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Tourism ministry, MADO to conduct ’50 Dive Sites – Underwater Photo Competition’ to mark Maldives Tourism Golden Year

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To mark the Maldives Tourism Golden Year, the Ministry of Tourism in association with Ocean Geographic and Maldives Alliance of Dive Operators (MADO) will be organising an Underwater Photo Competition. 

This incredibly enchanting archipelago comprises 1,192 islands grouped into 26 natural coral atolls and is renowned to harbour some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world.

To help draw attention to this Global Heritage and landmark achievement of Maldives, Ocean Geographic is supporting a health assessment photo competition to commemorate Maldives’ 50th Golden Jubilee Year in tourism.

This one-day photo shoot-out of Maldives’ 50 Best Sites will take place on 28 September 2022, from 0730-1730 hours across 50 pre-selected signature dive sites of Maldives.

The objective is to memorialise the unique underwater haven that Maldives has to offer. While this celebration was initially conceptualised to amplify the Golden Jubilee Year, the key intention is for this event to be an annual photo contest that will serve as a yearly health check of the reefs of Maldives and act as a platform for other conservation and sustainability projects in the future.

Resorts, dive centres, dive schools, and safari boats are encouraged to register as official Reef Health Check Centres. Each Reef Health Check Center may book up to two time slots at one of the 50 pre-selected signature sites.

Visitors and local divers are encouraged to compete in the photo shoot-out by photographing at one or more of the 50 pre-selected signature dive sites on 28 September 2022 with one of the many official Reef Health Check Centres.

All competitors will be acknowledged with a Certificate of Achievement for contribution to the Coral Reef Health Assessment of the Maldives. Competitors must submit a portfolio of five pictures for each site – one wide angle of a reef scene, one close-up of a living coral, one picture of a fish species, and two others of their own choice. A winner, runner-up, and three honourable mentions will be awarded for pictures submitted for each dive site, totalling 250 winners across all 50 sites.

An international judging panel will preside over photograph selection. Prizes will be awarded to Winners and Runner-Ups. The first-place winners and runners-up will grant usage rights of their winning photos to the Reef Health Assessment Project and the Ministry of Tourism Maldives for conservation and promotional purposes. Results will be announced live on 05 October 2022.

Additional information regarding the event is available on the official event website via  https://maldives50.site

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Ayada Maldives: Sanctuary where ocean conservation shapes every experience

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Nestled within the pristine waters of the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Ayada Maldives stands as a sanctuary for those who seek more than beauty, a place where the ocean’s rhythm shapes the soul of the island. Beyond the turquoise lagoons and gentle waves, an enduring commitment to marine conservation quietly anchors the resort’s philosophy: to protect, nurture, and celebrate the underwater world that defines the Maldives.

Ayada’s location in the far south of the Maldives offers a rare gift, a thriving house reef renowned for its vibrant coral formations and abundant marine life. From schools of butterflyfish and parrotfish to graceful turtles and reef sharks, every snorkel reveals the living tapestry of an ecosystem in balance. The reef’s health, enriched by minimal human impact, has made Ayada one of the most rewarding destinations for divers and ocean lovers alike.

But this beauty does not thrive by chance. It is safeguarded by dedicated individuals like Shafeen Adam, Ayada’s Guardian of the Reef, who leads coral restoration and marine education efforts. With quiet determination, Shafeen and his team work to restore and monitor the reef while also inspiring guests to appreciate and protect the fragile marine environment.

“The reef is the heart of our island,” says Shafeen. “I want future generations to see the same colours, the same life beneath the surface that we are privileged to witness today. Every coral we plant is a promise to the future.”

From guided snorkelling experiences to coral gardening sessions, guests are invited to become part of this story of preservation. The resort’s marine team shares insights into coral resilience, fish behaviour, and the delicate balance that sustains ocean life, transforming leisure into learning, and appreciation into advocacy.

For those who seek adventure, Ayada’s waters offer endless possibilities. The southern atolls are home to some of the Maldives’ most consistent surf breaks, where gentle swells roll over crystalline reefs from September through May. Surf enthusiasts can chase the perfect wave, while others can glide across the lagoon by paddleboard, sail into the horizon on a catamaran, or explore the depths with scuba diving and freediving excursions.

From sunrise snorkelling to sunset dolphin cruises, Ayada Maldives invites guests to experience the ocean in its many moods: calm, powerful, and always full of life. Each activity reflects the same guiding principle, harmony with nature.

As stewards of one of the Maldives’ most untouched reefs, Ayada Maldives continues to lead with purpose, not only showcasing the wonders of the sea but ensuring they endure. Here, the ocean is more than a view. It is a legacy, protected with passion, for generations to come.

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Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives unveils new Pickleball court

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Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has announced the launch of its brand-new pickleball court, further enhancing the resort’s diverse portfolio of sports and recreational experiences. This exciting new addition underscores the resort’s ongoing commitment to delivering dynamic, experience-driven luxury for guests of all ages.

Pickleball—a fast-growing paddle sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis—has gained global popularity for its accessibility, fun, and competitive edge. With the introduction of this new court, Kuda Villingili enhances its appeal as a destination for both leisure and active travelers, offering a lively, social, and inclusive way to stay fit while enjoying the resort’s idyllic island surroundings.

“For us at Kuda Villingili Maldives, luxury is not just about comfort — it’s about creating moments that inspire joy and connection,” said Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives. “Our new pickleball facility offers guests a fun and engaging way to stay active while immersing themselves in the beauty of the Maldives.”

The new pickleball court complements the resort’s already extensive sports and wellness facilities, which include:

  • Two flood-lit tennis courts
  • A padel tennis court
  • A futsal ground
  • A volleyball court
  • A state-of-the-art gym featuring Technogym equipment
  • A serene indoor and outdoor oceanfront yoga pavilion hosting daily sessions led by expert instructors
  • The Spa, located on a private island, offering holistic wellness experiences
  • The Maldives’ largest swimming pool — a stunning 150-meter (Olympic-sized) pool perfect for both casual swimmers and fitness enthusiast

Conveniently located just 25 minutes by speedboat from Malé airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives features 75 spacious villas and residences, 8 restaurants offering 12 international cuisines, and easy access to one of the region’s most iconic left-barrel surf breaks.

With the addition of pickleball to its already impressive lineup, Kuda Villingili continues to set the standard for experience-led luxury in the Maldives, where wellness, recreation, and relaxation come together to create an exceptional guest experience.

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Royal Island among participants in Guinness World Record snorkel

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Royal Island participated in the Baani Event, which achieved a Guinness World Record for the largest number of people snorkelling simultaneously. Twenty-eight participants represented the resort at Villingilifaru Finolhu, located approximately two kilometres across the lagoon from Royal Island. The island lies within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, in close proximity to Hanifaru Bay, one of the Maldives’ most renowned manta aggregation sites.

The resort’s involvement aligns with its ongoing coral restoration initiatives on the house reef. Efforts include the installation of nursery frames, out-planting of resilient coral fragments, regular monitoring, and guest briefings aimed at encouraging reef-safe practices such as calm water entries, mindful finning, and maintaining respectful distances from marine life. These measures contribute to a low-impact snorkelling experience while supporting the long-term health of the reef ecosystem.

Royal Island’s environmental stewardship extends beyond marine conservation to community engagement. Recent activities include native tree and coastal vegetation planting to enhance shoreline stability and biodiversity, as well as periodic beach and lagoon clean-ups conducted in partnership with local organisations. Educational programmes for schools and youth groups promote ocean literacy and foster a culture of environmental guardianship across Baa Atoll.

Amidst the clear lagoons and coral gardens, Royal Island’s participation in the record-setting event underscores its message of responsible enjoyment of the Maldives — protecting coral ecosystems and strengthening community bonds through sustainable tourism and collaboration.

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