Tag: maldives resort

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.

Windsurfing

Windsurfing is one of the most exciting and thrilling sports out of all the water sports out there. Gliding through the waves you will get the rare opportunity of fighting your way through the sea. One great destination that is well suited for your windsurfing fantasies would be the Maldives. The crystal clear waters that seclude these miraculous islands offer the perfect spots for windsurfing and are loved by many water sports fanatics. The turquoise blue ocean that surrounds the Maldives is ideal for a day out of windsurfing to make your exotic holiday quite enthralling and even more exciting.

The waters surrounding the country are suitable for any form of water activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, jet skiing and much more. Windsurfing being one of the most popular among these is given much priority among all tourists. All the necessary equipment for windsurfing could be borrowed or rented from the nearby resorts. The best season to hit Maldives for this activity would be during the months of May to October when the winds grow strong up after the wet season. It has become one of the most sort after passions of adventurers around the world. Beginners to this water sport can get trained by safe and experienced guides who are in plenty along the coast.

While you are riding along the clear waters you would get to see the multicoloured fish and corals that lie right below you under the ocean. It indeed is a very pleasant experience that you would never forget in your lifetime. When you are on holiday you can join one of the wind surfing courses conducted by different institutes as a start. The Male atoll is a place that is considered the best spot for this awe-inspiring sport and is thus popular with tourists.

To make your holiday experience a truly memorable one with windsurfing and other water sports, a Maldives resort like Adaaran Hudhuranfushi is an ideal choice. One of the leading Maldives Island resorts it offers a variety private windsurfing lessons and has equipment rental as well. It also has a spa where you can enjoy some truly rewarding rest and relaxation after a long day out in the sun and the surf.

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.