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Angsana Ihuru celebrates Rannamaari Wreck’s 20th anniversary with 24-hour live dive event

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Angsana Ihuru has celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Rannamaari Wreck with a 24-hour live dive event.

The event started at 10am on August 31 and ended at 10am on September 1, thus the title, 10 to 10.

The event live streamed on the resort’s youtube channel, showing a series of activities such as dives to the Rannaamari Wreck, which included day, night and dawn dives, as well as free diving sessions, coral planting, and special marine talks by the resort’s Marine Lab team as well as other organisations present during the event. A role play about the legend of the Rannamaari was also showcased.

The Rannamaari Wreck was previously used as a dredging ship and was towed to Ihuru Island in 1999 to be used as an artificial reef through the initiative of Shahul Hameed, former Banyan Tree and Angsana Maldives’ Assistant Vice President Maldives Corporate, and Abdul Azeez Abdul Hakeem – more familiar as N.D. Azeez, environment champion in the Maldives, former Director of Conservation for Banyan Tree and Angsana Maldives and one of the Directors of Ihuru Investments Pvt Ltd.

The ship sank “mysteriously” two days before the planned event and has since become a home for thousands of sea creatures at a depth of 26 metres.

To celebrate the wreck’s 20th anniversary, Angsana Ihuru welcomed over 120 divers from different dive centres, as well as representatives from organisations such as Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme, Allied Insurance, Maldives National University and various like-minded groups and individuals who not only joined the dives and signed their attendance on the underwater guest book but also shared information about their conservation programmes.

Several personalities and advocates of environment conservation also attended the event. Amongst such dignitaries were: Ahmed Mujuthaba, Chairman and Managing Director of Ihuru Investments Pvt Ltd; Jeehan Mahmood, Member of the Parliament and environmental champion; Matt Wenger, Regional Director of PADI; Zoona Naseem, Managing Director of Moodhu Bulhaa who had been part of the Marine Team that initiated the 10 to 10 dive event.

This yearly event aims to create a delightfully educational experience to all participants and spread awareness of the importance of conserving marine life in the Maldives.

Located just 25 minutes away from the international airport, Angsana Ihuru is a small boutique resort surrounded by one of the most vibrant and well preserved house reefs in the Maldives. The resort is a pioneer in terms of Marine Conservation being the first resort in the Maldives to have its own Marine Lab in 2001. The resort started conservation projects such as the Rannaamari Wreck, the Necklace Project and numerous programmes and activities to help preserve the reefs.

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From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives

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Bandos Maldives recently marked a significant milestone with two of its most loyal guests, Kate and Andy, who have shared a long-standing connection with the island.

Andy achieved an impressive feat by completing his 900th dive, all undertaken with Dive Bandos. His wife, Kate, surpassed this accomplishment by reaching her 1000th dive, with over 900 of those dives also completed alongside the Bandos team.

The Dive Bandos team joined the couple in celebrating this memorable occasion, recognising not only their dedication to diving but also the enduring bond they have formed with the resort over the years.

Kate and Andy’s relationship with Bandos extends far beyond statistics. Having first visited the island in 2006, they have returned every year since, making Bandos an integral part of their lives. In 2014, the couple even chose to exchange their wedding vows underwater at the resort — a unique moment that forever linked their love story with Bandos.

“Celebrating guests like Kate and Andy reminds us of what Bandos truly represents,” said Ismail Rasheed, General Manager of Bandos Maldives.

For Bandos Maldives, moments such as these exemplify why guests continue to choose the island for both adventure and a sense of belonging. With stories like Kate and Andy’s, Bandos stands not merely as a dive destination, but as a home — both beneath and above the waves.

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Dive into inspiration: Alessia Zecchini at Sun Siyam Olhuveli

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Sun Diving will host a special ocean experience with world champion freediver Alessia Zecchini on 13 October 2025. The event is scheduled to take place at Sunrise Beach, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, offering guests the opportunity to meet the athlete widely recognised as ‘The Deepest Woman in the World.’

Born in Rome in 1992, Zecchini began freediving at the age of 13 and went on to set multiple world and European records. She was the first woman to reach a depth of 100 metres in free immersion and has since achieved 123 metres in constant weight with monofin. Her career has been celebrated internationally, including in the film Vertical Breath and the Netflix documentary The Deepest Breath. She continues to advance the sport while promoting awareness of ocean conservation.

The event at Olhuveli will feature an informative talk where Zecchini will reflect on her freediving journey, achievements, and the importance of protecting the marine environment. Guests will also have the chance to take part in a Q&A session with her and the Sun Diving team. In addition, Sun Diving will organise an interactive beach activity where participants can try scuba and snorkel gear in shallow waters under the guidance of instructors. Guests will also be able to capture photographs, collect autographs, and learn more about diving at the dedicated booth, which will highlight special offers from Sun Diving.

“Welcoming Alessia Zecchini is an honour for us and an inspiration for our guests,” said Ahmed Nihaan, Dive Centre Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Her achievements beneath the waves embody both human potential and the importance of protecting our oceans.”

Sun Diving, the official diving division of Sun Siyam Group, provides SSI-certified courses, snorkelling, freediving, and specialty programmes across its Maldives properties. As a subsidiary, it enhances guest experiences with curated dive packages, illustrated dive maps, lifeguard training, and eco-focused initiatives, positioning Sun Siyam as a leader in sustainable marine-based activities.

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Finolhu showcases Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer

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Dive Butler International, in collaboration with Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, is highlighting the achievements of Mara Restelli, recognised as the Maldives’ only certified PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer.

With this rare qualification, Restelli offers a series of exclusive experiences designed to introduce guests of all ages to the art of mermaiding. The programmes range from playful introductory sessions to advanced courses and professional-level Instructor Development Courses (IDC).

“Mermaiding is more than a trend — it is a joyful way to connect with the water, express creativity, and feel empowered,” Restelli explained. “I enjoy watching guests discover confidence, freedom, and a sense of fun in the ocean. It is as much about transformation as it is about adventure.”

As part of Finolhu’s extensive marine offerings, the PADI Mermaid programmes provide an engaging complement to the resort’s diving and snorkelling activities. Participants may learn to glide gracefully underwater in a mermaid tail, capture striking images during professional photo sessions, or pursue advanced training that strengthens skills and deepens their connection with the ocean.

By hosting the Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Development Course, Finolhu reinforces its reputation as a pioneering destination for distinctive and life-enriching marine experiences.

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