Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Heres our guide to navigating the entry requirements for visiting Sri Lanka as a tourist, with information on visa types, costs and how to apply for one. While the residents may be smaller in size, there are nesting seasons as well. Swimming with whale sharks is an unforgettable experience. September-January tend to hover around the 80 degree mark, and February-August tend to reach a little higher around the mid-80's. 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. April is generally considered the best time to visit Maldives if youre looking for a combination of great weather and lower prices. Sea turtles have been on Earth for more than 100 million years, even outliving the dinosaurs who became extinct 65 million years ago. Then its onto the Old Friday Mosque. This post will tell you all of the best places to see turtles in the Maldives including where you can swim with turtles and where you can see baby turtles hatching in the Maldives! Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Jul. It's better if hatchlings make their way into the ocean on their own. JulyAugust (all year round) Feb. Mar. 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. Below we will tell you the exact spots and locations where you can see them for yourself. 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. Snorkeling and diving excursions offer some wonderful opportunities to see turtles in Maldives. Mirihi is a precious gem featuring white sands, swaying palm trees and sapphire waters. 7 mins ago Follow 202.8k Images 5.6k Followers Source. The greatest number of hatching takes place from July to August. Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. So, without further ado, let's learn more about the types of turtles you may come across in The Maldives! Re: Maui - best month to see turtles. Its the perfect season for beach days, snorkelling trips, or simply lounging around in an infinity pool with a fruity cocktail. Obviously December is an expensive time to visit the Maldives so subject to budget Amari and Komandoo are hot spots for turtles. +11. A typical green sea turtle will be 3 to 4 feet long and weighs between 300 and 350 pounds. 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. rove.me. Leatherback turtles have severely declined during the last century as a result of intense egg collection and fisheries by-catch. 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. Lodging prices vary, depending on exactly where youre staying, but it's a safe bet to say the wet season specifically, May through August is the cheapest time to stay in the Maldives. Frusci. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. The temperature between these months remains between 24C and 31C. 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. On the island of Gan, pay your respects at the British War Memorialbefore signing up for a thrilling descent with the nearby skydiving school. For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. Cheapest time to visit the Maldives Affordable airfare Angaga island is mostly known for its rich marine life with some epic diving spots. Bioluminescence can only be seen in turbulent water, such as in the waves on the shoreline or wake from a boat. Web45 reviews. Each island is a ring-like atoll that creates a truly incredible aerial view of the archipelago. Best Places To See Turtles In The Maldives, Best Time Of Year To See Turtles In The Maldives, Maldives Instagram captions, puns & quotes, Where To See Turtles In Greece Complete Guide, Where To See Turtles In Phuket Complete Guide, Where To See Turtles In Rarotonga Complete Guide. Then she covers them up with sand before heading back into the sea. March. 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). And youll still get plenty of sunshine in between showers. Bioluminescence can only be seen in turbulent water, such as in the waves on the shoreline or wake from a boat. September-January tend to hover around the 80 degree mark, and February-August tend to reach a little higher around the mid-80's. Sadly, sea turtle populations the world over are under threat and the Maldives is no exception. Turtles normally hatch during the full moon, but some of the hatchlings do come out on darker nights. Remind Me. Web45 reviews. Athuruga. During peak season, locals gather to dance the Bodu Beru on the beaches in the evenings. Sea Turtle Hatching Featured in. You will see some of the most spectacular marine life, including reef sharks, turtles, manta rays, barracudas, and eels. 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. Weather This is the best season to visit Maldives. Their shell is usually hunted for and sold in the black market as jewellery. Its a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean and draws hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. 6 years ago. The cheapest time to visit Maldives is from May to August, the majority of the wet season for the islands. Depending on what youre planning, there are a few best months to go to the Maldives. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. View all of our Budget Maldives Trips here. Kuredu. The most commonly spotted species are the Hawksbill and Green Sea turtles, while the remaining three are the Olive Ridley, Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles. If youre looking for reasons to visit Maldives, a shorter list would be the reasons not to go (and were coming up empty-handed on that one). Turtles dont have teeth, but their beaks can give clues as to what they eat: a Hawksbills narrow, pointed beak helps it pull prey such as sponges from tight spaces in a coral reef; Green sea turtles jagged-edged beak is great for snipping sea grass and scraping algae off coral. In the Maldives, you will find five of the seven sea turtle species in the world. The green sea turtles mostly eat seagrass, seaweed and algae. This pretty island is set by a stunning lagoon teeming with sea life. I would stongly recommend you visit CEA in Akumal and signing up for a turtle nesting tour. Sea Turtle Hatching. 