A number of remote islands and an abundance of marine life make diving and snorkeling popular in the Maldives. Frusci. In the capital Male, youll see shining domes of Islamic mosques highlighting the skyline, some built with coral stone from the nearby reefs. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. High season rumbles on, with accommodation booked out across the country. There are also large populations of hawksbill turtles too. The gender of a baby turtle is determined by the temperature of the nest warmer temperatures tend to lead to females whereas cooler temperatures tend to lead to males. Later, hatchlings emerge and scramble into the water. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. Sea turtles tend to build their nests for their eggs in the same location that they were born. You might also like:Maldiveson a budget: How to penny pinch in paradiseHow to choose the bestMaldivesisland for your travel style10 incredible experiences in theMaldivesto go beyond the villa. If being the only dive boat in view is a priority, head south to Komandoo. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. The best time to visit the Maldives for diving is between November and April. Jul. Most active nesting time for turtles lies in the months of May and June and their hatching falls from July to August. Here's a little bit more about us, Maldives Secrets, and what we do: Ready to fly out to The Maldives? Noisy, colorful, cosmopolitan Maafushi is the best place to experience the Maldives on a budget. Best Time to Visit the Maldives for Diving The Maldives is a dream destination for many scuba divers. The Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys Imbricata). Because of its location among important maritime trading routes, the Maldives maintains a rich culture influenced by Arabs, North Africans, Sri Lankans and Indians. Learn more. Jul. The Maldives plays host to a number of amazing music festivals featuring international DJs and bands throughout the month. WebBest Times To Visit Maldives The best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April. Plus, youll have more personal space on the beach. The best place to see them in the Maldives if not the world is the South Ari Atoll, where these majestic giants dwell year round. April is generally considered the best time to visit Maldives if youre looking for a combination of great weather and lower prices. Credit ranges are a variation of FICO Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. The Maldives is a Muslim country with laws and rules that differ from the Western world. Many restaurants do offer special meals for Iftar the evening meal breaking each daily fast which often comprise local foods and juices not typically served the rest of the year. Youll be taken in small groups to the best reefs which are teeming with marine life. The Maldives is actually one of the best places in the whole world to see turtles due to their healthy reefs and lush seagrass beds. It can also appear after stirring the water with your foot or hand. Its a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean and draws hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. Walnut is an adult male turtle who has been seen swimming and eating in the lagoon for over 10 years. Sounds grim right? March. Instead of passing through capital Mal to your paradise island, spend a day taking in this micro citys historic spots. Diving is great year-round, but visibility increases slightly during the dry season specifically, January through April. This small island is surrounded by white powdery sand and a crystal clear water lagoon, its the stuff of dreams. Maafushi is one of the best places to see turtles in the Maldives. Waters are calmer during December and January. The temperature remains fairly consistent year-round, ranging only from the low- to mid-80's (Fahrenheit). When youre done with the whale sharks, there are barracuda and turtles to spot on snorkeling adventures in its surrounding reef. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. September-January tend to hover around the 80 degree mark, and February-August tend to reach a little higher around the mid-80's. Ahhh bliss! This Unesco protected biosphere reserve is home to the largest gathering of manta rays found anywhere in the world. WebBiyadhoo does have a couple of turtles but you have to be in the right place at the right time - we have usually seen them at least once on each visit typically early in the morning before everyone hit the reef snorkelling. Its truly a divers paradise! The wet season in the Maldives typically runs from May until October and you should expect some strong winds, heavy rains, and thunderstorms exactly like your typical monsoon season in other parts of the world. Visit at the right time and youll get cheaper rates, great weather with slight chances of rain, and the feeling that youve got the islands to yourself! Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Related: The best ways to get to the Maldives on points and miles. The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April. There will be rain, but that doesnt mean all hope is lost. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April. Plus if you visit during December or January, you might just get a chance to witness the incredible spectacle of whale sharks migrating through the region. The high annual fee is only worth it if youre taking full advantage of the cards benefits. The Discoveries Of is a member of the Amazon associates program. Spotting Turtles. Addu City is a place to experience proper island life, where youll hear the daily call to prayer as local fishers return with their catch. Loggerhead Sea Turtles (pictured above), or loggerheads, are so named due to their overly large heads with a horny beak that is significantly thicker than in other sea turtles. From Seattle and San Francisco, expect to pay around $710 and $700, respectively. See full Affiliate Disclosure here. Bioluminescence can only be seen in turbulent water, such as in the waves on the shoreline or wake from a boat. WebHigh season is from November to April but all year round the reefs feature very healthy hard corals, colorful reef fish, hawksbill and green turtles, reef sharks and eagle rays. Did you know you can also see turtles in Greece? The green sea turtles mostly eat seagrass, seaweed and algae. Prices peak at around $705 per night in December. 