Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is once again inviting guests to dive into a unique celebration of marine life with the return of its much-loved Manta Month this September. Following the positive response to last year’s initiative, the resort has now made the event a permanent fixture in its calendar, reflecting its dedication to environmental stewardship and unforgettable guest experiences in the heart of the Indian Ocean.
Throughout September, visitors staying at this scenic island resort, located in South Malé Atoll and just a short speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, can look forward to a series of immersive oceanic activities centred around the majestic manta ray. Daily excursions to renowned manta hotspots are led by Kandooma’s experienced guides, who offer informative briefings on manta ray behaviours, their habitats, and the threats they face. These guided experiences not only allow guests to witness these graceful creatures in their natural environment but also help deepen public understanding and appreciation for ocean conservation.
Complementing the excursions are a variety of educational and family-oriented events. Awareness talks shed light on marine conservation efforts and share the inspiring story of a manta ray that was rescued near the island, an example of the resort’s hands-on commitment to marine protection. Younger guests can engage in creative manta-themed arts and crafts and take part in fun beach games. Meanwhile, the resort community, including guests and staff, participate in reef and island clean-up campaigns. Collected marine waste is creatively transformed into manta-shaped sculptures, reinforcing the message of sustainability through artistic expression.
Beyond these initiatives, visitors can further contribute to conservation by purchasing manta pendants from the resort’s boutique, with proceeds donated to The Manta Trust—an internationally respected organization dedicated to manta ray research and protection.
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is situated near some of the Maldives’ top ten diving locations, making it a haven for underwater enthusiasts. The resort combines vibrant marine experiences with modern comforts and a strong environmental ethos. Its ongoing sustainability practices align with IHG’s global “Journey to Tomorrow” programme, which supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The resort’s commitment to ecological preservation is evident in both its daily operations and its broader community engagement.
Commenting on this year’s event, Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, stated, “What started as a special event last year has now grown into an annual month-long celebration. Kandooma Manta Month is not just about seeing these magnificent creatures up close, but about creating meaningful experiences that inspire awareness, responsibility, and care for our ocean environment.”
From snorkelling with manta rays to helping protect delicate coral ecosystems, guests at Kandooma are offered the rare chance to be part of something larger—an enriching travel experience that leaves a positive impact long after their holiday ends. With Manta Month now firmly on the annual calendar, the resort continues to set an inspiring example for sustainable tourism in the Maldives.
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