The ocean covers 70% of the Earth’s surface and we have a lot to thank it for – it regulates the climate, produces more than 50% of the oxygen we breathe and stores 50 times more carbon dioxide than the atmosphere, it provides food and ingredients for many medicines too. World Oceans Day is marked on 8th June each year and seeks to highlight the oceans’ importance and the need to protect it; the focus for 2020 is to campaign for gaining protection for 30% of the oceans by 2030 thereby creating sanctuaries for marine life.

The Maldives currently has 42 Marine Protected Areas including two in Lhaviyani Atoll within close proximity to Hurawalhi. Kuredu Express, a dive site famous for it’s fast flowing currents and grey reef sharks, was granted protection in 1999 while Fushivaru Thila, a manta ray cleaning station, has enjoyed protection since 1995. It’s not only areas that have been protected in the Maldives though, certain species also have safe havens here including dolphins, napoleon wrasse, turtles, sharks and coral – all of which can be seen around Hurawalhi Maldives and if you’re not a water baby you can even appreciate the ocean from the incredible 5.8 Undersea Restaurant!

Anyone who has dived or snorkelled with us will know what a magical place the ocean it is – the reefs abundant with marine life, including mega fauna such as sharks and rays, never fail to impress. The team here will help you ensure your marine experiences and interactions are responsible and sustainable while at the same time, immensely enjoyable too. We work very closely with Manta Trust and have marine biologists stationed at our Marine Centre who undertake research as well as conduct educational sessions and join our guests for their marine adventures.

If you would like to support the World Oceans Day campaign please visit their website.