Protecting Paradise: Conservation Experiences in the Maldives

How tourism and sustainability can go hand in hand

The Maldives has long been celebrated for its turquoise lagoons, vibrant reefs, and powder-soft sands — the epitome of barefoot luxury. Today, this island nation is also setting new standards in sustainability, showing how luxury travel and environmental stewardship can thrive together. With ecosystems as delicate as they are beautiful, the Maldives offers not just a breathtaking escape but also a meaningful invitation: to help protect the wonders that make it so extraordinary.

Across the atolls, pioneering resorts are going beyond reducing their footprint, investing in coral regeneration, wildlife protection, and scientific research. Guests are invited to join this journey — from planting corals beneath the waves to taking part in citizen science projects. Whether you’re on a romantic escape or a family adventure, these experiences transform a vacation into something lasting: a chance to give back to the oceans that give so much.

Six Senses Kanuhura – Protecting Seabirds and Mapping Reefs

On Kanuhura, the skies above Lhaviyani Atoll are graced by the elegant White-tailed Tropicbird, a rare and mesmerizing seabird, one of the most graceful in the tropics. Nesting pairs are carefully studied at Six Senses Kanuhura, with conservationists gathering vital data on breeding and survival. Guests can join the conservation efforts to help protect these elusive birds while discovering the fragile balance of island ecosystems.

Beneath the waves, cutting-edge 3D technology is reshaping reef conservation. Using photogrammetry, researchers create intricate reef maps that track coral growth and recovery with precision. At Kanuhura, guests are invited to see these models in action and understand the resilience of coral reefs, turning science into a story they can carry home.

Six Senses Laamu – Kayaking, Culture, and Behind-the-Scenes Sustainability

Guests at Six Senses Laamu can explore Hithadhoo’s lush mangroves by kayak, paddling through tranquil waters alive with birdlife and rich greenery. This peaceful journey, hosted by the local council, offers both natural beauty and cultural connection.

For a deeper look at island life, the resort’s complimentary Back of House Tour run by the Sustainability co-ordinator, unveils the inner workings of this luxury island community. From the desalination plant and onsite tailor to the organic chicken farm, Earth Lab and host village, this guided experience reveals how sustainability touches every aspect of daily life.

COMO Maalifushi – Coral Reefs and Seagrass Meadows

At COMO Maalifushi, coral rehabilitation and seagrass protection lie at the heart of its sustainability work. Guests can join marine biologists for guided snorkels, take part in reef and beach clean-ups, or attend engaging briefings about the ecosystems that surround them.

Every swim here carries purpose: helping restore fragile coral, safeguarding turtle grazing grounds, and ensuring marine biodiversity flourishes for generations to come.

Gili Lankanfushi – A Hands-On Approach to Conservation

At Gili Lankanfushi, sustainability becomes a shared adventure. Guests can take part in guided snorkels focusing on coral or seagrass, attend sustainability talks, or join creative workshops such as recycled paper making — a favorite among younger eco-explorers.

The island’s Coral Lines Project, launched over a decade ago, continues to restore and transplant coral across the reef. Guests can adopt a coral line, assist in its creation, and even track its growth online. Weekly dives maintain the nurseries, ensuring each fragment thrives before being transplanted back onto the reef. It’s a rare chance to be part of real, ongoing conservation.

Soneva Fushi & Soneva Jani – A Mosquito-Free Haven

Soneva has pioneered an innovative, insecticide-free mosquito control project that has reduced mosquito populations by up to 98% on Kunfunadhoo Island. Instead of harmful chemicals, the program uses specialist traps and habitat management, creating a healthier environment for both guests and wildlife.

By removing insecticides, native pollinators like butterflies and bees have returned in abundance, boosting biodiversity and even improving the islands’ organic gardens. It’s a quiet but powerful success — enhancing guest comfort while enriching the natural ecosystem.

Niyama – Marine Adventures for All Ages

Niyama blends conservation with adventure, offering guests of all ages the chance to connect with the ocean. Young explorers can join a Marine Bio-Adventure, spotting dolphins, snorkeling with turtles, and learning about reef regeneration alongside the resident marine biologist.

The resort also partners with the Olive Ridley Project to protect sea turtles and contributes to whale shark research programs across the Maldives. Guests may visit coral nurseries, assist with monitoring, or even witness conservation in action during a snorkel or dive. Each experience fosters curiosity, understanding, and a deeper appreciation of the Maldives’ extraordinary marine life.

A Vacation with Purpose

Luxury in the Maldives is no longer just about the beauty of the islands — it’s about preserving them. From planting corals to protecting seabirds, each guest experience offers the chance to contribute to a brighter future for the ocean and its islands. By taking part, travelers leave not only with memories of paradise, but also the knowledge that they’ve played a role in protecting it.