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Renowned marine biologist Steven Weinberg joins Carpe Diem Maldives for three weeks of marine expeditions

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Carpe Diem Maldives has extended its Dive with a Purpose trips to include coral reef and marine biology research with internationally acclaimed marine biologist Steven Weinberg.

As part of the ongoing Dive with a Purpose events and International Year of the Reef 2018 celebration with Carpe Diem, avid divers can take to the clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean while on board the cruises for two weeks in July, followed by a week at Carpe Diem Beach Resort and Spa in August.

Benefitting from over 40 years of marine biology knowledge with Steven Weinberg, divers can learn or improve their skills and understanding in one of the world’s most beautiful tropical countries and award-winning dive destination. Steven is multilingual (Dutch, French, English, German), a much appreciated guest speaker and has inspired countless divers over the years as they discover marine life and underwater photography.

Diving since the age of eight and passionate about photography since the age of 11, Steven became a qualified marine biologist in 1979. Since then, he has taught reef ecology at the University of Puerto Rico, and for almost 30 years he taught biology at the European School of Luxembourg. In addition to over 30 scientific publications, he is the author of more than 550 magazine articles on the underwater world.

With fluent French language skills, since 1992 Steven has become France’s most celebrated marine author with several illustrated books, including a very popular series of underwater field guides (“Mediterranean”, “Atlantic”, “Red Sea & Indian Ocean”, “Caribbean” and “Tropical Pacific”), “Ocean Life”, “Ecologically Yours!” He also co-authored the astonishing “History of Underwater Imaging – from 1856 to the present” and “Ar(t)cachon – Jewels of the Bay”.

In July this year, Steven Weinberg returns to the Maldives for the first time in over 25 years.

“I am thrilled to be returning after such a long time away, and especially with opportunity to explore so many different reefs together with Carpe Diem Maldives. The explorations will serve as research for my updated version of the ‘Red Sea & Indian Ocean’ field guide, to be released next year. In the process, I am looking forward to sharing my marine knowledge and underwater photography advice with their enthusiastic divers as we explore the dives together,” he explains.

On each Dive with A Purpose week with Steven Weinerg from July 15-22 and July 22-29, up to 20 recreational divers can join the Carpe Diem Cruises marine expeditions. Priced from USD 1,863 per person (inclusive of 12 percent GST) for the week, the expeditions include:

  • Seven nights aboard the assigned Carpe Diem Maldives vessel
  • Three meals daily, plus between-dive snacks
  • Three to four dives daily (except for on day of arrival and day before departure)
  • Use of tanks, weights and belts
  • Drinking water, tea and coffee
  • Airport transfers on the days of embarkation/disembarkation
  • Evening workshops on marine ecology, coral reef, marine life and photography
  • On-board marine biologist

Agnes van Linden, the Assistant Managing Director at Carpe Diem Maldives, says: “Our previous Dive with a Purpose trips have been popular with our guests and we are constantly seeking new and informative ways to bring more variety as well as benefit research. With Steven on our cruises and at the new resort in August, guests can dive in crystal blue water and discover the rich biodiversity of the Maldives while learning, documenting and exploring coral reefs. The majority of our guest divers have underwater camera equipment with them to document their trips, so I am sure there will be lots of questions between dives and around the lunch and dinner tables about camera technique and capturing marine life through the lens.”

In January this year, Carpe Diem Maldives began a year-long celebration of IYO 2018, inviting all divers to share their underwater images on social media using #maldivesreefawareness, #iyor2018 #carpediemmaldives. This provides research scientist easy access to a live feed of images on regularly visited dive sites.

Towards the end of 2018, campaign images posted throughout the year can be submitted to a panel of professional photographers, conservationists and IYOR officials, with a chance of winning a four-night stay in 2019 at the new Carpe Diem Beach Resort and Spa.

Carpe Diem’s Dive with a Purpose trips are aimed at anyone with a passion for the ocean; enthusiasm is valued over experience and you don’t need a scientific background.

