Under the Sea: How to Best Experience the Wildlife of the Maldives

Explore new depths of this tropical paradise renowned for its expansive reefs, crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.

The gorgeous Maldivian archipelago is home to more than 2000 diverse coral reefs. Here you will find over 700 species of fish, 21 species of whales and dolphins, plus tiny seahorses, colourful clownfish, giant manta rays and majestic whale sharks. The consistently warm, clear water provides the perfect environment for this breathtaking range of sea creatures to thrive.

Whether you prefer to explore the depths of the ocean on a scuba diving excursion, enjoy the beauty of the sea from the surface on a snorkelling adventure, or nab the catch of the day on a fishing trip, discover how to best experience the wildlife of the Maldives.

Soneva Fushi

The spectacular Soneva Fushi Maldives Resort is set on a private island within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is surrounded by azure waters and vibrant coral gardens. Experience an abundance of marine life in this pristine and private setting, which is only open to guests of the resort.

One of the best ways to fully immerse yourself in this oceanic wonderland is on a guided snorkelling or PADI diving excursion led by experienced guides and marine biologists. You’ll be shown the best spots across the Baa Atoll to view a variety of sea creatures such as colourful fish, sea turtles and manta rays. The resort also offers night snorkelling excursions, allowing you to witness a different side of the ocean as nocturnal creatures come out to play. For true thrill-seekers, the resort’s free diving experience will leave you breathless, but in a good way.

For those who prefer to stay above the surface, the resort has complimentary non-motorised water sports activities such as fishing, kayaking, windsurfing and paddle boarding. These activities allow you to explore the pristine surroundings and experience all the excitement of spotting native marine life, without getting too wet. Soneva Fushi also offers sunset dolphin cruises, where you can watch pods of dolphins ride the waves with a champagne flute in your hand – a truly unforgettable experience.

COMO Maalifushi

The charming COMO Maalifushi Maldives Resort is located in the heart of the alluring Thaa Atoll and offers guests a front-row seat to all the underwater action. In the crystal-clear waters that surround this private island resort, you will find an abundance of native flora and fauna – and COMO has a range of exciting experiences to help you discover them all. 

The resort has a great range of guided diving excursions, such as the Aqua Safari or Reef Explorer. There’s a PADI-certified dive centre onsite that organises daily trips to one of the 33 nearby dive sites to explore the colourful coral reefs and encounter a variety of marine creatures such as reef sharks, rays and turtles. You also have the opportunity to participate in a whale shark night snorkel, turtle expedition, dolphin spotting or coral propagation tour.

If you don’t like the thought of diving, the resort offers a range of solo or guided watersports, from kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding to wakeboarding and catamaran sailing, which allow you to spot a variety of marine life with little effort. You can also try some light tackle fishing, embark on a guided cruise or charter a private boat to explore the ocean’s wonders by yourself.

Patina Maldives

The undeniably perfect Patina Maldives is situated on the Fari Islands and surrounded by some of the most fascinating reefs in the Indian Ocean. The resort provides ample opportunities for guests to experience the sea life in the area. 

Like many Maldives resorts, Patina has a PADI-certified dive centre offering a range of courses for both beginners and experienced divers. The shimmering waters surrounding the Fari Islands are home to vibrant tropical fish, manta rays, sea turtles, reef sharks and many more marine creatures. Go deeper and learn more about this piece of paradise in a Ceramics and Coral Conservation Workshop or join the Blue School, where you’ll develop an understanding and appreciation of the ocean via a series of fun activities.

Another enlightening experience is the Maldivian Walk of Life, where you’ll fish for your own lunch from the decks of a traditional Dhoni, and then enjoy your catch with a sandbank barbecue. There’s also a range of guided and solo water activities that allow you to spot fish and larger marine creatures in the resort’s warm, shallow waters.

These Maldivian resorts provide plenty of opportunities to experience the vibrant sea life that surrounds this phenomenal archipelago.

Discover our collection of exclusive Maldives offers here. 

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