There are two kinds of manta rays – the reef manta and the giant manta ray. Both are found in the waters of the Maldives and both are hard to miss. The reef manta can grow to 5m in width while the giant manta ray has a massive central disc which grows to an average of 7m.

Eagle rays are often found in the open ocean. Rhomboidal in shape with a slightly longer tail than other rays, the most spectacular is the spotted eagle ray. They grow to about 5m in length but their most dramatic feature is a dark inky body covered with white speckles.

There are seven species of sea turtle, of which five can be seen in the Maldives. The single most important thing you need to know is that they are an endangered species and are protected by law in the Maldives. The Hawksbill turtle and the Green turtle are the most common turtles sighted. Marine conservationists have embarked on a turtle identification process, gathering photographs from both experts and amateurs alike to try and establish the numbers and movement of these special creatures of the sea.

It is believed that 20 difference species of dolphin call the Maldives home. These include Spinner, Bottlenose, Risso’s, Spotted and Striped Dolphins.  The most common seen in the area are Spinner dolphins which are said to number thousands. They gather in droves to feed on the fauna and are a magnificent site when frolicking in huge groups in the waters around the islands. They may just be the first of the big marine 5 that you get to spot.

Probably the most feared and mysterious of the Marine Big 5 has to be the shark. The largest fish in the world is the Whale Shark. Growing up to 11 or 12 metres in length and weighing up to 19000kg in adulthood, they are a sight to behold. They live to about 70 years and are believed to be harmless to man. With a 1m wide mouth, whale shark are filter feeders (mainly on plankton) and are said to be able to have more than 300 rows of teeth at one time.

That’s what you are looking out for on your visit to the Maldives. Where best to see them? The Baa and Ari Atolls are well known for shark and manta sightings. The Sun Island reef is a good spot for whale sharks, while the reefs of Rangali provide ample sightings of both whale shark and manta ray. Ukulhas Thila and Panettone are also said to be great for manta ray viewing.  Dolphins can often be seen frolicking in the ocean throughout the island chain. The Marine National Sea Turtle Identification Programme has had sightings and photographic evidence of turtles spotted on 16 atolls.

Your tour guide will be able to let you know where the latest sightings of the Maldives Marine Big 5 have been. If you spot one or all five, it is sure to be a most memorable experience.

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Fishing Spots

Fishing in the Maldives is not only a great tourist attraction, it is a main part of the economy – about 30% of the workforce are employed by the fishing industry. With the Maldivian Ocean being so vast, deciding where to fish may be left to your tour guide. It depends on where you are staying and whether you are going to charter a fishing excursion through your resort. They may stay relatively close to the resort and while you will enjoy the outing, it may not fulfil the need you have for true deep sea fishing. For that you may need to hire a professional charter who will take you into deeper waters and have the option of exploring areas around uninhabited islands where fewer fishermen go. Fishtrack.com is a website that will give you an idea as to where the greatest density of fish are found at any time.

These waters are teaming with fish, so expect variety and some success.
Types of fish you can catch

In these waters 5 of the most common fish you can expect to see include the massive yellow fin tuna, dorado, sailfish, barracuda and wahoo.  The yellow fin tuna is one of the largest species of tuna. It may reach a weight of 180kg. On a good day you may encounter schools of yellow fin tuna as they like to travel with similar sized company. The dorado is also known as a common dolphin fish or mahi-mahi. They are often found in the warm waters of the Maldives and weigh between 7 & 13kg. The sailfish has a massive dorsal fin and a bayonet shaped snout. The habit of the sailfish is to travel and a deeper level but they will rise to medium depth to feed. Barracuda are long streamlined fish that weigh up to about 9kg.  Wahoo are mackerel-like fish and are a prized deep sea fish to catch. They are very fast and can grow up to 83kg.

The fish usually feed at dawn and dusk, so those are the best times to be out on the water. Cloudy days are also good days to venture out as there is reduced light penetration.

Safety requirements

There are a number of tips when it comes to safety and fishing. Before going out on a boat, check the weather. If inclement weather is forecast, you may want to reconsider your plans. Make sure you know where you are going or use a reputable company that knows the region. Make sure the vessel is equipped with navigational equipment and is safe. Taking additional safety items is also a good idea such as a cell phone, maps, torch and additional water.

 While on board, always wear a life jacket and appropriate footwear. Also make sure you are protected from the weather – take a rain jacket and warm clothes as well as sun protection cream.

Be careful with the fish and how you handle them. Also take care with other fishing equipment such as bait and hooks and fish knives.

 Finally, ensure you have the correct permits for fishing and that you do not fish in a prohibited area. Fishing in the Maldives is regulated and it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the regulations.

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