Sea Turtles of the Maldives: Ancient Travelers of the Ocean

Graceful, ancient, and endlessly fascinating – sea turtles have glided through Maldivian waters for millions of years. These gentle creatures are symbols of endurance and wisdom, traveling vast distances across the Indian Ocean yet always returning to the same shores to nest.

The Ocean’s Ancient Guests

The Maldives is home to five species of sea turtles – the Green Turtle (Velaa), Hawksbill Turtle (Kahanbu), Loggerhead (Boabodu Velaa), Olive Ridley (Vaavoshi Velaa), and Leatherback (Musinbee). Of these, the Green and Hawksbill turtles are the most commonly seen around the reefs and lagoons.

The Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) is known for its calm nature and vegetarian diet, feeding mostly on seagrass. The Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is smaller and recognized by its beautifully patterned shell – the same shell that once, sadly, made it a target for trade.

Nesting on Island Shores

Female turtles return to the beach where they were born, sometimes decades later, to lay their eggs. In the Maldives, nesting beaches can be found on uninhabited islands and some resort shores. They dig deep nests under the moonlight, laying around 100 eggs before returning silently to the sea.

After about two months, the tiny hatchlings emerge and make their brave journey toward the ocean – guided by the reflection of moonlight on the waves. Only a few survive, but those that do may return years later to repeat the same cycle.

The Threats They Face

Turtles face many challenges. Beach development, plastic pollution, boat strikes, and fishing nets all threaten their survival. Climate change also warms the sand where eggs incubate – affecting hatchling gender ratios and success rates.

Protecting the Ocean’s Travelers

Thankfully, conservation projects across the Maldives are helping turtles thrive again. Protected marine areas, tagging programs, and turtle rescue centers (like the ones in Baa and Lhaviyani Atolls) work to monitor populations and rehabilitate injured turtles.

Visitors are encouraged to keep a respectful distance when snorkeling and to avoid touching or chasing turtles. Awareness is key – protecting them ensures balance in the reef ecosystem.

Timeless Wisdom of the Turtles

Sea turtles remind us of the deep connection between time, nature, and home. Their journeys mirror the rhythm of the ocean and the spirit of the Maldives – steady, graceful, and eternal.

Each time a turtle surfaces for air, it carries the story of an ocean that has watched over these islands for ages.