Its an ideal time for swimming in crystal clear blue waters, snorkelling among the vibrant coral reefs, and lounging on white sand beaches. Looking for a romantic place to celebrate your honeymoon? 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. But there are big crowds of happy tourists arriving daily as this is the peak season! 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. While the residents may be smaller in size, there are nesting seasons as well. Then its onto the Old Friday Mosque. April is generally considered the best time to visit Maldives if youre looking for a combination of great weather and lower prices. There have even been sightings of baby turtles hatching on the beach in Mirihi! You can watch local fisherman bring their bountiful catches ashore and enjoy the unique Maldivian flavors added to make memorable dishes. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. 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. Best Time to See Bioluminescent Plankton in Maldives 2023 Rove.me Something wrong? The good news is that, on average, it only rains for about 4 hours a day during this period. Plan your visit in October, early to mid-November, or early to mid-December for the smallest crowds. Kuredu is the best place to see baby turtles hatching in the Maldives. Apr. Low Season: May to November. Although, as a tourist, there is not much to worry about. Straight to your inbox. Best Time to Visit the Maldives for Diving The Maldives is a dream destination for many scuba divers. American Express has expanded The Centurion Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. 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. The loggerhead sea turtle is omnivorous, has powerful jaws and feed mainly on bottom-dwelling invertebrates such as shellfish, sponges, and jellyfish. +11. Posted on Last updated: March 2, 2023 Categories Maldives Travel Guide. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. The Discoveries Of is a member of the Amazon associates program. Its more expensive and crowded at this time of year due to the idyllic weather and water. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Its so beautiful that youll never want to leave. WebMaldives in Dry Season (December to April) Temperature ~31 degrees celsius by day and ~ 24 degrees Celsius by night. During Independence Day, there are festivities, parades and performances across all the islands. 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. Coral reefs around the world are under threat. Overall, the best time to visit Maldives is during the peak season from January to 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. The Maldives are home to five of the world's seven sea turtle species. Re: Maui - best month to see turtles. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Dont miss the Vaadhoo Island (Raa Atoll) during your trip, where millions of bioluminescent organisms light up the seas at night with an ethereal glow. If you're looking to canoe or kayak offshore, you may want to avoid visiting during surf season. Its Asias smallest country, but this tiny island nation packs in big adventure, scenery, and tropical vibes. You can spend time snorkeling or scuba diving on the reef where youll spot tons of turtles and marine life. Remind Me. Its the perfect season for beach days, snorkelling trips, or simply lounging around in an infinity pool with a fruity cocktail. 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. WebThere are resident (full time) turtles all year round in Akumal Bay and Half Moon Bay. January. I would stongly recommend you visit CEA in Akumal and signing up for a turtle nesting tour. Its a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean and draws hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. Im slowly working my way around the world and sharing my journey as I go. 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. If youre looking for the ideal time to go with great weather and the most options for activities, the overall best time to visit Maldives is January through April. During this time, the island boasts a dry climate making it easier for the visitors to enjoy here. Human This is high season in Maldives, with Europeans coming for their winter holidays. They help to maintain the health of the sea grass beds and beach vegetation, which protects against loss of marine life and beach erosion. Flights to Mal are generally cheapest in the late fall and winter, although the exact months vary depending on where you are flying from. 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. Maldives is an archipelago of islands near India and Sri Lanka. Most active nesting time for turtles lies in the months of May and June and their hatching falls from July to August. Its a great spot to sail especially in a traditional Dhoni boat with the strong sea breezes that continually blow across the islands. To enjoy this for yourself, book your stay at the Mirihi Island Resort, a 5* accommodation that youll absolutely adore. The best time to visit the Maldives for whale watching is between October and April. Females crawl out on beaches, dig nests and lay eggs during the night. Something wrong? 7 mins ago Follow 202.8k Images 5.6k Followers Source. 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. 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. There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. If we link to any product, you should assume that we'll receive a commission when you buy it, at no extra cost to you. This pretty island is set by a stunning lagoon teeming with sea life. During the dry season, you can take your pick of exciting Maldives activities, like fishing trips, island hopping excursions, and day cruises. The first week sees the end of the festive season, which February. Save. Its more expensive and crowded at this time of year due to the idyllic weather and water. The surf season runs from mid-February through November, which is when the largest swells can be found. Enrollment required. It can also appear after stirring the water with your foot or hand. This idyllic island has a resident population of sea turtles that can often be seen all around the island. The islands are framed by turquoise seas and lagoons, making it the perfect place to snorkel, dive and simply escape everyday life. +11. 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 most common types of turtles that youll see in Maafushivaru are the hawksbill turtles but green turtles are commonly spotted too. 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. These are the best places to visit in the Maldives. This species is predominantly vegetarian, feeding mostly on algae and sea grass and can hold their breath for hours at a time. As well as turtles, youll see colorful coral, tropical fish and even dolphins! To ensure the turtles remain safe, theres a few key things to bear in mind when swimming with them in the Maldives. First, lets take a look at what makes this archipelago nation so special. Lime, chili, coconut, and curry are staples in Maldivian cuisine. 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. 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. Although this sounds like enough to ruin a vacation, most rain comes from fast-moving afternoon storms, allowing visitors to enjoy sunshine and warm temperatures the rest of the day. Your best bet is to visit between June and October, which is when the plankton are typically present. 35 helpful votes. 