Marine Biology Training for Teens at the Four Seasons
Emily C and Rachel are here to help give you the inside track.
Perfect for your underwater culturists and future marine biologists, this 11-day Maldivian getaway whisks you and your family away to the Baa Atoll. Here, you'll dive the bustling coral-encrusted sites, snorkel Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and allow your teens to take part in onsite marine biology programs, participating in marine research and conservation practices. Perfect for your underwater culturists and future marine biologists, this 11-day Maldivian getaway whisks you and your family away to the Baa Atoll. Here, you'll dive the bustling coral-encrusted sites, snorkel Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and allow your teens to take part in onsite marine biology programs, participating in marine research and conservation practices.
Itinerary at a Glance:
- Spend your days diving the pristine reefs and walls of Baa Atoll, surrounded by pelagic and macro life.
- Snorkel Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where hundreds of manta rays dance in the water around you.
- Get your future marine biologists involved in conservation efforts in programs spanning from coral restoration and aquaculture to dolphin and turtle research.
Why Book with Original Diving?
When To Travel
All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you
Day 1: International flight
After packing and making your way to the airport, you'll take a direct overnight flight to the Maldives, arriving mid-morning. The flight should take approximately ten hours. After collecting your luggage and clearing customs, you'll be met by a Four Seasons representative and taken to the lounge at the seaplane terminal to wait for your next flight.
Day 2: Seaplane transfer to the Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru
After a short wait and a few refreshments in the lounge, you'll be ushered to your seaplane where you'll take off for one of the most breathtaking flights in the world. Soak it in because you won't have long in the air (about 30 minutes), flying over sandy saucer islands and some of the world's bluest lagoons before landing at the Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru.
Days 3-8: Diving and days at leisure
Spend the next six days exploring the reefs and walls surrounding Baa Atoll. With a double tank trip in the mornings and a single tank trip in the afternoons, you'll be able to spend your days in underwater bliss catching sight of sharks, rays, turtles, nudibranchs, schools of jacks and fusiliers and so much more. Situated right next door to Hanifaru Bay, you'll also have the extraordinary opportunity to snorkel with the largest known congregation of manta rays. Take a break from diving one day to head out with experts from the renowned Manta Trust team and find yourself surrounded by hundreds of manta rays barrel-rolling around you. For the best chance to see this spectacle, you'll want to plan your trip between June and October and secure a 'manta phone' from the recreation centre when you arrive at the resort. When mantas are spotted in the bay, you'll get a call and be swiftly transported there for an unforgettable experience with these magnificent creatures.
Day 9: Marine biology training program for teens
Introduced in 2022, this distinctive program extends an exclusive invitation to teens aged 13-18, allowing them to step into the shoes of a marine biologist for a day. There are six comprehensive modules to choose from: dolphin, turtle, manta, coral, plankton and aquaculture. Each module spans a full day, featuring a blend of engaging presentations and hands-on activities.
While each module is tailored to a specific field, they all incorporate both informative lectures and practical tasks. For instance, the coral module delves into taxonomy, coral identification, reproduction, reef formation, and conservation. Teens will be able to collect living coral fragments and transfer them to construction sites, creating a new coral reef. The dolphin module, on the other hand, covers topics such as cetacean behaviour, adaptations to the marine environment, threats, and conservation. Its practical segment involves a dolphin-watching excursion, capturing ID pictures and utilising AI technology to individually identify dolphins, contributing to the ongoing study of both individual dolphins and the local population.
You'll be able to consult with the marine biology team to tailor a module based on your preferences, taking into account age, swimming ability and interests.
Day 10: Relax and rejuvenate
After a packed week of diving and water activities, take a break today and treat yourself to a luxurious spa treatment (or two!) or lounge by your private pool all day with a good book and room service. Soak in those last Maldivian sun rays because tomorrow you'll be heading home.
Day 11: Home time
The day has finally come to pack your bags and bid farewell to your idyllic island bungalow. This morning, you'll be collected from your room and taken back to your seaplane for the short flight back to Male where you'll check in for your direct international flight home. The flight will take approximately ten hours, getting you back to London late afternoon on the same day.
All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you
A Rough Idea of Price
This Itinerary
If you would like to book the exact itinerary mentioned above, with economy flights, during mid-season and staying in our preferred room category at our preferred hotels.
From
£8,231pp
Bare Necessities
If you would like to pare back the above itinerary by travelling at non-peak times, staying in a standard room and removing some or all of the guided activities.
From
£7,158pp
Bells & Whistles
If you are looking for something extra special and would like to add business or first class flights, stay in top room categories at some of the most luxurious hotels we work with, and add more activities and guiding.
From
£10,289pp
Emily C and Rachel are our experts for this itinerary and as seasoned travellers they have the inside track on the most memorable adventures.