Choosing where to goin the Maldivesis a big decision. American Express has expanded The Centurion Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. People interested. This post was originally published on Oct. 12, 2019. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Ari Atoll, Maldives The Maldives are made up of more than 1,000 coral islands divided into 26 ring-shaped atolls in the Indian Ocean. If you plan to snorkel or dive, visit sometime between May and June. In short, the best time to travel to the Maldives is between November and April, when the weather is sunny and dry (which is why its known as the Dry Season). Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. Visiting the Maldives from November to April is a no-brainer as its when youll get the most sunshine and warmest temperatures. Spotting Turtles. And youll still get plenty of sunshine in between showers. Bora Bora is a hike. But there are big crowds of happy tourists arriving daily as this is the peak season! There really isnt a bad time to go as long as you plan your activities around the season you visit! For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Its Asias smallest country, but this tiny island nation packs in big adventure, scenery, and tropical vibes. Well also share some helpful travel tips to make the most of your stay! If youre lucky, you will see these mesmerising creatures on both snorkelling and diving trips, or around the islands house reef. The average loggerhead measures around 90cm long when fully grown, although larger specimens of up to 280cm have been discovered and weigh approximately 135 kg, with the largest specimens weighing in at more than 450 kilograms. 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. This idyllic island has a resident population of sea turtles that can often be seen all around the island. WebMaldives in Dry Season (December to April) Temperature ~31 degrees celsius by day and ~ 24 degrees Celsius by night. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. Between these months you will not be facing any sightseeing issues because the humidity level will also 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. Practical info. In the southern atolls, the wet and dry seasons become slightly less pronounced. Pack lightweight clothes that are comfortable for warm weather and also quick-drying items in case of rain showers. Leatherback Sea Turtles (pictured above) are the largest of the turtle species. Named for their shell, which is leather-like rather than hard, like other turtles and has five ridges that run the length of the shell, leatherback sea turtles are one of the most migratory, crossing both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The weather is wrapping up the rainfall around October, with surfing season coming to a close and rainfall reaching the highest levels of the year. January. Kureda island is considered the best place to see turtles in Maldives apart from seagrass rich lagoons. Spotting Turtles. The first week sees the end of the festive season, which February. We hope you enjoyed this blog post about the Turtles in The Maldives and hopefully it has inspired you to help, discover and be more aware of them! As Bhutan reopens to tourism on September 23, 2022, its daily tourist fees are increasing. Sea Turtle Hatching. Kureda island is considered the best place to see turtles in Maldives apart from seagrass rich lagoons. If relaxing on the beach is more your speed, Maldives has lots to offer. Jul. What species of sea turtles can you find in The Maldives? 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. Cheapest time to visit the Maldives Affordable airfare To get you prepared for your trip to the Maldives where youll hopefully see some beautiful sea turtles, heres some fun turtle facts. Incubation takes about two months. We saw them much more often on both Angaga and Vakarufalhi. Planning a memorable trip to Maldives will be easy when you keep these travel tips in mind. The islands are framed by turquoise seas and lagoons, making it the perfect place to snorkel, dive and simply escape everyday life. rove.me. Temperatures hang around 86F-88F from January to April and lows are in the upper 70s. Sounds grim right? This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). The hotel offers turtle snorkeling tours so you can snorkel and dive with the beautiful sea turtles, giving you the chance to see them up close and personal. Watch the brilliant blue natural light show (called the Sea of Stars) at night for a truly enchanting experience. rove.me. If youre super adventurous then book onto this snorkeling with nurse sharks tour! There are plenty of dive sites and varying depths depending on your experience level throughout the archipelago. Learn more. Sea Turtle Hatching. If youre dreaming of a honeymoon in paradise, this is the spot for you. Check out one of the resident turtles of Kandolhu in the video below: One of the best places to see turtles in the Maldives is on the island of Mirihi. Leatherback Turtles on the North Caribbean. Report inappropriate content. 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. As an alternative to the better-known and more costly resort islands in the atoll, Omandhoo is a quiet island that has only recently started welcoming tourists. The olive ridley is mostly carnivorous, feeding on such creatures as jellyfish, snails, crabs, and shrimp, but will occasionally eat algae and seaweed as well. View all of our Budget Maldives Trips here. 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. The temperature between these months remains between 24C and 31C. Human Read our Privacy Policy. The most commonly spotted species are the Hawksbill and Green Sea turtles, while the remaining three are the Olive Ridley, Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles. Snorkeling and diving alongside sea turtles is a super popular activity in the Maldives. Ayada Maldives is perfectly placed. Maldives is known for its white sand beaches, diverse wildlife and tropical plants, and stunningly blue waters that surround the 200 inhabited islands. Apr. Overall, the best time to visit Maldives is during the peak season from January to April. If you get super lucky you might even spot some baby turtles hatching and making their first run towards the ocean! (Enrollment required for select benefits.). 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. Snorkeling and diving excursions offer some wonderful opportunities to see turtles in Maldives. 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. Other islands we have seen the odd turtle are Kuredu ,Angaga, Embudu,vilamendhoo and so on. Sea turtles lay their eggs all year round; however, the most active nesting season falls from May to June. Look for lagoons that are rich with seagrass as this is a favourite food of the Green turtles. Remember your sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses as well! Save. Read and respect the laws, and youll have very little trouble. If youre looking for a vibrant holiday atmosphere, this is the time for you. All species of sea turtles are either threatened or endangered. So dont worry about packing too many sweaters. