The Maldives is famed for its coral reefs and for good reason. Home to 187 different species of coral, the archipelago is host to some of the most colourful and vibrant formations in the world, attracting divers from across the globe. Divers are not the only ones attracted to the Maldives because of its coral, the reef organisms also provide for 1100 species of fish and sharks, 5 species of sea turtle and 21 species of whales and dolphins. In the Maldives, the providing role of coral is ever more important, as 80% of the archipelago’s land mass is made of the stony organisms. Furthermore, many livelihoods rely on the beautiful reefs through fishing, tourism and indeed the protection against weather that the coral supplies.

Coral colonies are made up of a collection of individual polyps. Relatives of jellyfish and anemone, these ancient creatures are very simple organisms consisting primarily of a stomach and a mouth that is situated on a kind of tentacle. The coral reef networks feed on tiny plankton by stinging them and digesting them. Corals secrete a hard exoskeleton, which builds up the reef around them, offering protection from the tides and eventually forming the islands one can find in the Maldives today.

Polyps are also reliant on sunlight (hence why reefs are mostly found near the surface); although the coral itself does not photosynthesis, they rely on a symbiotic relationship with photosynthesising algae that do. These internal algae provide 90% of the organic nutrients that allows coral to grow; they could not survive without them. Despite occupying just 0.l% of the Earth’s ocean surface, Coral Reefs are home to a quarter of the world’s marine life, making their preservation paramount.

Sea Turtles have been around since the cretaceous period; 110 million years ago. For aeons, these incredible reptiles have been migrating epic distances across the world’s oceans. Now an endangered group, the Maldives represents one of the best places in the world to view these rare and majestic ancients. Of the seven species that comprise the Sea Turtle population, five of those species can be found in the Maldives. These are: the Green, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Leatherback and Olive Ridley Sea turtles. Most commonly encountered species are the Hawksbills and Green turtles, which can be found on many reefs within the Maldives.

From May to November, visitors can observe these majestic creatures feasting on plankton in the infamous Hanifaru Bay, Baa Atoll. A natural phenomenon, lunar tides combining with monsoon currents create a suction effect, forcing plankton into the bay. Such is the concentration of plankton at high tide that it turns the water cloudy. The abundance of plankton draws a Manta feeding frenzy and often around 200 rays will feed in an area no bigger than a football pitch. This truly is one of nature’s most mesmerising events not only in the Maldives but the whole world.

Swimming with the largest fish in the sea is a real bucket-list experience. The Maldives are one of the few places in the world where these majestic goliaths can be seen year round, enjoying the temperate, Maldivian waters. These filter feeders sift the world’s sees for plankton and other tiny fishes and plants. Deriving from the same group as the Giant Manta Ray, the Whale Shark’s skeleton is comprised of cartilage, not bone.

Despite reaching lengths of 40 feet and weighing around 20 tonnes, Whale Sharks are completely harmless to humans, though it is encouraged to keep a respectful distance from these now ‘vulnerable’ globetrotters.

The largest of the bat species, Fruit Bats can boast wingspans of up to 5 feet. Like most bats, the Indian Flying Fox (as it is otherwise known) is nocturnal, sleeping during the day in special ‘roosting’ trees. As is implied by the name, these bats are frugivorous, meaning that fruits form almost the sole constituent of their diet; mostly mangoes, bananas or even nectar from flowers.

Unlike other species of bat, the Indian Fruit Bats are not ‘blind’ (do not rely on echolocation) but have incredibly large eyes that give it superb night vision. These ‘megabats’ are known to travel over 40 miles a night, meaning they can be spotted all around the Maldives, searching for food.

The best place to spot these airborne mammals is in Banyan or Almond trees after dusk.