Since then, it has been known as the second nation in the world – only after Palau, in Oceania – to protect the species. As a consequence, since 2010 sharks cannot be fished in the 90,000 square kilometers of territorial waters that comprise the Maldives, making it a nature reserve. Unfortunately, the number of sharks there has progressively declined in the last few years as it became a major exporter of shark fins to China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. They prefer warm tropical and subtropical waters and are considered harmless, since their diet is based on squid, plankton and small fish. It is possible to find it at any time of the year in the South Ari Atoll. The whale shark is one of the most sought-after species in the Maldives as it is considered the largest existing fish in the world, with approximately 12 meters in length. Other larges animals include up to 30 different species of sharks (whale sharks, blacktip and whitetip sharks, gray sharks, hammerhead sharks, zebra sharks) and manta rays. On the other hand, the hawksbill turtle prefers calm, tropical waters in rocky areas, oceanic islands, coral reefs and shallow coastal areas.
The spinner dolphin is an extremely social species that allows a front row view of its multiple spins in the air thar reach up to 3 meters high. These, like the rest of their species, live in a ‘magnificent anemone’ that provides protection in exchange for their movements to clean their tentacles. It is common to encounter, during a diving session, the Maldivian clownfish with their characteristic orange-red color and white stripes surrounded by black. In addition, there are the famous luminous jellyfish, also known as ‘butterflies of the sea’, whose bell shape end with several tentacles at night, they present a light show that, although of indisputable beauty, it is advisable to see from a distance and avoid direct contact with them because of their natural defense mechanism. On the other hand, it has a vast marine diversity of up to 2,000 different species, including all kinds of tropical fish, anemones, jellyfish, octopus, crocodile fish, stone fish, barracudas, dolphins and turtles.Īmong this biodiversity are the phytoplankton which, although small, are responsible for the Sea of Stars mentiones above. It is no secret that the Maldives archipelago has no notable terrestrial fauna, consisting of small reptiles and some birds. Inside, there is also seating from which marine life can be admired. Here, guests dine on deck under a breathtaking sunset and sample a Maldivian-inspired menu. So much so that the Ba’Thelil Lounge restaurant was inspired by the shape of the dhonis.
These boats are one of the most characteristic icons of the archipelago due to their aesthetics and history closely linked to the uses, customs and needs of the Maldivian people. To access the paradisiacal spot that is Vaadhoo, the easiest way is by seaplane, or if our main characteristic is rather adventure, the dhonis (traditional Maldivian boats) are the best option as they are equipped with an aesthetic that invites you to dream among the waters of the Indian Ocean.
This is how the Maldives becomes the most impressive place in the world to enjoy the phenomenon, on a new moon night and through a nigh diving excursion where, after the aquatic immersion, the torches are extinguished, and the waters are agitated. While bioluminescence can be enjoyed in other places around the world – such as Laguna Grande, Puerto Rico Manialtepec Lagoon, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca and Toyama Bay, Japan to name a few – there are few landscapes where the climatology allows it to occur in such a natural and constant way as in Vaadhoo. The result: A giant lantern, where blue lights dance on the shore of the beach, in the footsteps in the sand, in the waves surfed by surfers and travelers’ boats that agitate the calm of the ocean the light will become more intense at the right moment when the waves break when the sea is more agitated. It is a process that occurs after phytoplankton – small luminous beings and the main food of marine species – comes into contact with oxygen, causing a chemical reaction (luciferin) to join with the enzyme luciferase when the water moves, resulting in chemical energy that is converted intro light. Scientifically known as bioluminescence, the sea of stars in Vaadhoo, currently uninhabited, is usually one of the island’s greatest attractions.
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