Inside the Maldives' Only On-Site Turtle Hospital: How Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu Is Changing Marine Conservation (Olive Ridley Project)

The Olive Ridley Project – Why This Tiny Island Matters

The Olive Ridley Project is a UK-registered charity dedicated to protecting sea turtles throughout the Indian Ocean. Their primary focus? Rescuing turtles entangled in ghost nets – discarded fishing gear that drifts for years, trapping and killing marine life.

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu hosts the only ORP rescue and rehabilitation center on a resort island in the Maldives. Injured turtles are brought here from across the archipelago – some missing flippers, others with deep cuts from nets, many suffering from “floaters syndrome” (trapped air preventing them from diving).

One guest explained:

“Those found injured or trapped in nets are brought here from all over the Maldives to be treated and brought back to sea when healed. It is very interesting for young and old.” – February 2026

The center is open for guests to visit daily. You’ll see turtles in various stages of recovery – some in small pools, others in larger enclosures preparing for release. Volunteers and staff (including the beloved marine biologist Rosie, mentioned in over a dozen reviews) are always happy to explain each turtle’s story.

“The turtle sanctuary is both educational and emotional – all those injured turtles, but how lovely they are being nursed back to health. We loved visiting them.” – February 2026 guest

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From Ghost Nets to Freedom – A Turtle’s Journey at Coco Palm

What actually happens inside the turtle hospital?

Step 1: Rescue – A fisherman spots a turtle trapped in a ghost net. Or a guest snorkeling near the house reef sees a turtle struggling to dive. The ORP team is alerted via a nationwide network.

Step 2: Transport – The turtle is brought to Coco Palm’s facility by speedboat. The island’s central location in Baa Atoll makes it accessible from many parts of the Maldives.

Step 3: Assessment & Treatment – Veterinarians (sometimes flown in) assess injuries. Missing flippers, deep lacerations, infections, or buoyancy disorders are treated. Some turtles require months of care.

Step 4: Rehabilitation – Turtles swim in monitored pools, regain strength, and learn to dive again. Guests can watch feeding time daily at 2:30 PM.

Step 5: Release – When ready, the turtle is tagged and released back into the wild. Some releases are on the island’s own beach; others at nearby reefs. Guests who are present describe it as “life-changing.”

One guest who witnessed a release wrote:

“We were lucky enough to see one of the rehabilitated turtles released on our last day. The whole experience was so emotional. The turtle stopped halfway to the water, looked back, then disappeared into the waves.” – December 2025

Another guest, a marine biologist herself, noted:

“Rosie the Marine Biologist is a credit to this hotel – they are lucky to have you. Zaaid and Simah made our trips so extra special.” – March 2026

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How to Watch Baby Turtles Hatch (The WhatsApp Magic)

One of the most unique features of Coco Palm’s turtle program is the WhatsApp hatching alert system.

When a turtle nest is identified on the island (usually on the sunrise or northern beaches), the ORP team monitors it closely. As the expected hatch date approaches, guests are invited to join a WhatsApp group.

Then, the message arrives: “Hatching in progress. Please come quietly to [beach location].”

Multiple guests described this as the highlight of their trip:

“The turtle hatchlings making their way to the sea… unforgettable. You can join an app where these happenings alert you.” – February 2026

“Baby turtles on the beach hatched on our last night!!!!!” – February 2026 (five exclamation marks – well deserved)

*“One of the nests hatched a quarter of an hour before midnight on 31/12. We saw it on Instagram and wished we were still there.”* – January 2025 guest

Pro tip: Ask at reception upon arrival to join the turtle WhatsApp group. There’s no guarantee of a hatch during your stay, but if one happens, you won’t miss it.

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Beyond Hatchlings – The Souvenir That Saves Turtles

The turtle hospital isn’t just about rescue and release. It’s also about prevention and community engagement.

The ORP team collects discarded fishing nets – the very nets that injure turtles. Then, they clean the nets, cut them into strips, and work with local artisans to weave them into bracelets, keychains, and small bags.

These souvenirs are sold at the gift shop and at ORP events. Every purchase directly funds turtle rescue operations.

One guest wrote:

“With the threads of the nets in which the turtles were found, bracelets are made – perfect reminder of the activity of these volunteers and excellent souvenirs to support them.” – February 2026

Another added:

“The turtle rescue station is impressive. The volunteers make bracelets from ghost nets. I bought three.” – January 2026

The bracelets are simple, elegant, and carry a powerful story: This thread once trapped a turtle. Now it frees them.

