Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme Returns to Conrad Maldives Rangali

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has welcomed the return of a new shark research programme that will offer its guests the opportunity to get up close to these incredible marine creatures.

The Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP) is available to guests enjoying scuba diving holidays at the resort from November, 2011 until February, 2012.

The programme's volunteers will be carrying out invaluable research on the sharks as well as running educational programmes and whale-shark spotting excursions for holidaymakers staying at the luxury resort.

Image by: Maldives Exclusive Travel - Maldives, on Flickr.

Carsten Schieck, the General Manager of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, said: "Conrad Maldives is delighted to continue our sponsorship of the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme for a fifth year.

"Our resort is located in the right part of the country for seeing whale sharks and with the MWSRP experts based on our island, we will be able to offer our guests the unparalleled opportunity to see and learn more about this mysterious animal."

Image by: Mafia Island, on Flickr.

During scuba diving holidays, guests will able to take snorkelling and shark diving excursions to see the magnificent creatures, and the MWSRP volunteers will use their expert knowledge of whale shark behaviour to find the locations of these elusive fish.

Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world and can be found in the Maldives all year round. The sharks are filter-feeders and are on the red list for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as well as being classified as "vulnerable to extinction".

Image by: deco4macro, on Flickr.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is located in South Ari Atoll, an area of the Maldives that is one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world. It combines three distinct resort experiences on two islands that are linked by a bridge and surrounded by a vibrant coral reef and sparkling turquoise lagoon. Accommodation at Conrad Maldives includes 50 luxurious Water Villas, 79 exotic Beach Villas and 21 Spa Water Villas.

Facilities at the resort include a luxurious spa and seven gourmet restaurants including the unique Ithaa underwater restaurant where diners can enjoy delicious cuisine 16 feet below the surface of the turquoise Indian Ocean and stunning 180-degree views of the reef and marine life.