Whether divers are looking to further their studies or just looking for a meaningful conservation holiday, Dive with a Purpose trips offer something different, and past guests refer to it as an experience they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Since 2008, the award-winning hospitality group Carpe Diem Maldives has been operating luxury dive and surf liveaboard cruises, sharing the beauty of the Maldivian waters with adventurous travellers. Carpe Diem is the only liveaboard operator in the Maldives to offer diving adventures with a team of all-Maldivian dive masters.

With the expansion into resorts, Carpe Diem Maldives becomes the only hospitality brand in the country to offer year-round liveaboard cruises that can be combined with a resort stay.

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Sheraton Maldives Full Moon celebrates sixth anniversary of Reefscapers collaboration

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Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa marks the sixth anniversary of its partnership with Reefscapers on February 19, 2026, reaffirming its commitment to protecting and restoring the Maldives’ fragile reef ecosystems. Since launching the partnership in 2020, the resort and Reefscapers have worked together to restore coral habitats, support marine biodiversity, and engage guests in meaningful conservation experiences. The milestone also marks one year since the successful relocation of approximately five tons of coral to the resort’s house reefs — one of the partnership’s most significant conservation initiatives.

Over the past six years, the partnership has become a defining pillar of the resort’s sustainability journey, blending scientific restoration with purposeful guest engagement. To date, the initiative has resulted in the planting of 898 coral frames, supporting approximately 33,000 coral colonies now growing across the restoration sites. Through coral propagation, reef monitoring, and awareness programmes, these efforts continue to regenerate reef structures while deepening understanding of the essential role coral ecosystems play in sustaining marine life and protecting coastlines. Each thriving coral frame reflects a shared dedication to preserving the natural wonders that make the Maldives one of the world’s most extraordinary marine destinations.

“What makes this partnership special is seeing how small, consistent actions turn into real change underwater. Watching the relocated corals settle, survive, and begin to grow over the past year has been incredibly rewarding for us and the guests who return and witness how they’ve helped restore a living reef,” shares Katelyn, the resort’s Marine Biologist.

A defining achievement of the collaboration has been the coral relocation project, which carefully transferred coral colonies from Ras Malé, also known as the Maldives Eco City, to the resort’s dedicated restoration site, safeguarding them from potential threats linked to land reclamation activities in the Fushi Dhiggaru Lagoon. One year on, these corals continue to flourish beneath the surface, strengthening reef resilience and contributing to the long-term health of the surrounding ecosystem.

At the heart of the partnership lies the resort’s Adopt a Coral programme, part of the Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy initiative, which encourages guests to travel with intention through meaningful environmental experiences. Through this hands-on activity, visitors can adopt and name a coral frame while learning directly from marine experts about coral ecology and the importance of protecting marine habitats.

To deepen this connection beyond the stay, guests receive growth updates on their adopted corals every six months, allowing them to follow the progress of their living contribution to the reef. As these corals grow over time, they become enduring symbols of renewal and shared responsibility, transforming a holiday memory into a lasting environmental legacy, and reflecting how travel can positively support local ecosystems and communities.

“Our island is surrounded by a remarkable marine environment, and protecting it is a responsibility we take seriously. Our partnership with Reefscapers reflects our belief that hospitality should go hand in hand with stewardship. Seeing the reef restoration progress over the past six years, and the involvement of our guests and associates in that journey, makes this anniversary especially meaningful for all of us,” comments Greg Allan, General Manager of Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa.

Through its continued collaboration with Reefscapers, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa remains dedicated to advancing marine conservation while creating purposeful guest experiences rooted in sustainability, education, and connection to nature.

To discover more about the resort’s sustainability initiatives, join the Adopt a Coral programme, or plan a stay that supports reef conservation, visit sheratonmaldives.com or contact the reservations team at Sheraton.Maldives@sheraton.com.

