Its more expensive and crowded at this time of year due to the idyllic weather and water. One interesting feature of these turtles is that they always return to the same breeding grounds at the same time every year to lay their eggs. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Sea turtles lay their eggs all year round; however, the most active nesting season falls from May to June. 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. Save. If youre trying to save some cash, your best bet is travelling during the monsoon season (May through September). A threat to these ecosystems can make all life vulnerable. You can see turtles all year round in the Maldives. 15 Best Places to Visit in Oregonin 2023, The 15 Best Resorts in the Maldives in 2023. This means that from May to June you will actually be able to see the turtles nesting. This Unesco protected biosphere reserve is home to the largest gathering of manta rays found anywhere in the world. WebThe best time to see turtles in Maldives would be from May to August. 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. The correct word for a baby turtle is a hatchling. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. 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? 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. March. Jun. WebMaldives in Dry Season (December to April) Temperature ~31 degrees celsius by day and ~ 24 degrees Celsius by night. 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 southernmost of the Maldives atolls, heart-shaped Addu has its own distinct character (and dialect) with a range of activities and sightseeing spots you wont find elsewhere. Maafushi is one of the best places to see turtles in the Maldives. Apr. 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! 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. As well as sea turtles, you can often spot dolphins in the waters of Kandolhu island. The most common types of turtles that youll see in Maafushivaru are the hawksbill turtles but green turtles are commonly spotted too. People interested. 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! One of the most popular places to view the plankton is off of Vaadhoo Island in the Raa Atoll, although it's possible to see the phenomenon in any of the atolls. Stay at the stunning 5* Komandoo Island Resort & Spa for the ultimate luxury experience. Theres a lot to do and see in Maldives, especially when you plan your trip at the perfect time of year. This species is predominantly vegetarian, feeding mostly on algae and sea grass and can hold their breath for hours at a time. Imagine telling people you went snorkeling with sharks in the Maldives! The loggerhead has a lifespan of 4767 years. I love seeing turtles too! While the residents may be smaller in size, there are nesting seasons as well. 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. 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! Turtles can be spotted on many islands in the Maldives. Save. rove.me. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. All species of sea turtles are either threatened or endangered. 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. Visiting during this time may mean crowds of tourists and higher prices, but it also brings more exciting activities like water sports, night markets, and excursions or just hanging out in your uber-romantic honeymoon villa. Olive Ridley Sea Turtles (pictured above) are the smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. WebYour best bet is to visit between June and October, which is when the plankton are typically present. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. During this time, the island boasts a dry climate making it easier for the visitors to enjoy here. 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. Rain in Maldives tends to happen with brief downpours that are quickly followed with balmy sunshine, so it wont necessarily ruin your outdoor plans to go in October. Best Time to Visit the Maldives for Diving The Maldives is a dream destination for many scuba divers. Kuredu. Here's how travelers can help. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. A warmer nest temperature will give more females and cooler will favour males. Best Time to See Bioluminescent Plankton in Maldives 2023 Rove.me I love seeing turtles too! If you plan to snorkel or dive, visit sometime between May and June. Although, as a tourist, there is not much to worry about. 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. So, without further ado, let's learn more about the types of turtles you may come across in The Maldives! When youre done with the whale sharks, there are barracuda and turtles to spot on snorkeling adventures in its surrounding reef. It only takes a few minutes to walk from one side of the island to the other! From Seattle and San Francisco, expect to pay around $710 and $700, respectively. 3. rove.me. Chances are any time you decide to visit, the Maldives will be pleasantly warm. The best time to visit the Maldives for whale watching is between October and April. But theres plenty more to this special slice of the Indian Ocean, attracting the gamut of travelers from backpackers to big families. Male sea turtles spend their entire lives at sea. There are also large populations of hawksbill turtles too. During the dry season, from November through April, temperatures hover in the mid- to upper 80s. Many of the islands have healthy reefs with rich seagrass beds the perfect habitat for sea turtles! 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. Lime, chili, coconut, and curry are staples in Maldivian cuisine. WebBest Places To See Turtles In The Maldives. You can expect lots of sunny, warm days with little rain and a nice sea breeze when you visit Maldives at the right time of year. Human 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. Blessed with a stunning array of marine life, the Maldives is also where you will find various species of sea turtles that are very much a part of the delicate marine ecosystem. 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. Maldives is an archipelago of islands near India and Sri Lanka. 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. 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. You can spend time snorkeling or scuba diving on the reef where youll spot tons of turtles and marine life. