Four Seasons Resorts Maldives: Pioneers in Marine Conservation

From one of the Indian Ocean’s most advanced on-island Marine Discovery Centres and large-scale coral restoration programmes, to the world’s leading manta ray research project and immersive holographic and VR marine experiences, Four Seasons Maldives is uniquely blending luxury hospitality with real-world marine science and guest engagement.

Marine Discovery Centre (MDC)
- Established in 2001 at Landaa Giraavaru.
- Staffed by 13 full-time marine biologists, plus interns and apprentices.
- Works with Maldivian ministries of Environment, Fisheries, and Agriculture.
- Guests can join coral propagation, turtle rehabilitation, reef health studies, and attend marine-life presentations five evenings a week.

Reefscapers Coral Restoration Programme
- Launched in 2001, the Maldives’ first large-scale coral propagation project.
- Over 9,000 reef structures transplanted, boosting reef resilience and biodiversity.
- Guests actively participate in coral planting within the lagoon.

Turtle Rehabilitation Centre
- Opened in 2010, the Maldives’ first such facility.
- Nearly 500 injured turtles rehabilitated, with 280+ released back into the wild.
- Includes turtle monitoring and photo-ID programs involving guests.

Fish Lab
- Breeds ornamental fish to create sustainable alternative livelihoods for local communities.
- Combines conservation with socio-economic responsibility.

Maldives Manta Conservation Programme (MMCP)
- Founded in 2005 by Guy Stevens with Four Seasons and Save Our Seas.
- Now one of the world’s leading manta ray research projects, and the founding project of the Manta Trust.
- Identified nearly 6,000 individual reef manta rays from 90,000+ photo-ID sightings — the largest known manta population globally.
- Research covers behaviour, population dynamics, and tourism impacts.
- In Hanifaru Bay (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), scientists decode environmental conditions driving plankton blooms that attract mass manta feeding events.
- Guest experience: “Manta On Call”, where sightings trigger immediate speedboat trips for encounters.

Innovation & Guest Engagement
Hologram Room (Landaa Giraavaru)
- First of its kind in the Maldives.
- Guests virtually swim with life-size holographic mantas, whales, seahorses, and octopus.
- Sessions last 30–45 minutes, blending education and entertainment.

Manta Ray VR App
- Developed with the Manta Trust.
- Explores manta life cycles — feeding, courtship, pregnancy, birth — based on real MMCP research.
- Interactive learning tool for guests of all ages.

Philosophy
At Four Seasons Maldives (Landaa Giraavaru & Kuda Huraa), marine conservation is woven into the luxury experience. Guests don’t just enjoy paradise — they actively contribute to protecting one of the planet’s richest marine ecosystems.

This programme positions Four Seasons Maldives as a global leader in luxury-led conservation, blending science, sustainability, and guest immersion.