6 months under the sea with Phebe

St. Regis Vommuli

Marine Biology Internship Maldives [Phebe]

Hi everyone, I’m Phebe the marine biology intern at Reefscapers St Regis. As I near the end of my 6-months here in Vommuli, I want to reflect on this incredible opportunity and the lessons it has taught me. After graduating with my integrated masters (MSci) in Marine Biology from the University of Exeter (UK) and gaining my divemaster qualification last summer, I was thrilled to be offered the opportunity to become one of the very first interns here as St Regis.

Reefscapers had been on my radar since the beginning of my degree, and I had applied for this internship multiple times, often knowing I didn’t yet meet all the criteria. After graduating and completing my divemaster, I decided to take a chance and sent a cold email with my CV and cover letter. Just a week later, I was invited to interview. It felt like perfect timing, and a reminder that sometimes putting yourself forward is all it takes.

Having previously worked on a sea turtle nesting project in Northern Cyprus and coral restoration in Bali, I was already familiar with fieldwork. However, stepping into a luxury resort environment was completely new to me. I was excited by the opportunity to engage with guests, but also incredibly nervous. Having never visited the Maldives before, I had no idea what to expect (and I even managed to leave my phone on the plane on arrival, which didn’t help my nerves!)

Reef restoration at St Regis Maldives by Reefscapers

From the moment I stepped out of the seaplane at St. Regis Vommuli, and saw Hazel waiting to greet me, I knew I had made the right decision. I had never seen reefs so biodiverse, or marine life so inquisitive. Very quickly, I felt completely immersed in this environment – especially developing a soft spot for octopus (sorry turtles), who, after six months, now often follow me around during maintenance dives.

Being a part of the newest Reefscapers-resort partnerships, in a small all-female team has opened so many opportunities to learn and grow. My tasks include daily coral frame maintenance and monitoring, environmental awareness sessions, dolphin cruise data collection and so much more! By far my favourite activity is building new frames with our guests as part of our ‘Adopt a Coral’ program. One of the most rewarding aspects of this experience has been seeing guests develop a genuine connection to the reef. Moments where curiosity turns into appreciation, and even responsibility, have reinforced how important it is to share these environments with others.

I have been lucky enough to be based at the St Regis during some special events such as a major resort relaunch event and the festive season, and more recently Eid and Easter! Some highlights from these events include building our very own coral Christmas tree frame with guests and an art competition in collaboration with Maaenboodhoo School, themed on the ocean and its importance (a personal favourite experience).

Of course, this experience has also come with its challenges. One of the biggest has been overcoming imposter syndrome and learning to trust in my own abilities. As someone more experienced in scuba diving, it took some time to adapt to freediving and to build my confidence in a new environment. However, living and working in the ocean every day pushes you to improve quickly.

The work itself can be physically demanding, with long hours in the water and the need to stay focused and consistent in all conditions. Some days are spent almost entirely in the ocean, but it is in these moments that you really learn persistence and determination. Watching the frames we maintain grow and fluorish over time has been incredibly rewarding and a constant reminder of the impact of our work.

Over the past six months, I have developed not only in my technical skills, but also my confidence, independence, and communication. From leading guest interactions to sharing my passion through environmental sessions, I feel like a completely different person to the one who first arrived – and I am incredibly proud of that. As I reflect on my time here, I feel incredibly grateful for this opportunity and everything it has taught me. While I am sad to be leaving the Maldives (for now), I do so with a newfound respect for its marine life and an even stronger passion to protect it.

Internships like this are invaluable for early career professionals, offering real insights into what working in the field truly involves. So, as I reflect on my time so far, I’d like to offer some advice to anyone wondering if this internship is for them… it absolutely is!!!

From working in crystal clear Maldivian waters, to sailing around on a sunset dolphin cruise, take absolutely every opportunity that comes your way and most of all enjoy every second!!

Thanks for everything, Reefscapers!

From Pheebs🙂
📷 @phebeinblue._

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