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Maldives to Host its First Watermen Event

Maldives Promotion House – Spread across the Indian Ocean with its low lying islands, Maldives has always given a great importance to global warming and climate change. Maldives has also hosted many awareness programs and has taken many steps to protect its beautiful islands.
In its fight against the destruction of the environment, Six Senses Resort & Spa has planned to hold the annual Six Senses Watermen event in Maldives, for the first time. The gathering that will begin on September 30th and last until October 4th, this year, will bring in water sports icons such as legendary surfers, windsurfers, kite surfers, divers, free divers and the world’s leading water conservationists.
The event will be hosted in Six Senses Laamu and guests will be offered instruction sessions by the Watermen. According to Six Senses, renowned musicians will also participate offering live music on the sand banks of the tropical resort. Conservationists will lead riveting dialogues and debates about the most sensitive water issues, and guests will be given the opportunity to participate.
Six Senses Watermen event offers an innovative and meaningful opportunity to experience water activities among living legends while also helping Maldives in its efforts to protect these gems of the Indian Ocean.
The event will be held in the latest addition to the Six Senses resorts in Maldives, Six Senses Laamu. Six Senses Laamu is the only resort in the remote Laamu Atoll of Maldives. While the list of participants continue to increase, some of the major gatherers include the following.
Pascal Bronnimann (SUI, +H2O long time pro wind surfer and Diamond Head Pro-Am winner)
Levi Siver (USA, +H2O windsurf wave riding champion and surfer)
Jake Miller (USA, +H2O windsurf wave riding and freestyle rider)
Keith Teboul (MAD, +H2O long time pro wind surfer)
Herbie Fletcher (USA, Longboard surfing legend and artist)
Chris Garrett (AUS, Gold Coast eco-surfer)
Archie Kalepa (USA, Legendary watermen, Hawaiian lifeguard captain)
Buzzy Kerbox (USA, World Cup surf winner, co-inventor of tow-in surfing with Laird Hamilton and longtime face of Ralph Lauren Polo Sport)
Kai Lenny (USA, Maui born 17 year old stand up paddling world champion and Naish protégé)
Takuji Masuda (JPN, Kamakura born longboarder and surf documentarian)
Bob McTavish (AUS, Australian surfer, storyteller and short board inventor)
Tripoli Patterson (USA, surf champion and New York gallerist)
Terry Sims (USA, 25 year surf pro and one of the finest surf coaches in the world)
Davey Blair (USA, Naish Team kite surfer)
Alex Caizergues (FRA, Kite surf speed world champion)
Sean and Jesse Richmann (USA, Kite surfing champion brothers)
Mark Shinn (GBR, 2 times Kite surfing World champion)
Duncan Zuur (NED, one of Europe’s most successful kite surfer and wake boarder)
Bernd Breymann (GER, Catamaran world champion)
Sara Campbell (GBR, Free diving world champion)
Fabien Cousteau (FRA, Third generation French ocean explorer, aquatic filmmaker and Founder of Plant A Fish)
Dr. Jacqueline Chan (USA, Co-founder of Water Charity)
Carl Gustaf Lundin (SUI, Director, Global Marine Programme, International Union for the Conservation of Nature)
Dr. Callum Roberts (GBR, Marine conversation biologist and oceanographer)
Jane Seymour (GBR, Actress and environmentalist)
Averill Strasser (USA, Founder of WaterCharity)
Charles Clover (GBR, Author, The End of the Line, documentary about overfishing)
Prahlad Kakkar (IND, Indian filmmaker, diver and Reef Watch Marine Conservation co-founder)
Shekhar Kapur (IND, Golden Globe winning Indian filmmaker of the forthcoming Paani exploring Mumbai’s shrinking water supply)
Jim Thebault (USA, Documentary filmmaker of Running Dry and hydro-philanthropist)
Christo Edwards (AUS, Margaret River winemaker and surfer)
Mick Scott (AUS, Australian winemaker and waterman)
Jason Mraz (USA. International chart topping singer and surfer)
Other diverse and stimulating events that will keep the guests occupied include a marine restoration project with Fabien Cousteau, Chagos Islands marine conservation update by Blue Marine Foundation, beach cleanups, and a painting workshop engaging the local community.
