Use tab to navigate through the menu items. The surf season runs from mid-February through November, which is when the largest swells can be found. Thanks to the Maldives geographic location, it's a popular destination for water-fueled adventure. Insider travel tips and guides. Its worth it, just to see the fine lacquer work and elaborate wood carvings. Home Travel Asia Travel Guide Maldives Travel Guide Whens the Best Time to Visit the Maldives? A female sea turtle comes ashore to nest, mostly at night. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. 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. Another great place where you can see turtles in the Maldives is on Kandolhu island. Temperatures tend to range between an inviting 24-31C (75-88F), while humidity levels remain relatively low. These are the Leatherback, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Green, and Olive-Ridley Turtle. Newlyweds especially love Maldives its the #1 most desired honeymoon destination globally. Spinner and bottlenose dolphins are commonly spotted at sea during the dolphin cruise and from the resort. Take the opportunity to island-hop via boat or seaplane to see the relatively untouched atolls off the beaten path. Here's everything to know. With its crystal clear turquoise waters, abundant sea life, and gorgeous coral reefs, its no wonder why. 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. 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. But theres plenty more to this special slice of the Indian Ocean, attracting the gamut of travelers from backpackers to big families. This pretty island is set by a stunning lagoon teeming with sea life. You can see turtles all year round in the Maldives. Find hotels and airbnbs near Sea Turtle Hatching (Map) Turtle spotting. While the residents may be smaller in size, there are nesting seasons as well. In the Maldives, you will find five of the seven sea turtle species in the world. 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. Im slowly working my way around the world and sharing my journey as I go. 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! 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. 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. Youll be taken in small groups to the best reefs which are teeming with marine life. 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. WebMaldives in Dry Season (December to April) Temperature ~31 degrees celsius by day and ~ 24 degrees Celsius by night. 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. In their lifetime, female turtles lay thousands of eggs so at least a few will survive. There really isnt a bad time to go as long as you plan your activities around the season you visit! Regardless of when you decide to go, an experience in the Maldives is bound to be unforgettable. Posted on Last updated: March 2, 2023 Categories Maldives Travel Guide. This species is predominantly vegetarian, feeding mostly on algae and sea grass and can hold their breath for hours at a time. 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. 6 years ago. The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April. Although, as a tourist, there is not much to worry about. 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. 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. In 2021, the holiday will fall on Jan. 16. The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway. 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. 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. But what the Maldives is best known for is its luxury resorts with overwater bungalows and impossibly clear blue waters. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Human Maafushi. 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. The Discoveries Of is a member of the Amazon associates program. Input your search keywords and press Enter. Spinner and bottlenose dolphins are commonly spotted at sea during the dolphin cruise and from the resort. People interested. Between these months you will not be facing any sightseeing issues because the humidity level will also Visitors pick up around Thanksgiving and at the end of December for the holidays. Maafushivaru. So where, exactly, should you include in your dream itinerary? Remember, never chase or attempt to touch a turtle. Report inappropriate content. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Enrollment required. Maafushivaru. During the dry season, from November through April, temperatures hover in the mid- to upper 80s. These months offer mostly great weather (its still warm!) Report inappropriate content. Best Time to Visit the Maldives for Diving The Maldives is a dream destination for many scuba divers. You might also like:Maldiveson a budget: How to penny pinch in paradiseHow to choose the bestMaldivesisland for your travel style10 incredible experiences in theMaldivesto go beyond the villa. Learn more. Fly-and-flop newlyweds looking for desert-island seclusion cant really go wrong: pick your budget, find your paradise. The loggerhead sea turtle is omnivorous, has powerful jaws and feed mainly on bottom-dwelling invertebrates such as shellfish, sponges, and jellyfish. The greatest number of hatching takes place from July to August. The cheapest time to visit Maldives is from May to August, the majority of the wet season for the islands. Its also the more expensive time of year to go since rooms and flights are in high demand. 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. You will also come across the Olive Ridley Turtles (Lepidochelys Olivacea) and the Loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) and Leatherback (Dermochelys Coriacea). A number of remote islands and an abundance of marine life make diving and snorkeling popular in the Maldives. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Bioluminescence can only be seen in turbulent water, such as in the waves on the shoreline or wake from a boat. $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. Snorkeling and diving excursions offer some wonderful opportunities to see turtles in Maldives. August may be the overall cheapest time to go, but the water visibility isnt great for snorkeling and diving. If you plan to snorkel or dive, visit sometime between May and June. 