There’s a quiet reverence that comes when we stand at the edge of the sea. A sense that something vast and vital lies beyond the horizon, and beneath the surface. Across Jumeirah’s waterfront sanctuaries, this profound connection with the water is not just felt but protected. Through coral nurseries, turtle rehabilitation, and guided learning, guests are invited to witness and join the delicate work of conservation.

From the windswept coastal dunes of Abu Dhabi to the wild reefs of Tanzania, these are places where care flows as instinctively as the tide. 

Jumeirah Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Where dolphins trace the coastline and turtles return to nest, Jumeirah Saadiyat Island rests gently within its natural surroundings. Overlooking 400 metres of protected dunes and turquoise shallows, the resort is guided by a quiet sense of purpose. Holding an Ocean Champion Badge from the Oceanic Standard, the resort champions sustainability through every aspect of its operations. Here, single-use plastics are notably absent; water is served in glass bottles, energy is conserved through motion sensors and LED lighting, marine life is protected through weekly talks on eco-conscious travel and battery-operated water sports, and guests are invited to refill at filtered stations - thoughtful touches that reflect a deeper sustainability ethos.  

Set against the tranquil backdrop of the Arabian Gulf, the island’s rich coastal biodiversity reveals itself to curious travellers, from pods of dolphins occasionally seen gliding near the mangroves  to endangered Hawksbill turtles that return to nest on its shores. These mangroves support a diverse eco-system including fish nurseries, crabs, and birds. With the right timing and a touch of luck, guests may even witness the remarkable moment when tiny turtle hatchlings make their first journey towards the sea.

Jumeirah Al Naseem & Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, Dubai
In Dubai, turtle conservation is more than a gesture - it’s a twenty-year legacy. Since launching the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project, over 2,200 injured sea turtles have been rescued, rehabilitated, and returned to the wild. The project is located at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, where the rehabilitation process starts with critical care at its aquarium facilities. From there, five purpose built state-of-the-art sea turtle rehabilitation lagoons at Jumeirah Al Naseem, allow turtles to attend the second phase of their rehabilitation to acclimatise to ambient conditions and build up fitness levels, prior to release back into the wild.

The project is supported by Dubai’s Wildlife Protection Office with laboratory work provided by the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL). Each day, marine specialists share stories of migration and survival - from satellite-tagged journeys across the Indian Ocean to the turtle hotline, 800TURTLE (800 887853), created by Emirati freediver Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi. 

In addition to turtle rehabilitation, the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project is actively involved in coral restoration efforts to support marine biodiversity. At the turtle lagoons in Jumeirah Al Naseem, coral fragments – also known as “frags” – are attached to different types of small concrete structures and nurtured in a guest-visible nursery before being transferred to offshore sites.

Jumeirah Olhahali Island, Maldives
Scattered like droplets across the Indian Ocean, the Maldivian archipelago offers a quiet lesson in coexistence - where the reef is both companion and guide.  At Jumeirah Olhahali Island,  this balance is both celebrated and protected. The reef encircling the island is alive with movement: shoals of butterflyfish, curious reef sharks, flashes of parrotfish among the coral. For those drawn to the water’s edge, the experience is immersive - snorkelling, diving, or gliding just above the reef in a semi-submarine. But for others, it begins with care. Coral planting workshops invite guests to help restore the island’s delicate marine ecosystems, nurturing nurseries that shelter biodiversity and buffer the shoreline.

Every detail of the resort reflects that same intention - from plant-based menus and plastic-free initiatives to the quiet, natural landscaping that allows native species to thrive. 

Jumeirah Bali, Indonesia 
Perched above Uluwatu’s limestone cliffs, Jumeirah Bali rests within a landscape shaped by time and tide. Surrounded by tropical gardens and the warm currents of the Indian Ocean, the resort offers a gentle invitation to reconnect with nature. In partnership with Eco Tourism Bali, Jumeirah Bali released 35 Olive Ridley turtles into nearby waters in 2024 - a meaningful first step in its growing marine conservation efforts. 

This care for the environment extends well beyond the shoreline. Freshwater is produced onsite through one of Bali’s most advanced desalination systems, converting seawater into clean, usable water. By reducing reliance on the island’s limited freshwater reserves, this technology helps protect inland aquifers, maintain natural water tables, and ease the ecological pressure often caused by tourism. The initiative forms part of Jumeirah Bali’s wider sustainability ethos, which includes the use of solar power, native planting to reduce water demand, and a deep-rooted commitment to preserving the island’s natural heritage. 

In the kitchen, Executive Chef Alessio Nallino leads a commitment to local sourcing, drawing on Bali’s abundant markets for sustainably caught seafood and seasonal ingredients. 

Jumeirah Thanda Island, Tanzania
Off Tanzania’s southern coast, where warm currents drift through clear waters, Jumeirah Thanda Island offers a more personal encounter with the sea. Set within a protected marine reserve, the private island is home to over 300 species of fish and a growing network of rehabilitated reefs.  At the centre of this work is marine biologist Rianne Laan, whose coral restoration efforts invite guests to contribute to the reef’s renewal. Nearby, a mermaid sculpture named Rianne rests on the seabed - its textured form designed to support coral growth, while also honouring the women leading ocean conservation.

Above the surface, Captain Maya de Villiers charts the coastline with quiet confidence. From sailing traditional dhows to swimming with whale sharks, she guides guests through Tanzania’s turquoise world with deep knowledge and care. Here, each journey carries purpose - not only in what is seen, but in how it is honoured. The island’s conservation partnerships extend beyond the reef, supporting marine research, sea turtle protection, and education within local coastal communities.

Across these coastal retreats, Jumeirah’s connection to the sea is expressed in quiet, deliberate ways. Through hands-on conservation, thoughtful design, and everyday choices, guests are invited to be part of something greater. Whether planting coral, learning from a marine biologist, or simply observing the rhythms of the reef, these experiences offer a deeper awareness of the ocean and our place within it.

Stay with Jumeirah, and join us in protecting the world beneath the waves.