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Maptlantis

Sea turtle · Maldives

Where to see sea turtles in the Maldives

Operators 21Season Jul–NovRegions 9Published prices 8Encounter formats 5
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About this list

A common trap when looking for places to see sea turtles in the Maldives is a trip sold as if the sighting were certain. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the sea turtle as a target species, 21 of them. Places that only mention a chance sighting are left out. Regions on record: Ari & Rasdhoo, Baa Atoll, Dhaalu & Thaa atolls, Huvadhoo & Addu, Lhaviyani, Noonu & Raa and Maldives liveaboards. Encounters are split into boat-based watching, snorkeling, ocean safari, swimming and scuba diving. Two "sea turtle tours" can differ completely in rules and price when one watches from the boat and the other puts you in the water. 8 of the 21 operators (38%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown. The 4 operators that state a season for sea turtle programs in the Maldives cluster in Jul–Nov. That is the operators' operating period, not a promise that the animals will appear. No operator can guarantee a wildlife sighting, and rules on approach distance and in-water permits differ by country.

Sea turtle season in the Maldives

Jul–Nov

  1. JanJanuary: not in season
  2. FebFebruary: not in season
  3. MarMarch: not in season
  4. AprApril: not in season
  5. MayMay: not in season
  6. JunJune: not in season
  7. JulJuly: in season
  8. AugAugust: in season
  9. SepSeptember: in season
  10. OctOctober: in season
  11. NovNovember: in season
  12. DecDecember: not in season

The months 4 operators state as their program season, combined. That is the operators' operating period, not a sighting guarantee; each operator's months are in the sea turtle season table.

21 listed operators

Sea turtles in the Maldives, by region

Sea turtles in the Maldives, by way to meet them

Sea turtle season

Sea turtles in other countries

Other marine life in the Maldives

Activities in the Maldives

Frequently asked questions

Where can you see sea turtles in the Maldives?

21 operators name the sea turtle as a target species. Main regions: Ari & Rasdhoo, Baa Atoll, Dhaalu & Thaa atolls, Huvadhoo & Addu, Lhaviyani, Noonu & Raa and Maldives liveaboards.

Do you have to get in the water to see sea turtles?

Formats on record: boat-based watching, snorkeling, ocean safari, swimming and scuba diving. Boat-based watching stays on the boat; snorkeling, swimming and freediving put you in the water. Some countries ban getting in the water altogether, so check the format in the program details.

When is sea turtle season?

The 4 operators that state a season for sea turtle programs in the Maldives cluster in Jul–Nov. That is the operators' operating period, not a promise that the animals will appear.

Will I definitely see them?

No. Sea turtles are wild animals, and whether you meet them depends on their movements and the sea. Maptlantis does not use wording that promises a sighting, and cancellation and refund terms follow each operator's policy.