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Sun Siyam Vilu Reef unveils expanded marine excursion portfolio

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Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Sun Siyam Privé Collection, has introduced an expanded portfolio of water-based experiences designed to showcase the natural environment and marine life of the surrounding atolls. The enhanced programme combines exploration, activity and moments of calm, offering guests new ways to experience the Maldives through curated ocean journeys and personalised excursions.

Building on established activities such as Jet Car rides, SeaBob adventures and windsurfing, the resort has expanded its watersports offering to include private speedboat journeys and bespoke marine experiences. These additions are tailored for small groups seeking intimate and meaningful encounters with the ocean.

Available daily from the resort’s Watersports Centre, the new private speedboat excursions provide a personalised way to explore the hidden marine sites of Dhaalu Atoll. Designed for one to four guests, each journey offers flexibility and individual attention. Guests may choose from four-hour, five-hour or full-day itineraries, all of which include a freshly prepared barbecue lunch. From coral gardens to secluded sandbanks, the excursions highlight the region’s diverse marine landscapes.

The programme’s centrepiece is the Full Day Adventure Trip, which offers an extended exploration of key marine locations. Highlights include the Coral Garden, known for its biodiversity and reef formations; Turtle Point, where sea turtles are frequently sighted; and Nurse Shark Point, which provides opportunities to observe nurse sharks in their natural environment. The experience concludes with a beachside lunch on a private sandbank, set against uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean.

For guests seeking a balance between activity and relaxation, the Waves of Adventure and Calmness experience combines a private two-hour snorkelling safari or Jet Ski safari with a full-body massage at the resort. The programme is designed to transition smoothly from ocean exploration to restorative island time, reflecting the relaxed pace that characterises Sun Siyam Vilu Reef.

As part of the Sun Siyam Privé Collection, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef continues to focus on personalised service and experiences rooted in the natural setting of the Maldives. Through its expanded watersports offering, the resort invites guests to engage with the marine environment while enjoying a sense of privacy, discovery and connection to the Maldivian seascape.

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Atmosphere Foundation launches annual dive training scholarship for Maldivians

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Atmosphere Foundation has launched a new annual scholarship programme that will sponsor 10 Maldivians each year to complete internationally recognised scuba diving training and professional development pathways, supporting youth career growth while strengthening the Maldivian workforce in tourism.

Designed to create clearer entry points into the industry and help Maldivians advance from foundational training to professional roles, the programme will provide sponsored candidates with access to a structured set of certifications that can lead to employment opportunities in resort dive centres, watersports operations, and marine excursions across the country.

The programme will support both beginners and those already working in the sector who want to progress further. By sponsoring these certifications, the initiative aims to help participants develop technical competence, safety capabilities and professional readiness—skills that are essential for career progression in dive and marine-related roles within the tourism industry.

To ensure the programme delivers direct long-term value to the Maldives, successful candidates will be required to work in the Maldives for a specified period after completing their course. This service commitment is intended to strengthen local capacity within the tourism workforce, help resorts access qualified Maldivian professionals, and support career continuity for young people entering the sector.

“Tourism is the Maldives’ greatest economic mainstay, and our future depends on ensuring Maldivians are represented across the industry—not only at entry level, but in specialist and leadership positions as well,” said Abdul Azeez Abdul Hakeem, Vice President of Atmosphere Foundation. “This programme is designed to remove barriers to training, equip young people with globally recognised qualifications, and support them to progress from the beginning of their careers to new heights. The service component also ensures that the skills gained remain in the Maldives and contribute to the development of our tourism workforce.”

Atmosphere Foundation continues to develop and support initiatives that contribute to community wellbeing and opportunity, with a focus on empowering youth, building skills, and creating sustainable pathways for Maldivians. The annual dive training sponsorship programme builds on the Foundation’s broader mission to deliver meaningful, practical support that helps individuals and communities thrive—while contributing to the long-term resilience of the national economy.

Further information on how to apply, programme partners and timelines will be announced soon through Atmosphere Foundation’s official channels.

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