InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort will host its fourth Manta Retreat from March 17 to 20, continuing its efforts to provide guests with an in-depth understanding of manta rays and their habitat. Following the successful launch of the Manta Retreat in 2022, this upcoming event offers a range of activities and workshops focused on manta ray conservation and education.

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The retreat engages participants in both learning and exploration, offering opportunities to gain insights into the world of manta rays, specifically those inhabiting the Raa Atoll. Moreover, a key highlight of the event is the chance for attendees to join guided snorkelling excursions, allowing them to swim alongside manta rays and observe their natural behaviour in the ocean.

Interactive Workshops and Hands-On Learning

Workshops during the retreat cover topics such as Manta ID and Manta Research, providing participants with a unique opportunity to identify individual manta rays and learn about the research conducted on these creatures. In addition, attendees get the chance to adopt and name a manta ray, furthering their involvement in conservation efforts.

Meral Hafeez, the Manta Trust base leader at the resort, will lead the retreat and share her extensive knowledge of marine life. Hafeez’s passion for marine education shines through in her presentations and activities, as she helps guests understand the importance of preserving manta rays and other marine species.

Conservation Activities: Coral Restoration and Plankton Study

The retreat also offers a workshop focused on plankton, the main food source for manta rays. Guests gain a deeper understanding of the marine food chain and the role plankton plays in the ecosystem. Furthermore, another workshop, the Coral Restoration and Planting session, allows participants to take direct action in supporting the health of coral reefs by planting coral and contributing to the reef’s restoration.

Guided snorkelling excursions around the resort’s house reef give guests the chance to explore the vibrant marine life that thrives around the island. Hafeez’s informative talk, “Manta Ray of the Maldives,” provides further insights into the behaviour and characteristics of manta rays, enhancing participants’ understanding of these majestic creatures.

Partnerships for Long-Term Marine Conservation

The Manta Retreat closely ties into conservation efforts by emphasizing the ongoing collaboration between InterContinental Maldives and the Manta Trust. This partnership, which has been in place since 2019, focuses on research and education initiatives that protect manta rays and their habitats. Guests who attend the retreat not only enjoy a luxurious vacation but also contribute to vital conservation work.

These activities and experiences help participants leave with a greater appreciation for manta rays and the ocean’s ecosystems. The retreat serves as a reminder of the critical role individuals play in marine conservation, and attendees return home with a deeper sense of responsibility toward protecting the oceans.

By the end of the retreat, guests gain knowledge and unforgettable experiences while becoming advocates for the preservation of manta rays and marine life.