Baros Maldives has invited guests to join in its survey to identify the many manta rays that can be seen at the manta ray dive spots close to the boutique island resort.
The survey is being conducted by Divers Baros Maldives, and has resulted in different manta rays being identified and entered into the first scientific database for manta rays which is maintained by the international Manta Matcher Organisation.
Little is known about these gracious giants of the sea that fascinate divers; in the Maldives there are thought to be some 5,000 of them. A manta ray can be identified by the distinctive markings on its belly, each one being marked differently, in the manner of humans being identified by their fingerprints.
According to Baros, diving guests are invited to take photographs underwater of a manta ray’s “belly print” and compare it with the photographs already on the Divers Baros database. A diver who photographs a manta ray not seen before is offered the opportunity to give the manta a name, it said.
“The Baros Dive Centre has introduced an adoption scheme whereby the diver can receive regular reports on the manta’s whereabouts and habits,” an announcement by the resort read.
“Currently, the dive base has data on 159 manta rays recognised over 10 years. Guests who re-visit the resort have a good chance to have a reunion with a manta ray they have seen on their dives in previous years. The database, through its link with Manta Matchers, can reveal where the manta ray has been over those years. From May to November and from January to April when sightings are frequent, are the best times for guest divers to join the resort’s Manta Ray survey.”
Baros is a small coral island ringed by a sandy beach and a living house-reef, just 25 minutes by speedboat from the Maldives’ main Velana International Airport. It is an award-winning boutique resort renowned for discreet, personalised service excellence.
As a small leading luxury Maldives resort, Baros offers 75 tastefully designed Beach and Water Villas. With Beach Villas of classic elegance set in lush vegetation, and secluded Water Villas, many with private pools, Baros is one of the most romantic resorts in the Maldives, the perfect honeymoon getaway. Inspired by Maldivian traditions of heartfelt hospitality, Baros is a tropical island dream come true with fine cuisine and drinks served at three gourmet class restaurants, two bars, and a cigar and shisha lounge.
The recently rebranded spa at Baros, which will be open during the festive seasons as well, is located in a beautiful, lush tropical garden where serenity saturates the atmosphere, and is accessed by over-water stepping stones. It is a tranquil haven where complete well-being in body, mind and soul is made possible.
In celebration of World Turtle Day, Canareef Resort Maldives hosted an impactful marine conservation awareness talk last evening at the resort’s Dhoaraa Bar. The interactive session drew a passionate crowd of guests and team members eager to learn about protecting the fragile marine ecosystems surrounding the island.
Located in the highly biodiverse Addu Atoll—a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve—Canareef Resort sits directly upon one of the most vital sea turtle habitats in the entire Indian Ocean region. The surrounding pristine waters are home to over 1,200 marine species, including two distinct, endangered residents: the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata).
During the presentation, the conservation talk highlighted the fundamentally different and crucial ecological roles these two species play on the same reef:
Green Turtles serve as essential marine grazers, maintaining the health of seagrass beds. Their grazing promotes fresh seagrass growth, which absorbs carbon dioxide and acts as a vital nursery ground for juvenile fish. Without them, these essential seagrass beds can collapse.
Hawksbill Turtles, recognised by their narrow, pointed beaks, feed predominantly on sea sponges. By keeping fast-growing sponge populations in check, they prevent them from smothering coral colonies, giving the reef the valuable space it needs to regenerate.
The talk also directly addressed the modern challenges facing sea turtle survival, including plastic pollution, accidental entanglement in fishing gear (bycatch), and light pollution. Marine experts reminded the audience that while sea turtles have successfully navigated the Earth’s oceans for over 100 million years—long before the Maldivian islands even formed—their future survival now rests heavily on human action.
To bridge the gap between awareness and everyday action, Canareef Resort shared a practical roadmap detailing how everyone can directly assist in local conservation efforts:
In the Water: Swimmers and divers are advised to maintain a respectful three-meter distance from turtles, avoid flash photography, and never step on coral structures.
On the Beach: Everyone is encouraged to keep beaches completely clear of personal items like sunloungers and bags at night so nesting turtles and hatchlings face no obstructions. Additionally, avoiding the use of torches on the beach after dark helps prevent confusing hatchlings as they navigate toward the ocean using the natural bright horizon.
Active Reporting: Anyone on the island can support active tracking networks by reporting any distressed or entangled turtles directly to the resort’s reception or the Diverland dive centre team.
Canareef Resort Maldives continues to actively support regional environmental frameworks, highlighting the work of national turtle monitoring by the Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI) and regional protections like the Addu Biosphere rules. Through engaging educational sessions like the World Turtle Day talk, the resort reaffirms its commitment to sustainable tourism, preserving Addu Atoll’s breathtaking natural legacy for generations to come.
In celebration of three key events for marine conservation, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has announced its guest programme for World Reef Awareness Day, World Environment Day and World Oceans Day.
Taking place during the first week of June, guests are invited to participate in a week-long series of immersive experiences designed to foster meaningful engagement with marine conservation, sustainability, education and community connection. The programme features a diverse range of activities and experiences across the resort, developed in collaboration with the resort’s team and partners: The Manta Trust and Ocean Group. Through interactive sessions, wellness activities and conservation-focused initiatives, guests will have the opportunity to learn about, celebrate and support marine life while deepening their connection to the natural environment.
Family Activities and Entertainment
To mark World Reef Awareness Day on 1 June, the resort’s Planet Trekkers kids’ club will host an ocean-themed origami class in partnership with The Manta Trust for junior guests. InterContinental Maldives has been working with The Manta Trust since 2019, one of the world’s leading manta ray research organisations, to help achieve global conservation through research, education, and collaboration. After an educational day, families can gather in the Planet Trekkers garden for a screening of Finding Nemo under the stars.
