Sunday and Monday, March 10 and 11. Fly over the Indian Ocean to the island
paradise of the Maldives. Meet pioneering oceanographer and Explorer-in-
Residence Sylvia Earle, founder of Mission Blue, a global marine conservation
initiative aimed at restoring health and productivity to the oceans. Discuss
with Sylvia the unique ecosystem of the Maldives’ coral islands and her work
in identifying Hope Spots—vibrant places that are critical to the health of the
ocean and merit special protection. Then head into the water with Sylvia to go
swimming and snorkeling in turquoise lagoons teeming with hundreds of fish
species. With luck, see a manta ray breach the water’s surface and launch into the
air—an awe-inspiring sight. Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa
