Underwater
Coco Bodu Hithi welcomes the Olive Ridley Project for a Sea Turtle Discovery

Maldives.net.mv – Coco Collection has welcomed Dr. Jillian Amy Hudgins, the Project Scientist of the Olive Ridley Project, to the luxurious beaches of Coco Bodu Hithi. Joined by the resort’s resident Marine Biologist Chiara Fumagalli, Dr. Hudgins will spend 2 days on the island engaging guests and associates in interactive and informative presentations while learning more about the sea turtles around the rich waters of Coco Bodu Hithi.
“In 2011, I arrived in Maldives where my journey began with an independent Marine consultancy company. While working on coral reef restorations and sea turtle rehabilitation, I was also in charge of the Maldives Sea Turtle Identification Program. I’m very excited to meet the guests and associates at Coco Bodu Hithi soon and tell them more about our important work at the Olive Ridley Project to protect these wonderful marine creatures”, comments Dr. Jillian Hudgins, Ph.D. in Planetary and Earth Sciences, Divemaster and Scientific Diver.
Established in 2013, the Olive Ridley Project aims to educate the community about the detrimental effects of ghost nets that have been abandoned or lost in the ocean, continuing to entangle vulnerable marine animals. Actively fighting ghost nets in the Indian Ocean, the Olive Ridley Project relies on the involvement of dedicated individuals and Coco Collection is proud to collaborate with the project to rescue affected animals and collect data to contribute to the research for sustainable fishing techniques.
“This is an exciting opportunity for guests to discover our contribution towards the conservation of endangered sea turtles in Maldives!”, comments Chiara Fumagalli, Coco Collection’s resident Marine Biologist who initiated the Sea Turtle and Manta Ray Identification Programs at Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu. “It is also a once in a lifetime opportunity to join an underwater excursion to meet our resident sea turtles alongside Jill, a seasoned Scientific Diver who has vast knowledge of the marine life in the Indian Ocean.”
Coco Collection is proud to host this initiative at Coco Bodu Hithi and looks forward to Dr. Hudgin’s visit to Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, for further collaborations to protect the endangered marine species in Maldives.
Excursions
From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives

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.
Action
Dive into inspiration: Alessia Zecchini at Sun Siyam Olhuveli

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.
Featured
Finolhu showcases Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer

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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