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Six Senses Laamu opens new dive centre Deep Blue Divers

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Six Senses Laamu has opened a new dive centre, Deep Blue Divers.

By creating Deep Blue Divers, which is owned and operated by the resort itself, Six Senses Laamu will offer guests premier diving experiences in the lively and colourful reefs surrounding the resort, and at the same time focus on enhancing guest awareness, appreciation and understanding of the marine environment.

“Deep Blue Divers will add value to our guests’ underwater experiences. With a very experienced and highly trained team of dive instructors and dive masters that can assist our guests in a variety of languages, in addition to the variety of courses and dive excursions, diving is now open for enjoyment by more guests. The Deep Blue Divers team is committed to sustainable diving practices and to raising awareness of marine conservation, while supporting the resort’s marine conservation and sustainability initiatives,” Marteyne van Well, General Manager of Six Senses Laamu, was quoted in a statement, as saying.

The international team at Deep Blue Divers is staffed by 10 dive instructors and dive masters who can speak a total of 10 languages, and who offer PADI courses and guide daily dive trips. The dive centre is certified by PADI and has received the PADI Green Star Award from its first month of operation.

Deep Blue Divers has also partnered with Project Aware who has listed them as 100 percent AWARE.

According to Six Senses Laamu, both these recognitions have followed the dive centre’s commitment to marine conservation and sustainable dive practices, which include the protection of marine life, no anchoring of boats, sustainable cleaning products, and continuous support to the resident marine team and to the research of the onsite team of the Manta Trust and the Blue Foundation.

Snorkelling equipment, including masks, fins and snorkels, is offered to all guests on a complimentary basis. The house reef is the most popular spot for snorkelers, as they can explore its busy marine life. Guests can also enter the water off the stairs of the Chill Bar and follow the reef slope.

Six Senses Laamu is surrounded by a large variety of coral reefs to which guests can dive, based on their level of dive experience. For beginners, the house reef is beautifully sloping with three pinnacles standing just a few metres away, and is home to the resident green turtles and many colourful reef fish.

Inner reefs are a 10 to 20 minute boat ride away, and each has its own unique features such as black coral walls, caves and anemone gardens. In the outer reefs, divers can cruise or drift along loping reef walls where friendly reef sharks and turtles usually pass by.

The larger marine life, such as grey reef sharks, eagle rays, huge schools of snappers, and barracudas reside in the channels. At Manta Point (also known as Hithadhoo Corner), there is a manta ray cleaning station just five minutes away from the resort. Here guests can observe the resident manta ray population all year round, along with reef sharks, turtles and a huge diversity of marine life. Both the channel and the Manta Point dives are recommended for experienced divers only.

For those who wish to learn how to dive with Deep Blue Divers, the dive centre offers PADI courses and Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver and Dive Master certification.

For younger adventurers who would like to explore the secrets and beauty of the underwater world, the Bubblemaker course is available for children between eight and 10 years, while the Discover Scuba Diving course is for children from 10 years and above.

A Nitrox specialty course along with a set of specific courses is also available such as the Manta Trust Specialty course, the Turtle and the Maldivian Shark and Ray course. For these courses, aside from diving, guests can learn more about these marine critters and how to protect them.

Six Senses Laamu is the only resort located in the Laamu atoll, which lies in the southern part of the Maldives. Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the resort prides itself on its commitment to sustainable operations and development as outlined by Agenda 21 and Green Globe Benchmarking.

At Six Senses Laamu, most of the villas and facilities are built overwater. However, beach villas and on-land dining is an option. All villas offer a sense of privacy and seclusion, with an amazing view to the Ocean and Maldivian nature.

Six Senses Laamu offers a wide range of dining options, with cuisines from around the world, a swimming pool with a sunken bar, an ice cream parlour, an overwater wine cellar and a signature Chill bar. Many activities, excursions and options are available for everyone to enjoy, both overwater and underwater, in addition to the Six Senses Spa.

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Finolhu replants 1,200 coral colonies to strengthen house reef

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Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, has completed a four-day coral transplantation programme, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to marine conservation. Led by the resort’s marine biologist, Ivanna Tobar, the initiative involved the replanting of approximately 1,200 coral colonies from Finolhu’s nurseries to its house reef, strengthening one of the Maldives’ most critical marine ecosystems.

The programme was notable for its collaborative approach, bringing together four marine biologists from neighbouring resorts—JOALI BEING, Westin, Coco Palm, and Dusit Thani. Visiting experts Philippa Darby-shire Jenkins (JOALI BEING), Rosalie Bailie (Coco Palm), Harry Longin (Westin), and Louna Marchand (Dusit Thani) took part in hands-on transplantation dives, equipment preparation, and reef health management activities, including the removal of invasive pincushion sea stars.