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. Frusci. With its crystal clear turquoise waters, abundant sea life, and gorgeous coral reefs, its no wonder why. View all of our Budget Maldives Trips here. 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. Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Disney Cruise Lines Castaway Club loyalty program: Everything you need to know, 21 new Hyatt hotels where you can get 500 extra points per night, My first cruise to the Galapagos: The good, the bad and the absolutely adorable. That makes perfect sense due to the tropical scenery, laid-back culture, seaside spa cabanas, and ample opportunities for romantic relaxation. It is perfect for sightseeing, enjoying cultural activities, water sports and savouring the local cuisine. 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. The Maldives is a Muslim country with laws and rules that differ from the Western world. WebThe best time to see turtles in Maldives would be from May to August. Overall, the best time to visit Maldives is during the peak season from January to April. Learn the best time to visit Maldives in our travel guide, along with tips on the cheapest and least busy time to go! If youre lucky, you will see these mesmerising creatures on both snorkelling and diving trips, or around the islands house reef. 4. They also feed on algae, sea grasses, barnacles, fish, jellyfish and sponges. Read our Privacy Policy. The food in Maldives on another level, often starring freshly-caught seafood prepared in delicious ways with tasty seasonings and sauces that travelers relish. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. These key tips protect both you and the turtles. Between these months you will not be facing any sightseeing issues because the humidity level will also Best Time to See Bioluminescent Plankton in Maldives 2023 Rove.me 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. Youll see the greatest number of them in the channel to the south of the atoll from May through to December. Leatherback Sea Turtles (pictured above) are the largest of the turtle species. Its the perfect season for beach days, snorkelling trips, or simply lounging around in an infinity pool with a fruity cocktail. More than 2,500 acres of the islands are forested with dense greenery and tropical plants making for amazing scenery. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. 6 years ago. Angaga island is mostly known for its rich marine life with some epic diving spots. Sounds grim right? 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 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. Bioluminescence can only be seen in turbulent water, such as in the waves on the shoreline or wake from a boat. This is also one of the driest times of the year, with little chance of downpours or storms spoiling your fun. After all, who wants to spend their paradise getaway cooped up in their hotel room to escape the rain? As well as turtles, youll see colorful coral, tropical fish and even dolphins! Waters are calmer during December and January. Sea turtles lay their eggs all year round; however, the most active nesting season falls from May to June. 6 years ago. Olive Ridley Sea Turtles (Lepidochelys Olivacea). Resorts and organisations are getting involved in protecting turtle nesting sites, rehabilitating injured turtles, initiating satellite tracking and more which are helping in their protection. 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. 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). +11. The hawksbill turtles do not grow very large, they measure up to 90cm. Best Time to Visit the Maldives for Diving The Maldives is a dream destination for many scuba divers. The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. American Express has expanded The Centurion Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. Sadly, sea turtle populations the world over are under threat and the Maldives is no exception. The temperature remains fairly consistent year-round, ranging only from the low- to mid-80's (Fahrenheit). Built in 1656, this coral-stone beauty is the oldest in the Maldives. Planning a memorable trip to Maldives will be easy when you keep these travel tips in mind. Best Time to See Bioluminescent Plankton in Maldives 2023 Rove.me You can spend time snorkeling or scuba diving on the reef where youll spot tons of turtles and marine life. The best time to visit the Maldives for whale watching is between October and April. The best time to visit the Maldives for whale watching is between October and April. See full Affiliate Disclosure here. Remind Me. These reefs are hard to access on your own so youll need to book a tour. Sea Turtle Hatching Featured in. 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. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Find the bliss of an overwater bungalow closer to home: the Caribbean's most worthy alternatives. 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. Surfing, swimming with marine life, and cheaper prices make the rainy months worth it for many tourists. There are seven species of sea turtles, you can see 5 in The Maldives. Why not try it for yourself. 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. Its a great spot to sail especially in a traditional Dhoni boat with the strong sea breezes that continually blow across the islands. A threat to these ecosystems can make all life vulnerable. Storms and big swells dominate the month of July, and August is known for ample (but short) heavy downpours and poor water visibility. In the southern atolls, the wet and dry seasons become slightly less pronounced. Athuruga. Maafushi. Olive Ridley Sea Turtles (pictured above) are the smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world. Other islands we have seen the odd turtle are Kuredu ,Angaga, Embudu,vilamendhoo and so on. 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. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. Web45 reviews. Male sea turtles spend their entire lives at sea. Nothing can beat that amazing feeling of seeing a sea turtle up close and personal in their natural habitat! Mother turtles lay up to 100 eggs in each nest. The holiday is usually celebrated for about a month in the spring. 15 Best Places to Visit in Oregonin 2023, The 15 Best Resorts in the Maldives in 2023. 