From sundown onwards, environmental documentaries such as Running Dry and The End of the Line will be shown. Blue Marine Foundation, Plant A Fish, Water Charity and the Six Senses Carbon Offset Programme will be granted the proceeds from the event as donations.
Note: Six Senses Laamu has ninety seven luxurious villas sat back on the beach, nestled among the lush indigenous vegetation, and over the clear turquoise lagoon, offering complete privacy along with Six Senses signature creature comforts. Moreover a fine cuisine of ethically sourced gourmet food with a collection of biodynamic wines from Australia’s Margaret River will be served.
Six Senses Laamu, Maldives: Laamu Atoll, Maldives (+960 680 0800; www.sixsenses.com).
Six Senses Watermen Package: For four nights USD6,000 for doubles and USD4,400 for singles. For seven nights USD9,900 for doubles and USD7,400 for singles. Breakfasts and dinners, Barefoot Gala Dinner, a limited number of spa treatments and seaplane return and transfer flights included.
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OBLU NATURE Helengeli guests witness rare Ornate Eagle Ray

The Maldives is renowned for its surprises and in what can only be called a one-in-a-lifetime experience, on the 30th July a couple of lucky guests out snorkelling at OBLU NATURE Helengeli were treated to a cameo appearance of one of the most elusive sea creatures known. Whilst out taking in the wonders of Helengeli islands vibrant house reef, an Ornate Eagle Ray appeared, one of only a handful reported annually around the world.
The Ornate Eagle Ray, often dubbed the “unicorn of the sea”, is one of the rarest ray species known to humans, with fewer than 60 confirmed sightings globally to date. Despite a wide range of habitat from Indian Ocean to West Pacific, confirmed encounters remain extremely scarce according to sources including BBC Wildlife, Marine Megafauna Foundation and Oceanographic Magazine. The population is under surveillance by the ‘International Union for Conservation of Nature’ (IUCN), and this particular species of ray has an existence status of ‘Critically Endangered’, with population declines observed in conservation reports claims IUCN.
Explaining the uniqueness of this special sighting and of OBLU NATURE Helengeli’s location, TGI Maldives dive centre Operations Manager Greta Marcelli commented, “The guest sighting, made while snorkelling just metres from shore, adds to the limited tally of known observations in Maldivian waters, marking an extraordinary occurrence for both the guest and marine conservation alike.
“Sighting such a rare creature like the Ornate Eagle Ray is truly a remarkable experience to witness and one highly unlikely to ever repeat. That said, interestingly in 2025 at our sister islands of OBLU SELECT Sangeli and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi also both in North Male’ Atoll, sightings had been made earlier this year in January. A staff member had spotted this ray species in the main boat lagoon at Sangeli island, and a guest posted a picture of one whilst on Ailafushi island – possibly completely unaware of just how rare these creatures are.”
This sighting underscores the importance of reef systems like Helengeli’s in offering refuge for rare species, even critically endangered ones such as the Ornate Eagle Ray. While rays are protected under Maldivian law since 2014, specific species-level monitoring remains limited.
Marine Boiologist Georgia Maggioni adds, “As resident marine biologists here in the Maldives, we are thrilled by these reports of rare sightings, it speaks volumes about the health and productivity of our island resorts reefs ecosystems. Although sightings of this species are exceptionally rare, its presence here signals encouraging progress in our conservation efforts, as we continue to support coral reef restoration around our resorts in both shallow lagoons and deeper waters”.
According to the IUCN that monitors the natural world and publishes ‘Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species’, latest research reports have been highlighting concerns for the Ornate Eagle Ray. In 2023, the last IUCN report published stated that ‘despite extensive baited remote underwater video surveying sharks and rays across 391 coral reefs in 67 nations and territories between 2009 and 2019, the Ornate Eagle Ray was only recorded three times, two off the Western Australia and one in Palau’.