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. The best time to visit the Maldives for diving is between November and April. September-January tend to hover around the 80 degree mark, and February-August tend to reach a little higher around the mid-80's. I love seeing turtles too! Temperatures hang around 86F-88F from January to April and lows are in the upper 70s. Komandoo. WebTurtles in the Maldives are endangered and so they are protected. Sea Turtle Hatching Featured in. 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 its crystal clear turquoise waters, abundant sea life, and gorgeous coral reefs, its no wonder why. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Turtles live long lives thought to be up to 50 years and can survive long periods without food. High season rumbles on, with accommodation booked out across the country. 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. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip. During peak season, locals gather to dance the Bodu Beru on the beaches in the evenings. Athuruga. With its crystal clear turquoise waters, abundant sea life, and gorgeous coral reefs, its no wonder why. We saw them much more often on both Angaga and Vakarufalhi. I would stongly recommend you visit CEA in Akumal and signing up for a turtle nesting tour. For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. 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. Lets dive into the optimal time to plan your trip. 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. Diving is great year-round, but visibility increases slightly during the dry season specifically, January through April. Kureda island is considered the best place to see turtles in Maldives apart from seagrass rich lagoons. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). 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 anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. This small island is surrounded by white powdery sand and a crystal clear water lagoon, its the stuff of dreams. If Ive said it once, Ive said it a million times, you need to go to the Maldives as soon as you get the chance (or lets be real your bank account will allow). In the southern atolls, the wet and dry seasons become slightly less pronounced. If there's a specific religious event youd like to experience in the Maldives, be sure to check the exact date before booking travel. August may be the overall cheapest time to go, but the water visibility isnt great for snorkeling and diving. The Maldives is a Muslim country with laws and rules that differ from the Western world. Newlyweds especially love Maldives its the #1 most desired honeymoon destination globally. In 2020, Huravee Day was celebrated on Jan. 28. Learn the best time to visit Maldives in our travel guide, along with tips on the cheapest and least busy time to go! Obviously December is an expensive time to visit the Maldives so subject to budget Amari and Komandoo are hot spots for turtles. September-January tend to hover around the 80 degree mark, and February-August tend to reach a little higher around the mid-80's. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. Heres how to make the most of your stay in this archipelago nation! If you want to stay on the island then you can book a room at the 5* Iti Maafushivaru Maldives resort which is truly the stuff of dreams! Let's plan you dream trip there! $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. This is a traditional folk dance and song that will make you feel connected to the ancient cultural roots of Maldives. 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. 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. High season rumbles on, with accommodation booked out across the country. If you want to see the world, go see it! Its in the 70s and 80s year-round here, thanks to the tropical and comfortable climate. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. Kureda island is considered the best place to see turtles in Maldives apart from seagrass rich lagoons. 7 mins ago Follow 202.8k Images 5.6k Followers Source. If youre on a budget or looking for a quieter experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons late April through May or October through early December. TPG values it at $1,600. Its worth it, just to see the fine lacquer work and elaborate wood carvings. 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. Leatherbacks feed almost exclusively on jellyfish, making them susceptible to mistakenly swallowing plastic bags floating in the ocean, which can kill them. 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. 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. 3. If youre lucky, you will see these mesmerising creatures on both snorkelling and diving trips, or around the islands house reef. These key tips protect both you and the turtles. 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. It can also appear after stirring the water with your foot or hand. 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. Remind Me. Now that would be a sight you wouldnt forget in a hurry. The first week sees the end of the festive season, which February. With its crystal clear turquoise waters, abundant sea life, and gorgeous coral reefs, its no wonder why. Whilst out snorkeling or diving youll be able to see sea turtles, sharks, octopuses and a range of vibrant tropical fish. 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. The green sea turtles mostly eat seagrass, seaweed and algae. 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. 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. But what the Maldives is best known for is its luxury resorts with overwater bungalows and impossibly clear blue waters. Input your search keywords and press Enter. Later, hatchlings emerge and scramble into the water. Low Season: May to November. A threat to these ecosystems can make all life vulnerable. Kuredu. Five of the seven species of sea turtles can be found in The Maldives, with the two most common being the Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys Imbricata) and the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia Mydas). This means that from May to June you will actually be able to see the turtles nesting. Bustling fresh markets give you a chance to peruse everything from fresh seafood and produce to handmade crafts and clothing. In the capital Male, youll see shining domes of Islamic mosques highlighting the skyline, some built with coral stone from the nearby reefs. Weather This is the best season to visit Maldives. Turtles normally hatch during the full moon, but some of the hatchlings do come out on darker nights. Other islands we have seen the odd turtle are Kuredu ,Angaga, Embudu,vilamendhoo and so on. 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. WebThe best time to see turtles in Maldives would be from May to August. Apr. Cheapest time to visit the Maldives Affordable airfare Its a wide window, so pay attention to the slight differences in weather and activities through this range to plan the best trip. 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. 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. 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. But when is the best time to visit the Maldives? +11. Best Time to See Bioluminescent Plankton in Maldives 2023 Rove.me Still not quite sold? Chances are any time you decide to visit, the Maldives will be pleasantly warm. 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). Planning a memorable trip to Maldives will be easy when you keep these travel tips in mind. Regardless of when you decide to go, an experience in the Maldives is bound to be unforgettable. They help to maintain the health of the sea grass beds and beach vegetation, which protects against loss of marine life and beach erosion.