Four Seasons Resorts Maldives: Pioneers in Marine Conservation

There is a certain reverence that the ocean commands in the Maldives a quiet power wrapped in crystalline waters, living reefs and ancient migratory paths. At Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, this reverence has shaped a legacy. Long before sustainability became a global conversation, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives began its mission to protect, study and nurture the marine world that defines these islands. Today, that mission stands as one of the most comprehensive and forward-thinking marine conservation programmes in the Indian Ocean.

Marine Discovery Centre: The Soul of Scientific Stewardship

At the heart of these efforts lies the Marine Discovery Centre (MDC) at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru. Established in 2001, this pioneering, on-island research facility has become a benchmark for luxury-led conservation. Home to a team of 13 full-time marine biologists, and supported by interns, apprentices and partnerships with Maldivian governmental bodies including the Ministries of Environment, Fisheries and Agriculture, the MDC operates at the intersection of science, education and guest immersion.

Here, conservation is not just to observe. Guests are welcomed into a living centre of discovery participating in coral propagation, learning about reef health, observing turtle rehabilitation, and attending insightful marine-life presentations held five evenings a week. These sessions offer a deeper understanding of the Maldivian archipelago, home to one of the richest marine ecosystems on Earth, before guests venture out the following day with marine biologists to experience the underwater world first-hand through guided snorkelling excursions.

Restoring Reefs, Protecting the Future

Four Seasons Resorts Maldives has been leading marine restoration efforts for over two decades. The renowned Reefscapers programme, launched in 2001, was the country’s first large-scale coral propagation initiative. Today, it has resulted in over 9,000 transplanted reef structures, contributing meaningfully to reef resilience and biodiversity while allowing guests to actively participate in rebuilding coral ecosystems within the lagoon.

Equally impactful is the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, inaugurated in 2010 the Maldives’ first. To date, it has successfully rehabilitated nearly 500 injured sea turtles and released more than 280 back into the wild . Complementary turtle monitoring and photo-identification programmes further deepen understanding of these ancient navigators, with guests often invited to take part in these vital conservation efforts.

The Fish Lab adds another layer to this holistic approach, breeding ornamental fish with the long-term aim of creating sustainable alternative livelihoods for local communities, a rare fusion of marine conservation and socio-economic responsibility.

The Maldives Manta Conservation Programme (MMCP)

Among Four Seasons Resorts Maldives most globally recognised initiatives is the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme (MMCP). Founded in 2005 by Senior Marine Biologist Guy Stevens with the support of Four Seasons and Save Our Seas, MMCP has evolved into one of the most important manta ray research projects in the world and is the founding project of the globally respected Manta Trust.

Over the past two decades, MMCP has identified nearly 6,000 individual reef manta rays from more than 90,000 photo-identification sightings, the largest known manta population anywhere on the planet. Research extends beyond identification into behavioural studies, population dynamics, and understanding how environmental conditions and tourism interactions influence manta movements across the Maldivian archipelago.

In the UNESCO-protected waters of Baa Atoll, MMCP scientists are also decoding the precise environmental “recipe” that drives zooplankton blooms in Hanifaru Bay knowledge that allows researchers to better predict the timing of extraordinary mass manta feeding events. For guests, this science translates into rare experiences such as Manta On Call, where sightings prompt immediate alerts and speedboat departures for unforgettable encounters on the open ocean.

Swim with Holographic Mantas: Innovation Meets Imagination

For those who wish to explore the underwater world from dry land, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru introduces another world-first: the Maldives’ first Hologram Room. This immersive experience allows guests of all ages to virtually swim alongside life-size holographic manta rays, created using real data and imagery from the surrounding waters of the Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

Hosted twice daily at the Marine Discovery Centre, these 30–45 minute sessions bring the ocean to life through cutting-edge technology. Guests navigate this mesmerising underwater universe using a dedicated wand, encountering mantas, humpback whales, seahorses and mimic octopus, an enchanting experience that blends education, entertainment and awe.

Extending this innovation even further is the Manta Ray App, developed in partnership with The Manta Trust. This fully interactive VR journey dives deep into the life of a manta ray, exploring feeding rituals, courtship, pregnancy and birth, based on real research conducted by MMCP. Richly detailed and engaging, the app invites users to learn, explore and test their knowledge, transforming marine education into an immersive digital experience.

At Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa, marine conservation is not an optional pursuit, it is a philosophy woven seamlessly into the luxury experience. Guests arrive seeking beauty and leave with purpose, having played a role in protecting one of the planet’s most extraordinary ecosystems. In preserving the oceans, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives offers more than unforgettable moments; it offers the promise that this paradise, both above and below the surface, will endure for generations to come.

Reservations: +960 66 00 888