A remarkable natural event has taken place at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, where the island has welcomed a new wave of sea turtle hatchlings. With four active nests currently incubating, excitement is building among guests and marine enthusiasts as more hatchings are expected to align with the next full moon.
Following a recent emergence, three of the remaining nests have been confirmed to belong to Green Sea Turtles, one of the largest species inhabiting tropical and subtropical waters. Recognized for their smooth, heart-shaped shells and diet of seagrass and algae, these gentle herbivores are vital to the health of coral reefs and marine habitats. One nest suspected to be from a Hawksbill turtle has yet to be confirmed.
“Sea turtles are extraordinary creatures, living mostly solitary lives and traveling vast distances between feeding and nesting grounds,” explained Fernanda Cortina Escalante, the resort’s Marine Biologist. “Experiencing this stage of their life cycle right here on our shores is truly special.”
Sea turtle nesting is a fragile process. Females return to the beaches where they were born, usually under the cover of night, to lay eggs in carefully dug sand nests. The incubation period lasts between 45 and 70 days, after which hatchlings instinctively make their way toward the ocean. Green turtles can live up to 60–80 years, grow to 1.5 meters in length, and weigh as much as 300 kilograms. When resting, they are capable of holding their breath for up to five hours, a testament to their remarkable adaptation to marine life.
“Hosting these nests gives us the chance to share the importance of sea turtle conservation with our guests and inspire deeper appreciation for marine biodiversity,” said Camille Berger, Euro-Divers Manager at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives. The resort continues to work closely with its in-house marine biologist to protect the nesting sites as part of its broader conservation efforts.
Thomas Weber, General Manager of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, shared that 61 hatchlings have already begun their journey to the sea. “Moments like these are a powerful reminder of the beauty of our ecosystem and our responsibility to protect it. It’s a privilege to witness and contribute to the journey of these magnificent animals.”
Guests staying at the resort may have the rare opportunity to see a live hatching, an unforgettable encounter with nature at its most raw and captivating. Updates on the hatchlings’ progress are shared via the resort’s Instagram @alilamaldives, inviting the public to join in celebrating this special chapter in marine life.