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Practical info. Remind Me. From Seattle and San Francisco, expect to pay around $710 and $700, respectively. 4. During Independence Day, there are festivities, parades and performances across all the islands. WebBest Places To See Turtles In The Maldives. As a tropical destination, theres no need for heavy winter clothing and bulky items. Jun. With more than 700 miles of coastline along the deep-blue Indian Ocean, you can choose the sunniest spot on the sugar sand beaches near your hotel and spend your day soaking up the sun. The best time to visit the Maldives for whale watching is between October and April. 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. High season rumbles on, with accommodation booked out across the country. The most common types of turtles that youll see in Maafushivaru are the hawksbill turtles but green turtles are commonly spotted too. 3. While the residents may be smaller in size, there are nesting seasons as well. Here's how travelers can help. WebWe also saw lots if turtles at Komandoo. Ari Atoll, Maldives The Maldives are made up of more than 1,000 coral islands divided into 26 ring-shaped atolls in the Indian Ocean. 35 helpful votes. The Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys Imbricata). These reefs are hard to access on your own so youll need to book a tour. For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. WebTurtles in the Maldives are endangered and so they are protected. Its worth it, just to see the fine lacquer work and elaborate wood carvings. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. 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. High season rumbles on, with accommodation booked out across the country. You can watch local fisherman bring their bountiful catches ashore and enjoy the unique Maldivian flavors added to make memorable dishes. Turtles can be spotted on many islands in the Maldives. Waters are calmer during December and January. You can see turtles all year round in the Maldives. JulyAugust (all year round) Feb. Mar. Kuredu. 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. Other islands we have seen the odd turtle are Kuredu ,Angaga, Embudu,vilamendhoo and so on. Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. The Maldives need no introduction nestled in the Indian Ocean, brimming with beautiful white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and abundant marine life, it is the ultimate tropical escape. While most of the population here lives in the capital, there are small towns and culturally rich villages scattered around the 200 inhabited islands of Maldives. 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. Fact: Seagrass is the favorite food of the green sea turtles which is why you often find turtles in the areas with lots of seagrass. Obviously December is an expensive time to visit the Maldives so subject to budget Amari and Komandoo are hot spots for turtles. In their lifetime, female turtles lay thousands of eggs so at least a few will survive. During this time, the island boasts a dry climate making it easier for the visitors to enjoy here. The best time to visit the Maldives for whale watching is between October and April. WebKuredu is lucky to be known as one of the Maldives top locations for green sea turtles, with dozens of individuals known to live in the lagoons and on the reefs around the island. Its an ideal time for swimming in crystal clear blue waters, snorkelling among the vibrant coral reefs, and lounging on white sand beaches. Warm clear seas, tropical vistas and utter luxury: say hello to anoverwaterbungalow or villa vacation in 2023. Snorkeling and diving excursions offer some wonderful opportunities to see turtles in Maldives. Its a wide window, so pay attention to the slight differences in weather and activities through this range to plan the best trip. Best Time to Visit the Maldives for Diving The Maldives is a dream destination for many scuba divers. See full Affiliate Disclosure here. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip. Swimming with whale sharks is an unforgettable experience. Human The resort itself has an impressive knowledge of the resident turtle population and is actively involved in conservation efforts. All rights reserved. Or theres upmarket Cokes Surf Camp, whosebreak is where intermediate and advanced surfers catch their biggest waves. Each island is a ring-like atoll that creates a truly incredible aerial view of the archipelago. Youll feel like youre swimming in an aquarium with the vast range of tropical fish, giant sea turtles and more that lurk in the waters surrounding this paradise island. We saw them much more often on both Angaga and Vakarufalhi. Snorkeling in calm water is more of a factor for your own safety and better water clarity, which varies with the changing seasons & particular beaches. High season rumbles on, with accommodation booked out across the country. Cheapest time to visit the Maldives Affordable airfare During this time, the island boasts a dry climate making it easier for the visitors to enjoy here. On the island of Gan, pay your respects at the British War Memorialbefore signing up for a thrilling descent with the nearby skydiving school. The loggerhead has a lifespan of 4767 years. Things do get busier around Thanksgiving and at the end of December, but youll mostly find empty beaches and resorts (with great low season deals) at this time of year. Weather This is the best season to visit Maldives. From March to November the Maldives best-loved swells rise up from the outer reefs of the North Mal Atoll. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card. Experiences Every Traveler Should Have in the Maldives, Swimming with Whale Sharks in the Maldives, Dolphin watching in the Maldives A few handy tips, Unique Activities and Experiences in the Maldives, The Maldives Top Diving Spot: Hanifaru Bay, Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences in the Maldives. 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. A typical green sea turtle will be 3 to 4 feet long and weighs between 300 and 350 pounds. Kuredu. But what the Maldives is best known for is its luxury resorts with overwater bungalows and impossibly clear blue waters. 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. Looking for a romantic place to celebrate your honeymoon? But theres plenty more to this special slice of the Indian Ocean, attracting the gamut of travelers from backpackers to big families. So where, exactly, should you include in your dream itinerary?