This World Oceans Day (June 8), dive into a world of Maldivian marine conservation with our pick of the best over and underwater adventures in the archipelago, from turtle tracking to scuba diving safaris.
Best for…Overwater Adventures The Residence Maldives
Set on the unspoilt Gaafu atoll, one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world, The Residence Falhumaafushi and its sister property, The Residence Dhigurah are connected by a 1km bridge, allowing guests to travel freely between the two resorts to enjoy the plethora of offerings at each. Here, guests can enjoy sounds of lapping waves and kaleidoscopic skies on a leisurely sunset cruise, with the opportunity to spot wild spinner and bottlenose dolphins leaping through turquoise waves.
In a collaborative commitment to protect the delicate ecosystem of the region’s colourful marine life, the resort forms part of the ‘Protect Maldives Seagrass’ initiative launched by the Blue Marine Foundation. Seagrass is vital to the low-lying island nation and provides an abundance of benefits; from absorbing carbon dioxide and proving food for sea turtles, to housing juvenile coral reef fish and preventing beach erosion.
For further information, please visit https://www.cenizaro.com/theresidence/maldives-fm
Best For…Deep Sea Diving Sun Island Resort and Spa (pictured)
Sun Island Resort & Spa is set on one of the largest islands in the Maldives, located in the Southern tip of South Ari Atoll near the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA). Here, guests are immersed in a lush tropical environment with an abundance of native wildlife, verdant botanical gardens and topical fruits, vegetables and herbs, plucked daily and served in the resort restaurants. Ocean lovers will delight in a range of diving experiences, offering up-close-and-personal exploration of the thriving underwater world, including swimming with whale sharks.
The Sun Island Resort & Spa Dive Centre, DiveOceanus, is one of the largest in the region, and its priceless location means that divers have a high chance of rubbing shoulders with mantas, stingrays, sharks, and a variety of other marine life. Confident divers can don their mask at dusk and embark on night dive excursions, while beginners might prefer one of the diving courses, ranging from Discover Scuba Diving right through to PADI Dive Master.
As part of Villa Hotels & Resorts commitment to protecting and preserving the coral reefs and marine life, several measures are implemented at the resorts, including regular beach and ocean clean ups, the use of glass bottles in the resort and on all excursions and regular reef care and maintenance carried out by DiveOceanus dive centres.
For further information, please visit villahotels.com
Best for…Marine Conservation Fairmont Maldives
Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi, a private island hideaway in the secluded Shaviyani Atoll, is making waves in marine conservation – from its new Sustainability Lab, a hub of eco-education that turns plastic waste into bespoke souvenirs, to its turtle tracking and ESG initiatives. Now, with the launch of a new Turtle Ranger programme, children can learn the ropes too.
Join the resort’s resident marine biologist and monitor critically endangered Hawksbill Turtles, release hatchlings into the ocean, care for nests, plant crucial new coral and snorkel one of the most biodiverse reefs in the world. When they’re not tracking turtles, children can snorkel the circus of coral, spot tropical schooling fish and rub shoulders with manta rays under the watchful eye of the marine biologist, on family-friendly snorkelling adventures.
Back on dry land, families can enjoy a private beach BBQ at their villa, take advantage of the unique activities available at the Kids’ Club or head to the Sustainability Lab to turn waste into wonder and create souvenirs including turtle-shaped luggage tags all of which are made from recycled plastic collected from the beach, reef and ocean. After completion of the programme, each child receives a Turtle Ranger certificate and invaluable tips to help care for the environment long after leaving the resort.
For further information please visit: https://www.fairmont.com/maldives/
Baros Maldives – At Baros, located on its own beautiful private island in the Maldives surrounded by one of the only natural reefs in the destination, sustainability has always been at the forefront of their values. In addition to keeping operations green, the resort offers a variety of programs that guests can participate in with the island’s in-house marine biologist to help protect its surrounding environment. These include:
