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Let’s go katteylhi fishing in Fuvahmulah

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By Maldives Holiday Homes. If you are looking for budget, island-style accommodations, and want to also experience life in the island communities, MaldivesHolidayHomes.com is the ideal site for you.

If you are tired of catching snappers, trevallies, and groupers in most of the fishing trips, then pack up your bags and choose Fuvahmulah as your next game fishing destination. Located just south of the equator Fuvahmulah is home to Katteylhi (Promethean Escolar)  – a unique large-toothed deep-sea fish — only caught in this island of 11,000 people.
About a 50-minute flight from the capital Male, the 5-square km Fuvahmulah itself is a unique island. Fuvahmulah, loosely translated, means “island of Areca nut” and any visitor would notice the tall areca palms in the island. Areca nuts, dried, roasted and fresh, are chewed with betel leaves. Its popularity among some people may be attributed to the stimulating effect of consuming betel and areca nut.
Back to the outdoor adventure – game fishing — that is more stimulating. Katteylhi fishing, popular among locals, enjoyed by the experienced fishermen as well as the novice, would also give an adrenalin rush of a different kind.
It was a year ago in February that I visited the island, having heard of the many stories about the deep-sea creature.  The fishing trips start from the harbor located on the southern tip of the island, close to the airport. Every day at about 5pm small boats, (locally known as bokkora), fitted with outboard motors, can bee seen leaving the inner harbor for katteylhi fishing.
I have always wanted to catch katteylhi and it was a perfect day for a trip to the sea. It was a sunny day and the weather forecast talked of smooth sea, low southeast winds and a 30-degree C temperature. But it didn’t feel that hot. Thanks to the mild sea breeze.
I was there in the harbor by 5pm looking for the bokkora and its crew with whom I had talked earlier and arranged for the trip.  It took a while for me to locate the boat and its crew of three. I knew one of them, Ibirehim Futhu, who was sitting on the bow of the vessel having his betel and areca nut – a single betel leaf, five large slices of raw areca nut and a piece of dried tobacco leaf. That was a fairly large serving and I could see the visible effects; sweats dripping from his forehead. The stimulant must give a good response.
The seemingly hyperactive Ibirehim Futhu loaded the fishing lines, reels, hooks, and sinkers to the vessel and we were ready to go. I was seated on the stern side and as we headed out there were few bokkoras ahead of us travelling for the same katteylhi fishing ground located west of the island.
Gone were the days when you have to use oars (called faali in the local dialect) to paddle the boat to the open sea. Nowadays the bokkoras are fitted with small outboard engines. Within 15 minutes of starting the engine we were out in the open sea, travelling over the Kedemoole faro (a shallow reef extending south from the southernmost tip of the island). There were four of us, the maximum for a small bokkora like ours, in this fishing trip.
By the time we reached the Katteylhi fishing spot we have caught enough baitfish. We can see clearly the big surf breaking on the island reef. We were about a kilometer off the reef.
It was about 15 minutes before sunset. With the clear skies, few cumulus clouds in the distant horizon, the sun was creating its magical effects casting rays in the twilight. The brightness of the day was receding slowly to darkness and it was time to cast the lines.
All of us, except Ibirehim Futhu, took the fishing lines, put bait, attached the sinkers and cast the line, sending them deep into the ocean.
As the bokkora has to be kept moving with the current Ibirehim Futhu was tasked to keep it stable. So he picked the oars and slowly paddled. Every now and then the bokkora captain Allidhi would say “elei” to which Ibirehim Futhu paddles the oars a little bit faster.
Few minutes before the sunset came the big bite. Allidhi hooked a fish. With a sudden jerk he swiftly started to pull the line. In about six minutes he brought the katteylhi, from depth of about 200 meters, to the surface.  The excitement and euphoria started as everyone began pulling up the elusive fish. Few minutes into the frenzy it was my turn. There was a sudden and powerful grab on the line, and in the knack of time I gave a quick pull to hook my first katteylhi. It took a while for me to bring to the surface the fish. It was fairly aggressive, and strong.
First catch of the day.
By 7pm, we have caught 15 katteylhi, sufficient for the day, and it was time to head home.
Soon we were ashore with the catch. Within few minutes the katteylhi fish were sold out. The larger ones, about two to three feet long, earned MVR 80 (about 6 US dollars). Some days when fishing was poor a large katteylhi could fetch MVR 200.
I took one and headed home to enjoy my katteylhi, local style – katteylhi boiled in water with a dash of salt, curry leaves, onion, garlic, chilies and pandan leaves. Eating it the fish with cooked taro, grated coconut, lime, and habanero. That was the most exciting fishing trip and uniquely Fuvahmulah cuisine I had.
How to make Katteylhi garudhiya (Katteylhi clear soup)
Catching a katteylhi, that is so enigmatic and unknown to most Maldivians is rewarding. And cooking a fresh katteylhi is exceptionally heartwarming. This is a very simple recipe for making Katteylhi garudhiya Fuvahmulah style.
Ingredients
1 large katteylhi (chopped into steaks, not filleted)
1 large onion (chopped)
2 stalks of lemon grass
Curry leaves
Pandan leaf (chopped)
2 chilies
Salt to taste
Coriander leaves (to garnish)
You would also need to have the following to go with boiled/ steamed taro
Lime
Grated coconut
Chilies
Direction
Add 5 cups of water and all the ingredients except the fish to a large pot. As the water begins to boil put the katteylhi steaks. Bring water to boil and leave for about 5 minutes. Garnish with coriander. Now you are ready to enjoy a popular local cuisine. Eat katteylhi with boiled taro.

