Marine Life Conservation Reasearch

I'm Ruth, and I discovered the Maldives over 20 years ago while visiting as a scuba diver in search of manta rays and whale sharks. I was fortunate to form close friendships with Maldivian locals who welcomed me into their homes to share dinners, afternoon hedhika, coffee, and betel nuts. My love for the country led me to visit over 30 times before co-founding Secret Paradise in 2012.

My experience of Maldivian hospitality shaped our community-based tours, designed to connect travelers with local families, businesses, and NGOs. I feel privileged to call the Maldives my home and deeply respect its people, culture, and fragile natural environment.

The Maldives Whale Shark Research (MWSR) is a research-based conservation charity dedicated to studying whale sharks and supporting marine conservation in the Maldives and Indian Ocean. Since 2006, it has become the only long-term organization focused on whale shark research in the Maldives.

Its mission is to advance scientific knowledge and support conservation policy through collaboration with local communities and stakeholders, helping protect marine biodiversity and the ecosystems that sustain livelihoods and culture.

Secret Paradise Maldives is an award-winning, positive-impact tour company and certified Travelife Partner and Climate Literate business. Recognized for sustainability and responsible tourism, we create immersive travel experiences beyond traditional beach tourism.

Whether you are a solo traveler, couple, family, or friends, we offer guided tours that immerse you in Maldivian culture, marine life, and local communities. Our experienced local guides accompany all tours and are trained in first aid, snorkeling safety, and lifeguarding, ensuring safe and meaningful travel.

Our guests travel responsibly, engaging deeply with the destination while treading lightly on the environment and contributing positively to local communities.

Joining the Maldives Whale Shark Research (MWSR) is a life-changing experience. Their research expeditions offer hands-on involvement in marine conservation, allowing you to actively contribute to whale shark science while enjoying every moment. You will take part in key fieldwork such as identification photography, vessel counts, and recording vital data, directly supporting ongoing research and conservation efforts.

Aboard the expedition vessel MV Akoya Pearl, you'll help gather important information on the largest fish in the ocean. Each day includes survey trips on a dhoni within the South Ari Marine Protected Area—the largest marine protected area in the Maldives and home to a resident population of whale sharks found year-round. This region is globally significant, with one of the highest known whale shark residency rates in the world.

The expedition is physically demanding, with plenty of swimming and snorkeling. Getting in and out of the water involves using a boat ladder, and we also regularly transfer between our “home base,” Akoya Pearl, and our research dhoni throughout the day. The Maldives can experience strong currents, even on the calmest days, and these may change during a snorkeling activity. We may also occasionally encounter rough seas; therefore, the ability to swim unaided is essential, as in-field surveys are conducted through snorkeling and/or basic freediving.