The act of egg collection on many turtle nesting beaches poses a grave threat and is one of the many reasons why turtles are listed as endangered. This post was originally published on Oct. 12, 2019. 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. 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. 35 helpful votes. Kuredu. Obviously December is an expensive time to visit the Maldives so subject to budget Amari and Komandoo are hot spots for turtles. Overall, the best time to visit Maldives is during the peak season from January to April. 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. The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April. 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. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. If you plan to try surfing, July is perfect and priced low enough to be appealing. Waters are calmer during December and January. WebBest Times To Visit Maldives The best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April. If youre into scuba diving or freediving even snorkeling Maldives deserves a spot on your travel bucket list. The resort itself has an impressive knowledge of the resident turtle population and is actively involved in conservation efforts. Remind Me. 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. Hi, my name is Meg and, you guessed it, I love to travel. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Why not use these fun Maldives Instagram captions, puns & quotes for any photos you post to Instagram from your stay in the Maldives? The temperature between these months remains between 24C and 31C. They usually inhabit shallow lagoons, feeding mainly on sea grass, biting off the tips of the blades of sea grass, which keeps the grass healthy. Whilst out snorkeling or diving youll be able to see sea turtles, sharks, octopuses and a range of vibrant tropical fish. The best time to visit the Maldives for diving is between November and April. Whale watching aside, spotting turtles is a fun activity to experience out at sea; it can even be enjoyed on a Whale Submarine adventure that can be organised while staying at resorts such as Adaaran Prestige Vadoo. There are also certain times of year when you can actually see baby turtles hatching from their eggs and making their first run towards the ocean. After hatching, baby turtles must crawl as fast as they can to the water and avoid a multitude of predators. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. The Maldives plays host to a number of amazing music festivals featuring international DJs and bands throughout the month. March. Sea Turtle Hatching Featured in. Below we will tell you the exact spots and locations where you can see them for yourself. 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 and earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. A large concentration of breaks in a short distance means the best way to surf this region is by boat charter. Angaga island is mostly known for its rich marine life with some epic diving spots. Maafushi. The capital city, Mal, is one of the best places to experience the holiday. It can also appear after stirring the water with your foot or hand. There might be slightly less sunshine this time of year and rates tend to be lower and the crowds thinner. Choosing where to goin the Maldivesis a big decision. In the Maldives, you will find five of the seven sea turtle species in the world. May. Related: Is the St. Regis Maldives worth the trip? Nature lovers and activity bods can have their cake and eat it with some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world, while surfers flock to certain atolls for a special sort of swell. 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. Then its onto the Old Friday Mosque. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. Save. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. In general, the turtles tend to hang out in the lagoons which have lots of seagrass. Biggest fish in the sea? It is perfect for sightseeing, enjoying cultural activities, water sports and savouring the local cuisine. WebBest Places To See Turtles In The Maldives. Its in the 70s and 80s year-round here, thanks to the tropical and comfortable climate. Snorkeling and diving excursions offer some wonderful opportunities to see turtles in Maldives. Low Season: May to November. Its an ideal time for swimming in crystal clear blue waters, snorkelling among the vibrant coral reefs, and lounging on white sand beaches. Cheapest time to visit the Maldives Affordable airfare May. Prices peak at around $705 per night in December. The Maldives is a Muslim country with laws and rules that differ from the Western world. Book yourself a room at Kandolhu Maldives to enjoy this paradise island including snorkeling with turtles. Athuruga. Youll see the greatest number of them in the channel to the south of the atoll from May through to December. 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. Its a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean and draws hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. Los Angeles is the cheapest city to fly out of overall, with the average cost of airfare around $385. Frusci. There are 1200 or so islands, within 26 atolls, spanning an area the size of Portugal. Komandoo. The name Hawksbill comes from the shape of the turtles beak which is looks like one of a hawks bill. Because of its location among important maritime trading routes, the Maldives maintains a rich culture influenced by Arabs, North Africans, Sri Lankans and Indians. During the Maldives dry season, you can expect sunny skies for most of November through April. The cheapest time to visit Maldives is from May to August, the majority of the wet season for the islands. Snorkeling and diving alongside sea turtles is a super popular activity in the Maldives. The best time to visit the Maldives for whale watching is between October and April. Save. Kureda island is considered the best place to see turtles in Maldives apart from seagrass rich lagoons. April is the last month of the dry season on many island resorts, so you can expect plenty of sunshine and dry days, but fewer crowds as people start heading home. TPG values it at $1,600. These key tips protect both you and the turtles. Check out the beautiful turtle that was spotted on Mirihi in the video below: Another place where you can see turtles in the Maldives is Angaga island. According to travel search site Kayak, average hotel prices are at their lowest in May, when you can expect to pay $369 per night. The loggerhead sea turtle is found in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific and spends most of its life in saltwater habitats, with females briefly coming ashore to lay eggs. Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. The surf season runs from mid-February through November, which is when the largest swells can be found. I would stongly recommend you visit CEA in Akumal and signing up for a turtle nesting tour. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Between these months you will not be facing any sightseeing issues because the humidity level will also Its more expensive and crowded at this time of year due to the idyllic weather and water. Whale watching aside, spotting turtles is a fun activity to experience out at sea; it can even be enjoyed on a Whale Submarine adventure that can be organised while staying at resorts such as Adaaran Prestige Vadoo. Other islands we have seen the odd turtle are Kuredu ,Angaga, Embudu,vilamendhoo and so on. The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. Maafushi. You will also come across the Olive Ridley Turtles (Lepidochelys Olivacea) and the Loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) and Leatherback (Dermochelys Coriacea). Did you know you can also see turtles in Greece? Learn the best time to visit Maldives in our travel guide, along with tips on the cheapest and least busy time to go! Their shell is usually hunted for and sold in the black market as jewellery. Maafushivaru. You can take advantage of the years lowest prices to travel to and stay in Maldives when you go between May and August. They are definitely one of our favourite marine animals to spot on underwater adventures in The Maldives. Outside of the current welcome bonus, youre only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so its not a great card for other spending categories. WebBest Places To See Turtles In The Maldives. Spotting Turtles. Explore the worlds most thrilling waves with Epic Surf Breaks of the World. Many are based on the Islamic lunar calendar, which differs from the Gregorian calendar many of us are familiar with. During this time, the island boasts a dry climate making it easier for the visitors to enjoy here. +11. The temperature between these months remains between 24C and 31C. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. Frusci. Although tropical temperatures in the Maldives will likely make you want to spend all day outside, take breaks and stay hydrated with lots of water. WebBest Times To Visit Maldives The best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April. The Maldives is a dream destination for many scuba divers. The correct word for a baby turtle is a hatchling. It can also appear after stirring the water with your foot or hand. I love seeing turtles too! 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. November and December present better weather chances and clearer water visibility for snorkeling and diving. Overall, the best time to visit Maldives is during the peak season from January to April. The olive ridley turtle is closely related to the Kemps ridley turtle and is named for the generally greenish color of its skin and shell or carapace. Visiting the Maldives for whale watching is a fantastic experience. When youre done with the whale sharks, there are barracuda and turtles to spot on snorkeling adventures in its surrounding reef. Komandoo is a hotspot for turtles, especially hawksbill turtles. From the idyllic dry season with highs in the 70F-80F range to the much cheaper and less-crowded wet season with brief cloudbursts, youll find the best time to visit Maldives below. The blend of customs, religions and cultures forms an unmistakably Maldivian culture, which was shaped when Islam was introduced to the region during the 12th century. Spotting Turtles. 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. Baby sea turtles tend to hatch around 45 days after their egg has been laid and then they make their way into the ocean to begin their life. Average precipitation is lowest from January through March, but even during the dry season, an afternoon rain is possible. Built in 1656, this coral-stone beauty is the oldest in the Maldives. During this time, you can find some of the best snorkelling and diving spots and an abundance of sea life ready to be explored but it is a bit wetter on-land. Its worth it, just to see the fine lacquer work and elaborate wood carvings. If youre not sure Maldives is the destination for you, check out these guides next to learn more about similar locations with that tropical, island vibe! This means that from May to June you will actually be able to see the turtles nesting. Its comfortable day and night during this time of year, and since its Maldives dry season, theres little rainfall to mess with your outdoor plans. From March to November the Maldives best-loved swells rise up from the outer reefs of the North Mal Atoll. Average airfare from New York is $642, $710 from Chicago and $739 from Miami. The wet season generally tends to be the slow season. Female loggerhead sea turtles lay an average of four egg clutches and then become quiescent, producing no eggs for two to three years. The most commonly spotted species are the Hawksbill and Green Sea turtles, while the remaining three are the Olive Ridley, Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles. While they have natural predators, humans are to be blamed the most; be it being hunted for meat, eggs or shells, traded as pets, getting entangled in fishing gear or losing natural habitats, turtles in the Maldives face a tough road to survival. Storms and big swells dominate the month of July, and August is known for ample (but short) heavy downpours and poor water visibility. rove.me. Chances are any time you decide to visit, the Maldives will be pleasantly warm. I love seeing turtles too! This is also one of the driest times of the year, with little chance of downpours or storms spoiling your fun. Turtles live long lives thought to be up to 50 years and can survive long periods without food. Report inappropriate content. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Start with a guided tour of Addu Nature Park or canoe in the Bedhi bay area to wend through red mangroves teeming with stingrays and sharks. 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. During the wet season, from May through October, some islands may experience upward of nine inches of precipitation in a single month. The hawksbill turtles do not grow very large, they measure up to 90cm. The temperature remains fairly consistent year-round, ranging only from the low- to mid-80's (Fahrenheit). The best time to visit the Maldives for whale watching is between October and April. In 2020, Huravee Day was celebrated on Jan. 28. It is perfect for sightseeing, enjoying cultural activities, water sports and savouring the local cuisine. If yours is a big-budget trip then the place to stay is the atolls newest resort, Seaside Finolhu Sandbank. Hawksbill Turtles (pictured above) are the most commonly seen turtle along the reefs of The Maldives. 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. Festivities include marching bands, parades, speeches, ceremonies and children walking the streets wearing their best clothes a true display of the countrys culture, heritage and pride. WebYour best bet is to visit between June and October, which is when the plankton are typically present. Web45 reviews. 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. If you get super lucky you might even spot some baby turtles hatching and making their first run towards the ocean! Its not exactly groundbreaking to say that the Maldives are a fantastic honeymoon destination. Sea turtles regularly navigate long distances to find the same tiny stretch of nesting beach. In fact, nearly half of all the green sea turtles in the Maldives live in this area. Maafushi is one of the best places to see turtles in the Maldives. His shell is over 1 meter long making him the biggest sea turtle in the area. Its also the more expensive time of year to go since rooms and flights are in high demand. 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. Jul. | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, The 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Jamaica in 2023, 15 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Traveling, The 15 Best Hotels in Ocean City, MD in 2023, The 15 Best Hotels in Rome in 2023 | For All Budgets, The Best Hotels in Orlando in 2023 | For All Budgets, The 15 Best Hotels in Seattle in 2023 | For All Budgets, The 15 Best Hotels in Philadelphia in 2023, January-April is the best time to visit Maldives, Warm, dry, and breezy weather with low humidity, Peak season for Maldives resorts and hotels, Rates on hotels, resort packages, and flights drop, October-December see the fewest visitors in Maldives, Wet season worries keep many tourists away, Rates on flights and hotels dip at the end of the year, If youre hoping for perfect weather, the worst time to go is, If youre hoping for cheap price, the worst time to go is, If youre hoping for fewer crowds, the worst time to go is. High season rumbles on, with accommodation booked out across the country. Yoga retreats are no longer just a luxury travel experience: here's how to find your moment this International Yoga Day. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Remember, never chase or attempt to touch a turtle. 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. These reefs are hard to access on your own so youll need to book a tour. 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. Diving is great year-round, but visibility increases slightly during the dry season specifically, January through April. Traveling to new places has changed our lives, and we hope to share our experience, insight, and passion with you in order to inspire you to change yours as well! WebWe also saw lots if turtles at Komandoo. Enjoy watching them gracefully and calmly glide up to the surface for a breath of air before swimming back to the underwater realm. 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. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip. The good news is that conservation efforts are being carried out to save sea turtles in the Maldives which is vital for the preservation of the marine ecosystem too. Maldiveson a budget: How to penny pinch in paradise, How to choose the bestMaldivesisland for your travel style, 10 incredible experiences in theMaldivesto go beyond the villa, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Other islands we have seen the odd turtle are Kuredu ,Angaga, Embudu,vilamendhoo and so on. Practical info. Hotel prices drop significantly during these months, so finding good deals is much easier. Warm clear seas, tropical vistas and utter luxury: say hello to anoverwaterbungalow or villa vacation in 2023. Or theres upmarket Cokes Surf Camp, whosebreak is where intermediate and advanced surfers catch their biggest waves. With its crystal clear turquoise waters, abundant sea life, and gorgeous coral reefs, its no wonder why. Insider travel tips and guides. Those that reach maturity may live to 80 years in the wild. There are plenty of dive sites and varying depths depending on your experience level throughout the archipelago. 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. WebTurtles in the Maldives are endangered and so they are protected. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. The islands are framed by turquoise seas and lagoons, making it the perfect place to snorkel, dive and simply escape everyday life. See full Affiliate Disclosure here. Rainfall is fairly consistent (and on the higher side) throughout the year. The resort runs excursions every day that take guests out to swim with turtles, manta rays, whale sharks and more. 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. 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. Cheapest time to visit the Maldives Affordable airfare Best Time to See Bioluminescent Plankton in Maldives 2023 Rove.me March. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. WebWe also saw lots if turtles at Komandoo. A number of remote islands and an abundance of marine life make diving and snorkeling popular in the Maldives.