What Guests Say About the Turtle Hospital (Real Reviews)

Here’s a selection of authentic guest feedback from 2025-2026 stays:

“Very interesting the turtle hospital, the care of the nests and see the hatching of eggs with turtles running towards the sea.” – April 2026 guest (Italy)

“The turtle sanctuary is a must. You will get to know the great work they do with the Olive Ridley Project. We were lucky enough to see one of the rehabilitated turtles released on our last day.” – January 2026 guest (UK)

“The turtle rescue station is impressive! The work they do to give injured turtles a chance to go back to the wild is humbling.” – November 2025 guest (USA)

“A major highlight is the turtle sanctuary. You can visit the center and see the work being done to protect them. My daughter still talks about the baby turtles.” – September 2025 guest (Germany)

“Rosie the Marine Educator is an asset to the resort. She knew the names of the turtles we spotted a long way out to sea!” – September 2025 guest (UK)

“The island has a turtle conservation center. It’s very interesting for young and old. With the threads of the nets, they make bracelets – perfect souvenirs.” – February 2026 guest (family with children)

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How to Support the Turtle Hospital (Even If You’re Not Going)

Can’t visit the Maldives right now? You can still support the Olive Ridley Project’s work at Coco Palm.

1. Adopt a turtle – The ORP website allows you to symbolically adopt a rehabilitated turtle. You’ll receive updates on its release and tracking data.

2. Donate directly – 100% of donations go to rescue, veterinary care, and ghost net removal.

3. Buy ghost net bracelets online – The ORP e-shop sells bracelets, keychains, and bags made from recycled fishing nets. Shipping worldwide.

4. Spread the word – Share this article. The more travelers choose eco-conscious resorts like Coco Palm, the more funding flows to conservation.

5. Wear reef-safe sunscreen – Chemical sunscreens damage coral and harm turtles. Switch to mineral-based SPF before your next beach trip.

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Visiting the Turtle Hospital – Practical Tips for Guests

If you’re staying at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu (or planning to), here’s how to make the most of the turtle experience:

A note from guests: The turtle hospital is run by volunteers and staff who are incredibly passionate. Don’t be shy – ask questions. They love sharing stories.

“The girls at the turtle rescue center are super nice and involve you to explain everything. We visited over and over again.” – July 2025 guest

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Frequently Asked Questions (From Real Travelers)

Q: Is the turtle hospital free to visit?
Yes. Completely free. Donations are welcomed and directly support the Olive Ridley Project.

Q: Can I touch or hold the turtles?
No. For their health and safety (and yours), no physical contact is allowed unless you’re a trained volunteer. But you can watch them swim up close.

Q: Are turtle hatchings guaranteed?
No. Turtles nest seasonally (mostly May-October but can happen year-round). Hatchings happen about 60 days after laying. The WhatsApp group increases your chances of witnessing one, but it’s nature – no guarantees.

Q: Can my child volunteer at the hospital?
Not as a short-term guest, but older children (12+) can sometimes help with bracelet-making or data entry if space allows. Ask the ORP coordinator on arrival.

Q: How many turtles has the hospital released?
The Olive Ridley Project at Coco Palm has released over 50 rehabilitated turtles since opening. The exact number grows monthly.

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Why This Matters – The Bigger Picture

The Maldives is a dream destination, but it’s also ground zero for climate change and marine plastic pollution. Ghost nets kill an estimated 100,000 marine mammals and turtles every year in the Indian Ocean alone.

By hosting the Olive Ridley Project, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu does something remarkable: it turns luxury travel into a force for conservation. Every guest who visits the hospital, buys a bracelet, or simply tells the story becomes part of the solution.

As one guest wrote in their review, after watching a turtle release:

“We left with full hearts, not just because of the beautiful beaches, but because we saw hope.”

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Final Verdict – More Than a Resort, a Sanctuary

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is famous for its barefoot luxury, its sunset side villas, and its exceptional staff. But the turtle hospital is its soul.

In an age of “greenwashing” and superficial eco-tourism, the Olive Ridley Project at Coco Palm is the real deal. No marketing spin. Just dedicated people, injured turtles, and a beach where hatchlings run to the sea.

Book your stay. Join the WhatsApp group. Watch a turtle take its first swim. And come home with a bracelet that means something.

“I will never forget watching those tiny turtles running toward the ocean. Neither will my children. Thank you, Coco Palm, for protecting them.” – August 2025 guest

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👉 Plan your visit: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu official website 👇 Follow link below

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Read next: Sunset vs. Sunrise Beach Villa at Coco Palm: Which Side Should You Book? | What to Pack for a Barefoot Maldives Holiday

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