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. Ayada Maldives is perfectly placed. Apr. First, lets take a look at what makes this archipelago nation so special. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Chances are any time you decide to visit, the Maldives will be pleasantly warm. We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. When youre ready to make a splash, take to the ocean in a boat, jet ski, kayak, paddleboard, or fly over the water with futuristic hydroflight jet blades for a new perspective. 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. 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. During the Maldives dry season, you can expect sunny skies for most of November through April. 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. I would stongly recommend you visit CEA in Akumal and signing up for a turtle nesting tour. 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. It can also appear after stirring the water with your foot or hand. Overall, the best time to visit Maldives is during the peak season from January to April. 3. Then its onto the Old Friday Mosque. Book yourself a room at Kandolhu Maldives to enjoy this paradise island including snorkeling with turtles. The best part is that the island has a beautiful reef filled with marine life. Youll see the greatest number of them in the channel to the south of the atoll from May through to December. 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! The resort runs excursions every day that take guests out to swim with turtles, manta rays, whale sharks and more. 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. The good news is that, on average, it only rains for about 4 hours a day during this period. WebYour best bet is to visit between June and October, which is when the plankton are typically present. Thanks for reading this post on where to see turtles in the Maldives. Its an ideal time for swimming in crystal clear blue waters, snorkelling among the vibrant coral reefs, and lounging on white sand beaches. 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 Maldives is actually one of the best places in the whole world to see turtles due to their healthy reefs and lush seagrass beds. Discover the best time to visit these gorgeous islands with this in-depth guide. Plus Ups are excluded. Any time of year will be great to visit Maldives, but some periods are better than others in terms of weather and prices. See the best time to visit Maldives below best overall, cheapest, and least busy plus the worst time of year to go. Something wrong? During peak season, locals gather to dance the Bodu Beru on the beaches in the evenings. Whilst out snorkeling or diving youll be able to see sea turtles, sharks, octopuses and a range of vibrant tropical fish. To get you prepared for your trip to the Maldives where youll hopefully see some beautiful sea turtles, heres some fun turtle facts. Or theres upmarket Cokes Surf Camp, whosebreak is where intermediate and advanced surfers catch their biggest waves. 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. Turtles can be spotted on many islands in the Maldives. December is arguably your best bet for those looking for a more stylish experience with plenty of nightlife options. Yoga retreats are no longer just a luxury travel experience: here's how to find your moment this International Yoga Day. TPG values it at $1,600. Maafushi is one of the best places to see turtles in the Maldives. Their lagoon has a huge reef which is filled with sea creatures including sea turtles, stingrays, sharks, tropical fish and more. Enjoy watching them gracefully and calmly glide up to the surface for a breath of air before swimming back to the underwater realm. 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. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. 3. High season rumbles on, with accommodation booked out across the country. 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. This paradise island has soft, white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and a healthy population of sea turtles! 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. The best time to visit the Maldives for whale watching is between October and April. 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). Youll be able to swim with rays and whale sharks while getting a great deal on your stay! This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip. 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. 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. May. 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. Theres a lot to do and see in Maldives, especially when you plan your trip at the perfect time of year. Apr. 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. Report inappropriate content. Green Sea Turtles (pictured above) are one of the largest sea turtles and the only herbivore among the species. JulyAugust (all year round) Feb. Mar. If youre looking for somewhere to see turtles in the Maldives then youre in the right place. Apr. Youll see the greatest number of them in the channel to the south of the atoll from May through to December. Nothing beats seeing these glorious turtles in their natural habitat. Turtles live long lives thought to be up to 50 years and can survive long periods without food. Sea Turtle Hatching. 35 helpful votes. Incubation takes about two months. 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. It can also appear after stirring the water with your foot or hand. 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. Athuruga. Head for Hanifaru Bay in June to November when the zooplankton they feed on is at its most bounteous. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. April is generally considered the best time to visit Maldives if youre looking for a combination of great weather and lower prices. Read and respect the laws, and youll have very little trouble. High season rumbles on, with accommodation booked out across the country. Related: Is the St. Regis Maldives worth the trip? WebThe best time to see turtles in Maldives would be from May to August. Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. 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. The temperature between these months remains between 24C and 31C. 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.