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 are home to five of the world's seven sea turtle species. 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. In oceans and bays around the world, bioluminescent plankton illuminate the water, almost like an aquatic imitation of the aurora borealis. The celebration date is based on the Islamic lunar calendar, so it varies annually. That makes perfect sense due to the tropical scenery, laid-back culture, seaside spa cabanas, and ample opportunities for romantic relaxation. There are seven species of sea turtles, you can see 5 in The Maldives. This is best part of the dry season among the Maldivian islands and it makes for the perfect trip to paradise. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. 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. 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. Olive Ridley Sea Turtles (Lepidochelys Olivacea). Sounds grim right? The Maldives is a Muslim country with laws and rules that differ from the Western world. Best Time to See Bioluminescent Plankton in Maldives 2023 Rove.me Best Time to Visit the Maldives for Diving The Maldives is a dream destination for many scuba divers. This idyllic island has a resident population of sea turtles that can often be seen all around the island. Turtles live long lives thought to be up to 50 years and can survive long periods without food. Between these months you will not be facing any sightseeing issues because the humidity level will also But there are big crowds of happy tourists arriving daily as this is the peak season! If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Sea turtles tend to build their nests for their eggs in the same location that they were born. 6 years ago. If you plan to spend a lot of time on the beaches and exploring the cities, this is the best time to visit. WebBest Places To See Turtles In The Maldives. Komandoo. Diving is great year-round, but visibility increases slightly during the dry season specifically, January through April. Visiting here will give you a unique look at the colorful Maldivian culture. The most common types of turtles that youll see in Maafushivaru are the hawksbill turtles but green turtles are commonly spotted too. There are plenty of dive sites and varying depths depending on your experience level throughout the archipelago. More than 2,500 acres of the islands are forested with dense greenery and tropical plants making for amazing scenery. WebWe also saw lots if turtles at Komandoo. Find hotels and airbnbs near Sea Turtle Hatching (Map) Turtle spotting. This is generally the cheapest time to visit Maldives as hotels, resorts, and airlines drop the prices on rooms, vacation packages, and flights to encourage visitors to book during the low season. Between these months you will not be facing any sightseeing issues because the humidity level will also Any time of year will be great to visit Maldives, but some periods are better than others in terms of weather and prices. 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. Many of the islands have healthy reefs with rich seagrass beds the perfect habitat for sea turtles! 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. Spotting Turtles. 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. April is generally considered the best time to visit Maldives if youre looking for a combination of great weather and lower prices. WebThere are resident (full time) turtles all year round in Akumal Bay and Half Moon Bay. I would stongly recommend you visit CEA in Akumal and signing up for a turtle nesting tour. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). During the Maldives dry season, you can expect sunny skies for most of November through April. This island is home to one of the most pristine and colorful reefs in the Maldives making it one of the best places to swim with turtles. 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! Frusci. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Human High season rumbles on, with accommodation booked out across the country. The Maldives is a dream destination for many scuba divers. TPG values it at $1,600. 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. Later, hatchlings emerge and scramble into the water. The best time to visit the Maldives for whale watching is between October and April. Nowadays, it's rather difficult for them to find their way to the sea. Learn more. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Be mindful of extended exposure, and try to wear protective clothing when spending long hours in direct sunlight. Newlyweds especially love Maldives its the #1 most desired honeymoon destination globally. 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. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. In the capital Male, youll see shining domes of Islamic mosques highlighting the skyline, some built with coral stone from the nearby reefs. Maafushi may not be the most attractive corner of the Maldives its four beaches get busy and theres near constant building works at the moment but its a lot of fun and a good spot for snorkeling day-trips and other water sport excursions. During Independence Day, there are festivities, parades and performances across all the islands. January. WebMaldives in Dry Season (December to April) Temperature ~31 degrees celsius by day and ~ 24 degrees Celsius by night. To ensure the turtles remain safe, theres a few key things to bear in mind when swimming with them in the Maldives. They help to maintain the health of the sea grass beds and beach vegetation, which protects against loss of marine life and beach erosion. 