35 helpful votes. After hatching, baby turtles must crawl as fast as they can to the water and avoid a multitude of predators. The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway. In November, Marriott debuted its five-star JW Marriott Maldives Resort and Spa (with rooms available from 70,000 points per night on off-peak dates). Every period has something to offer visitors, even in the dead center of the wet season. This is actually one of the smallest resort islands in the Maldives which allows guests to feel like they are on their own private island. 35 helpful votes. WebBest Places To See Turtles In The Maldives. Between these months you will not be facing any sightseeing issues because the humidity level will also WebThe best time to see turtles in Maldives would be from May to August. +11. When you encounter a turtle please respect its space, watching from a distance will allow you to view it for longer and not endanger the turtle in any way. Watch the brilliant blue natural light show (called the Sea of Stars) at night for a truly enchanting experience. To reach their nesting grounds, sea turtles migrate long distances every 2-4 years, traveling back to the very same beaches where they were born. See the best time to visit Maldives below best overall, cheapest, and least busy plus the worst time of year to go. Every year, thousands of visitors flock to this tropical paradise to get a glimpse of these majestic creatures as they make their way through the Indian Ocean. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This species is predominantly vegetarian, feeding mostly on algae and sea grass and can hold their breath for hours at a time. But there are big crowds of happy tourists arriving daily as this is the peak season! Those in the know have started to swerve this well-established spot in favor of the waves on the southern rim of the Huvadhoo Atoll. From fresh tuna curries and smoked fish pastries to flavorful fish soups and banana flower salad, Maldivian food blends tropical tastes with Indian flavors in a delicious way. This paradise island has soft, white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and a healthy population of sea turtles! Overall, the best time to visit Maldives is during the peak season from January to April. Its worth it, just to see the fine lacquer work and elaborate wood carvings. Spinner and bottlenose dolphins are commonly spotted at sea during the dolphin cruise and from the resort. Maafushi. Hawksbill Turtles (pictured above) are the most commonly seen turtle along the reefs of The Maldives. If youre lucky, you will see these mesmerising creatures on both snorkelling and diving trips, or around the islands house reef. Leatherback Sea Turtles (pictured above) are the largest of the turtle species. Sea turtles have been on Earth for more than 100 million years, even outliving the dinosaurs who became extinct 65 million years ago. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. WebThere are resident (full time) turtles all year round in Akumal Bay and Half Moon Bay. WebBest time: May to October Nesting season: Late October to February Hatching season: Late December to April Find a Liveaboard in the Great Barrier Reef 3. This island has one of the biggest populations of green sea turtles in the whole of the Maldives due to its vast seagrass meadows so the chance of seeing a turtle is super high. Maldives is an archipelago of islands near India and Sri Lanka. Officially, its a no-go for non-Muslims, but if youre modestly dressed and visit outside of prayer time, youre likely to be welcomed in. Planning to visit Maldives soon? Today is International Turtle Day, this means that we must raise awareness about the 5 marvellous species of turtles that we find here in The Maldives, as well as the dangers they face. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Flights from the West Coast Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles are cheapest in November. Kureda island is considered the best place to see turtles in Maldives apart from seagrass rich lagoons. The temperature remains fairly consistent year-round, ranging only from the low- to mid-80's (Fahrenheit). Mother turtles lay up to 100 eggs in each nest. This helps them to program their built-in GPS systems that will ensure any female turtles that survive will make their way back to the beach one day to lay eggs, completing this incredible tale of survival. For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. WebMaldives in Dry Season (December to April) Temperature ~31 degrees celsius by day and ~ 24 degrees Celsius by night. Thanks to the Maldives geographic location, it's a popular destination for water-fueled adventure. Book yourself a room at Kandolhu Maldives to enjoy this paradise island including snorkeling with turtles. His shell is over 1 meter long making him the biggest sea turtle in the area. The holiday is usually celebrated on July 26, which is when the country gained its independence from Britain in 1965. Best Time to Visit the Maldives for Diving The Maldives is a dream destination for many scuba divers. Hi, my name is Meg and, you guessed it, I love to travel. These are the Leatherback, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Green, and Olive-Ridley Turtle. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. Five of the seven species of sea turtles in the world can be found in The Maldives, and there are two species that are seen far more frequently than the others the Green Sea Turtle and the Hawksbill Turtle. Flights to Mal are generally cheapest in the late fall and winter, although the exact months vary depending on where you are flying from. Choosing where to goin the Maldivesis a big decision. Best Time to See Bioluminescent Plankton in Maldives 2023 Rove.me Overall, the best time to visit Maldives is during the peak season from January to April. Many are based on the Islamic lunar calendar, which differs from the Gregorian calendar many of us are familiar with. The name Hawksbill comes from the shape of the turtles beak which is looks like one of a hawks bill. Web45 reviews. To enjoy the island to the fullest, book a room at the luxury Diamonds Athuruga Maldives Resort which has a range of snorkeling and diving programs to choose from. This resort island, which is surrounded by white powdery sand and a crystal clear lagoon, has a healthy reef which is home to a resident population of sea turtles. The islands are framed by turquoise seas and lagoons, making it the perfect place to snorkel, dive and simply escape everyday life. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. In 2020, Huravee Day was celebrated on Jan. 28. Olive Ridley Sea Turtles (Lepidochelys Olivacea). Theres a good chance of seeing manta rays here from May to November. If there's a specific religious event youd like to experience in the Maldives, be sure to check the exact date before booking travel. Find the bliss of an overwater bungalow closer to home: the Caribbean's most worthy alternatives. They also feed on algae, sea grasses, barnacles, fish, jellyfish and sponges. Practical info. As a tropical destination, theres no need for heavy winter clothing and bulky items. September-January tend to hover around the 80 degree mark, and February-August tend to reach a little higher around the mid-80's. Head for Hanifaru Bay in June to November when the zooplankton they feed on is at its most bounteous. Between these months you will not be facing any sightseeing issues because the humidity level will also Apr. Snorkeling and diving excursions offer some wonderful opportunities to see turtles in Maldives. Between these months you will not be facing any sightseeing issues because the humidity level will also These key tips protect both you and the turtles. Kuredu. When youre ready to make a splash, take to the ocean in a boat, jet ski, kayak, paddleboard, or fly over the water with futuristic hydroflight jet blades for a new perspective. High season rumbles on, with accommodation booked out across the country. This is the ideal time for any activity on the water snorkeling, diving, boating, and swimming because the waters around Maldives are exceptionally clear with great visibility. Komandoo. If you want to avoid the big crowds, limited flight/hotel availability, and long lines of peak season, the best time to visit Maldives is from October to December. This small to medium-sized marine turtle has a beautifully coloured golden and brown oval shell, with a striking pattern, which serves as an effective camouflage in coral reefs. Snorkeling and diving excursions offer some wonderful opportunities to see turtles in Maldives. Your best bet is to visit between June and October, which is when the plankton are typically present. Find hotels and airbnbs near Sea Turtle Hatching (Map) Turtle spotting. Swimming with whale sharks is an unforgettable experience. 3. From Namibias wind-swept Skeleton Coast to Javas G-Land, discover the best place to hang ten, whatever your surfing ability. Turtles normally hatch during the full moon, but some of the hatchlings do come out on darker nights. Check out the beautiful turtle spotted on Komandoo island in the video below: Another place where you can snorkel with turtles in the Maldives is on Athuruga island. WebBiyadhoo does have a couple of turtles but you have to be in the right place at the right time - we have usually seen them at least once on each visit typically early in the morning before everyone hit the reef snorkelling. Biggest fish in the sea? Temperatures tend to range between an inviting 24-31C (75-88F), while humidity levels remain relatively low. This is high season in Maldives, with Europeans coming for their winter holidays. Nowadays, it's rather difficult for them to find their way to the sea. The resort runs excursions every day that take guests out to swim with turtles, manta rays, whale sharks and more. The good news is that, on average, it only rains for about 4 hours a day during this period. Other islands we have seen the odd turtle are Kuredu ,Angaga, Embudu,vilamendhoo and so on. Plan your visit in October, early to mid-November, or early to mid-December for the smallest crowds. Youll see the greatest number of them in the channel to the south of the atoll from May through to December. Found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, these turtles are best known for their unique mass nesting called arribada, where thousands of females come together on the same beach to lay eggs. Sea turtles lay their eggs all year round; however, the most active nesting season falls from May to June. Check out the video below which shows some baby turtles hatching on Kuredu island: Another great place where you can swim with turtles is on the island of Maafushivaru. With the exception of November, when prices are in the mid-$500 range, expect to pay in the mid-$600 range the rest of the year. Practical info. To ensure the turtles remain safe, theres a few key things to bear in mind when swimming with them in the Maldives. Its in the 70s and 80s year-round here, thanks to the tropical and comfortable climate. This turtle has a relatively small head with a distinctive hawk-like beak, and flippers with two claws. Sea Turtle Hatching. If you book one of their beachfront villas, you can often see turtles feeding on seagrass in the lagoon just meters from the beach. Enrollment required. Other islands we have seen the odd turtle are Kuredu ,Angaga, Embudu,vilamendhoo and so on. Kureda island is considered the best place to see turtles in Maldives apart from seagrass rich lagoons. They have been around for the last 100 million years. Maafushivaru is a great place to see sea turtles and there are many spots across the island where they love to hang out. The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. Its dry, warm, and less humid at this time of year with excellent water visibility to enjoy the world-class diving and snorkeling around the islands. Look for lagoons that are rich with seagrass as this is a favourite food of the Green turtles. WebWe also saw lots if turtles at Komandoo. Apr. Bustling fresh markets give you a chance to peruse everything from fresh seafood and produce to handmade crafts and clothing. Five of the seven species of sea turtles in the world can be found in The Maldives, and there are two species that are seen far more frequently than the others the Green Sea Turtle and the Hawksbill Turtle. WebYour best bet is to visit between June and October, which is when the plankton are typically present. If you love the ocean then swimming with turtles is truly one of those bucket list activities. Hilton also expanded its presence in the Maldives when it opened the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi and SAii Lagoon Maldives, a Curio Collection resort, last summer, available from 120,000 and 85,000 points, respectively, for a standard-room reward. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Regardless of when you decide to go, an experience in the Maldives is bound to be unforgettable.