Tips for dolphin watching in the Maldives

There is an abundance of attractions that tourists in the Maldives can enjoy with their loved ones. Some of these fantastic activities involve thrilling experiences. Others are a leisurely way to admire Maldives’ stunning beauty and its various inhabitants.

Dolphin watching in the Maldives is the most popular excursion across the beautiful Indian Ocean archipelago. There are over 20 species of dolphins that call the waters of the Maldives their home. Among them, spinner dolphins, spotted dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, rough-toothed dolphins, and striped dolphins are common around the atolls.

Consequently, most tourists come across dolphins some time or the other during their vacation in the Maldives. After all, the joy of witnessing a pod of dolphins playfully jump around in the water is an unforgettable sight.

Dolphin watching in the Maldives is a possibility that anyone can relish throughout the year. For an even better chance, December to March is ideal. the weather is much more favorable during the high season.

Before booking a dolphin sunset cruise Maldives or swimming with dolphins boat trip, you should find out what to expect on such a tour.

From the best time and different types of boat tours to the precautions you need to take, here are the top tips for dolphin watching in Maldives.

Different types of dolphin safaris in the Maldives

Dolphin watching in the Maldives is so famous that there are various ways to enjoy this excursion. Furthermore, these options suit all budgets, from luxury boat trips to more humble ways that will interest budget travelers in the Maldives.

Free dolphin watching in the Maldives

Yes! You can easily view dolphins for free when sailing on a local ferry in the Maldives. Although sightings are not guaranteed, and the boat won’t stop for you. It is still a pleasant surprise that you can experience when transferring from one island to another.

Dolphin safari Maldives on a fishing boat

If staying on an inhabited island, check with your guesthouse for a boat ride with a local fisherman. The residents usually know where dolphins are at any particular time of the day and will be more than happy to take you for a small fee. This is a more intimate excursion where you will not have to share the boat with other tourists.

Dolphin watching boat trips

If you do not mind sailing with others, a Maldives dolphin watching boat trip is the best option. All resorts have organized tours leaving at different times. If you wish to save money in the Maldives, book a similar boat trip from an operator on an inhabited island. It will cost you much less.

Guides tours by resorts will be better arranged and might include some extras like food and drinks. The ones by locals are usually basic, but equally comfortable. Nevertheless, the end result is the same: appreciating dolphins as they swim wild and free in their natural surroundings.

Best weather and time for dolphin watching in the Maldives

Weather

As is with most water-based activities, a sunny and clear day makes for an ideal dolphin watching excursion in the Maldives. When the under and over water visibility is good, you are more likely to spot dolphins. Moreover, dolphins too are more playful and jump in and out of the water frequently when the sea is calm.

So, skip a dolphin safari Maldives tour if there is a chance of rain during the day or if you see dark clouds in the distance.

Time

When choosing a time for your dolphin watching Maldives activity, there are plenty of choices available. Dolphins like to be around islands in the morning, and the visibility is perfect during this time. A tour that leaves around 9:00 and returns by noon almost always guarantees some sightings.

However, afternoons are equally good. But remember that by this time, dolphins are swimming further out into the ocean waters. If booking an afternoon dolphin safari Maldives trip, make sure it is a half-day tour that will take you deep into the ocean. Also, carry a cap and sunscreen as the sun can be harsh around this time.

An early evening dolphin watching trip, between 15:00 and 17:00, is a little tricky. If the guide knows for sure where dolphins swim, it might be a fruitful exercise. Still, you can book a dolphin sunset cruise in the Maldives for a romantic experience that includes food and drinks with your loved one.

Swimming with dolphins in the Maldives

While it is possible to watch dolphins, it is not easy to get up close with them when vacationing in the Maldives. There isn’t any particular swim with dolphins Maldives attraction offered by resorts. Therefore, the only place to be around dolphins is in the wide-open ocean.

Now, dolphins are fast and wild creatures, not really interested in mingling with humans. So, even if you were to go out on a dolphin safari Maldives tour, which includes diving and snorkeling, the chance of actually swimming with them is slim.

Having said that, many times, wild dolphins do approach swimmers to play with them. Typically, the juveniles are more amused by humans and show their curiosity by coming closer to divers.

A swim with dolphins Maldives cruise is thus like a lottery. While you will most probably see them, don’t be disappointed if you do not get to be in the water at the same time.

Precautions to take during a Maldives dolphin safari

When out for a dolphin safari Maldives excursion, it is crucial not to get carried away in all the excitement. Instead, take certain precautions that not only safeguard your well-being but also protect the dolphins. Among the essential points to remember when going on a dolphin watching Maldives boat ride are;

Do not feed the dolphins at any cost. Dolphins have a fixed diet, and introducing any foreign substance in it can be harmful to them. Even if they are near your boat, do not throw anything into the water that they might eat.

Unless you are swimming with professional guides, it is best to engage with dolphins from afar. More than touching, dolphins respond well to sounds like that of cheering and clapping. If you desire to swim with dolphins in Maldives, go through a proper tour operator and not on your own.

When in the ocean, boats know how much distance they need to keep from dolphins. However, if dolphins approach you while you are on a paddleboard or kayak, once again, admire them from afar. Touching or feeding them is not advisable.

Be prepared for disappointment. Dolphins are creatures of habit, and residents know where their pods typically hangout. Still, they are wild, free-thinking mammals. Therefore, a dolphin watching Maldives trip might not always have the same result every time. There might be days when no one gets to see a dolphin, where at other times, you might come across a pod with 100s of dolphins.

How to make a Maldives dolphin safari special

The Maldives is both a honeymoon and family holiday destination. The island resorts thus know how to make every attraction into a special event. When it comes to a dolphin safari Maldives activity, there are different options that guests can pick from, each one providing a unique way to see the ocean’s happiest creatures.

Dolphin watching in Maldives

The most common and popular choice is a dolphin watching Maldives boat trip that includes a sail to areas where pods frequently visit. These trips typically range from 2-4 hours and usually do not have extra indulgences like food and drinks during the journey.

Dolphin sunset cruise Maldives

A slightly more immersive dolphin safari in the Maldives includes dinner onboard a boat. The tours leave early in the evening and return late at night after the staff serves a delicious freshly cooked meal to their guests.

Dolphin watching Maldives trip on a dhoni

To be in the Maldives and not ride on the traditional boat is a mistake you do not want to make. Whether it is a dolphin watching trip for a few hours or a curated excursion, try and book it on a dhoni for that authentic feel.

Dolphin safari Maldives with sandbar picnic

Similar to a dolphin sunset cruise in the Maldives, you can go dolphin watching during the day and include a picnic on a sandbar in your excursion. By adding another element to your trip, there is something to look forward to, even if by chance you do not get to see any dolphins that day.