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Milaidhoo Maldives invites guests to swim with manta rays

In the southern Baa atoll of the Maldives, the summer months of June to November mean only one thing; manta ray season. This is when hundreds of majestic manta rays migrate to the atoll’s plankton-rich waters for astounding animal-viewing opportunities unequalled anywhere else on the planet.
The recently-opened Milaidhoo Maldives is perfectly located for prime manta ray viewing, being only about 12 minutes by speedboat from Hanifaru Bay, which is known as the biggest manta feeding station in the world.
During the season, Milaidhoo offers trips to snorkel with mantas up to three times a week, with the timings being coordinated with Hanifaru Bay park rangers to ensure guests enjoy the most rewarding sighting opportunities. According to the resort, guests can go in group trips or book a private excursion, perhaps adding on a picnic on a deserted sandbank or a cruise to a local island for a truly memorable day. The resort’s resident marine biologist will be happy to join excursions to make this a meaningful learning experience.
Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is carefully managed with entry limited to a small number of visitors every day to conserve the environment. Known as the world’s largest manta ray feeding station, it is also famous for being nursery grounds for grey sharks and sting rays and is one of the very few places in the world where whale sharks congregate to mate. It is best known for its concentration of reef manta rays, where on good days it is possible to see and swim alongside a hundred mantas.

Feeding manta rays at Hanifaru Bay. PHOTO/ MALDIVES FINEST
For the newly opened Milaidhoo, this is particularly exciting as this will be the luxury resort’s first year to greet these spectacular seasonal visitors.
According to the resort, preparations to make this as meaningful an experience as possible for guests are being made with passion, from arranging personalised alerts to creating bespoke manta watching tours. The staff at the Ocean Stories Aquatic Centre are ready to teach guests about the gentle giants of the ocean and how to ensure encounters are safe for the animal, it said.
“The team have identified several secret spots outside of the marine reserve for yet more private and personal one-on-one manta snorkelling. Divers can enjoy spectacular scuba diving at special dive sites within Baa atoll where manta rays can also often be found,” an announcement by the resort read.
To make this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity even more tempting, Milaidhoo has also launched a special summer offer of 40 percent off its published rates.
Manta rays with wing-like pectoral fins that stretch to a length of 13 to 15 feet (4 to 4.5 metres) move gracefully through the water while feeding with their enormous mouths. Having one of the largest comparable brain sizes of any marine animal makes them highly curious, resulting in some very close snorkelling encounters.
Maldivian-owned Milaidhoo Maldives, which is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, opened in November, and is proudly rooted in the local island traditions, curating a bespoke selection of experiences to showcase the destination. Set on a tiny island in the Baa atoll, each of Milaidhoo’s 50 private villas have been designed by a Maldivian architect and each thatched-roof villa features generous private pools and is serviced by Island Hosts. The villas are just a short, barefoot stroll away to three world-class restaurants, incredible water sports, fitness, spa, yoga and world-class diving.
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Unveiling the depths of paradise: Kandolhu Maldives

Kandolhu Maldives, the epitome of intimate luxury, also has a lesser known adventurous side to it. Located in the centre of Ari Atoll, it is one of the best dive locations in the Maldives, offering unforgettable underwater experiences that will leave you gasping for breath – in the most magnificent way possible.
Reached within 25 minutes by seaplane, Kandolhu is an enchanting little island oasis that beckons you to dive headfirst into a world of vibrant coral reefs, mesmerising marine life, and unparalleled natural beauty. Prepare to be captivated by the kaleidoscope of colours that dance beneath the azure waters, as you embark on an underwater odyssey that will redefine the meaning of adventure.
At Kandolhu, you’ll have the privilege of accessing exceptional dive sites both in the captivating North Ari Atoll and the mesmerizing South Ari Atoll. The Ari Atoll is a paradise for pelagic enthusiasts, offering thrilling encounters with feeding manta rays, graceful whale sharks. Unlike traditional protected walls or coral reefs, the dive sites in this region are predominantly characterized by remarkable thilas (pinnacles) and kandus (channels), creating the perfect setting for exhilarating drift diving experiences.
Dive enthusiasts of all levels are welcome to explore the extraordinary wonders that lie beneath the waves. Whether you are a seasoned diver or a beginner looking to take your first underwater breath, our team of experienced dive instructors is ready to tailor an unforgettable diving experience that matches your skills and desires. Their expertise and passion for marine conservation will ensure your safety while preserving the delicate ecosystem that makes Kandolhu Maldives a true haven for divers.
Beyond the enchanting underwater realm, Kandolhu offers a wealth of luxury amenities and services that will leave you feeling pampered and revitalised. Immerse yourself in the lap of luxury with chic accommodations, where every inch is designed to create a haven of tranquility. Indulge in delectable culinary delights at the resort’s 5 world-class restaurants, sip on tropical concoctions at the beachside, and unwind with rejuvenating spa treatments.
Prepare to be captivated by the wonders that await you beneath the surface of the Kandolhu Maldives, where every dive is a thrilling exploration of nature’s extraordinary beauty. Let the waves guide you towards an aquatic paradise that will leave you breathless – and yearning for more.
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Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah introduces rare opportunity to dive with endangered oceanic whitetip sharks in the Maldives

Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah, a leading dive center in the southern hemisphere of the Maldives, is breaking new ground in the world of shark diving by offering offshore expeditions to swim with the endangered Oceanic Whitetip Sharks. These elusive creatures, listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, present a rare and thrilling opportunity for diving enthusiasts.
Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah has pioneered a method to safely interact with the Oceanic Whitetip Sharks, making them the first dive center in the Maldives to provide such an experience. Known for their expertise in exploring the rich diversity of pelagic life, the dive center’s initiative opens up a world of possibilities for adventure seekers and shark enthusiasts.
Fuvahmulah Island, a one-island atoll situated in the Maldives’ southern region, is gaining recognition as a premier destination for shark diving. The area boasts an abundant population of resident tiger sharks, adding to its allure as one of the best places globally to encounter these majestic creatures. Led by PADI Instructor Ahmed Inah, a native of Fuvahmulah, Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah has assembled a team of local guides who possess an intimate understanding of the area and its marine life.
Safety remains a top priority at Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah. The dive center maintains a small guest-to-guide ratio of 1:4, ensuring a personalized and secure shark diving experience for all participants. By focusing on maintaining this ratio, Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah guarantees that each diver receives ample attention and guidance throughout their journey.

In addition to the Oceanic Whitetip Sharks, Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah also offers the opportunity to dive with tiger sharks, a thrilling encounter for those seeking an adrenaline-filled underwater experience. To make the most of this unique opportunity, interested individuals can enroll in the Tiger Shark Specialty Course, organized by Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah in collaboration with PADI. This course, led by the experienced and knowledgeable team under the guidance of Ahmed Inah, provides comprehensive training and insights for a responsible and unforgettable tiger shark diving experience.
Diving enthusiasts and nature lovers are urged not to miss the chance to embark on this remarkable adventure. Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah invites you to join them in the stunning waters of Fuvahmulah, Maldives, for an unforgettable journey into the world of Oceanic Whitetip Sharks and tiger sharks. Immerse yourself in the beauty of these magnificent creatures while ensuring their protection and preservation in a safe and responsible manner.
For more information about Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah and their unique shark diving experiences, visit their website or contact them directly to secure your spot on an offshore expedition that promises an extraordinary encounter with these rare and endangered marine species.
Disclaimer: Diving with sharks involves inherent risks. Participants are advised to adhere to all safety guidelines and regulations provided by Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah and exercise caution during their dive.


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Baros Maldives expands sustainable tourism programmes with new marine environment hub

Baros has recently launched a new online section aimed at raising awareness about the fragile marine environment, in addition to the island resort’s current sustainable tourism programmes. As the world celebrates Earth Day, Baros remains committed to promoting sustainable tourism, having been actively engaged in coral restoration and planting since 2006 to combat the adverse effects of rising water temperatures on corals.
Guests can participate in the coral restoration project by sponsoring coral frames, and the island resort employs a range of techniques to promote growth, including the use of nursery-like pools, suspended lines in the blue lagoon, the renowned Baros coral cubes and personalised frames with name tags and love messages. To date, 458 coral frames have been sponsored.
As part of its upcoming 50th anniversary celebrations later this year in December, the Divers Baros Maldives team, known as the “Baros Underwater Ambassadors,” has shared their favourite underwater stories, highlighting the island resort’s sustainability initiatives and other valuable insights.
The Baros underwater ambassadors are passionate about educating guests on good water practices and spreading knowledge on sustainable tourism through the newly launched information hub. The dedicated section features entertaining short stories that provide valuable knowledge in an educational and playful way, revolving around marine flora and fauna, characteristics of resident marine creatures such as the story of Finny, the resident black-tipped shark, and the natural order of things underwater.
The short stories generate awareness about the etiquettes of snorkelling and diving, and provide readers with insights on parallels with current sustainability movements such as circular economy efforts. The platform also includes practical tips for divers and snorkellers, such as diving slowly and avoiding touching the reef and marine creatures like Manta Rays, which helps preserve their habitats and ensure their survival.
The Baros underwater ambassadors present a diverse range of information on the fragile marine ecosystem, its interconnectedness, and the natural balance that can easily be disrupted due to human behaviour. Guests can read these stories and experiences on the Baros website under each Baros underwater ambassador’s profile, bringing with them a topic close to their hearts and lobbying for sustainable measures in the underwater world surrounding their topics.
At Baros, guests can explore these topics further with the underwater ambassadors while enjoying a range of marine activities, from coral cube planting to guided tours of snorkelling and diving at the world-class Baros house reef and other exclusive reefs teeming with rich marine life. The private island resort has also implemented eco-friendly practices to reduce its environmental impact, such as replacing plastic straws with paper straws, banning plastic bags, and using glass water and refreshment bottles that are reused for multiple fillings. Baros remains committed to continued progress in terms of sustainability, improving its services one step at a time.
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