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Laura, the Marine Biologist, Part of the Finolhu Maldives Resort Team

Greetings from the depths of the azure blue!

I’m Laura, your devoted Marine Biologist here at Finolhu Maldives. Originating from the vibrant landscapes of Colombia, my journey has been guided by an unwavering passion for coral reef preservation. My journey has taken me across Latin America, Central America, and Southeast Asia since 2013, where I’ve immersed myself in the diverse tapestry of marine life. As a seasoned PADI IDC Staff Dive Instructor, I’ve had the privilege of guiding over 350 students through the mesmerizing depths, clocking over 3000 dives along the way.

But beyond the thrill of exploration lies a deeper calling – to inspire others to cherish and protect our precious ocean. In 2023, I spearheaded the Coral Tree Planting Project, a noble endeavour aimed at rejuvenating our resort’s reef and fostering awareness of coral ecosystems’ vital role in the Maldives and beyond.
Guests seeking to delve deeper into our conservation efforts or eager to participate in our coral planting initiatives can find me at the Dive Centre. I’m always thrilled to share insights, answer queries, and guide enthusiasts on their journey to giving back to the ocean that binds us all.

LAURA – MARINE BIOLOGIST

our island

Three shades of blue

Opened in 2016, Finolhu is now firmly established as one of the finest resorts in the Maldives.  Finolhu, which means “sandbank” in the local Maldivian language, is renowned for its two-kilometre white powdery beaches that stretch out across four islands, creating a barefoot chic paradise.
With Finolhu’s 125 private villas, four restaurants and array of activities complementing the island’s natural beauty, every day on Finolhu’s island playground is as varied as the coral reef landscape of the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Under the water, surround yourself with the various marine life, whilst exploring an extensive coral system.  Finolhu’s house reef is very accessible, making it safe and fun for even novice snorkelers.
On land, take a relaxing stroll in the shade of tropical plants on the main island, or wander across the sandbank to chase the sunset or enjoy a few sundowners at Crab Shack.  Nothing beats that ocean-breeze-on-skin plus toes-in-the-sand feeling.
For the adventurous, water sports, boat excursions and diving trips await.  How about a 30-minute boat ride to the famous Hanifaru Bay to swim with the manta rays and whale sharks?
From the opal waters of the lagoon to the turquoise blue shallows along the shore and the sapphire blue deep beyond, Finolhu is a slice of paradise in three shades of blue.

Drohnenaufnahme der Insel Finolhu im Baa Atoll
Finolhus Poolbereich und Sandbank von oben
Villen und Riffkante von oben
Drohnenaufnahme von Private Pool Villen und Palmen
hauptstrand mit blauen und weißen sonnenschirmen von oben
Entdecken Sie unser wunderschönes Inselresort und seine faszinierende Sandbank
Weg zur von Palmen umgebenen Beach Villa

baa atoll

Summer all the year round!

It is one of 26 natural atolls in the Indian Ocean. Baa Atoll lies on the edge of the ocean, overlooking a deep channel. Its geographical location is unique worldwide. Reefs, submerged cliffs and so-called “thilas” – small, round underwater hills – offer a natural marine habitat for about 1200 different reef species. It’s no coincidence that Baa Atoll has been declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. The tropical climate guarantees an average air temperature of 29 degrees and water temperatures of 24 degrees. Summer all year round!

Karte vom Finolhu Resort, Baa Atoll, Maldives
Karte vom Finolhu Resort, Baa Atoll, Maldives

Environment & sustainability

The atoll – a unique ecosystem

Living in a UNESCO-protected biosphere reserve imposes its own obligations. We protect what sustains us. On Finolhu, we are self-sufficient to a large extent and also act according to our guiding principle: NO PLASTIC. Our osmosis plant converts seawater into drinking water, which is then purified again and bottled in glass bottles – with or without carbon dioxide. We encourage guests not to bring plastic bottles and to take them back if in doubt. There are no plastic straws on Finolhu. And body care products are offered in refillable glass bottles.

Erhaltung der Ozeane und Tauchen in der UNESCO-Biosphäre im Finolhu Resort
Bemühungen zum Schutz der Wale und Umweltinitiativen auf Finolhu Maldives

Protection of species

All strategies aimed at the conservation of our ecosystem and the protection of the sea in Baa Atoll have been developed together with the organisation »Parley for the Oceans«. Guests can participate in our Citizen Science programme. In it, we collect data on individual animals: Scale patterns of turtles or spot patterns of manta rays or whale sharks, for example. This data is passed on to marine conservation organisations under the care of our own marine biologist. They provide information about populations and mating patterns and thus help to preserve biodiversity.

Social responsibility

Our social responsibility includes involving the local population. We let our neighbours participate in the economic cycle. Local fishermen from Hithadoo Island supply our resort with fresh catches. Local artists, such as musicians, regularly perform at our resort. For example, the musicians of the Boduberu Band. On our neighbouring island, we support the residents with waste disposal and sustainability. Guests can accompany us on tours to get to know the life and culture of the local population.

SUSTAINABILITY

Coral Reef Propagation Project

In line with the continuous efforts to safeguard the biodiversity of its abundant marine ecosystems, Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives launches its Coral Reef Propagation Project and invites guests to be part of it.
With the main aim of rebuilding the resort’s reef, the first phase of this initiative will replace the corals that have been lost or damaged over the years as a result of environmental and human impacts. In the long run, it will also increase the number and diversity of species living on the resort’s house reef. Through guest participation, the project also has a strong educational aspect. The regeneration of Finolhu’s reef begins with fragments of coral being attached to spiderweb-shaped frames, which are then placed on the edge of the resort’s house reef to create a coral nursery. The nursery is regularly monitored and maintained to prevent the buildup of algae and remove any predators that could have an adverse effect on the coral.

Guests are able to snorkel out to the nursery to see the progress of the coral growing on the frames. If they then choose to participate in the project, they will receive a certificate and photographic updates of the coral they planted every 6 months. Prices of the frame are USD 150 (Small), USD 300 (Medium) and USD 450 (Heart-shaped). The rates are subject to prevailing service charge and goods and service tax. Moreover, a webpage dedicated for this project will be launched in the near future.
To know more about this project or to those who would wish to have their “personal coral plantation”, feel free to reach out to . In-house guests can drop by the Dive Centre to sign up.


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