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Hang Ten in Champions Territory: Surfing at Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa

Surfers from around the world are gearing up for the thrill of a lifetime as the surfing season at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa kicks off. With its renowned local breaks, expert coaches, bespoke surf cruises, and exhilarating seaplane “surfaris,” the resort is a haven for wave-riders seeking the ultimate surfing experience.
General Manager Didier Jardin expressed the resort’s enthusiasm for surfing, stating, “We’re a little bit surf-obsessed here at Kuda Huraa.” The resort offers lagoon-based lessons for surfers as young as six, catering to beginners and professionals alike. The prestigious Surfing Champions Trophy, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, has attracted world-class surfers such as Kelly Slater and Tom Curren, further showcasing the exceptional surf experience available at Kuda Huraa.
The 2022 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy, known as “the world’s most luxurious surfing event,” brought together legendary surfers from the “Momentum Generation” and Maldives Surfing Champion Hussain “Iboo” Areef to compete in a unique event format featuring single, twin, and thruster fin contests. Last year’s champion, Kelly Slater, praised the location, saying, “The Maldives is one of those places that I want to come back to year after year. It’s just such a great location, and the waves are beautiful; they’re playful but high level and high-performance surf.”
Excitement is building for this year’s Surfing Champions Trophy, scheduled to take place from August 21 to 28, 2023. Surf enthusiasts eagerly await the announcement of the first competitors, anticipating an exhilarating display of talent and skill.
For those planning a visit to Kuda Huraa, the surf season runs year-round for beginners and from April to October for experienced surfers. Guests can start by learning the essentials in the calm waters of the resort’s lagoon before venturing out to the nearby breaks, where perfect waves await. The breaks around Kuda Huraa, including Honkies, Chickens, Cokes, Sultans, Ninjas, and Tombstones, offer a variety of waves catering to different skill levels and preferences.
In addition to guided Tropicsurf lessons and sessions, Kuda Huraa offers a unique experience: the opportunity to charter a private seaplane and explore untouched breaks in the Maldivian wilderness. Surfers can paddle out to remote, pristine waves surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Maldives, all while enjoying refreshments and the freedom to chase the perfect tide.
The Surf’s Up package at Kuda Huraa includes guest accommodations with daily buffet breakfast, round-trip speedboat transfers, guided boat transfers to local surf breaks, use of surf equipment and stand-up paddle boards, a welcome gift, welcome drink, and fresh fruits in the bungalow. Guests can choose between the Beginner or Experienced Surfer program, with options for lagoon-based courses, ocean-based excursions, coaching clinics, and guided surf excursions.
To plan a surfing break at Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, interested individuals can book online, email reservations.mal@fourseasons.com. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to catch your first wave, Kuda Huraa promises an unforgettable surfing experience in the lap of luxury.
Featured
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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