Steven Phillips, General Manager of Finolhu, said the initiative extended beyond coral restoration: “This represents a unique opportunity to unite resorts, share expertise, and promote marine conservation at the highest level. Healthy reefs are essential not only for the Maldives’ biodiversity but also for the wellbeing of local communities and the sustainable future of tourism. Through this collaborative effort, we have created a lasting impact in safeguarding these underwater landscapes for our guests and for generations to come.”

Coral conservation remains crucial in the Maldives, where reefs provide natural protection against coastal erosion, support fisheries relied upon by local communities, and sustain the nation’s tourism industry. Pressures such as rising sea temperatures, pollution, and human activity have intensified threats to these ecosystems, making restoration work increasingly vital to preserve the country’s natural heritage and marine resilience.

The four-day initiative combined restoration activities with knowledge exchange. Morning briefings prepared participants for the day’s dives, while afternoon sessions focused on reef assessments and equipment readiness for subsequent activities. This integrated approach not only accelerated restoration but also enhanced regional expertise in reef management.

The event forms part of Finolhu’s wider environmental stewardship strategy. Alongside coral restoration, the resort manages a coral nursery, monitors reef health, and develops sustainable marine practices to ensure the vitality of its house reef. Guests are also encouraged to engage with conservation initiatives through experiences such as the Coral Conservation Package, which combines education with hands-on involvement in reef restoration projects.

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Freediving with tiger sharks: Shark Expedition Fuvahmulah collaborates with marine biologist Andriana Fragola

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Shark Expedition Fuvahmulah, renowned for its world-class scuba diving encounters, has announced an exciting expansion: the chance to freedive with tiger sharks in the Maldives’ southernmost atoll.

Fuvahmulah, often hailed as the “Tiger Shark Capital of the World,” is the only place on the planet where year-round encounters with tiger sharks are virtually guaranteed. With more than 280 identified resident tiger sharks, the island has become a bucket-list destination for divers and marine enthusiasts alike.

The newly introduced freediving experience offers a unique way to interact with these apex predators. Unlike scuba diving, freediving takes place without bubbles or heavy gear, allowing participants to connect with tiger sharks in a quieter, more natural way. This approach often makes the encounter more comfortable for the sharks and more intimate for the diver.

Guiding these expeditions is Andriana “Andy” Fragola, a marine biologist, shark diver, and conservationist currently based in Hawaii. Andy holds a Master’s Degree in Marine Conservation Biology with a focus on shark microbiology and has dedicated her career to shark research, conservation, and public education. Through her work in media and content creation, she strives to raise awareness about the importance of shark conservation and inspire people to take action to protect marine ecosystems.

“Freediving with tiger sharks is a raw and transformative experience,” says Andy. “Being eye-to-eye with these incredible animals without the barrier of scuba gear allows you to see them for what they truly are—powerful, intelligent, and essential to the health of our oceans.”

Shark Expedition Fuvahmulah ensures that all freediving activities are conducted under strict safety protocols. With experienced professionals like Andy leading the dives, participants can expect both an exhilarating and responsible adventure.

Why this experience stands out:

  • Eye-to-eye encounters with tiger sharks in their natural habitat.
  • A deeper, more personal connection with marine life.
  • Expert-led guidance ensuring safety and conservation awareness.

In addition to freediving, Shark Expedition Fuvahmulah offers a range of packages, including accommodation options, making it easier for adventurers to fully immerse themselves in the island’s extraordinary marine environment.

For bookings and more information:
📧 Email: sales@scuba-expeditions.com
📱 WhatsApp: +960 9894653
🌐 www.scuba-expeditions.com

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Experience ocean encounters: Manta Month at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives

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Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has announced the return of Manta Month this September, following the success of last year’s initiative. Now established as an annual programme, the celebration offers guests of all ages the opportunity to engage with the ocean while supporting marine conservation, with a particular focus on the manta ray.

Throughout the month, guests are invited to take part in guided excursions to known manta hotspots, led by the resort’s experienced team, who share insights into manta behaviour and conservation. Awareness talks highlight the story of a manta rescued near the island, serving as a reminder of the resort’s continuing efforts to protect marine life. Children can enjoy manta-themed arts and crafts as well as beach games, while the wider community will join reef and island clean-up activities, with collected waste repurposed into manta sculptures. In addition, proceeds from manta pendant sales at the resort’s retail boutique will be donated to The Manta Trust, extending support for research and protection initiatives.

Located close to several of the Maldives’ top ten dive sites, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives places importance on the wellbeing of the ocean and its ecosystems, a priority shared by both guests and staff. The resort’s sustainability initiatives are aligned with IHG’s purpose, True Hospitality for Good, through its Journey to Tomorrow programme, which supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrates a commitment to long-term environmental protection.

Commenting on the event, Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, said: “What started as a special event last year has now grown into an annual month-long celebration. Kandooma Manta Month is not just about seeing these magnificent creatures up close, but about creating meaningful experiences that inspire awareness, responsibility, and care for our ocean environment.”

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