The Maldives archipelago, surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean is a haven for hundreds of thousands of marine life from the dolphins to the whale shark, to the one inch long sprats to the planktons. The warm waters create the ideal conditions for the breeding and existence of schools of fish living among the coral cities and niches safe from the high winds of the open sea creating a diver’s seventh heaven. Swimming among the corals amid the silver fish is a relaxing ecstasy.
Reef sharks, moray eels, stingrays, manta rays, eagle rays and whale sharks are few of the larger fish found in the Maldivian waters while over 2000 species of smaller fish live among the reefs. A fascinating creature is the turtle and especially the green turtle, leatherback turtle and the hawksbill turtle visit the Maldivian beaches to lay eggs and one might also occasionally see a sea snake resting on the beach. A rare visitor is the saltwater crocodile who tends to dwell in the marshy areas of the islands. However it is the dinosaur of the sea, the whales and the lively dolphins that attract the attention of the crowds more often than not.
Formed over thousands of years of living coral, a dip in the waters of the Maldivian archipelago is pure bliss in the eyes of a diver for it offers a breathtaking array of coral reefs and little fish that live among them. Angel fish, butterflyfish, clownfish, long nose hawk fish, napoleon wrasse, oriental sweetlip, parrotfish, stingray and triggerfish are among those that live among the corals or in the surrounding area. Crustaceans of close to 200 species, octopus, starfish and eel are found in abundance while exotic shells of various colours and textures and sea cucumbers are found and exported.
Nestled among the thousands of reef islands, away from the harsh winds creating a haven for an exciting biodiversity are the Maldives Resorts which serve as a picturesque getaway for your ideal vacation. Among the many Maldives Spa Resorts that ensure luxuriant serenity is the Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, a place to let go and unwind; heal mind, body and soul.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+