The Maldivian archipelago is surrounded by the bluest ocean and fringed with powdery white sandy beaches. Some whole islands and atolls are uninhabited by humans with pristine mangroves, coral reefs and thriving wildlife. The easiest way to experience the diverse wildlife of Maldives is to stay at a Maldives luxury resort the likes of Atmosphere Kanifushi where there is diving, and adventure excursions offered. Here are some of the exciting creatures you’ll meet in the Maldives.
Amphibians
If you find turtles adorable, you’re in luck because the Maldives is home to five of the seven species of sea turtles found on earth. The endangered hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and the endangered green turtle (Chelonia mydas) can be seen regularly. If you explore a little more, you’ll be able to spot the rare Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and the Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea).
Birds
Due to the oceanic environment, the birds spotted here are either pelagic or seabirds. Among the 100 species of birds, 36 of them are sea birds. You can spot the seasonal frigate birds and white terns as well as grey herons, sandpipers and godwits. If you’re lucky you’ll also get to meet the national bird of the Maldives, the white-breasted waterhen (Divehi kabili).
Cetaceans
Beneath the cerulean blue waters of the Maldivian seas, there are enchanting creatures such as whales, dolphins and porpoises roaming about. The Maldivian government has recorded 23 species and are offered protection under Maldivian law. The most common cetacean spotted here is the spinner dolphin (Stenella longirestris); you can hang out with them as they come near the atolls in the morning to rest and swim back out at sunset to hunt.
Sharks
The sharks in the Maldives are why snorkelers and divers from around the world come here each year. The most famous is the whale shark (Rhincodon typus); they have been a protected species since 1993. You can also spot white tip reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, oceanic tip reef sharks and silky sharks too. The whale sharks are gentle giants usually roaming around closer to the surface of the water, so you can spot them fairly easily.
