In the tranquil waters around Komandoo Island Resort & Spa in the Maldives, an amazing event recently occurred that captivated the hearts of guests and locals alike: a baby humpback whale measuring 8-10 metres in length graced the reef with its majestic presence, sparking excitement and awe among those lucky enough to witness the incredible sight.
This fascinating encounter began when the baby whale was first spotted near Commando Water Villas at 9am on April 10. Anna, a diving instructor with Commando Professional Divers, was one of the first to respond to the unexpected visit. “I saw a large baby humpback whale sleeping at a depth of 7-8 metres, took some videos as evidence and returned to shore as quickly as possible to share this incredible sight with others,” Anna said, recalling the first moments of this once-in-a-lifetime event.
News spread quickly across the island, with guests on the pool deck and at nearby properties such as Kuredu, Hurawalhi and Kudadoo joining in the excitement. “It was so much fun for everyone – everyone was star-struck and some, including me, were in tears,” recalled Anna, highlighting the emotion of witnessing such a rare phenomenon up close. Kuredu ProDivers Dive Centre Manager Tina recounted the excitement of unexpectedly coming face to face with the whale whilst diving, saying: “We surfaced from an aquarium dive and the captain shouted out that there was a humpback whale at Commando house reef. We couldn’t believe it!”
Efforts were immediately made to safeguard the young whale’s wellbeing. Navaz, who was Commando’s general manager at the time, arranged for a speedboat to be deployed to monitor the whale’s movements, ensuring that guests and staff could observe from an appropriate distance. “Everyone was very polite in the water. It wasn’t just our guests who were there – even Ahmed, the captain of Aisha’s boat, jumped in and snorkelled with the whale,” Anna added, highlighting the community spirit surrounding this natural wonder.
The whale’s journey continued to fascinate people, with sightings near Komandoo’s front jetty, and then off the house reefs of Hinnabalu and Kudadoo. Marlene from the ProDivers Office team recounted her unforgettable experience: “I still get goosebumps when I think back on my time with the whales. Seeing the humpback whales was pure joy.”
Marine biologists were consulted to assess the whale’s condition and behavior, who confirmed that it was healthy and uninjured. “The information we received is that calves can sometimes get lost, and when this happens, they take refuge in shallow waters and wait to be reunited with their families,” Anna explained, providing insight into the whale’s behavior and reassuring observers of the whale’s health.
For those who love wildlife encounters and the magic of the sea, this animal’s visit to Komandoo left an indelible mark. As the young humpback whale continues its journey, the memory of this special encounter will remain as a testament to the wonders that await in the pristine waters of the Maldives. Whether from the shores of Komandoo or nearby islands, guests and locals alike marveled at the beauty of nature and reminded us all of the importance of protecting and cherishing our marine ecosystems.
For travellers seeking an unforgettable experience in a breathtaking natural setting, Komandoo Island and its surrounding islands continue to offer a glimpse of truly unparalleled marine wonders.