Celebrations continue on 8 June, for World Oceans Day, with the Finding Nemo theme continuing to inspire interactive family activities across the island. Guests can take part in the Finding Nemo Expedition, an island-wide treasure hunt designed to engage participants in marine discovery and adventure. Younger guests will also be invited to enjoy ocean-themed cookie decorating and face-painting activities throughout the day.
Families can display their creativity in the Marine Animal Sandcastle Building Competition, which also incorporates a shoreline clean-up initiative to encourage environmental stewardship. Children participating will be celebrated and receive certificates and an Ocean Protector badge in recognition of their involvement and creativity in the Marine Animal Sandcastle Competition at the Ocean Guardians Ceremony. As the day draws to a close, guests can come together for a special screening of A Turtle’s Tale: Sammy’s Adventures, before heading to the pool bar for an Ocean Quiz, testing their knowledge of marine life and ocean conservation through a fun and interactive trivia challenge.
Ocean-Inspired Wellness Offerings
Throughout the three-day marine and environment-focused celebrations, guests can indulge in the 90-minute Ocean Bliss Ritual at the AVI Spa, a rejuvenating, ocean-inspired treatment designed to restore body and mind. The experience begins with a mineral-rich sea salt body scrub, followed by a detoxifying seaweed clay wrap, leaving skin feeling smooth, nourished and deeply refreshed. The AVI Spa draws inspiration from the Indian Ocean and is designed in natural harmony with its surroundings, making it a tranquil haven for relaxation, rejuvenation, and restoration.
Culinary Experiences
InterContinental Maldives will present an exclusive Ocean to Table dining experience curated by Chef Arun at the resort’s flagship Mediterranean restaurant, The Lighthouse. The refined, ocean-inspired culinary journey will highlight responsibly sourced seafood and vibrant island flavours, thoughtfully crafted to celebrate the beauty and sustainability of the Indian Ocean. Set against panoramic 360-degree views of the resort and surrounding turquoise waters, guests can savour the finest seasonal ingredients and locally inspired flavours in an unforgettable overwater dining setting. InterContinental Maldives also offers a variety of exceptional onsite dining experiences, including The Fish Market for fresh ocean flavours in a scenic setting, Café Umi for all-day dining excellence, and The Collective for relaxed yet delicious dishes. Guests seeking a more tranquil adults-only escape can unwind at The Retreat, while tropical cocktails and fine wines can be enjoyed at the Sunset Bar and the Wine Cellar.
Environment Initiatives
A key element of the programme is guest education and participation. There will be the opportunity to participate in a Coral Restoration Workshop, offering insight into the vital conservation work carried out by the Manta Trust to help restore coral reefs in the Maldives and beyond. The interactive session will provide a deeper understanding of reef preservation and the importance of protecting marine ecosystems for future generations.
As part of the resort’s sustainability initiatives, guests will be invited to give back to the island through a lagoon clean-up. The week will culminate with an educational interview session hosted by the Ocean Group, exploring sustainable fishing practices, and a commemorative cake-cutting ceremony with the Manta Trust, bringing guests and the resort community together in support of ocean awareness and conservation.
The Standard, Maldives invites travellers to discover the magic of manta ray season, an extraordinary, time-limited spectacle set against one of the Maldives’ most sought-after marine destinations. With seamless access to the world-renowned Hanifaru Bay, guests can experience one of the ocean’s most mesmerising encounters, all from the comfort of a vibrant island escape.
Ideally located just a short distance from Baa Atoll, recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Standard, Maldives effortlessly blends natural beauty with a playful, lifestyle-driven sense of escape. Surrounded by a thriving house reef, powder-soft white sands, and crystal-clear lagoons, the resort offers a vibrant gateway to the season’s most captivating experience: swimming alongside majestic manta rays.
Manta ray season transforms the waters near Hanifaru Bay into a global marine hotspot. Drawn by plankton-rich currents, these graceful giants gather in remarkable numbers, creating a rare opportunity for guests to witness, and more importantly swim with, one of the ocean’s most awe-inspiring species. Easily accessible from the resort, curated excursions ensure guests can experience this phenomenon in a safe, guided, and unforgettable way.
“Our location offers guests a rare gateway to one of the Maldives’ most iconic natural wonders,” said Carlos Pradas, Operations Director at Drift Dive Centre and Water Sports of The Standard, Maldives. “Manta season is truly special, it’s not just about seeing them, it’s about being in the water, sharing the moment. It’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave.”
Whether traveling as families, couples, or groups of friends, The Standard, Maldives offers something for every kind of traveller. Families can bond over snorkelling safaris, dolphin cruises, and beachside adventures, while couples can retreat to villas with private pools, indulge in intimate dining experiences, and soak in uninterrupted ocean views. To elevate the stay further, guests can enjoy a Premium All-Inclusive offering, designed for effortless island living, from diverse dining concepts and curated experiences to seamless access to excursions, allowing travellers to focus on what matters most: the experience.
Highlights include guided excursions to Hanifaru Bay during manta season, offering rare opportunities to swim alongside manta rays in their natural habitat. Guests can also enjoy direct access to a vibrant house reef from overwater villas and calm, swimmable lagoons from beach villas, alongside a dynamic mix of wellness, music, and immersive lifestyle experiences. Spacious villas are thoughtfully designed to deliver both comfort and privacy, creating a seamless island escape. Blending contemporary island culture with extraordinary natural encounters, The Standard, Maldives invites guests to embrace a season like no other. Limited season, limitless wonder. Book now to experience manta ray season before it ends.
