Underwater
Outrigger Resorts and Best Dives Maldives Announce Great Marine Activities for Holidaymakers
Maldives.net.mv – The Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort, which opened on August 1, and Best Dives Maldives, have announced a partnership to provide an innovative and wide range of marine holiday activities, with an emphasis on marine knowledge and conservation. Outrigger chose to partner with Best Dives Maldives due to the company’s commitment to marine life education and conservation, which fits in with Outrigger Resorts’ global coral health and conservation program, OZONE (Outrigger’s zone).
Best Dives Maldives will function as the resort’s full-time activities and tour provider. It will be responsible for conducting an extensive range of island discoveries, cultural excursions, private island trips for couples and a full range of water sports from snorkeling and kayaking to catamaran rides, wind and kite surfing, fishing, seabob trips round the island and a full range of PADI scuba courses.
The marine environment adjacent to the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resorts is second to none.A fully qualified marine biologist, Caterina Fattori from Polytechnic University Ancona in Italy, joined the Best Dives team on Konotta Island on September 6. She will participate in Outrigger guests’ snorkel and scuba dive excursions on request. She will give talks and presentations to groups. Her additional role will be to train all Best Dive Maldives tour leaders on marine ecology so that understanding and conservation is part of every sea-going excursion.
“Konotta Island and the surrounding area in the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll in the south of the country offers the biggest and best hard coral fields in the world,” says Eric van Melis, the General Manager of Best Dives Maldives, who has been conducting marine trips in the Maldives since 2003.
Van Melis says that Outrigger and Best Dives Maldives will work closely on coral conservation and education. For example, guests can earn PADI Project AWARE specialist certification, for which they don’t need to be a diver.
Project AWARE fits in with OZONE and Outrigger’s mission to protect coral reef systems in tropical destinations around the world.
Outrigger’s collaboration with Best Dives Maldives complements its existing OZONE partnerships with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the US, the Polynesian Voyaging Society, the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System, the Waikiki Aquarium in Hawaii, Underwater World in Guam, the Mamanuca Environment Society in Fiji, and Reef Conservation in Mauritius.
“I’m extremely proud that Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort is embarking on a joint venture that will ensure both holiday enjoyment and coral reef knowledge for Outrigger guests,” says Bitsy Kelley, a member of the Outrigger owning family and vice president of corporate communications for Outrigger Enterprises Group. “As a lifelong surfer, swimmer and snorkeler, ocean health is near and dear to my heart.”
Trevor Bowden, Operations Manager for Best Dives Maldives at the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort, says of the local house reef adjacent to the resort: “The marine life around our small island reef is fantastic. We are amazed at the amount of species that we find: white tip and zebra sharks, guitarfish and schools of eagle rays and much more. The corals are in pristine condition and extremely colorful in this part of the archipelago. The house reef has a slight current due to it position within the atoll and is excellent for new diver courses. The water temperature is around 30 Celsius.”
Excursions
OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO hosts Dive Month for female journalists

PADI Women’s Dive Day, observed globally on 19th July, serves as an invitation for more women to engage with the underwater world, gain new skills, and become stewards of the ocean. At OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, this vision was extended into a month-long celebration, welcoming solo travellers, adventurous women, and families to take part.
As part of its inaugural International Women’s Dive Month, the resort hosted seven international female journalists for three days of scuba diving, storytelling, and shared experiences. The initiative was held in collaboration with dive centre TGI Maldives and ELE|NA Ayur Spa, a leader in wellness within the Maldives.
Alain Trefois, General Manager at OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, noted the significance of the occasion, stating that the belief in diving being accessible to all was brought vividly to life. He described the gathering of journalists from London to Almaty as a powerful meeting of East and West, united by encouragement and camaraderie both above and beneath the waves—an atmosphere the resort strives to cultivate.
Set against the backdrop of a vibrant house reef just steps from the shore and world-renowned dive sites nearby, Helengeli provides an ideal environment for both novice and experienced divers. For many of the visiting journalists, it marked their first time experiencing life beneath the surface—and it was only the beginning. Through a thoughtfully curated programme blending scuba diving with ocean-inspired wellness treatments, rejuvenating spa rituals, and insightful marine conservation talks, the resort created an immersive and holistic journey that left a lasting impression.
The heartfelt hospitality, expertise, and dedication of the resort’s operations team played a central role in the experience, ensuring that every element ran seamlessly and with sincere warmth.
Joining the journalists on their dives was Greta Marcelli, Operations Manager at TGI Maldives, who reflected on the joy of witnessing first-time divers. She described diving with such a diverse and pioneering group of women as profoundly inspiring and shared that Women’s Dive Month was introduced not only to celebrate women in diving but to foster connection, confidence, and a sense of community.
The media group, comprised entirely of women, brought together voices from across Europe and Central Asia. Among them were Ms. Dorothee Elisabeth Pfaffel of Augsburger Allgemeine and Allgäuer Zeitung (Germany), Ms. Camilla Rocca of Forbes and StyleCorriere (Italy), Ms. Irina Buchnaya of STEPPE (Kazakhstan), Ms. Míra Németi of Marie Claire (Hungary), Ms. Ivana Bednářová of Prestige Magazine (Czech Republic), Ms. Tamara Rybicka of Zwierciadlo (Poland), and UK-based freelance journalist Ms. Monica Daisy Meade. Their varied backgrounds in luxury, lifestyle, travel, and culture journalism brought a rich and global perspective to the occasion.
As the final dives came to a close, it was clear that the gathering had evolved beyond a press trip. It became a movement, a meaningful moment, and a memory in motion—one that each journalist will carry forward, with salt in their hair, stories in their hearts, and a lasting connection to the sea.
Excursions
Baros Maldives hosts special events in honour of PADI Women’s Dive Day

Baros Maldives participated in the global celebration of PADI Women’s Dive Day 2025, commemorating the occasion with a week of thoughtfully curated experiences that honoured the strength, curiosity, and connection shared among women divers. Held from 15th to 19th July, the initiative was designed to inspire confidence and camaraderie beneath the waves.
In the days leading up to the main event, female guests were treated to a 25% discount on their first or single dive. This included refresher and orientation dives along the renowned Baros House Reef, as well as Discover Scuba Diving sessions for those embarking on their first underwater adventure. These exclusive offers created an inviting and supportive environment, encouraging women of all experience levels to engage with Baros’ vibrant marine life.
The week culminated on 19th July with a complimentary dive led by the resort’s female dive instructors. Open to all certified women divers and those who had completed a Discover Scuba Diving experience during the week, the event brought together a spirited group of ocean enthusiasts for a memorable morning beneath the surface. The dive was marked by commemorative underwater photographs taken beside the official PADI Women’s Dive Day banner.
Ambra Dugaria, Dive Base Leader at Divers Baros Maldives, shared her reflections on the occasion: “At Baros, diving is about connection — to nature, to oneself, and to each other. PADI Women’s Dive Day is a powerful reminder that the ocean belongs to everyone. We are proud to provide a space where women feel empowered, celebrated, and free to explore.”
Led by Divers Baros Maldives, the initiative underscores the resort’s continued commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and community within the diving world. As a PADI Five Star Gold Palm Dive Centre, Baros remains dedicated to delivering safe, immersive, and inspiring underwater experiences for divers of all levels.
Excursions
Rannamaari Dive Fest 2025 returns to Dhawa Ihuru

On 24th July, Dhawa Ihuru will welcome ocean enthusiasts, divers, and cultural travellers to its annual Rannamaari Dive Fest, commemorating 26 years since the Rannamaari Shipwreck became a part of the island’s renowned house reef.
