A distinctive point of view connects our guests to the pulse of the Maldives through a discovery of the destination through unexpected, original and engaging experiences, inside and outside the resort. To connect our guests with the environment around them, we offer the following bookable excursions:
Turtle Quest (also counts towards the Thilamaafushi Marine Masters)
Sea turtles remain under threat in the world’s oceans and are officially listed as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). A Maldivian government endorsed programme is concerned with three key areas of turtle conservation:
- The protection of turtle nests followed by assisted rearing for any sick or injured hatchlings.
- The rehabilitation of injured turtles.
- Photo identification techniques and satellite tracking.
Our turtle quest is focussing on the photo identification. It is aiming at contributing to establish an estimated inventory of Maldivian sea turtles – the identification of individuals within a population being the preliminary step taken in the ecological study of a species.
Embark on an adventure with our marine biologist and snorkel our colourful reefs and home to sea turtles. Learn how to differentiate between different species of turtles and try to get a clear shot of the turtle shield of “your” turtle. We will after the excursion use the picture to identify the turtle. Guests have the unique chance to contribute to Maldivian turtle research, but they can also name new individuals and receive a naming certificate.
Seagrass hopper – lagoon walk with observation bowl (also counts towards the Thilamaafushi Marine Masters)
The seagrass meadows around Thilamaafushi are the reason for the incredibly rich marine life we can find here. Unlike other resorts, we don’t remove the seagrass, but are proud to offer interested guests to learn more about this amazing eco system and venture with our marine biologist into the seagrass meadows with an observation bowl. During the programme you will learn about the importance and specifics of seagrasses, their threats and most importantly experience seagrass in its natural habitat.
Ray Bay (also counts towards the Thilamaafushi Marine Masters)
Did you know that rays and sharks belong to the same family? And do you know it is really easy to find out if they are male or female? If this is only mildly interesting, the Ray Bay programme is for you. We will take some time to talk about rays and sharks, their importance as the top of the food chain and the immense stress they are under. Since the Thilamaafushi house reef is home to a great range of different species, we will visit and identify them. We have spotted rare species such as ornate eagle rays but also manta rays on the house reef so prepare yourself for a great experience.
Plant your own coral frame to rejuvenate coral reefs (also counts towards the Thilamaafushi Marine Masters)
Learn about the coral reef ecosystems and our coral restoration project. We also outline coral structure and identification and discuss threats to coral reefs. This is followed by ‘Build A Reef’, where the guests can get hands-on with our marine biologist, transplanting their own coral frame. This frame is then placed at a suitable location in the lagoon. What better way of leaving your environmental footprint?
Mangrove 101 with the marine biologist (also counts towards the Thilamaafushi Marine Masters)
An immersive experience to learn about the importance mangroves have on the ecological health around the resort. Meet at the marine hub where you will walk to the mangroves and learn about the different marine life and birds that call this unique habitat home.
Reef Explorer with the marine biologist (also counts towards the Thilamaafushi Marine Masters)
Learn about coral reefs, and different species of corals, their use in the marine environment and their sad fate of recent years. What’s better than truly experience corals than sticking your head under water and get very close to a reef. We invite guests to a great adventure: diving. Depending on the age group and experience level this could be a bubble maker programme for young kids or a trial dive for older children, teens and adults. Experienced divers of all age groups can of course also participate in the programme and have a truly educational dive on our amazing house reef.