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Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon introduces night diving experience

Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, located in the North Ari Atoll, is an iconic resort belonging to the Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts chain, and a prime diving destination in the world.
Getting up close and personal with Marlon Robert, hotel manager at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon by day, and an avid diver by night, shares his experience with the underwater world and his passion as a true explorer.
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is renowned as one of the best spots for divers in the world, making diving there all the more alluring.
As Marlon explains, it is because the resort is built on a coral bed with a diameter of almost a thousand meters and thirty meters in depth. This, unlike hotels built on sandbanks, gives the divers an unparalleled experience that leaves them mesmerised.
“Our guests are speechless after witnessing the beautiful colours and active sea life,” Marlon comments.
“They are amazed by the diversity that they have only witnessed here at our island.”

Marlon’s story is gripping.
“It’s all about the adventure that you will come across; you will be in an entirely different world with colours and creatures from known to the unimaginable,” he says.
During night dives, it is common to be acquainted with unfamiliar creatures that are bigger, smaller and even microscopic. Encounters with Eagle Rays, Sting Rays, Nurse Sharks, Gray Reef Sharks and Moray Eel are truly magical experiences.
“It is the peacefulness, night diving that takes me into a different reality for just an hour as it is a crucial getaway, it’s an amazing feeling and there’s little that can compare,” he says.
There is a vast difference between night diving and day diving.
“During the night, the light of the torch enhances the colours of corals that sunlight just doesn’t allow. The colours are vivid, vibrant and give a new perspective to underwater life,” Marlon explains.
“With the ideal location of the hotel and the larger fish choosing to hunt in the night, we can see more sea-creatures at night as they have a lot more movement.”
In the darkness, creatures such as the octopus are seen in their natural colours and they are breathtaking. Lobsters in caves come out searching for their daily prey in the night and they too have amazing colours under the light of a torch. While famous aquatic stars, such as turtles and sharks are guaranteed to be seen, you may also see the odd stingray or a moray eel on a lazy swim across the calm underwater.
“Our hotel guests get to curate their personalised diving experience. They can start by exploring the reef and afterwards go for a night dive. We offer the first trial dive, at no charge. If the guest requires it, we train them to dive on the reef and let them get comfortable. You do not have to be an expert diver or swimmer to be able to enjoy the experience,” Marlon he says.
“Diving was never a part of my plan. One day, I dived with one of the dive-masters and fell in love with it.”
He now holds an advanced certificate in diving and has been a part of the Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon team for the past 20 years.

Preserving the ‘Life on Land’ and ‘Life below Water’ are key areas that are of vital importance in all operations at Elladhoo Maldives by Cinnamon.
The resort has reduced its plastic consumption and wastage by using refillable water bottles, reusable bags and straws along with frequent beach clean-ups to conserve the underwater environment surrounding the resort.
The resort has also generated 191,563 KWh of solar energy and reduced carbon dioxide emission by 153, 250 kg in 2020/21.
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is a true diver’s paradise that not only offers exhilarating underwater experiences but also thrives to safeguard life amidst it.
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Finolhu replants 1,200 coral colonies to strengthen house reef

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

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

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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