Hold on to your flippers and binoculars because it’s time to dive headfirst into the wild wonders of the Maldives! This island nation is home to an exotic array of wildlife, from the depths of the ocean to tropical island sanctuaries. So, swap your safari hat for a snorkel mask, and read on to find out more.birds
Maldives Bird | img via flickr
Before You Visit
Ready for a wildlife adventure like no other? Look to stay at private resorts like Hard Rock Hotel Maldives which offer snorkelling and diving experiences to encounter the many marine marvels. Across from this property is the Marine Discovery Centre at CROSSROADS Maldives which provides visitors with more in-depth insights; you can also get involved in a coral propagation programme and other initiatives to join a growth band of ‘superheroes’ striving to protect the ocean and its marine life!
Marine Life
The reason for mentioning snorkelling and diving among the things to do near Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is that the waters that surround the nation’s islands can be termed a bustling underwater metropolis! With over 2,000 species of fish, including vibrant parrotfish, stealthy sharks and majestic manta rays, every journey beneath the waves is a spectacle. Other denizens of the deep here include slow-and-steady tortoises, playful dolphins and magnificent whales, all swimming wild and free.
Land Creatures
While the Maldives may be made up of 99% water (yes, that’s a FACT!), the many scattered islands that make up the remaining 1% of land are home to a few fascinating land-based wildlife. On your holiday, be on the lookout to spot the elusive Indian flying fox; these fruit bats might not wear capes, but they will get your attention! The country is also home to hermit crabs, garden shrews, geckos, garden lizards and frogs each part of a delicate island ecosystem.
Birdlife
No list of Maldives wildlife would be complete without mentioning the avian residents of paradise. Since the country is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, many migratory pelagic birds can be seen here. Birdwatchers will be thrilled to know that more than 100 bird species have been spotted including sandpipers, white-breasted waterhens, white terns, shrikes, herons, frigatebirds and more. So, don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready for these high-flying celebrities of the sky!
