The Maldives is an exotic collection of islands in the Indian Ocean. It is a known destination for a diverse ecosystem, producing a large array of animals; some of which are not for the faint-hearted. If you are feeling brave, here’s a look at some of these beasts in their natural environment on land and sea.
Snakes
Blind snakes and wolf snakes are endemic to the Maldives. These snakes are not very common, so you may find it difficult to actually see one. There are many other sea snakes, including the Pelamis Platurus and the Hydrophis Platurus. Sea snakes tend to have small mouths, making it difficult for them to bite, so they can be very exciting to watch while snorkeling.
Sharks
Most sharks feed at dawn and dusk, so an early morning or night dive is when you will get the most action. Look at for Whitetip and Blacktip sharks, as well as the magnificent Hammerhead. The best places to dive include Ari Atoll, Rasdhoo Atoll, Maaya Thila and Baa Atoll.
Whale Sharks
The whale sharks are gentle giants that grow up to 18.8 meters long. Baa Atoll is the best place to encounter these magnificent beasts. Watching these slow-moving animals feed is an incredible experience, as they literally hoover up plankton and small fish with their gigantic mouth.
Stingrays
There are a number of different rays in the Maldives, and a few resorts that will have a feeding session to give their guests a close-up experience. If you want to encounter these creatures in their natural environment, a snorkel or short boat trip should take you face-to-face with these elegant creatures. It is best to stay 8 feet away from the Manta and Sting Rays during their mating season to avoid being whipped by their deadly tail.
Spiders
For invertebrates enthusiasts, the Maldives is a great place to explore these 8-legged creatures. There are numerous spiders in the Maldives, including the Black Widow, Lynx spiders, and Brown Huntsman. They can be found in the foliage and often prefer darker spots, so they are often found hiding underneath things. You can also find crabs, shellfish, sea cucumbers, jellyfish and octopuses.