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Taking the plunge: Amilla Maldives unveils Covid-19 guidelines for diving

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As Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences gears up to carefully reopen from July 16, the private island’s five-star dive centre has revealed new Covid-19 guidelines for guests who can’t wait to get back in the water.

The coronavirus pandemic has temporarily changed life for everyone – and scuba divers are no exception! So, Amilla’s dive centre, operated by luxury dive firm Dive Butler International, is implementing protocols aimed at protecting the health and safety of Amilla’s divers.

These protocols will help reduce the chances of coronavirus transmission and give divers more peace of mind, knowing that hygiene and cleanliness is at the forefront of all the dive centre’s operations.

The dive team also realises some of the guests they will be welcoming back will have already recovered from Covid-19. So, they are following the latest guidance from Divers Alert Network (DAN) Europe, PADI, and World Recreational Scuba Training Council (WRSTC) on how to help get them back blowing bubbles again as safely as possible.

Amilla’s dive centre staff have trained in Covid-19 disinfection techniques for scuba equipment, wetsuits, and communal areas.

They have also revised their check-in procedures, which now include temperature checks. In addition, they have limited the number of guests on each dive boat to increase physical distancing between those on board.

Some Amilla guests may have recovered from Covid-19, and will be itching to head out into the blue again. The dive team is ready to support them in getting back in the water as safely as possible by following regulations recommended by scuba and medical authorities.

The team is politely requesting that any guests who have recovered from Covid-19 undergo a medical examination by a dive doctor before they travel to the Maldives. They must then present Amilla’s dive centre staff with a letter from their dive doctor stating they are fit enough to scuba.

This is for their own safety, since many people who’ve had Covid-19 can have pulmonary damage or take several months to recover, even they were asymptomatic or had mild symptoms and appear to have returned to normal. This damage could place them at higher risk of lung barotrauma injuries while scuba diving, so the dive team wants to ensure they are fit to dive before they dive at Amilla.

According to the latest advice from DAN Europe, divers who have tested positive for Covid-19 but remained asymptomatic should wait one month before resuming diving.

Those who did display coronavirus symptoms should wait at least three months before applying for the fit-to-dive clearance conducted by a diving medicine specialist.

Anyone unfortunate enough to have been hospitalized with breathing issues relating to Covid-19 should wait at least three months before seeing a dive doctor for complete pulmonary function testing, an exercise test, and a high-resolution CT lung scan.

Those who had cardiac problems in relation to Covid-19 should also wait at least three months before applying for fit-to-dive clearance, including cardiac evaluation, echocardiography, and exercise electrocardiography.

Those divers who have received the green light to scuba from their dive doctor at home and have presented proof of it to the dive centre at Amilla will then be asked to fill in the standard PADI medical statement that all divers complete before embarking on a dive. They will need to tick “yes” in the box under the question, “Have you ever had or do you currently have any form of lung disease?”.

In addition, all divers will now be required to fill in a second health declaration form which specifically addresses the Covid-19 crisis. It was designed by DAN Europe and it’s essential that divers answer these questions honestly, as it could affect their diving insurance in the unlikely event of there being an incident.

For the last step in this well-thought-out procedure, the resort doctor will drop by to see them and give final approval for them to dive.

Amilla has created an online Covid-19 resource hub, which includes many frequently asked questions about the virus and resort operations, including questions about diving at Amilla as well as the resort’s rigorous Covid-19 prevention strategies.

Amilla’s reopening comes as manta season starts to get underway in Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, with many exciting surprises anticipated due to the lack of tourists over the past few months.

Located just 30 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport, Amilla Fushi offers a choice of 59 Houses that sit gracefully over crystal clear waters, nestle among lush tree tops or hug the shores of pristine white sand; plus eight spectacular four- to eight-bedroom Beach Residences ideally suited to large families, groups of friends and VVIPs seeking the ultimate in space and privacy.

Amilla’s innovative restaurants range from the diverse, informal foodie hub Baazaar to the relaxed yet sophisticated overwater dining at the signature Feeling Koi. Guests can even drop in to gourmet café and deli The Emperor General Store or The Wine Shop & Cellar Door to treat themselves to lighter snacks, a favourite bottle or a gourmet selection of artisanal cheeses.

With an unrivalled range of purpose-designed multi-bedroom accommodation options, and an exciting, inspiring and active Kids’ Club The Sultan’s Village, Amilla has put the Maldives on the map as a destination not just for couples, but for families and friends.

For more information, please email stay@amilla.mv.

Excursions

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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