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. Youll deal with additional rainfall and cloudy skies, but the rains pass quickly and youll get much cheaper deals on flights, rooms, and resort packages at this time of year. You can see turtles all year round in the Maldives. Theres a good chance of seeing manta rays here from May to November. If youre lucky, you will see these mesmerising creatures on both snorkelling and diving trips, or around the islands house reef. But theres plenty more to this special slice of the Indian Ocean, attracting the gamut of travelers from backpackers to big families. May. These turtles can grow up to 100cm and like other species of sea turtles, they migrate long distances between feeding grounds and the beaches from where they hatched. During the dry season, you can take your pick of exciting Maldives activities, like fishing trips, island hopping excursions, and day cruises. There have even been sightings of baby turtles hatching on the beach in Mirihi! Kuredu is the best place to see baby turtles hatching in the Maldives. Planning to visit Maldives soon? Affiliate Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. 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. This is the tail end of the rainy wet season (typically May to October) and the start of the sunny, warm dry season (November to April). 7 mins ago Follow 202.8k Images 5.6k Followers Source. Biggest fish in the sea? You're not guaranteed tomorrow, and, often times, you can buy an international plane ticket for less than a domestic one. WebMaldives in Dry Season (December to April) Temperature ~31 degrees celsius by day and ~ 24 degrees Celsius by night. Planning a memorable trip to Maldives will be easy when you keep these travel tips in mind. 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. You will also come across the Olive Ridley Turtles (Lepidochelys Olivacea) and the Loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) and Leatherback (Dermochelys Coriacea). This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. Storms and big swells dominate the month of July, and August is known for ample (but short) heavy downpours and poor water visibility. 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. With its crystal clear turquoise waters, abundant sea life, and gorgeous coral reefs, its no wonder why. Komandoo. 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. The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. If youre super adventurous then book onto this snorkeling with nurse sharks tour! Related: The best starter travel credit cards. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. The good news is that, on average, it only rains for about 4 hours a day during this period. Maafushi is one of the best places to see turtles in the Maldives. March. The wet season generally tends to be the slow season. The Maldives plays host to a number of amazing music festivals featuring international DJs and bands throughout the month. 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. Even during the wet season, it's not uncommon for there to be multiple sunny days in a row especially toward the beginning and end of the season (May and October or November) so dont let the season deter you. Green turtles are found mainly in tropical and subtropical waters. Bora Bora is a hike. Youll be taken in small groups to the best reefs which are teeming with marine life. Like travel to many tropical destinations, deciding when to book a trip to the Maldives requires prioritizing weather, prices and crowds. Find hotels and airbnbs near Sea Turtle Hatching (Map) Turtle spotting. Low Season: May to November. Maafushi is one of the best places to see turtles in the Maldives. Its also the more expensive time of year to go since rooms and flights are in high demand. Remember your sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses as well! WebThere are resident (full time) turtles all year round in Akumal Bay and Half Moon Bay. WebTurtles in the Maldives are endangered and so they are protected. Best Time to Visit Maldives: Final Thoughts, 16 Best Island Vacationsin the World in 2022, Best Time to Visit Bali | When to Go and Visitor Tips, Best Time to Visit Hawaii | When to Go and Travel Tips, The 15 Best Hotels in Hawaii in 2023 | For All Budgets, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Hawaii in 2023, Is Hawaii Safe to Visit in 2023? Visiting the Maldives for whale watching is a fantastic experience. Although, as a tourist, there is not much to worry about. Coral reefs around the world are under threat. The temperature remains fairly consistent year-round, ranging only from the low- to mid-80's (Fahrenheit). Jul. Find the bliss of an overwater bungalow closer to home: the Caribbean's most worthy alternatives. High season rumbles on, with accommodation booked out across the country. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Theres a lot to do and see in Maldives, especially when you plan your trip at the perfect time of year. WebMaldives in Dry Season (December to April) Temperature ~31 degrees celsius by day and ~ 24 degrees Celsius by night. (Enrollment required for select benefits.). Kandolhu is the perfect place for a romantic vacation with the island itself being almost heart shaped. During the dry season, from November through April, temperatures hover in the mid- to upper 80s. Manta rays and whale sharks enter a feeding frenzy in June thanks to the increased plankton in the water, which has average visibility at this time of year. Looking for a romantic place to celebrate your honeymoon? Male sea turtles spend their entire lives at sea. Regardless of when you decide to go, an experience in the Maldives is bound to be unforgettable. Warm clear seas, tropical vistas and utter luxury: say hello to anoverwaterbungalow or villa vacation in 2023. Chances are any time you decide to visit, the Maldives will be pleasantly warm. After hatching, baby turtles must crawl as fast as they can to the water and avoid a multitude of predators. Practical info. During this time, the island boasts a dry climate making it easier for the visitors to enjoy here. Youll see the greatest number of them in the channel to the south of the atoll from May through to December. Ive always travelled to the Maldives during this time of year and the weather has always been *delightful*. 3. WebBest Times To Visit Maldives The best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April. Now that would be a sight you wouldnt forget in a hurry. 