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Incredible excursions at The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Maldives
Maldives.net.mv – The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is the perfect gateway to experience the natural splendour and explore the beauty and cultural enchantment the Noonu Atoll and the Maldives has to offer. The incredible range of excursions on offer at the property allows you to venture on a journey of discovery. Stop the clock and be immersed in authentic Maldivian culture, discover new worlds on an underwater safari or simply relax and enjoy the panorama on a truly spectacular sunset cruise.
Nature Walks
Explore the Noonu Atoll on your own time or join one of the island’s nature experts for a FREE guided walk through 52 acres of island landscape, where you will be introduced to the stunning local habitats and experience rare indigenous plants and wildlife. With a map to guide you and detailed information provided along the way, learn about the incredible variety of foliage and plant life that has supported life in the Maldives for generations.
Velidhoo & Holhudhoo Island Experiences
The resort’s GIVE philosophy (Get Involved, Visionary Experiences) enables guests to explore the local community and experience its intrinsic relationship to the resort: from visiting a local fruit farm to hearing first-hand the origins of a local village grandmother’s recipe used in the restaurants’ kitchens. Use your time on the island to broaden your horizons and experience the local Maldivian culture. Observe and interact with the local community on a Velidhoo or Holhudhoo island experience and discover more of the Maldives. Try visiting a local fishing village to experience the authentic laid back way of Maldivian community life. This experience is available from $85 per person*.
Snorkelling Safaris
Experience a safari with a difference. Submerge yourself into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and revel in the beauty of the Maldivian underwater world. Observe nature and swim with rare and exotic sea life on this underwater adventure. Take advantage of the crystal clear waters to observe the marine life, frolic with the turtles and rays and experience the Maldives from under the waves. Available at varying times throughout the day or enjoy a magical sunrise excursion, all from $85 per person.
Diving Excursions
Diving at The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives is a wonderful experience for all levels, beginners, children and experienced divers alike. The PADI Golden Palm 5 star facility offers immediate access to the pristine turquoise lagoons and plentiful reefs surrounding the island. Take this opportunity to savour an incredible abundance of sea life and corals in this serene underwater paradise, with only the sound of your steady breathing and the kaleidoscope of marine life for company. Prices from $58 per dive (not including equipment hire).
Lucky Dolphin Sunset Cruise & Champagne Cruise
Enjoy the most magical time of the day on a Lucky Dolphin Sunset Cruise. Observe wild dolphins dance and play in in their natural habitat, whilst admiring the breath-taking sunset as it dips below the Indian Ocean. Cruise in the evening sun around the islands to enjoy the beautiful scenery and the opportunity to relax in the company of these wonderful creatures. The natural splendour of the Maldives at dusk, creates the perfect start to an incredible evening. This cruise is available from $98 per person.
Take the luxury to another level and sail into the sunset on one of the stunning traditional Dhoni boats. Be enchanted and take in the magic of the Maldives with your loved one, whilst sipping the finest Champagne and indulging in delicious canapés. Offering unique views from the water, the perfect way to relax and unwind after a long day in paradise. Champagne cruises start from $156 per person.
Fishing Experiences
The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has an out of this world fishing experience to suit everyone, from sunset fishing to night fishing there is something for everyone. Relax on the ocean waves, a great time for contemplation and reflection as well as sampling the best local fishing spots as selected by one of the experts. Sunset Fishing or Night Fishing cost £58/$98 per person (minimum group of 12 people).
For the hunters of the ocean who want to reel in a whopper, try big game fishing. Take a powerful fishing boat out to sea and try your hand at catching some of the Indian Ocean’s finest fish. Strap yourself into the fighting chair and reel in some deep sea Sail Fish, Wahoo or Yellow Fin Tuna. If you decide to keep your catch, then the chefs can prepare a special lunch for you. It tastes even better when you have reeled it in! From $1430 per trip for a half day big game fishing (4 person package–for each additional person $130).
Reethi Faru Kayak Adventures
Take to the seas and explore the beautiful Indian Oceans in a jaw dropping glass bottomed kayak made for 2 (or one!). Go on a kayaking adventure and take in the crystal clear waters, marine life and islands in your own time. Paddle the serene waters of Maldives and experience a new level of beauty and tranquillity. Jump in for only $52 for a single kayak and $78 for a double kayak.
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Go behind scenes at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives with new immersive tour

At Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, the allure of turquoise waters and golden sunsets is only part of the journey. As part of its Week in Paradise initiative, they have introduced a rare and eye-opening experience that takes guests behind the scenes—offering a deeper appreciation for what it truly takes to keep island life thriving.
Titled the Explore Our Resort Tour, this guided walkthrough is designed to go beyond the beach, spotlighting the systems, spaces, and people that quietly power of its island. It’s an invitation to witness the inner workings of paradise, where sustainability, efficiency, and teamwork come together in perfect harmony.

The tour begins at their Eco Park, where guests learn about our waste management operations—specifically the incinerator and digestor systems that play a critical role in reducing the resort’s environmental impact. From there, they visit the sewage treatment plant, where water is processed responsibly to maintain a clean and eco-conscious environment.
A stop at the diesel tanks and generator systems offers insight into the island’s energy supply, revealing how carefully calibrated operations ensure uninterrupted comfort for guests and colleagues alike. The RO (reverse osmosis) plant—another key highlight—demonstrates how seawater is converted into fresh, usable water through advanced desalination technology.