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). Its also the more expensive time of year to go since rooms and flights are in high demand. I would stongly recommend you visit CEA in Akumal and signing up for a turtle nesting tour. The best time of year to see turtles hatching in the Maldives is between May and August as this is when the turtles return to the Maldives to lay their eggs. If youre looking for something more adventurous than just lounging around in the sun all day, then October is your ideal month. Plus, youll have more personal space on the beach. Green Sea Turtles (pictured above) are one of the largest sea turtles and the only herbivore among the species. 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! There are 1200 or so islands, within 26 atolls, spanning an area the size of Portugal. 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. Turtles normally hatch during the full moon, but some of the hatchlings do come out on darker nights. According to Skyscanner.com, flights from Miami, New York City and Chicago are cheapest in February. Remember your sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses as well! Maafushivaru. You're not guaranteed tomorrow, and, often times, you can buy an international plane ticket for less than a domestic one. The food in Maldives on another level, often starring freshly-caught seafood prepared in delicious ways with tasty seasonings and sauces that travelers relish. 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. 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. 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. A threat to these ecosystems can make all life vulnerable. 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. Sea turtles breathe air with lungs and can hold their breath for hours. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. Athuruga. Whether you intend to spend your time sipping cocktails, scuba diving or simply learning about a new and exciting culture, here's our definitive guide to some of the best times to visit the Maldives. Maafushi is one of the best places to see turtles in the Maldives. January. Start with Muleeaage Palace, the official residence of the President of the Maldives and a dazzling example of dak bungalow architecture. The baby turtles start hatching from July until late-August so if youre lucky you might even spot a baby sea turtle hatching from an egg! A typical green sea turtle will be 3 to 4 feet long and weighs between 300 and 350 pounds. During the dry season, you can take your pick of exciting Maldives activities, like fishing trips, island hopping excursions, and day cruises. Jul. Leatherbacks feed almost exclusively on jellyfish, making them susceptible to mistakenly swallowing plastic bags floating in the ocean, which can kill them. 7 mins ago Follow 202.8k Images 5.6k Followers Source. There are plenty of dive sites and varying depths depending on your experience level throughout the archipelago. The temperature of the sand surrounding the eggs determines the sex of the baby turtles. The greatest number of hatching takes place from July to August. Sea turtles regularly navigate long distances to find the same tiny stretch of nesting beach. High season rumbles on, with accommodation booked out across the country. The higher prices of the peak season are easily balanced out with the ideal weather and range of water activities available from January to April. They help to maintain the health of the sea grass beds and beach vegetation, which protects against loss of marine life and beach erosion. Then its onto the Old Friday Mosque. Its more expensive and crowded at this time of year due to the idyllic weather and water. Depending on what youre planning, there are a few best months to go to the Maldives. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Whilst out snorkeling or diving youll be able to see sea turtles, sharks, octopuses and a range of vibrant tropical fish. Plan your visit in October, early to mid-November, or early to mid-December for the smallest crowds. Its not exactly groundbreaking to say that the Maldives are a fantastic honeymoon destination. $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Their shell is usually hunted for and sold in the black market as jewellery. While many animals on both land and sea emit a bioluminescent light (think: fireflies and jellyfish), the plankton often appear at the waters surface, giving it a bluish glow. Komandoo. The resort itself has an impressive knowledge of the resident turtle population and is actively involved in conservation efforts. 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. Its the perfect season for beach days, snorkelling trips, or simply lounging around in an infinity pool with a fruity cocktail. WebWe also saw lots if turtles at Komandoo. 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. You may already know that sea turtles are, Five of the seven species of sea turtles can be found in The Maldives, with the two most common being the, We hope you enjoyed this blog post about the. Every period has something to offer visitors, even in the dead center of the wet season. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. Bioluminescence can only be seen in turbulent water, such as in the waves on the shoreline or wake from a boat. To ensure the turtles remain safe, theres a few key things to bear in mind when swimming with them in the Maldives. Best Time to See Bioluminescent Plankton in Maldives 2023 Rove.me The most commonly spotted species are the Hawksbill and Green Sea turtles, while the remaining three are the Olive Ridley, Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles. Find hotels and airbnbs near Sea Turtle Hatching (Map) Turtle spotting. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. Yoga retreats are no longer just a luxury travel experience: here's how to find your moment this International Yoga Day. 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. 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. The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. Remember, never chase or attempt to touch a turtle. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. Leatherback turtles have severely declined during the last century as a result of intense egg collection and fisheries by-catch. Bioluminescence can only be seen in turbulent water, such as in the waves on the shoreline or wake from a boat. WebMaldives in Dry Season (December to April) Temperature ~31 degrees celsius by day and ~ 24 degrees Celsius by night. Youll see the greatest number of them in the channel to the south of the atoll from May through to December. Another great place where you can see turtles in the Maldives is on Kandolhu island. As a tropical destination, theres no need for heavy winter clothing and bulky items. From March to November the Maldives best-loved swells rise up from the outer reefs of the North Mal Atoll.