If you want to stay on the island and swim with the turtles, book your stay at Kuredu Resort Maldives which has a private beach area. Flights from the West Coast Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles are cheapest in November. Frusci. Low Season: May to November. 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! 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. Komandoo is a hotspot for turtles, especially hawksbill turtles. Overall, the best time to visit Maldives is during the peak season from January to April. Sea turtles breathe air with lungs and can hold their breath for hours. Kuredu. Save. Some good news is that in 1995, The Maldivian Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture banned the catching or killing of sea turtle species, as well as the importation and sale of turtles and turtle products. Sea Turtle Hatching Featured in. Bioluminescence can only be seen in turbulent water, such as in the waves on the shoreline or wake from a boat. | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, The 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Jamaica in 2023, 15 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Traveling, The 15 Best Hotels in Ocean City, MD in 2023, The 15 Best Hotels in Rome in 2023 | For All Budgets, The Best Hotels in Orlando in 2023 | For All Budgets, The 15 Best Hotels in Seattle in 2023 | For All Budgets, The 15 Best Hotels in Philadelphia in 2023, January-April is the best time to visit Maldives, Warm, dry, and breezy weather with low humidity, Peak season for Maldives resorts and hotels, Rates on hotels, resort packages, and flights drop, October-December see the fewest visitors in Maldives, Wet season worries keep many tourists away, Rates on flights and hotels dip at the end of the year, If youre hoping for perfect weather, the worst time to go is, If youre hoping for cheap price, the worst time to go is, If youre hoping for fewer crowds, the worst time to go is. Weather This is the best season to visit Maldives. 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. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Related: The best starter travel credit cards. Maldives Jul. Maldives is an archipelago of islands near India and Sri Lanka. Weather This is the best season to visit Maldives. Later, hatchlings emerge and scramble into the water. 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. 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. After all, there are countless beaches and high-end resorts to visit. Thulusdhoo is the island to stay at, where reasonably priced guest houses host a friendly surfing crowd. When you snorkel or dive in the Maldives, it's easy to spot at least two of the five sea turtle species living in the water around the archipelago. Dont worry these types of sharks are harmless but it is a great way to impress your friends and family when you get home. The surf season runs from mid-February through November, which is when the largest swells can be found. If youre dreaming of a honeymoon in paradise, this is the spot for you. it turtle season? Best time to see Turtles If youre lucky, you will see these mesmerising creatures on both snorkelling and diving trips, or around the islands house reef. Kuredu the best established diving resort in the area at the northern tip of the atoll is known for its shipyard site, with two wrecks to explore. These months offer mostly great weather (its still warm!) 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. Kuredu is the best place to see baby turtles hatching in the Maldives. Komandoo. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. Although, as a tourist, there is not much to worry about. Leatherbacks feed almost exclusively on jellyfish, making them susceptible to mistakenly swallowing plastic bags floating in the ocean, which can kill them. Check out the video below which shows a turtle spotted whilst snorkeling in Maafushi: One of the best places to see sea turtles in the Maldives is on Kuredu island. Something wrong? From March to November the Maldives best-loved swells rise up from the outer reefs of the North Mal Atoll. Maafushi. This idyllic island has a resident population of sea turtles that can often be seen all around the island. Best Time to Visit Maldives That makes perfect sense due to the tropical scenery, laid-back culture, seaside spa cabanas, and ample opportunities for romantic relaxation. 6 years ago. American Express has expanded The Centurion Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. It can also appear after stirring the water with your foot or hand. There are 1200 or so islands, within 26 atolls, spanning an area the size of Portugal. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. This small island is surrounded by white powdery sand and a crystal clear water lagoon, its the stuff of dreams. Find the bliss of an overwater bungalow closer to home: the Caribbean's most worthy alternatives. Find hotels and airbnbs near Sea Turtle Hatching (Map) Turtle spotting. So dont worry about packing too many sweaters. Well also share some helpful travel tips to make the most of your stay! The gender of a baby turtle is determined by the temperature of the nest warmer temperatures tend to lead to females whereas cooler temperatures tend to lead to males. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Best places to visit in Maldives I would stongly recommend you visit CEA in Akumal and signing up for a turtle nesting tour. Save. (Enrollment required for select benefits.). 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. What species of sea turtles can you find in The Maldives? Check here before booking an award fare. The best time to visit the Maldives for whale watching is between October and April. 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. Breeze through security with CLEAR lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. Leatherback turtles have severely declined during the last century as a result of intense egg collection and fisheries by-catch. Youll see a rainbow of tropical fish, sea turtles, and manta rays, over 3,000 coral reefs, and unique formations under the seas around Maldives. Built around four dainty islets, the resort is home to 1.25 miles (2km) of pristine beaches and a show-stopping 1.1-mile (1.8km) sandbank the longest of any Maldivian resort. +11. 