On May 23, 2019, the world observes World Turtle Day. This is an annual observance that is marked to celebrate and create awareness on the need for the protection of turtles from their disappearing habitats across the world. In the Maldives, the tropical waters are home to many of the seven species of sea turtles. Guests travel from far and wide to explore the sea in search of these wonderful creatures.
Across our properties, there are opportunities to spot sea turtles. Green Sea Turtles can be frequently observed in Kuredu Island Resort & Spa, where there is seagrass aplenty. In neighbouring Komandoo Island Resort & Spa’s house reef, you are likely to eye Green Sea Turtles as well as Hawksbill Sea Turtles. Turtle Reef, a dive site just off Innahura Maldives Resort, is the location where 48 Hawksbill Sea Turtles were spotted in a single dive! In the south, Loggerhead Sea Turtles and Leatherback Turtles have been spotted in the South Ari Atoll waters where Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa is located. Most of our resorts have excursions that allow you to hopefully spot these gentle creatures.
Though turtles have existed more than 100 million years, outliving dinosaurs, they are rapidly disappearing. Sea turtles, in particular face several threats from plastic pollution to the destruction of feeding and nesting sites. Plastic bags can be mistaken for food and when ingested, potentially lead to death by blocking the sea turtle’s intestines.
As part of our Sustainability Plan, we are committed to having a minimal operational impact on the environment within which our resorts operate. This means taking care of the natural environment to ensure that sea turtles and other marine life do not lose their homes. Secondly, we also create awareness throughout our resorts on avoiding plastic pollution and respecting marine life.
Read our sustainability plan here and more about sea turtles here.
Happy World Turtle Day!
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