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. Its Asias smallest country, but this tiny island nation packs in big adventure, scenery, and tropical vibes. With the constant light pollution, the turtles often head inwards on the island rather than to the ocean which is lit by the reflection of the moon that is meant to guide them. The islands are framed by turquoise seas and lagoons, making it the perfect place to snorkel, dive and simply escape everyday life. As Bhutan reopens to tourism on September 23, 2022, its daily tourist fees are increasing. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Weather This is the best season to visit Maldives. Jul. This species is predominantly vegetarian, feeding mostly on algae and sea grass and can hold their breath for hours at a time. There are resident turtle populations all over the Maldives so if you just want to swim with the turtles then you can do so at any time of year. From Seattle and San Francisco, expect to pay around $710 and $700, respectively. The high annual fee is only worth it if youre taking full advantage of the cards benefits. Most active nesting time for turtles lies in the months of May and June and their hatching falls from July to August. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. Females crawl out on beaches, dig nests and lay eggs during the night. 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. Walnut is an adult male turtle who has been seen swimming and eating in the lagoon for over 10 years. Home Travel Asia Travel Guide Maldives Travel Guide Whens the Best Time to Visit the Maldives? You can take advantage of the years lowest prices to travel to and stay in Maldives when you go between May and August. Youll see the greatest number of them in the channel to the south of the atoll from May through to December. They also feed on algae, sea grasses, barnacles, fish, jellyfish and sponges. Kureda island is considered the best place to see turtles in Maldives apart from seagrass rich lagoons. JulyAugust (all year round) Feb. Mar. 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. Maafushivaru. As a tropical destination, theres no need for heavy winter clothing and bulky items. Nothing beats seeing these glorious turtles in their natural habitat. Maldives are a fantastic honeymoon destination, Stunning Hotels in the Maldives for the Perfect Trip, View the sea of stars or bioluminescence, Soak up stunning sunsets over the Indian Ocean while enjoying your favourite cocktail in hand, Visibility underwater is outstanding due to calmer waters, Weather is generally sunny and pleasant, with up to 8 hours of sunshine each day, The Maldives is renowned for its stunning sunsets, but they can be even more mesmerising during the dry season, Hotels and other services may charge higher prices than normal for accommodation and experiences, Flight tickets can be more expensive compared to other times of the year, Relax at one of many luxurious resorts and spas during storms, Cheaper travel costs, flights, hotels, and activities, With fewer people visiting at this time of year, visitors get to enjoy more private beaches, Frequent rain storms and cloudy days make it easier to spot sea creatures, Many of the marine attractions, such as snorkelling and scuba diving, are limited during this period, Lots of humidity which can be uncomfortable for visitors not used to those conditions, The wet season brings with it an influx of mosquitoes. Fly-and-flop newlyweds looking for desert-island seclusion cant really go wrong: pick your budget, find your paradise. 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. Hi, my name is Meg and, you guessed it, I love to travel. They even let you name a sea turtle if its a new one theyve never seen before so make sure you snap some photos if you see one. During this time, the island boasts a dry climate making it easier for the visitors to enjoy here. In general, the turtles tend to hang out in the lagoons which have lots of seagrass. The surf season runs from mid-February through November, which is when the largest swells can be found. A warmer nest temperature will give more females and cooler will favour males. If you book one of their beachfront villas, you can often see turtles feeding on seagrass in the lagoon just meters from the beach. Temperatures hang around 86F-88F from January to April and lows are in the upper 70s. His shell is over 1 meter long making him the biggest sea turtle in the area. January. 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. Re: Maui - best month to see turtles. Apr. 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. This post was originally published on Oct. 12, 2019. From March to November the Maldives best-loved swells rise up from the outer reefs of the North Mal Atoll. 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. 4. 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. Posted on Last updated: March 2, 2023 Categories Maldives Travel Guide. Since the Maldives is a Muslim country, Ramadan is an extremely significant holiday. Mother turtles lay up to 100 eggs in each nest. January. Its a great spot to sail especially in a traditional Dhoni boat with the strong sea breezes that continually blow across the islands. The Maldives is often warm and sunny throughout the year, but its climate is split into a wet season and a dry season. As well as turtles, youll see colorful coral, tropical fish and even dolphins! These reefs are hard to access on your own so youll need to book a tour. 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. This small island is surrounded by white powdery sand and a crystal clear water lagoon, its the stuff of dreams. 3. Olive Ridley Sea Turtles (pictured above) are the smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world. Your best bet is to book on the early or late end of the wet season to avoid crowds, find reasonable prices and increase the chances of maximum sunshine. 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. 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.