| The Maldives "Big Five" | | | | They glide around under the water like enormous |
| When talking about safari trips to Africa, we often | | | | birds, feeding on plankton and do not pose any risk |
| hear the phrase "The Big Five," which was originally | | | | to humans. Scuba divers often encounter Manta Rays |
| used to describe the animals that were hardest to | | | | in the Maldives, especially in dive spots where the |
| hunt on foot. Now that hunting is not so popular | | | | Manta Rays come into the shallow water to have |
| among tourists, but watching animals is, the term is | | | | their gills cleaned by suckerfish. |
| used to describe the five animals that are sought by | | | | 3. Grey Reef Shark. The Grey Reef shark is one of |
| safari-goers. They are the Lion, the African Elephant, | | | | the many shark species that live in the Maldivian |
| the Cape Buffalo, the Leopard and the Black | | | | waters. Typically non-aggressive, the reef shark is a |
| Rhinoceros. If you are fortunate enough to go on a | | | | beautiful creature that can be seen hanging around |
| safari holiday to Africa, these will be the five animals | | | | the coral reefs where they like to feed on small, |
| you are looking for, as well as other popular beasts | | | | reef-eating fish species. |
| like the Giraffe and Zebra. | | | | 4. Moray Eels. There is an absolute multitude of |
| In the Maldives, underwater safari success can also | | | | Moray Eels living in the Maldives, and they come in all |
| be defined by the "Big Five." or "Top Five." If you | | | | kinds of colors and sizes. The prettiest one, in my |
| take a diving holiday to the Maldives, you should be | | | | opinion is the spotted Moray, a white eel covered |
| on the lookout for these five animals and if you see | | | | with tiny black spots. You will find the Moray Eels |
| them all, you will leave this island paradise a very | | | | hiding in holes and crevices among the rocks and |
| happy scuba diver. | | | | coral. |
| 1. The Whale Shark. The biggest fish in the world, the | | | | 5. Turtles. The Maldives is home to both the Green |
| Whale Shark is by far the most popular animal in the | | | | Turtle and the Hawksbill, and both are equally |
| Maldivian waters. This Shark is one of the gentlest | | | | charming creatures. Both are also on the endangered |
| creatures you can hope to encounter underwater. | | | | species list and as such are protected in the Maldives, |
| Enormous, they grow to about 40 feet long and are | | | | although this doesn't stop them from being preyed |
| characterized by their grey body, covered with white | | | | upon by locals for their shell, meat and eggs. There is |
| spots. The best thing about the Whale Shark is that | | | | nothing cooler than scuba diving alongside a turtle or |
| you don't even have to be a scuba diver to see one. | | | | two - they are such peaceful creatures. |
| You can get up close with this giant just by | | | | While there are many other amazing creatures in the |
| snorkeling. | | | | waters around the Maldives, if you are a scuba diver, |
| 2. The Manta Ray. The largest of the Ray family, the | | | | you will be happy to see these five creatures during |
| Manta can grow to have a 'wingspan' of 25 feet. | | | | your adventure here. Happy Diving! |