True travelers should explore not only the terrestrial world but also the underwater world! Continuing from our previous adventure, we will delve into the underwater wonders of the Maldives.
The Maldives is renowned for its pristine resort beaches and is also home to diverse marine life. Among the large creatures, such as sharks, manta rays, and dolphins, the often-overlooked yet majestic sea turtle is a must-see for any traveler in the Maldives.
The Majestic Sea Turtle of the Maldives
Known for their longevity, sea turtles have likely witnessed the Maldives’ underwater world longer than any other creature. Their calm demeanor and stately presence make them unperturbed by close encounters with humans, unlike the more skittish manta rays. However, sea turtles are relatively rare and hard to spot on impromptu snorkeling trips, so joining a tour is advisable. This time, we joined a snorkeling tour organized by our resort to swim with sea turtles, and here’s a detailed account of our experience!
Journey to the Turtle Reef
As this is a continuation of our previous article, we’ll skip the detailed explanation of the tour booking process. In short, it’s best to make reservations in advance. We joined a shark and turtle snorkeling tour, heading to the turtle habitat right after the shark snorkeling session.
Reaching to the turle point by a speedboat operated by Dive & Sail Velifushi
Another reason to opt for a tour rather than seeking turles independently is the tour guides’ impressive networking skills. Even though there are known shark and turtle habitats, these creatures do move around. Tour guides stay in constant communication with other resort guides and divers to share real-time updates on marine life sightings. This ensures a high success rate for tour participants to encounter the desired marine creatures.
Encounter with Sea Turtles
Soon, we arrived at the turtle habitat, and participants eagerly took turns diving into the water.
Spotting wild Nemo
Unlike the deeper shark snorkeling point, the turtle habitat had a depth of only 2-3 meters, making it less intimidating for novice swimmers.
Our guide, the captain, excitedly pointed towards a rocky area, signaling a potential turtle sighting.
Nemos are welcoming us underwater
Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a clownfish instead of a turtle. Despite the disappointment, the clownfish’s cuteness quickly lifted our spirits. Professional guides have a keen eye for all fascinating sea creatures, so sticking close to them can lead to many delightful discoveries.
Somehow trying to communicate with the turtle
Eventually, the captain spotted a sea turtle! Using hand gestures, he expertly guided the turtle towards us.
Participants eagerly chased after the swimming turtle. Contrary to the slow image of turtles from the “Tortoise and the Hare” story, sea turtles are incredibly swift in the water, making it hard to keep up with them.
Graceful Sea Turtle Swimming
The turtle gracefully swam down to the seabed, presenting a perfect photo opportunity!
I got a bit too close, but the turtle remained unfazed. Their calmness truly reflects their reputation for longevity.
The turtle started munching on seaweed, occasionally glancing at us with a serene expression. Observing the turtle so closely made me feel humbled by its majestic presence.
After spending some time with us, the turtle swam away, accompanied by a school of fish. While this encounter was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us, the turtle had likely interacted with countless humans before, exuding a sense of familiarity and tranquility akin to a parent’s comforting presence.
Conclusion
How did you enjoy the experience? During our Maldives trip, swimming with sea turtles is a must-do activity! This report covered our sea turtle snorkeling experience following the shark snorkeling adventure. Despite the commonality of turtles in Japan, encountering a large sea turtle up close is awe-inspiring. If you visit the Maldives, join a turtle snorkeling tour and make eye contact with these gentle giants!
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