 |
| Dolphins in the Maldives |
The Maldives is a stunning tropical paradise renowned for its diverse marine life, particularly its dolphin populations. Among the 23 cetacean species found in these waters, **spinner dolphins** are the most common. Known for their acrobatic leaps and spinning behavior, these dolphins can often be spotted resting in the atolls during the day after feeding offshore at night.
In addition to spinner dolphins, the Maldives is home to Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, pantropical spotted dolphins, and Fraser's dolphins, among others. These species thrive in the warm, nutrient-rich waters surrounding the islands, making dolphin watching a popular activity for tourists.
Excursions typically occur in the early morning or late afternoon, with several resorts offering dolphin cruises that provide opportunities to observe these playful creatures in their natural habitat. The best times for dolphin watching are during the inter-monsoon periods from February to early May and September to early December, when sea conditions are calmest.
The Maldives' commitment to marine conservation is crucial as these dolphins face threats from habitat degradation and human activities. Protecting their environment ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy these magnificent marine mammals.
Citations:
[1] https://wwhandbook.iwc.int/en/country-profiles/maldives
[2] https://samudramaldives.com/dolphins-in-maldives/
[3] https://gili-lankanfushi.com/gili-veshi-environmental-initiatives/marine-biology-blog/dolphin-encounters-in-maldives/
[4] https://www.workingabroad.com/travel/maldives-geography-and-climate/
[5] https://visitmaldives.com/en/maldives/geography
[6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_the_Maldives
[7] https://www.britannica.com/place/Maldives
[8] https://handluggageonly.co.uk/the-complete-guide-to-visiting-the-maldives/
Social Media Links