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Tiger sharks, oceanic mantas and more: Go on an unchartered adventure in Fuvahmulah

About a 50-minute flight away from capital Male lies one of the least explored gems in the Maldives: the island of Fuvahmulah.
Being the only one-island atoll and the third largest natural island in the Maldives, Fuvahmulah features a diverse range of habitats. From tropical woodlands, wetlands, freshwater lakes and well-vegetated marshland areas to white sandy beaches of different variations and pebble texture plus gravel beaches, this islet a natural wonderland.
Two freshwater lakes in the island plus the many number of swamps and marshland areas in the island give habitat to different plant and animal species not to be found anywhere else in the Maldives.

Fuvahmulah’s uniqueness is not only limited to what can be observed within the island. The allure of this solitary island-atoll goes beyond what can be observed with the naked eyes, as well as its rich heritage and culture. Off the shore and below the waterline lie majestic creatures of different varieties, some of which are hard to find from elsewhere in the Maldives.
Fuvahmulah is most famous for its resident tiger sharks that can be observed everyday throughout the whole year! While the exact number of tiger sharks in Fuvahmulah is unknown, some estimate that the population may be around 200.

Although Fuvahmulah is known for its tiger sharks, it offers even more for enthusiastic divers! Here, divers will be treated to seven types of rare sharks in one dive! See dozens of tiger sharks a day, and observe thresher sharks in the shallow cleaning stations all day long, as well as abundant black oceanic mantas and mobula.
Encounter gorgeous schools of great and scalloped hammerheads, giant whale sharks and Mola-Mola! Fuvahmulah is the only place on the planet where you can see all of these majestic pelagics together year-round in their natural environment!

Fuvahmulah opened up for regular tourism not too long ago. Due to its distance from Male, the atoll’s dive sites and underwater world are still being explored and discovered. That means it offers the unique opportunity to dive at the barely touched reefs and stay in quiet new guesthouses and hotels.
If you’re visiting Fuvahmulah, Pelagic Divers is the the place to choose for an incredible underwater adventure. Alongside dive courses, the PADI-certified dive centre offers daily dive excursions to the world famous dive spots located within the one-island atoll.

The dive school is lead by PADI Instructor Ahmed Inah, a native of Fuvahmulah for whom the surrounding sea had always been his backyard. He has been in the dive profession for the last 14 years and has managed numerous five-star dive centres across the archipelago.
So, spend a week away from the madding crowds and dive off Fuvahmulah, under the careful guidance of Pelagic Divers’ multi-lingual PADI-certified instructors, on the lookout for the Indian Ocean’s larger residents! This unique and uncharted adventure has it all: impeccable natural beauty, pristine reefs, oceanic mantas and rare sharks!
Photos: Ahmed Inah/ Pelagic Divers
Excursions
From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives

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

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.
Featured
Finolhu showcases Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer

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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