Guests also visit the laundry facilities, where mountains of linen are refreshed daily, and the often unseen administrative offices and associate accommodation units, which form the backbone of daily resort life. It’s a behind-the-curtain view of the dedication and effort that go into creating the effortless luxury that defines the Cinnamon experience.
More than just an operational tour, Explore Our Resort is about storytelling. It’s about giving guests a richer understanding of the care, coordination, and innovation that support each moment of their stay—from the spotless sheets to the lights that twinkle across the lagoon at night.

By launching this initiative, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives invites travellers to connect with the island on a deeper level—not just as guests, but as curious explorers of the world that quietly exists beyond the beach.
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Ocean, culture, community: sustainable celebrations at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru & Dhawa Ihuru

Single-use plastics continue to pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems, with over 11 million metric tonnes entering the oceans each year. Since the Banyan Group began its efforts to eliminate single-use plastics in 2018, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru have led the way within the group—achieving a 75% reduction in plastic use, the highest rate across all properties.
This July, guests are invited to participate in a series of sustainability-focused activities designed to create meaningful impact:
- 12 July: A community clean-up in Malé City in collaboration with CLEAN Maldives, bringing together locals, guests, and team members to reduce marine waste in urban environments.
- 19 & 26 July: Marine litter snorkelling clean-ups around the house reef, removing plastic debris while protecting marine life and habitats.
- 29 July: A recycled arts and crafts workshop at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru in partnership with Feyran Craft House, transforming collected plastic into handcrafted artworks.
These efforts support the Banyan Group’s ‘Brand for Good’ sustainability targets, which include the complete elimination of guest-facing single-use plastics by 2025 and full elimination across operations by 2030.
Taking place at Dhawa Ihuru—recognised for having one of the best house reefs in the Maldives (Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2025)—the Rannamaari Dive Fest invites divers and marine enthusiasts to explore the famed Rannamaari Shipwreck, located just metres from the shoreline.
This immersive day features:
- Guided dives to the shipwreck
- Underwater treasure hunts
- Marine conservation talks
- Cultural experiences including local arts and crafts, Maldivian cooking classes, and spa rituals
The event pays tribute to the vibrant marine ecosystem that defines Dhawa Ihuru as a premier dive destination.
Observed on 26 July, Maldivian Independence Day commemorates the country’s emergence as a sovereign island nation. In celebration of this historic occasion, both Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru have curated three days of experiences rooted in national pride, community, and tradition.
- 26 July: Guests may participate in a symbolic swim across the channel connecting the two islands, representing unity and freedom. The day continues with a Maldivian Culture Talk exploring traditions, language, and the significance of Independence Day, followed by a traditional Bodu Beru performance and beach bonfire under the stars.
- 26–28 July: Three days of beachside “Fun Olympic Games” celebrate island spirit through friendly competition and laughter.
- 25–31 July: Special dive and water sports promotions of up to 30% will be available. Offers include signature experiences such as diving the Rannamaari Shipwreck and snorkelling excursions with nurse sharks and stingrays.
The July programming forms part of the lead-up to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s official 30th anniversary in September 2025. Each initiative reflects the resort’s founding philosophy: Embracing the Environment, Empowering People. Guests are invited to reconnect with nature, engage with Maldivian culture, and experience the true spirit of the Original Maldives.
Excursions
COMO Maalifushi and Cocoa Island join global tribute to women divers on 10th PADI Dive Day

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of PADI Women’s Dive Day, COMO Maalifushi and COMO Cocoa Island will host dedicated dive experiences in tribute to the passion, resilience, and adventurous spirit of women divers worldwide. Scheduled for Saturday, 19 July 2025, this global initiative brings together divers in a united effort to increase female participation in scuba diving, while also promoting marine conservation and inclusivity beneath the waves.
On this date, both COMO properties in the Maldives will organise specially guided dives exclusively for certified female guests. These experiences offer participants the chance to explore the region’s thriving marine ecosystems and connect with a broader movement that champions gender inclusivity and environmental stewardship in the diving community.
Situated in the unspoilt waters of the Maldives, COMO Maalifushi provides access to a range of renowned dive sites, including coral gardens and manta ray cleaning stations. These underwater landscapes are ideal for divers seeking meaningful interactions with marine life in a setting of natural splendour.
Peter Nilsson, Managing Director of COMO Hotels and Resorts in the Maldives, commented, “At COMO, we are committed to empowering women not only on land but also beneath the surface of the ocean. PADI Women’s Dive Day gives us a platform to honour values such as inclusivity, passion, and marine conservation — all of which resonate strongly with our brand ethos. We are proud to create experiences that allow our guests to forge lasting connections with the natural world in transformative and memorable ways.”
At COMO Cocoa Island, participants can expect similarly enriching experiences, with access to gentle reef slopes, crystal-clear lagoons, and a diversity of marine life. Supported by expert marine guides, the dives are designed to be both empowering and educational, fostering a deeper appreciation of the ocean’s delicate balance.
First launched in 2015, PADI Women’s Dive Day has grown into the world’s largest celebration of women in diving. This year, both COMO resorts aim to inspire a new wave of female divers while reinforcing the importance of sustainability and unity beneath the surface.
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