TURTLE CONSERVATION CRUISE : A PURPOSEFUL JOURNEY THROUGH THE MALDIVES
We believe that meaningful travel goes beyond ticking destinations off a list, it’s about connecting with the environment, understanding local ecosystems, and leaving a positive impact. Our Turtle Conservation Cruise, delivered in collaboration with the Olive Ridley Project, is one such experience. Over eight days, guests immerse themselves in the beauty of the Maldivian archipelago while contributing directly to marine conservation efforts through citizen science.
Earlier this year, we welcomed a group of like-minded individuals aboard MV Felicity for a week of exploration, education, and conservation. One of our guests, inspired by the people, the purpose, and the encounters with Maldives marine life, captured their experience in the following article. From first sightings of sea turtles to spontaneous dolphin encounters, their words bring to life what makes this cruise so special—both above and below the surface.
A TRUELY ‘TURTLEY’ EXPERIENCE AWAITS!
Take 7 individuals all with a common interest in the environment and marine life, add in the Maldives leading responsible tour company, a Turkish gulet and a team of knowledgeable and passionate people who care about the Maldivian eco system and you have a recipe for an amazing and unforgettable conservation cruise experience.
Secret Paradise Maldives, in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project (ORP), offer an 8 day, 7 night dedicated turtle snorkelling cruise combining scenery, education and conservation. The cruise is a hands-on eco conscious adventure where guests become citizen science researchers actively collecting data on the sea turtle population, as they cruise around the wonders of the Maldivian archipelago.
SETTING SAIL
Our cruise started with a seamless meet and greet at the airport, before being whisked aboard MV Felicity, our floating home for the week. With clear skies, calm water and warm sunshine the scene was set. On board the crew welcomed us with refreshments, cool towels and genuine smiles. Shark, our Secret Paradise tour leader gave a safety briefing and explained boat etiquette prior to showing us our cabins to settle in. Back on deck we were greeted with the first of many delicious lunches, a lavish spread of fresh tuna, salads, chicken and tropical fruit platters, perfect for recharging after long flights.
Cruising south past container boats, bridge construction pillars, growing skylines and reclamation areas, we arrived at our first snorkel location in record time. The weather and tempting hues of the clear water negated the warning that the corals were not as vibrant due to coral bleaching and the impact of construction in the area and everyone entered the cooling water in eager anticipation. Luck was as plentiful as the sunshine as a baby turtle was spotted almost immediately, followed by two larger turtles as the snorkel progressed. To add to the excitement a pod of dolphins were spotted nearby inviting us on an impromptu dolphin watching trip with the dolphins darting playfully alongside the dhoni providing an unforgettable start to our cruise.
An early night gave way to another beautiful day when we were greeted with a laden table of fresh pancakes, fruit platers and fresh coffee before the first knowledge session of the cruise began.
LEARNING & EXPLORING
The educational element of the cruise was slotted into daily segments either prior to an explorative snorkel or after one, giving us chance to review our knowledge and build up our expertise as we went, not just on sea turtles, but on marine life, local culture and snorkelling skills themselves!
Our first educational session focused on seagrass, when Shark, our Secret Paradise tour leader, highlighted its importance within the ecosystem and the different types found in the Maldives. We learned about its vital role as a nursery for fish and turtles, its capacity to store carbon, and the challenges it faces due to coastal development and tourism. We were also introduced to the Seagrass App and the initiatives aimed at protecting this essential habitat by Maldives Resilient Reefs, a local NGO.
Next came the topic we had come for, Sea Turtles. Sara, our passionate and very knowledgeable ORP turtle expert introduced us to the different species found in the Maldives, their characteristics, nesting habits, the conservation work being carried out by the ORP and the impressive number of sea turtles successfully identified and rescued. She informed us that the turtles spotted on our first snorkel were all critically endangered hawksbills and that the pictures of the sides of the head would be how each turtle was identified.
Education complete we headed to the island of Maafushi, a popular tourist spot that illustrates the results of unregulated building in the name of progress. Shark explained the tourist explosion and its impact on the environment as he led through the sandy roads, pointing out the few native trees and shrubs as we went. Arriving at the other side of the island it was time for a cooling snorkel to explore both a coral nursery and a seagrass meadow teeming with hundreds of tiny fish, but no turtles!
The stroll back to the dhoni took us past a number of shops where extra rash vests and head protection were purchased by those who were already feeling the effects of the hot Maldivian sunshine. Non shoppers took the opportunity to sample fresh kurumba (coconut) and screw pine juice.
