Tag: maldives luxury hotel

Marine wildlife in abundance in Maldives

The Maldives islands as a land base is quite minimal and previously uninhabited islands too have now been developed in order to sustain the growth of visitors to the island nation. As a result land based wildlife is fairly limited. Those that are present are largely water related.

However when it comes to marine wildlife there is certainly no other place quite as satisfying nor as photographic as what lies beneath the waters off the beaches of Maldives.

On land whilst there are a few goats and cats, dogs and pigs are not allowed on the island for religious reasons. There are also two species of lizards and geckos as well as two species of snakes. There are quite a number of species of birds however most are migratory who fly in from Europe during winter. Some types of heron, terns, hens and crows are island based.

A significant display that is a sight to see is when a large group of birds simultaneously sweep down onto the water in pursuit of fish. In fact many fishermen base their catches on this display.

Under the waters however sharks, dolphins, rays, tuna, coral fish of every shape, size and colour can be found in and around the island waters at different times of the year, according to weather and current conditions.

A visit to the Maldives should most definitely include a couple of days journeying to various islands, snorkelling and scuba diving in the waters as this will provide you with the most colourful and breathtaking impression Maldives has to offer. The best part is that all this is possible not too far from the comfort of your Maldives Resort and assistance and service in this aspect can be obtained easily from almost every resort.

A Maldives Luxury Hotel is easy to find and accommodation options are numerous. Most offer a full gamut of services including safaris around the islands, and all water sport related activities. Cocoa Island Maldives is an inspirational resort that is well matched to meet your every comfort and luxury requirement. So indulge yourself this year in Maldives.

Snorkelling In Maldives

The archipelago of Maldives, which is situated in the Laccadive Sea, consists of over one thousand islands. The islands are quite unusual in that they are completely made up of coral. It is believed that the islands were formed when volcanoes in the region were overgrown with coral. Eventually the volcanoes sank back but the coral remained forming the famous holiday destination called Maldives. The extensive network of coral found around Maldives act as a home to a wide variety of exotic and colourful sea creatures, and no trip to the country can be considered complete without visiting some of these aquatic denizens.

Snorkelling is one of the most popular activities in Maldives. As the waters around the islands are very clear and are full of life, it provides a perfectly acceptable alternative for those who do not want to go scuba diving. While snorkelling one will come across giant turtles, clownfish, butterflyfish, oriental sweetlip, parrotfish, angelfish and maybe even a shark or two. Although one will definitely come across an eclectic collection of fish, sightings of whale sharks and manta rays are not all that common in shallow waters. As for those who want to experience the archipelago’s vast oceanic bounty, scuba diving is the way to go. After all, Maldives does have some of the best scuba diving spots in the world.

In addition to snorkelling and scuba diving, one can try out a whole range of water related activities here. The shallow waters found in certain regions form the ideal spot for beginners to try out the whole range of water sports on offer. The long list of options include parasailing, surfing, jet skiing, kayaking, kite surfing and water skiing. One can choose from the many operations that are dedicated to water sports, or one can merely pick a hotel that already comes with such facilities.

As a popular holiday spot, the tourism industry in Maldives is highly developed. A good Maldives resort, such as the Cocoa Island Maldives, offers more than just accommodation. The Maldives luxury hotel also has an excellent restaurant, a divine spa and the facilities for numerous water sports.

The Maldives Victory Day in November

An intimate private Maldives Resort the Cocoa Island Maldives is a magical accommodation facility that offers overwater suites providing the guests a unique experience. Because of this beautiful accommodation setting many tourists are attracted to this Maldives Luxury Hotel. With all the luxury facilities and the divine cuisine this surely adds more spice to the paradise of Maldives.

Maldives has been an independent and free country since 1965. In 1988 a group of terrorists which comprised of Sri Lankans and Maldivians attacked the capital Male and the president’s Office and other government buildings. This attack was defeated in the end by the government of Maldives at a cost of 11 civilian and 8 soldiers’ lives. This day is marked as victory day in the Maldives and is still celebrated on the 3rd of November.

Bird Watching in the Maldives- Taking Wing

While the Maldives is celebrated for its amazing diversity of marine life, due to its location far away from a large landmass and its small size the Maldives does not have an abundance of its own avifauna. Most birds found on the islands are Eurasian migratory birds and therefore are seasonal while some are typical of the region and a few are found among the vegetation and marshes of the various islands.

