Blessed with a stunning array of marine life, the Maldives is also where you will find various species of sea turtles that are very much a part of the delicate marine ecosystem.
Sea Turtle Species
In the Maldives, you will find five of the seven sea turtle species in the world. The most commonly spotted species are the Hawksbill and Green Sea turtles, while the remaining three are the Olive Ridley, Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles.
Spotting Turtles
Snorkeling and diving excursions offer some wonderful opportunities to see turtles in Maldives. 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.
Human Threats
Sadly, sea turtle populations the world over are under threat and the Maldives is no exception. 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.
Turtle Conservation
The good news is that conservation efforts are being carried out to save sea turtles in the Maldives which is vital for the preservation of the marine ecosystem too. Resorts and organisations are getting involved in protecting turtle nesting sites, rehabilitating injured turtles, initiating satellite tracking and more which are helping in their protection.
