Ocean Voyagers: The Sea Turtle’s Journey
The ocean is alive with its own rhythm – it moves, breathes and renews itself daily. Of the many journeys that unfold beneath its surface, few are as inspiring as the voyage of the sea turtle. These ancient creatures have crisscrossed our oceans for over 100 million years, playing a vital role in enriching seagrass meadows and nourishing coral habitats – a reminder that all living things are ultimately connected.
Recently, the world celebrated a milestone in turtle conservation. Green turtles, long considered “endangered”, have been reclassified under “least concern” on the global IUCN Red List. This amazing achievement comes from decades of collective action – scientists, coastal communities and travellers working together to protect nesting habitats, reduce bycatch and create awareness.
This progress offers immense hope. It shows that conservation works when we act together, consistently and with care. At the same time, it’s a reminder that there’s still much to be done.
Here in Maldivian waters, green turtles remain nationally classified as “endangered”. With nesting activity being limited, their population is yet to recover as strongly as in other parts of the world. Sea turtles still face daily challenges – from marine debris and accidental capture in fishing gear to the loss of their natural habitat and the pressures of climate change.
To give sea turtles a chance to thrive in our oceans once again, we must keep championing local conservation efforts. With renewed commitment, JOALI BEING continues the journey ahead – together with our valued partners, local communities and guests who care deeply about the world they explore.
At JOALI BEING, the ocean isn’t just a backdrop. It’s a living presence that inspires the Joy of Well-Living, a vision of wellbeing that’s anchored in connection – between body and mind, between people and planet, between every breath we take and the waters that sustain life.
Through our long-term partnership with the Olive Ridley Project (ORP), we work to protect sea turtles and support their recovery across the Maldives. Our collaboration is guided by a simple yet powerful belief: True well-living goes beyond the self. When we care for the world around us, we nurture our own vitality and joy.
Our efforts include:
Learn more about our work with the ORP here.
One morning in October, during a dolphin cruise, our team spotted a struggling turtle. She couldn’t dive – a sign of “floating syndrome”, a life-threatening condition caused by injury or entanglement. Gently lifted from the water, she was brought to shore and cared for by our resident Marine Biologist before being transferred to the ORP’s Marine Turtle Rescue Centre.
We named her Koamas, meaning dolphin in Dhivehi – a tribute to the moment she was found. Koamas’ journey is still unfolding. Her recovery continues, guided by the care of experts. Yet even now, her story has created ripples of awareness and compassion across our community. The message is quiet but clear: Every life matters. Every act of care contributes to a future where all marine life can thrive.
Each curious explorer has the power to help protect sea turtles. You can create lasting waves of impact through small, mindful actions:
At JOALI BEING, we invite our guests to step into this circle of care. To not only to observe and enjoy the ocean, but to connect with it and understand it. To feel the joy of living in harmony with nature – a joy that flows through each moment spent at our well-living island.
The global recovery of green turtles is a story of resilience – and of the ocean’s remarkable ability to heal when given space, respect and time by humans. It’s also a reminder that living well and living responsibly are inseparable.
At JOALI BEING, we honour this connection each day by nurturing the turquoise waters and vibrant marine life that make our home so extraordinary. In protecting the sea turtles around us, we rediscover the joy of well-living within ourselves.
As Koamas continues her journey, she carries a hopeful message that transcends waves and borders: Every turtle saved is a stepping-stone to a brighter, kinder future.