According to bird checklists around 165 varieties of birds inhabit the islands from time to time. Some rare and threatened varieties of birds that visit the islands intermittently include the Feruginous Duck, Jouanin’s Petrel, Spot Billed Pelican, Pallid Harrier, Black Tailed Godwit, the Lesser Kestrel and the Eurasian Curlew. The common Mynah and the House Sparrow that are visible on the larger islands are listed as introduced species. Among the commonest birds spied in the Maldives are the crow, the koel with its distinctive cry and the white breasted water hen found nesting under low bushes. While the large grey heron is also a common sight several other species of heron are also glimpsed from time to time. Two types of frigate birds are known to use the Maldives as their breeding grounds. Two species of noddies, several species of terns, the Audubon’s shearwater and the white tailed tropic bird are also to be found here during breeding time. Addu Atoll in the south of the Maldives is known as a nesting ground for the fairy tern.

For keen bird watchers the best way to see pelagic birds in the Maldives is to take a trip out to sea with fishermen who locate shoals of tuna by identifying concentrations of sea birds feeding on shrimp and small fish chased to the top by the big fish hunting below. Birding tours organized as part of the live aboard experience is also another wonderful way to view tropical pelagic birds and migrants from the palaearctic eco zone. The most rewarding time to view these birds may be during the spring and autumn migrations when a whole variety of birds can be spotted. Early mornings are also a good time to view birds as they are most active and noisy at this time. Due to its small size bird watchers in the Maldives may need to visit several locations to see a variety of avifauna.

For anyone thinking of pristine white beaches, sun, warm blue sea, gorgeous marine life, privacy and sublime accommodation then Cocoa Island Maldives is the place to be. Enjoy well appointed spacious contemporary villas and suites with wonderful ocean views at this Maldives luxury hotel as well as tasteful Asian fusion cuisine, rejuvenating holistic spa treatments and blissful days in total relaxation. Head to this exceptional Maldives resort for that much dreamed of vacation.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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Coral Reefs in Maldives- Witness the Enchantment below the Surface

Maldives, a nation consisting of several islands, is located in the Indian Ocean just south of Sri Lanka. Considered to be one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, Maldives is a tropical haven blessed with beautiful scenery and tranquillity. Maldives is also famous for its stunning coastal features, thriving hospitality and tourism industry, and its leisure and cultural attractions.

Being an island nation, the coasts of Maldives are one of its major attractions, and one of the most amazing features of the coasts of Maldives are its beautiful coral reefs. Maldives is home to some of the best preserved and most enchanting coral reefs in the world, and is frequently marvelled by both tourists and locals alike.

The warm tropical and turquoise waters of Maldives are ideal breeding grounds for coral reefs, which is why they thrive in this region. There are more than 247 different species of corals living in the reefs of Maldives, each unique in their form and colour. The reefs of Maldives are an asset to the nation, and are highly conserved due to its high ecological value. It truly is an enchanting experience to dive and witness the bright colours and stunning beauty of these magnificent reefs, which is sure to be an unforgettable experience. The reefs are also home to wide variety of marine life, including fish and plankton, which gives divers the opportunity to witness some of the intriguing marine life in the waters of Maldives as well. Maldives is also home to ‘ring shaped coral reefs’, considered to be the world’s most complex and beautiful coral clusters, which are located south of the Lakshadweep Islands. One must be extra cautious around these corals as they are extremely sensitive. Therefore one must refrain from littering, touching or causing any sort of harm to the corals. Thus, if you are interested in witnessing the enchantment that exists beneath the water surface, dive into the waters of Maldives and indulge in the exotic marine splendour of its coral reefs.

For a relaxing and tranquil stay at a 5 star Maldives luxury hotel make a reservation at the Cocoa Island Maldives. Belonging to the COMO Group of Hotels and Resorts, this Maldives resort offers luxury accommodation in a range of plush villas and overwater villas. The hotel also provides an assortment of wellness, leisure and hospitality services and amenities, making it ideal for a refreshing and soothing vacation.

