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Even if you’ve been to a hundred different tropical destinations, the Maldives will still surprise you. Known for its islands and the ocean, the country is blessed with an enchanting marine world.
Secrets of the Maldives’ Marine World, Threats, and Eco-Tourism
The Earth is about 4.56 billion years old, and the oceans, filled with beauty and mystery, are about 3.8 billion years old. The Earth cooled from molten lava, and it rained for about a million years nonstop. This rainwater filled the basins of the Earth and created the oceans you know today.
What about corals, then? How long have they been around? The oldest coral fossils found are around 500 million years old, but they went extinct around 225 million years ago. The corals you see today started forming around 225 million years ago.
Atolls and barrier reefs take between 1 million and 30 million years to form. Coral growth is very slow. Some grow about 0.4 centimetres a year, and the fastest growth is about 13 centimetres in a year.
The marine world found beneath the waves is as old as time itself and incredibly fragile. Coral bleaching has become an issue in recent years, which has shaken the balance of the marine ecosystem. Corals are living, breathing organisms, and thousands of marine species thrive among them. Without these coral reefs, entire marine species could go extinct. Not only that, but reefs also protect islands from erosion, so the loss of corals can have numerous negative effects.
This is why ethical tourism and eco-friendly practices are crucial. There’s no doubt that the Maldives’ marine world is enchanting, but it’s also fragile, so make sure you don’t do anything to harm this precious ecosystem.
Island Resorts
It’s difficult not to mention island resorts in the Maldives when talking about marine adventures. This is because most of these adventurous activities are offered by resorts. For water sports lovers, staying in an island resort is crucial. These resorts also play a key role in protecting the marine environment. Many are involved in restoration projects and educational programmes to raise awareness.
Baa Atoll resorts in the Maldives are particularly popular with those intending to spend most of their time exploring marine life. Your options include Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort.
Snorkelling
Nearly 99% of the Maldives is water. This makes it one of the best destinations for snorkellers. The islands were formed about 60 million years ago. Here, you’ll find the seventh-largest coral reef system in the world. Snorkelling in the Maldives isn’t just about fun and adventure; it’s also an educational experience.
You’ll encounter all kinds of marine creatures swimming around the corals. If you’re with a guide, be sure to ask them about these fish species and corals. You’ll notice that some sections of the corals are white, which is a result of rising temperatures. Your guide will explain why it happens, what the Maldives does to stop it from happening, and how you can contribute.
Diving
Diving is the best way to explore the deeper waters. Many resorts offer the activity. You don’t need to have experience to try diving in the Maldives. Beginners will be given training and instructions. Keep in mind that diving takes a bit of expertise compared to snorkelling, so it’s important to go through the necessary training.
What will you discover during a diving expedition in the Maldives? Many things. Coral reefs in the Maldives are home to numerous fish species like butterflyfish, parrotfish, and clownfish. You might also see larger marine creatures like reef sharks, manta rays, and even whale sharks. The reefs themselves are absolutely beautiful with corals of all shapes, sizes, and colours.
Swimming with Whale Sharks
Whale sharks are the largest marine animals in the world. Their size might startle you at first, but they’re completely docile. Whale sharks are about four times as big as an adult human, and they feed on plankton.
June and September are the best months to see whale sharks in the Maldives.
Swimming with Manta Rays
Many resorts arrange snorkelling trips to swim with manta rays. These are large creatures that glide through the water. They have large dark eyes the size of a golf ball. Manta rays are gentle and pose no threat to humans. They’re also known to have the biggest brains of all fish species.
Manta rays love being around corals, where smaller fish species clean their skin and remove parasites. It’s a magical sight you don’t want to miss.