THE ONBOARD EXPERIENCE & UNDERWATER ADVENTURE
Another sumptuous lunch was enjoyed as we cruised south towards Vaavu Atoll, surrounded by water of every blue hue imaginable, passing postcard worthy islands with gleaming white beaches, lush foliage, swaying palms and the distinctive tourist resorts with iconic overwater villas. To help fill the time Shark, our multi-talented leader, hosted an art class where we were challenged to depict something topical, the results revealed a few hidden artistic talents.
Vaavu Attol proved to be the epitome what the Maldives is famous for! Idyllic white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and vibrant sea life. We anchored in a picture-perfect spot in clear, calm waters above a vibrant reef. Here, we learnt more about ways to identify turtles, the distinctive head markings and the use of technology in helping speed up the identification process.
Once in the water we quickly realised that photographing both sides of a turtle’s head was no easy task, irrespective of how accomplished the snorkeler was at ‘duck diving’. Turtles are quick and experts at blending into the reef. Luckily one we spotted seemed to enjoy an audience, enabling everyone to get great images.
The glorious weather continued as did the ever-changing underwater aquarium. Each location yielded new wonders, from reef sharks and rays to moray eels and schools of colourful fish amid different reef formations we were constantly mesmerized. Early morning snorkels took us around a recently dislodged shipwreck and provided the opportunity to observe nurse sharks at close quarters.
Evenings were no less magical, punctuated with glowing red moons, stunning sunsets that transformed the sky into an aurora of colours in the afterglow, beach BBQs and feasts enjoyed against a starlit backdrop, each night provided a different experience.
The food was consistently delicious, whether it was sashimi made from freshly caught yellowfin tuna or a full traditional Maldivian feast, there was plenty of choice for all, effectively dismissing the vain hopes that daily exercise would result in a trimmer waistline!
Our immersive education continued. Sessions covered threats faced by turtles, such as diminishing food sources, human intervention, plastic waste and ghost nets. On land, we inhaled the aroma of local plants and flowers, and sampled locally grown sea almonds, and rose apple, all while gaining a better understanding of the cultural and environmental challenges faced by Maldivian communities.
THE FINAL DAYS
As the cruise neared its end, we headed back northward towards Male, the early start providing an opportunity to watch the sun rise across the gentle rolling of the ocean as it revealed the endless expanse of blue hues which gradually gave way to scattered islands and larger skylines of the more developed areas closer to the capital.
By now we had logged eleven hawksbill sea turtles but had yet to find a green turtle. Green turtles get their name and colour from their food, seagrass, so we headed for a reef where green turtles were reported to be. The search of the seagrass bed yielded a few fish but no turtles, however deeper waters revealed a few that were fast and at depths that proved challenging for even the more proficient duck divers to reach, although they managed to snap pictures of four of them.
In true tropical fashion, a dramatic rainstorm made a surprise appearance on our final full day, giving us a chance to see the Maldives in all its moods and perfectly illustrating the quickness of weather changes as it was gone by the time we reached our first snorkel point of the day. Another nice reef, with sightings of two sharks, two turtles, plus of course the myriad of colourful fish.
Back aboard the rain reappeared as we made or way past the site of the new bridge construction and the rubbish island of Thilafushi. Reaching Hulhumale harbour, the sun reappeared for our last snorkel of the cruise at the conveniently located reef of Kurumba, the Maldives’ very first resort island. Reef sharks, octopus, eels and the usual colourful medley of fish were seen but unfortunately no turtles making our final tally an impressive total of fifteen sightings, eleven hawksbill and four green turtles.
A FOND FAREWELL
Back on-board Felicity, any remaining images and video footage of the turtles were shared with Sara to be submitted to ORP for identification. Then it was time to pack, exchange contact details, and reflect on the incredible week we had shared. Despite being a diverse group in terms of age, nationality, and snorkelling ability, our shared interest for marine life had created a sociable and fun environment that had added to the overall experience.
News from Sara and ORP showed that even with the water prowess of our guides and the numerous underwater images submitted, not all of the fifteen had clear enough shots to be successfully identified. However, it transpired that of those that were, four were new additions to the data base which allowed the finders (us) an exciting opportunity to name and adopt them.
A perfect conclusion to a cruise that had been a journey of learning, discovery, and connection. We all gained a deeper appreciation for the fragile beauty of the ocean and the creatures that call it home, whilst making a positive contribution to the sea turtle population. A fitting climax and lasting legacy.
Check availability and book your spot on our next Turtle Conservation Cruise here.