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. Each island is a ring-like atoll that creates a truly incredible aerial view of the archipelago. This is also one of the driest times of the year, with little chance of downpours or storms spoiling your fun. From Namibias wind-swept Skeleton Coast to Javas G-Land, discover the best place to hang ten, whatever your surfing ability. 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. 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. 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. Here's how travelers can help. This pretty island is set by a stunning lagoon teeming with sea life. Save. 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. A typical green sea turtle will be 3 to 4 feet long and weighs between 300 and 350 pounds. Best Time to Visit Maldives They have been around for the last 100 million years. It can also appear after stirring the water with your foot or hand. Here's a little bit more about us, Maldives Secrets, and what we do: Ready to fly out to The Maldives? To ensure the turtles remain safe, theres a few key things to bear in mind when swimming with them in the Maldives. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. Cheapest time to visit the Maldives Affordable airfare Jun. Thanks to the Maldives geographic location, it's a popular destination for water-fueled adventure. Situated more than 600 miles southwest of Asia in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the Republic of Maldives consists of 26 natural atolls surrounding over 1,000 white-sand islands. If youre hoping to bask in some sun rays during your trip to the Maldives, then April is your month. In fact, nearly half of all the green sea turtles in the Maldives live in this area. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Surfing, swimming with marine life, and cheaper prices make the rainy months worth it for many tourists. Any time of year will be great to visit Maldives, but some periods are better than others in terms of weather and prices. Ive always travelled to the Maldives during this time of year and the weather has always been *delightful*. Sadly, sea turtle populations the world over are under threat and the Maldives is no exception. Looking for a luxury stay while youre there? There will be rain, but that doesnt mean all hope is lost. There might be slightly less sunshine this time of year and rates tend to be lower and the crowds thinner. 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. The first week sees the end of the festive season, which February. Best It is perfect for sightseeing, enjoying cultural activities, water sports and savouring the local cuisine. 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. best These key tips protect both you and the turtles. Because of its location among important maritime trading routes, the Maldives maintains a rich culture influenced by Arabs, North Africans, Sri Lankans and Indians. 3. From Seattle and San Francisco, expect to pay around $710 and $700, respectively. If youre super adventurous then book onto this snorkeling with nurse sharks tour! These are the Leatherback, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Green, and Olive-Ridley Turtle. March. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. WebTurtles in the Maldives are endangered and so they are protected. If you want to see the world, go see it! High season rumbles on, with accommodation booked out across the country. During the dry season, from November through April, temperatures hover in the mid- to upper 80s. When to Visit Maldives Youll see the greatest number of them in the channel to the south of the atoll from May through to December. WebWe also saw lots if turtles at Komandoo. Waters are calmer during December and January. rove.me. Visitors pick up around Thanksgiving and at the end of December for the holidays. Its the perfect season for beach days, snorkelling trips, or simply lounging around in an infinity pool with a fruity cocktail. This is a traditional folk dance and song that will make you feel connected to the ancient cultural roots of Maldives. In oceans and bays around the world, bioluminescent plankton illuminate the water, almost like an aquatic imitation of the aurora borealis. Olive Ridley Sea Turtles (Lepidochelys Olivacea). With its crystal clear turquoise waters, abundant sea life, and gorgeous coral reefs, its no wonder why. Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card. Best Remember your sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses as well! 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. Tourists and locals often assist baby turtles in their struggle for survival by helping them go in the right direction. 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. Enjoy watching them gracefully and calmly glide up to the surface for a breath of air before swimming back to the underwater realm. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). Mother turtles lay up to 100 eggs in each nest. With the exception of November, when prices are in the mid-$500 range, expect to pay in the mid-$600 range the rest of the year. We saw them much more often on both Angaga and Vakarufalhi. The waters around this luxury resort are so unexplored, enthusiasts are regularly finding new dive sites, with fifteen species of shark found so far. Best Time Leatherback Sea Turtles (pictured above) are the largest of the turtle species. I would stongly recommend you visit CEA in Akumal and signing up for a turtle nesting tour. September-January tend to hover around the 80 degree mark, and February-August tend to reach a little higher around the mid-80's. It can also appear after stirring the water with your foot or hand. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Let's plan you dream trip there! WebWe also saw lots if turtles at Komandoo. The Maldives is home to some of the worlds best snorkelling and scuba diving spots, so take some time to explore its underwater beauty. Looking for a romantic place to celebrate your honeymoon? Report inappropriate content. Despite this, theyre still within a pleasant range of 25-30C (75-85F). Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. On the island of Gan, pay your respects at the British War Memorialbefore signing up for a thrilling descent with the nearby skydiving school. With its crystal clear turquoise waters, abundant sea life, and gorgeous coral reefs, its no wonder why. In 2020, Huravee Day was celebrated on Jan. 28. There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. Regardless of when you decide to go, an experience in the Maldives is bound to be unforgettable. 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. Athuruga. 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. Human 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. The Maldives are home to five of the world's seven sea turtle species. Heres how to make the most of your stay in this archipelago nation! 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. Spotting Turtles. Those that reach maturity may live to 80 years in the wild. But theres plenty more to this special slice of the Indian Ocean, attracting the gamut of travelers from backpackers to big families. Jun. without as many tourists vying for space. 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. Paradise-like Maldives is most popular with tourists during the dry season (December-April), so prices take a nosedive as soon as the rainy wet season hits in May through August. 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. 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. All species of sea turtles are either threatened or endangered. 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. In their lifetime, female turtles lay thousands of eggs so at least a few will survive. WebThe best time to see turtles in Maldives would be from May to August. Plus Ups are excluded. Its super peaceful and youll feel like youve escaped life for a while. 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. March. 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. 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. JulyAugust (all year round) Feb. Mar. 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. The least busy time to go is from October to December, which includes the end of the wet season and the start of the dry season. Sea turtles regularly navigate long distances to find the same tiny stretch of nesting beach. Its worth it, just to see the fine lacquer work and elaborate wood carvings. During peak season, locals gather to dance the Bodu Beru on the beaches in the evenings. This Unesco protected biosphere reserve is home to the largest gathering of manta rays found anywhere in the world. Turtles normally hatch during the full moon, but some of the hatchlings do come out on darker nights. If you want to avoid the big crowds, limited flight/hotel availability, and long lines of peak season, the best time to visit Maldives is from October to December. Hilton also expanded its presence in the Maldives when it opened the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi and SAii Lagoon Maldives, a Curio Collection resort, last summer, available from 120,000 and 85,000 points, respectively, for a standard-room reward. For Maldivians, Independence Day is one of the most important days of the year. Practical info. Visiting here will give you a unique look at the colorful Maldivian culture. Olive and Kemps ridley turtles only reach about only about two feet in shell length and weigh between 36 and 41 kg. Read our Privacy Policy. Sea turtles never get to meet their babies as after laying their eggs, the mothers return to the ocean. 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. They help to maintain the health of the sea grass beds and beach vegetation, which protects against loss of marine life and beach erosion. January. During Ramadan, locals fast during the day, but restaurants and resorts operate as normal. best times to visit the Maldives Komandoo is a relaxed and intimate resort island with nearly 50 dive sites. WebThere are resident (full time) turtles all year round in Akumal Bay and Half Moon Bay. The best part is that the island has a beautiful reef filled with marine life. 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. 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Sea turtles lay their eggs all year round; however, the most active nesting season falls from May to June. For the best chance of being able to swim with turtles in the Maldives, book onto a Maldives snorkeling tour. WebMaldives in Dry Season (December to April) Temperature ~31 degrees celsius by day and ~ 24 degrees Celsius by night. Report inappropriate content. WebBest Places To See Turtles In The Maldives. Huravee Day, which signifies the day Sultan Hassan Izzuddeen freed the country from the occupation of South India in 1752, is celebrated with dancing and traditional meals. WebThere are resident (full time) turtles all year round in Akumal Bay and Half Moon Bay. Every year, thousands of visitors flock to this tropical paradise to get a glimpse of these majestic creatures as they make their way through the Indian Ocean. Kureda island is considered the best place to see turtles in Maldives apart from seagrass rich lagoons. Olive Ridley Sea Turtles (pictured above) are the smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world. This is high season in Maldives, with Europeans coming for their winter holidays. Reduce your carbon footprint without compromising the wow factor on your next getaway. Best These are the best places to visit in the Maldives. Youll be taken in small groups to the best reefs which are teeming with marine life. During this time, the island boasts a dry climate making it easier for the visitors to enjoy here. 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! This post was originally published on Oct. 12, 2019. If you book one of their beachfront villas, you can often see turtles feeding on seagrass in the lagoon just meters from the beach. 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. 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. 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. Overall, the best time to visit Maldives is during the peak season from January to April. Find hotels and airbnbs near Sea Turtle Hatching (Map) Turtle spotting. Hawksbill turtles are mainly carnivorous and appear to be opportunistic predators, using their narrow beaks to extract invertebrate prey from crevices on the reef. If yours is a big-budget trip then the place to stay is the atolls newest resort, Seaside Finolhu Sandbank.