Meet Judy Wambui: Discover the Marine World of Constance Moofushi
Just beyond the shores of Constance Moofushi, another world begins.
Beneath the clear waters of the South Ari Atoll, coral gardens shelter colourful reef fish, hawksbill turtles glide between the corals, and reef sharks, manta rays and, in season, whale sharks move through the surrounding waters.
For Judy Wambui, the new Marine Biologist at Constance Moofushi, this extraordinary underwater world is both a source of fascination and a responsibility.
A marine conservationist and nature lover, Judy has spent years exploring marine ecosystems across Kenya, Seychelles and the Maldives. Today, she brings her experience and passion to Moofushi, helping guests discover the richness of the ocean while supporting the conservation of its fragile ecosystems.
A passion born by the sea
Judy's journey into marine conservation began in Kenya, where she studied Marine Resource Management. It was during her university internships, however, that her interest truly came alive.
On Wasini Island, off Kenya's South Coast, she worked alongside a local women's conservation group involved in mangrove restoration. She discovered how closely marine ecosystems, local communities and conservation are connected, while also being introduced to the underwater world through diving.
“I got to see the different aspects of it – mangroves, seaweed, coral reefs, education and the role communities play in conservation. I loved it then and decided to pursue that as a career.”
Her work subsequently took her into coral restoration, scientific diving and marine research projects in Kenya and Seychelles, before bringing her to the Maldives.
Here at Constance Moofushi, she has found a new environment to explore and protect.
South Ari Atoll - An extraordinary underwater world
The house reef of Constance Moofushi offers an intimate window into the marine life of the Maldives.
During a swim or snorkelling experience, guests may encounter hawksbill turtles resting or feeding among the corals, graceful reef sharks moving through the blue, or colourful schools of tropical fish.
There is even a little “Nemo garden”, where anemonefish make their homes among the anemones.
Look a little further and the reef reveals even more: Napoleon wrasse, parrotfish, sweetlips, jacks and a fascinating variety of smaller reef inhabitants.
For Judy, it is precisely this diversity that makes the area so special.
“You get to see sharks, mantas and big to small fish in one area.”
But discovering the reef is not only about spotting its most impressive inhabitants. It is about understanding the delicate ecosystem that allows all of them to thrive.
Helping the reef around Constance Moofushi flourish
Coral reef restoration is one of Judy's greatest passions, and an important part of her work at Constance Moofushi.
The team is developing coral nurseries and restoring selected coral fragments onto structures such as Reef Stars. Broken fragments found around the reef can also be carefully returned to suitable areas, giving them another opportunity to grow.
The objective is simple: to support a healthier, more resilient house reef where coral, fish and other marine life can flourish together.
For Judy, conservation is ultimately about looking at the bigger picture.
“A thriving coral reef has so many benefits to the ecosystem, and guests get to enjoy a thriving, healthy reef with plenty of fish, corals and marine life.”
Her work also extends beyond coral. Through underwater identification and data collection, she hopes to contribute to a better understanding of marine animals such as manta rays, turtles and whale sharks.
And sometimes, the best part of the work is simply being there to witness them.
Encounters to remember
Ask Judy about the marine encounter she would love every guest to experience, and her answer is immediate: a whale shark.
“There is something intimidating and amazing about being close to a 10-metre whale shark while snorkelling.”
It is moments like these that remind us just how extraordinary the ocean can be.
Yet Judy hopes guests leave Moofushi with more than a memorable encounter. She wants them to look at the ocean differently – to notice the life beneath the surface, understand its importance and feel inspired to protect it.
Discover, learn and take part in Maldives
Marine conservation at Constance Moofushi is not something that happens somewhere far from the guest experience. There are opportunities to become part of it.
Guests can join Judy for marine life and sustainability presentations, where she shares stories about the species found around Moofushi and the conservation work taking place beneath the surface.
When conditions allow, reef clean-ups offer another opportunity to get involved and help remove marine debris from the house reef.
Guests will also soon be able to support coral restoration through Reef Star donations, contributing to the structures used to help coral fragments grow and become part of the reef once again.
It is a chance to experience the Maldives not simply as a destination, but as a living ecosystem.
A little more care for the ocean
Protecting the marine environment can begin with simple gestures.
Respecting marine life, never touching or standing on coral, avoiding feeding wildlife, reducing plastic waste and following local conservation guidelines can all help protect the reef for years to come.
For Judy, every guest can play a part.
“I hope guests discover more about conservation and love the marine world as much as I do – or more.”
And perhaps that is the most meaningful way to experience the ocean at Constance Moofushi: with curiosity, with wonder and with a little more care.
Because beneath the turquoise surface, there is an entire world waiting to be discovered.