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Maldives to introduce private submarine excursions
Maldives is set to witness the launch of private submarine excursions, an innovative new way to have a first-hand experience of the unique underwater beauty of the Indian Ocean island nation.
That feat will be achieved through a partnership between local water sports equipment supplier Ocean Group and US-based underwater flight equipment manufacturer DeepFlight Adventures to launch the DeepFlight Super Falcon 3S submarine in the Maldives.
In a statement issued after announcing the partnership at the recently concluded Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) fair in Singapore, DeepFlight Adventures said the submarine excursions would be launched at a select luxury resort in the Maldives later this year, with its maiden journey taking place in the fourth quarter of the year.
A trained pilot will accompany two guests in the submarine. Through acrylic canopies, guests will be able to get a 360-degree view of the ocean from their individual cockpits, while the submarine is equipped with integrated video-capturing ability in order to enable guests to relive their experiences after the journey.
Adam Wright, Managing Director of DeepFlight Adventures, said his company was delighted to be working with Ocean Group to bring underwater submarine excursions to the Maldives.
“We believe DeepFlight Adventures offers a great opportunity for hotels to differentiate their properties by offering their guests the ability to access the beautiful underwater world right from the resorts,” he said.
Hussain Zahid, Founder and Managing Director of Ocean Group, expressed hope that the new addition would benefit the Maldives’ tourism industry in general.
Designed to enable guests to experience underwater flight and have rare interactions with marine life, the DeepFlight Super Falcon 3S offers unprecedented access to turquoise clear waters, enabling guests to glide alongside the dolphins, cruise beside the turtles and skim over spectacular shipwrecks and vibrant reefs.
DeepFlight Adventures is the latest initiative in Ocean Group’s impressive 19-year track record of innovative launches, serving luxury travellers some of the most unique and adventurous holidays in the world. Through exclusive partnerships with luxury resorts, Ocean Group curates once in a lifetime immersive experiences such as wakeboarding and flyboarding.
Known internationally as one of the world’s best scuba diving destinations, the Maldives has an abundance of dive sites with a unique underwater beauty to explore. The islands of the Maldives have consistently warm waters with outstanding visibility throughout the year, and consist of exhilarating dive sites such as vibrant thilas, exciting channels, coral-filled overhangs and fascinating wrecks.
Despite the breaktaking underwater beauty, underwater exploration in the Maldives is currently limited to scuba diving and snorkelling. A whale submarine operated by a private company also conducts group excursions to a few dive sites in the greater Male region.
Excursions
Discover Raa Atoll: Ifuru Island Maldives adds new dive packages for 2026
Ifuru Island Maldives has introduced a new collection of curated dive packages, inviting guests to explore the exceptional underwater world of the Maldives through programmes designed for beginners, aspiring divers and certified enthusiasts alike.
Located in the pristine waters of Raa Atoll, Ifuru Island Maldives provides access to vibrant house reefs, calm lagoon conditions and several of the region’s most celebrated dive sites, including the renowned Ifuru Thila. The newly launched dive packages are crafted to combine professional training, guided exploration and the convenience of a premium island stay.
The collection begins with an introductory diving experience tailored for first-time divers seeking to discover the underwater world in a safe and relaxed setting. Guests undergo lagoon-based training before progressing to the house reef, offering an ideal entry point into scuba diving with no prior experience required.
For guests ready to advance further, the resort offers a globally recognised scuba certification course. Designed for confident swimmers and snorkellers, the programme includes professional instruction, open water dives and an internationally valid certification, opening access to dive destinations worldwide.
Certified divers can choose a three-day dive escape that highlights the best sites in Raa Atoll. Featuring guided morning dives across renowned locations, the experience showcases the atoll’s rich marine biodiversity, striking reef structures and clear waters.
“Diving is an essential part of the Maldivian experience, and we wanted to create a collection that feels both accessible and exceptional,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives. “Whether it marks a guest’s first dive or their next significant underwater journey, these packages are crafted to offer confidence, comfort and memorable experiences beneath the surface.”
All dive packages may be booked alongside the resort’s premium accommodation offerings, including the Exclusively Yours Premium All-Inclusive meal plan, daily resort touches, complimentary non-motorised water sports, snorkelling equipment and return domestic flight transfers for qualifying stays.
The dive packages are available for booking and travel throughout 2026 and must be confirmed ahead of arrival. Package rates apply in addition to accommodation and are subject to availability.
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Niyama Private Islands enhances surf lifestyle with stylish new surf venue
Niyama Private Islands Maldives now offers what is considered the most luxurious surf experience in the Maldives, enhanced by the introduction of its new Surf Shack — a stylish beachfront hangout serving gourmet bites, drinks, sunset views and lively parties.
Known as Nature’s Playground, the resort has long attracted surf professionals from around the globe. Located in the southern Maldives, where swells are at their strongest, it is a preferred base during peak surf season. Waves break directly on shore, with additional surf spots accessible within minutes by speedboat.
Niyama’s signature waves roll in at Vodi Point, situated on the westernmost tip of its twin islands. It is here that the resort has unveiled the new Surf Shack, designed to make time off the waves equally appealing. The thatched-roof venue encourages a barefoot, relaxed atmosphere, offering an upper deck for sunset viewing and picnic-style seating below. Reflecting Niyama’s sustainability ethos, Area Chief of Engineering Michael Patrick Slevin notes that 75 per cent of construction materials were repurposed, blending beach casual with environmentally conscious design.
Guests can enjoy gourmet dishes served from service windows, with a menu inspired by iconic surf destinations worldwide: Australian fish and chips, Indonesian satay, Mexican nachos and Japanese takoyaki. The drinks list pays tribute to rum, featuring an extensive collection and signature cocktails inspired by renowned surf breaks.
While the Surf Shack maintains a laidback feel during the day, the beachfront transforms at dusk as the tides shift and the DJ elevates the atmosphere. The resort’s rum and reggae Sundays have already become a celebrated weekly event.
Surfers at Niyama can design their days as they wish — chasing waves or relaxing ashore. The Surf Centre offers equipment and guidance, while Drift by Niyama provides recovery treatments to soothe muscles, repair sun-exposed skin and restore energy. Resident professional surfers remain available to advise on technique and wave conditions.
“The new Surf Shack forms part of the renewed Niyama experience, which includes significant refurbishments across the resort, inventive culinary additions and a greater emphasis on active living and wellness,” said Hafidh Al Busaidy, General Manager of Niyama Private Islands Maldives. “With more developments on the way, we look forward to sharing what comes next.”
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Reethi Faru Resort hosts Magda Linette ahead of new tennis season
Reethi Faru Resort recently welcomed Magda Linette, a Top 20 professional tennis player, who selected the island resort as her training retreat while preparing for the Australian Open and the forthcoming tennis season. Away from the competitive spotlight, Linette utilised the resort’s private and tranquil setting, where expansive beaches, clear lagoon waters, and discreet luxury provided an environment conducive to both focused preparation and recovery.
Throughout her stay, Linette combined intensive training sessions with periods of rest, making use of the resort’s calm surroundings and seclusion. The natural setting of the Maldives offered an effective backdrop for physical conditioning and mental focus, supporting her preparations ahead of the season’s first Grand Slam tournament.
Known for its emphasis on privacy, understated luxury, and an authentic island atmosphere, Reethi Faru Resort continues to attract elite athletes seeking a destination that supports peak performance while delivering a refined island experience. The resort extended its best wishes to Linette as she progresses through the upcoming tennis season.
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