Maldives Nature and Wildlife

The islands that make up the Maldives are characterized by beautiful blue oceans and amazing white sandy beaches. There are over 2,000 species of fish found in the waters surrounding the islands. There are manta rays, stingrays, and eagle rays as well as many kinds of anemones and jellyfish. Octopus, squid, and clams are common, along with giant clams. The number of sharks in the Maldives has steadily decreased in recent decades due to the practice of shark finning, which involves cutting off a shark’s fin and then returning them to the water where they die from suffocation. The Maldives was a large exporter of shark fins. However, on 1 July 2010, the Maldivian government banned shark fishing altogether. The country has also established a shark sanctuary zone that covers 90,000 sq. km (34,750 sq. miles) of Maldivian waters.

Due to the small size of the island nation, there are very few land-based mammals and reptiles (and no domestic dogs). There is only one species of flying fox and one shrew species that are endemic to the islands and there is only one gecko species as well as some snakes. Most of the mammals and reptiles found in the Maldives are in the water. Whales and dolphins are common; so too are sea turtles like the green turtle, the hawksbill turtle, and the leatherback turtle. There are also various sea snakes and even saltwater crocodiles. Much like mammals and reptiles, the most common birds in the Maldives are pelagic or ocean birds.

The Baa Atoll was named a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in June 2011. UNESCO recognized the Baa Atoll’s “great potential for demonstrating sustainable development throughout the Maldives and the region while relying on a green economy.” The atoll covers 1,200 sq. km and has some of the richest coral reefs in the world. Hanifaru is a bay located in the atoll and is very popular due to the seasonal gatherings of manta rays and whale sharks which attract many tourists each year. The bay is to become one of the main protected areas in the biosphere reserve.

Maldives Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to the Maldives.

Learn about the history and culture of the Maldives, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Maldives's nature and wildlife, weather, and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering the Maldives for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Maldives vacations today!

Extend Your Trip

After your Maldives tour, consider taking the time to visit other destinations. Goway offers exciting China vacation packages, India tours, and Thailand vacation packages plus a comprehensive selection of vacation packages in many other Asian countries.

Book your Maldives vacation with Goway! 

ASIA by Goway is an exclusive division that specializes in planning and organizing Maldives vacation packages and experiences. Choose from a romantic island stay, an air and land getaway, and much more. We want to be your first choice when next you go globetrotting to the Maldives.