At Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, every ripple tells a story, and one of our most cherished began under the glow of a full moon, when a tiny Hawksbill turtle made his very first journey to the sea. Tripod, born with just three flippers, has since become the heart of our reef — a living reminder that nature, when given the chance, always finds its way to thrive.

This World Sea Turtle Day, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon brought Tripod’s story to life through the premiere of an animated video, launched as part of an engaging evening dedicated to marine conservation and guest discovery. The event was set against the backdrop of the island’s reef-fringed shores, where guests gathered for the first public screening of the short film — one that shares Tripod’s inspiring journey of survival, resilience, and belonging.

As part of the evening, guests were welcomed to an insightful presentation by Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon’s in-house marine biologist, who shared the realities faced by sea turtles in the region, the importance of preserving reef ecosystems, and how the resort’s sustainability journey continues to evolve. From coral propagation to sea turtle identification and research, the session showcased how hospitality and science come together to create long-term positive change beneath the surface.

Adding a touch of creativity and purpose, the resort also unveiled a new line of Tripod-themed T-shirts, now available at the boutique. Proceeds from these limited-edition items will directly fund marine conservation initiatives at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, offering guests the opportunity to take home a meaningful souvenir that supports a cause close to our shores.

Near the Marine Biology Unit, a newly installed interactive display board now stands as a tribute to Tripod’s journey and the ongoing work being done to protect marine life. Guests are encouraged to learn about her story and record their own sightings of Tripod — who is frequently seen gliding gracefully near the house reef. This hands-on feature brings guests even closer to the underwater world and strengthens awareness of the delicate balance that sustains it.

This World Sea Turtle Day, we celebrate turtles like Tripod and the marine ecosystems they call home. Through our continued conservation efforts, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is committed to protecting their world and we’d love for you to be part of it.

Join us in celebrating Tripod’s story and our shared commitment to marine life.