Home to over 700 species of marine life, colourful reefs and an endless number of aquatic plants, the Maldives is recognised around the world for its diverse marine life and underwater eco-system. Fishing is a big industry in the Maldives, with big game like Dogtooth tuna, barracuda, grouper and Blue-Lined snappers, commonly found swimming in the turquoise waters of the lagoons or close to shore. Locals and visitors alike relish fishing big game in these waters. Many of the island resorts in Maldives, like the luxurious PER AQUUM Niyama Maldives, for example, provide boat excursions to guests interested in trying their hand at fishing.
Further out at sea, swimming among the vast reefs are large pods of whales and dolphins. An estimated 23 species of whales and dolphins have been recorded in the Maldives, and if you’re really lucky, you will be able to catch a glimpse of the elusive whale shark, during the late summer months. The reefs that make up the atolls are made up of around 70 different kinds of coral and a number of tropical fish, around 700 species, live near the reefs, including butterfly fish, clownfish, moray eels, and octopus.
The number of sea creatures that roam these waters is truly astounding as along with the fish, there are some 200 varieties of crustaceans which can also be found here. Diving near indigenous creatures like manta rays, sting rays and eagle rays is quite popular with tourists. The manta rays swim in large groups, and most are not shy of swimming close to divers.
Wherever you are in the atolls, the extensive and rich collection of marine life is breathtaking. From schools of dazzling tropical fish gliding through the waters of the lagoons to majestic whales soaring through the ocean, the marine life in the Maldives is one of a kind.
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.
