Amongst the joys of exploring the Maldives is to encounter its diverse wildlife, most notably the species found beneath the waves! Here are some of the highlights that await at sea and on land.
Diverse Fish Species
There are over 2,000 fish species here be it butterflyfish, triggerfish, barracuda, yellowfin tuna, clownfish, angelfish, parrotfish, batfish or various rays and sharks. Properties like Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort offer snorkelling with manta rays, diving excursions and boats with transparent bottoms to witness these marine marvels.
Marine Mammals & Turtles
The Indian Ocean surrounding the islands are home to marine mammals like dolphins and the best resorts in Maldives for families offer excursions to spot these playful creatures. Other marine mammals such as blue whales and Bryde’s whales can also be seen, while five species of turtles including olive ridley, green and leatherback turtles swim in these waters too.
Wildlife on Land
While land-based wildlife is not as extensive as what you will find in the ocean, you still may spot some fascinating species when at your island resort. These include the Indian flying fox (a type of fruit bat), garden shrew, two varieties of geckos and agamid lizards.
Varied Birdlife
More impressive is the local birdlife; amongst the best things to in Maldives for birdwatching enthusiasts is to spot some of the diverse local avifauna, especially seabirds. Of the more than 100 bird species that can be spotted are godwits, plovers, shrikes, grey herons and the country’s national bird, the white-breasted waterhen.
