. Sea Turtle Hatching. The southernmost of the Maldives atolls, heart-shaped Addu has its own distinct character (and dialect) with a range of activities and sightseeing spots you wont find elsewhere. Flights from the West Coast Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles are cheapest in November. You're not guaranteed tomorrow, and, often times, you can buy an international plane ticket for less than a domestic one. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. The resort itself has an impressive knowledge of the resident turtle population and is actively involved in conservation efforts. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Huravee Day, which signifies the day Sultan Hassan Izzuddeen freed the country from the occupation of South India in 1752, is celebrated with dancing and traditional meals. 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. Females crawl out on beaches, dig nests and lay eggs during the night. 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. The whale shark. Any time of year will be great to visit Maldives, but some periods are better than others in terms of weather and prices. If you're looking to canoe or kayak offshore, you may want to avoid visiting during surf season. April is generally considered the best time to visit Maldives if youre looking for a combination of great weather and lower prices. (Enrollment required for select benefits.). Its more expensive and crowded at this time of year due to the idyllic weather and water. To reach their nesting grounds, sea turtles migrate long distances every 2-4 years, traveling back to the very same beaches where they were born. In the southern atolls, the wet and dry seasons become slightly less pronounced. Best Time to See Bioluminescent Plankton in Maldives 2023 Rove.me See if you can spot Walnut! A typical green sea turtle will be 3 to 4 feet long and weighs between 300 and 350 pounds. Jul. WebKuredu is lucky to be known as one of the Maldives top locations for green sea turtles, with dozens of individuals known to live in the lagoons and on the reefs around the island. Its more expensive and crowded at this time of year due to the idyllic weather and water. Save. Sea turtles regularly navigate long distances to find the same tiny stretch of nesting beach. Still, cooling ocean breezes keep the upper 80s feeling comfortable, even when the sun is shining brightly. Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. Between these months you will not be facing any sightseeing issues because the humidity level will also Now that would be a sight you wouldnt forget in a hurry. May is hot and muggy in the upper 80s with higher humidity and slightly less clear ocean water (still good for diving and snorkeling, though). Youll see the greatest number of them in the channel to the south of the atoll from May through to December.