Discovering Fascinating Wildlife of Maldives

One of the most popular holiday destinations in the world, the Maldives also has rich natural beauty and is home to a variety of wildlife species both on land and in the water. Those planning to explore this natural heritage can base themselves at a Maldives resort such as Cocoa Island Maldives. This Maldives luxury hotel offers such activities as diving which lets you observe the underwater species that inhabit the waters around the islands. Nearly 2,000 fish species can be found in these waters including Parrot Fish, Butterfly Fish, Blue Lined Snapper, Angel Fish and not forgetting Manta Rays and Whale Sharks. Hawksbill, leatherback and green turtles can also be seen here. While the islands themselves have only a few species such as a variety of gecko and the flying fox, over 180 bird species have been identified and bird watching enthusiasts have a chance to see Rose-Ringed Parakeets, Grey Herons and Moorhens when on a visit.

Diving In The Maldives

There is no doubt that Maldives contains some of the finest diving spots in the world and scuba diving is a highly popular activity on the island. The warm waters off the island’s coast are home to an amazing variety of aquatic life and provide a rich and rewarding experience. While one is guaranteed to come across numerous colourful creatures while diving, different diving spots host different marine fauna. So when choosing one’s diving spot it is always best to keep in mind the types of fish one wishes to see.

Although small colourful fish are fascinating in their own way most people wish to see the large fish such as the whale shark. The Ari Atoll is a terrific place to not only spot whale sharks but also other shark species such as the hammerhead shark, the grey reef shark and the white tip shark. It is also home to a sizeable manta ray population. It is also possible to see sharks at the Vaavu Atoll but they are not as common a sight as they are in the Ari Atoll. However, Fotteyo Kandu, considered by many to be the country’s best diving spot, is a part of this atoll. It contains quick currents, a variety of fish such as barracuda and tuna, and a series of exciting underwater caves that can be explored.

Some of the first diving scuba diving spots were discovered in the North Male Atoll and they remain popular to this day. Known for their awe inspiring underwater topography, the most popular spots are Kuda Haa and Banana Reef. While there is no particular diving season, the active period runs from November to May. The period between April and June maybe the warmest in the calendar, but they are also best time to observe whale sharks and manta rays.

To enjoy a variety of facilities with a minimum of hassle, tourists can try a Maldives resort such as the Cocoa Island Maldives which contains the infrastructure for a number of water related activities such as scuba diving and surfing. The Maldives luxury hotel is situated on a private island and is ideal for tourists who want to escape the crowds.

Enjoying the scenery

Being a string of islands sailing and fishing has been an important part of the lives of the Maldivian people for a very long time. Sailing is also one of the best ways to enjoy the natural beauty of the islands and fishing is still an important economic activity in the Maldives.

Maldivians still use the traditional dhonis for fishing, quite a few of which are motorized now. The boat carries a crew of about eight. At the start of day the fishermen will first catch their live bait of small scad, silverside and sardine. The bait is put in the bait hold and kept alive until a school of tuna is sighted. The bait is then thrown overboard getting the shoal to move closer after which the fishermen will throw in their lines. Once the bait runs out or the fish stop biting, they will move on to the next shoal.

Night fishing expeditions are popular with visitors. Boats takes off before nightfall and anchor on a reef. Lines tethered with hooks and sinkers are dropped overboard and everyone waits for the fish to bite. If anything is caught it can be barbequed over an open flame and if not, everyone can enjoy the peace and beauty of a starry night.

Big game fishing takes place in the mornings. It involves trolling outside the atoll along the reef. Yellow fin tuna, Barracuda, Wahoo, Sail fish and Dorado are some of the fish caught this way. Specially equipped boat charters are available for fishing enthusiasts who are after a fishing adventure. Secluded rarely fished areas can be reached by chartered boats where the whole family can enjoy the experience.

Cruising on traditional boats or luxuriously outfitted modern boats is the best way to experience the beauty of the Maldives. Island hopping to see traditional Maldivian fishing villages, sailing past desert islands, snorkeling on reefs teeming with fish and sunsets picnics on a deserted beach are all popular and sometimes romantic ways to experience the Maldives.

Cocoa Island Maldives, with just 33 over water bungalows offers privacy and complete relaxation. Slip into the water from your own extraordinary dhoni suite or villa at this extraordinary Maldives resort and enjoy snorkeling or swimming in the clear water or the teeming reef or take it easy on the powder white beach. Thereafter enjoy a delicious South Indian, Asian or Mediterranean inspired meal made with fresh ingredients and herbs and experience the specially formulated spa treatments. Stay at this award winning, much appreciated Maldives luxury hotel to have a beautiful holiday experience.