Why Everyone Should Go Dolphin Watching in the Maldives

Ranked among South Asia's top destinations for dolphin-watching safaris, a holiday in the Maldives is the perfect excuse to engage in this once-in-a-lifetime activity. Home to a wide variety of dolphin species, the paradise archipelago is famed for its whale and dolphin watching tours. Tipped to be a rewarding experience that's not just for marine life enthusiasts, here are the compelling reasons why enjoying a dolphin-watching cruise should be on everyone's travel bucket list.

The Timing is Always Perfect

One of the main reasons why every tourist should embark on a dolphin-watching expedition in the Maldives is that it is a year-round activity. Unlike neighbouring Sri Lanka and other destinations where dolphin watching season falls during a specific time of year, the Maldives is one of the few locations where the activity is accessible all year long. This means anyone can sign up for a dolphin-watching safari and enjoy Facetime with the world's friendliest mammals whether they are visiting the paradise islands during the peak travel period from December to April or the off-season from May to October,

The Two-for-one Benefit

Another exciting reason why dolphin-watching cruises are a must for Maldivian holidaymakers is the high probability of spotting whales during the tour. Home to blue whales, killer whales, Bryde's whales and sperm whales among other whale species, it is not uncommon to spot the world's largest mammals also occupying the same areas of the ocean as the dolphins. In fact, most whale-watching cruise boats will come across schools of dolphins so whales can also make an appearance during dolphin-spotting excursions with equal regularity. This means travellers will not only get a chance to see dolphins swimming in the open seas and frolicking with their families but also come upon whales during the same tour experience.

The Diversity of Dolphin Species

While there are a great many beach holiday hotspots that organize dolphin-watching cruises for the benefit of tourists, few of these destinations can match the marine heritage of the Maldives. The sheer number of dolphin species occupying the Maldivian sea bed makes it one of the best marine life spotting hubs on the planet as it's not just spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins that call the atolls home. Pantropical spotted dolphins; Striped dolphins, Fraser's dolphins and Rough-toothed dolphins are all known to inhabit the off-coast areas of the Maldivian islands and are visible all year round.

No Special Skills Required

Travellers who do not possess PADI certifications, diving abilities or even swimming skills will find that dolphin-watching is the only comparable activity option for them. Accessible to visitors of all ages and even those with mobility issues, a dolphin-watching safari requires no special skills on the part of the participants, unlike most water-bound adventures in the Maldives. The abundance of dolphin varieties and their impressive population numbers means that tourists are only a short boat ride away from these magical creatures whether they are based at Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort or any of the other properties that rank among the best beach villas in the Maldives.

Multi-Day Trips for Family Getaways

Families with a passion for sailing and island hopping will also find that Maldivian resorts and tour operators also organize multi-day tours on live-aboard yachts. Although most dolphin-watching cruises last no more than 3 or 4 hours, those who wish to enjoy a luxurious outbound getaway can go dolphin-spotting on a private vessel with air-conditioned quarters and a full staff. In addition to allowing visitors the chance to witness more dolphin species in action, these types of multi-day trips also provide opportunities to go snorkelling, scuba diving and sea kayaking around uninhabited islands and thus encounter dolphins and other fish species in a different manner.