Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is celebrating its third annual Manta Month this September, highlighting the importance of manta rays and marine conservation in the Maldives. The month-long initiative combines educational activities, responsible manta encounters and practical conservation efforts for guests, families and the local community.
September: A Key Season for Manta Encounters
Located in South Malé Atoll, Kandooma is close to important manta habitats, including Guraidhoo Falhu, where juvenile and sub-adult reef manta rays are frequently recorded. Manta activity in the area typically peaks between July and November, making September an ideal time to learn more about these remarkable marine animals.
The resort’s marine team and Kandooma Dive, its PADI 5 Star Dive Centre, will lead excursions to nearby manta hotspots when conditions allow, combining encounters with insights into manta behaviour and conservation.
Turning Encounters into Conservation
Manta Month goes beyond underwater experiences. Guests can take part in reef and island clean-ups, while younger travellers can enjoy manta-themed crafts and educational activities. The programme also shares the story of “Kandooma”, a manta rescued from ghost fishing nets near the island in 2023, highlighting the dangers discarded fishing gear can pose to marine life.
The resort will also support the Manta Trust, donating US$5 from every manta pendant sold in its boutique during September.
Protecting the Maldives’ Marine Heritage
Manta rays are an important part of the Maldives’ marine ecosystem and tourism appeal. Their slow reproductive cycle makes conservation particularly important, while long-term research allows individual mantas to be identified through their unique underside markings.
Through Manta Month, Kandooma aims to help guests understand the value of protecting the ocean while experiencing the Maldives responsibly.
With its focus on marine education, diving and sustainable tourism, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives offers travellers an opportunity to connect with one of the Maldives’ most extraordinary underwater experiences.
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