Located just 25 minutes from Velana International Airport by complimentary speedboat, Dhawa Ihuru offers a bold yet relaxed island escape, encircled by one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house reefs. Recognised as one of the Best House Reefs in the Maldives by the Travel + Leisure Asia Luxury Awards 2025 and certified as a PADI 5-Star Dive Resort, the property blends all-inclusive comfort, contemporary design, and genuine hospitality—making it an ideal destination for divers and reef lovers alike.
Situated on the edge of the house reef, the Rannamaari Shipwreck is a sunken dredger that has evolved into a thriving artificial reef since 1999. Now home to nurse sharks, batfish, coral, and a wealth of marine life, it stands as both a celebrated dive site and a symbol of reef restoration.
As part of this year’s festivities, guests will be invited to dive the Rannamaari wreck on guided explorations led by Dhawa Ihuru’s PADI Dive Instructors. The full-day celebration will also include marine conservation talks, Save the Reef educational snorkelling sessions, cultural and wellness workshops inspired by the island, culinary activities, dedicated children’s corners, and a beachfront sunset cocktail gathering.
According to Elias Pertoft, General Manager of Dhawa Ihuru and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, “Rannamaari Dive Fest 2025 is more than a celebration. For over two decades, our team has nurtured the reef, welcomed divers and ocean lovers from around the world, and shared the magic of this shipwreck and its transformation. As a PADI 5-Star Dive Resort, we take great pride in creating immersive experiences that are not only exciting but also educational and regenerative. We look forward to welcoming our guests—whether first-time divers or long-time ocean lovers—to be part of this continuing journey.”
Dhawa Ihuru has long held a reputation as an environmentally conscious resort, and was one of the first in the Maldives to implement electric reef methods. Its pioneering Barnacle Project—launched in November 1996—is a structure modelled on a barnacle shell, measuring approximately four metres in height and six metres in width, located at a depth of six metres. It has become an enduring symbol of the resort’s commitment to reef restoration.
Following the Barnacle Project, the resort introduced the Necklace electric reef in 1998, and the Lotus reef at its sister property Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru in 2001. Located just five minutes away by speedboat, both resorts have since expanded their coral regeneration efforts to include techniques such as micro-fragmentation, mid-water nurseries, and coral rope nurseries.
During the Rannamaari Dive Fest, guests will have the opportunity to join the Save the Reef snorkelling activity and witness ongoing marine conservation projects. Guided by resident marine biologists from the Banyan Tree Marine Laboratory, snorkellers can expect to encounter a vibrant array of marine species including blacktip reef sharks, stingrays, turtles, parrotfish, and many others.
From 24th to 31st July 2025, visitors can take advantage of exclusive Dive Centre and Water Sports offers, with up to 30% off selected experiences. Beginner divers will be able to participate in Discover Scuba Diving sessions, while certified divers can opt for 5- or 10-dive packages—each beginning with a guided exploration of the Rannamaari Shipwreck.
For those seeking year-round flexibility, the Dive More, Pay Less package offers bundled PADI dive sessions and continuing education courses, providing guests with the opportunity to explore the ocean at their own pace.
Whether embarking on their first dive or returning for another chapter in their underwater journey, Rannamaari Dive Fest 2025 offers a meaningful and memorable way to connect with the ocean, Maldivian culture, and a legacy of marine regeneration.
-
Featured1 week ago
Renowned holistic practitioner Ranjith Saj brings healing expertise to NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort
-
Family1 week ago
Island living redefined: Le Méridien Maldives offers enriching family retreat
-
Featured1 week ago
Mar-Umi at Kuda Villingili secures spot among world’s top wine restaurants
-
Drink1 week ago
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef’s Nautilus Bar returns: An icon reimagined
-
Cooking1 week ago
Sustainability in bloom at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives’ newly transformed Spice Garden
-
Featured1 week ago
Milaidhoo Maldives celebrated for culturally immersive stays by Wanderlust
-
Cooking6 days ago
The St. Regis Maldives announces exciting culinary journey with renowned Chef Jolly
-
Featured1 week ago
World Travel Awards honours Kurumba Maldives for family excellence