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From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives

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Bandos Maldives recently marked a significant milestone with two of its most loyal guests, Kate and Andy, who have shared a long-standing connection with the island.

Andy achieved an impressive feat by completing his 900th dive, all undertaken with Dive Bandos. His wife, Kate, surpassed this accomplishment by reaching her 1000th dive, with over 900 of those dives also completed alongside the Bandos team.

The Dive Bandos team joined the couple in celebrating this memorable occasion, recognising not only their dedication to diving but also the enduring bond they have formed with the resort over the years.

Kate and Andy’s relationship with Bandos extends far beyond statistics. Having first visited the island in 2006, they have returned every year since, making Bandos an integral part of their lives. In 2014, the couple even chose to exchange their wedding vows underwater at the resort — a unique moment that forever linked their love story with Bandos.

“Celebrating guests like Kate and Andy reminds us of what Bandos truly represents,” said Ismail Rasheed, General Manager of Bandos Maldives.

For Bandos Maldives, moments such as these exemplify why guests continue to choose the island for both adventure and a sense of belonging. With stories like Kate and Andy’s, Bandos stands not merely as a dive destination, but as a home — both beneath and above the waves.

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Dive into inspiration: Alessia Zecchini at Sun Siyam Olhuveli

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Sun Diving will host a special ocean experience with world champion freediver Alessia Zecchini on 13 October 2025. The event is scheduled to take place at Sunrise Beach, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, offering guests the opportunity to meet the athlete widely recognised as ‘The Deepest Woman in the World.’

Born in Rome in 1992, Zecchini began freediving at the age of 13 and went on to set multiple world and European records. She was the first woman to reach a depth of 100 metres in free immersion and has since achieved 123 metres in constant weight with monofin. Her career has been celebrated internationally, including in the film Vertical Breath and the Netflix documentary The Deepest Breath. She continues to advance the sport while promoting awareness of ocean conservation.

The event at Olhuveli will feature an informative talk where Zecchini will reflect on her freediving journey, achievements, and the importance of protecting the marine environment. Guests will also have the chance to take part in a Q&A session with her and the Sun Diving team. In addition, Sun Diving will organise an interactive beach activity where participants can try scuba and snorkel gear in shallow waters under the guidance of instructors. Guests will also be able to capture photographs, collect autographs, and learn more about diving at the dedicated booth, which will highlight special offers from Sun Diving.

“Welcoming Alessia Zecchini is an honour for us and an inspiration for our guests,” said Ahmed Nihaan, Dive Centre Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Her achievements beneath the waves embody both human potential and the importance of protecting our oceans.”

Sun Diving, the official diving division of Sun Siyam Group, provides SSI-certified courses, snorkelling, freediving, and specialty programmes across its Maldives properties. As a subsidiary, it enhances guest experiences with curated dive packages, illustrated dive maps, lifeguard training, and eco-focused initiatives, positioning Sun Siyam as a leader in sustainable marine-based activities.

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Finolhu showcases Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer

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Dive Butler International, in collaboration with Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, is highlighting the achievements of Mara Restelli, recognised as the Maldives’ only certified PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer.

With this rare qualification, Restelli offers a series of exclusive experiences designed to introduce guests of all ages to the art of mermaiding. The programmes range from playful introductory sessions to advanced courses and professional-level Instructor Development Courses (IDC).

“Mermaiding is more than a trend — it is a joyful way to connect with the water, express creativity, and feel empowered,” Restelli explained. “I enjoy watching guests discover confidence, freedom, and a sense of fun in the ocean. It is as much about transformation as it is about adventure.”

As part of Finolhu’s extensive marine offerings, the PADI Mermaid programmes provide an engaging complement to the resort’s diving and snorkelling activities. Participants may learn to glide gracefully underwater in a mermaid tail, capture striking images during professional photo sessions, or pursue advanced training that strengthens skills and deepens their connection with the ocean.

By hosting the Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Development Course, Finolhu reinforces its reputation as a pioneering destination for distinctive and life-enriching marine experiences.

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