Remaining as one of the ocean’s most mysterious species, very little is known about the ray’s migration patterns due to its rarity. However, scattered sightings across the Indo-Pacific, from the Maldives and Seychelles to Australia and the Philippines, suggest that this elusive ray may undertake wide-ranging movements through tropical reef systems. Its preference for shallow coastal waters, sandy bottoms, and coral-rich environments indicates possible seasonal migrations linked to breeding or feeding.
Greta concludes, “Due to its critically endangered status and the scarcity of confirmed data, each new sighting of a creature like the Ornate Eagle Ray plays a vital role in helping better understand the species’ range and behaviour. We are very lucky to have our guests document this encounter and capture the colours and importantly back print of the ray as this pattern is a unique identifier we share with our marine biology colleagues to better analyse migration and population.”
Excursions
COMO Maalifushi launches freediving with Maldivian pioneer Fahd Faiz

COMO Maalifushi has announced the launch of its new freediving programme, developed in collaboration with Fahd Faiz, the first Maldivian freediving instructor and a prominent advocate for marine conservation in the country. This initiative reflects the resort’s ongoing commitment to delivering transformative guest experiences while promoting sustainability, education, and professional development within its team.
Running from 27 July to 10 August 2025, Fahd Faiz’s residency marks the official introduction of freediving training at COMO Maalifushi. The programme centres on equipping the resort’s marine team with advanced skills in breath-hold diving, safety protocols, and heightened underwater awareness. These freediving techniques are set to be incorporated into the resort’s PADI offerings, providing guests with an opportunity to engage with the ocean in a more mindful and unrestricted manner.
Fahd Faiz is the founder of Freedive Maldives, the country’s first locally owned freediving centre, established in 2015. A world record holder in static apnea, he has trained more than 1,000 students and currently serves as President of the Maldives Freediving Association. As the country’s sole PADI Instructor Trainer, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the freediving landscape both in the Maldives and internationally.
Peter Nilsson, Managing Director of COMO Maldives, remarked, “Having Fahd with us at COMO Maalifushi has been an inspiring experience for the team. His passion for the ocean, combined with his exceptional expertise and dedication to education, aligns perfectly with our brand’s ethos of holistic wellness, sustainability, and authentic connection to place. This new freediving initiative not only strengthens our internal capabilities but also enriches the experience we offer our guests, allowing them to encounter the marine world in a deeper and more tranquil way. We are proud to support Fahd’s mission and delighted to introduce freediving at COMO Maalifushi.”
During his residency, Fahd is leading immersive training sessions with the resort’s marine team, focusing on breath control, rescue techniques, equalisation, and mental conditioning—skills essential to freediving and valuable in ensuring guest safety and engagement.
This new freediving experience at COMO Maalifushi is poised to become a signature offering, inviting guests to explore the depths of the Indian Ocean on a single breath, amidst vibrant coral gardens, tropical reef fish, and the meditative silence of the sea.
Action
Fast, fun, and fearless: Jet Car rides arrive at Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Vilu Reef

At Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, guests can now glide across the pristine turquoise lagoons aboard a sleek, high-performance Jet Car — a new water adventure that seamlessly blends excitement with elegance. This latest addition invites guests to experience the Maldives from an entirely fresh perspective, all while immersed in the refined comfort and distinctive style for which both resorts are renowned. A striking combination of speed, scenic beauty, and luxury, the Jet Car experience encapsulates the resorts’ dedication to delivering unforgettable moments for discerning travellers.
Powered by a high-performance Yamaha engine, the Jet Car offers a thrilling ride over the clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Guests may select from various packages, including guided excursions where a professional driver navigates the route, or private hire options that allow guests to take control, accompanied by a jet ski guide for added safety and assistance.
At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, the experience is marked by a sleek white Jet Car that creates a dramatic contrast against the deep ocean hues, while Sun Siyam Iru Veli introduces a vibrant pink Jet Car that brings a playful splash of colour to the horizon. With intuitive controls, the Jet Cars cater to both seasoned water sports enthusiasts and beginners alike. Built-in Bluetooth speakers further personalise the journey, allowing guests to curate their own soundtrack for the ride.
To mark the launch of the Jet Car, both resorts are offering exclusive summer packages. At Sun Siyam Iru Veli, guests staying a minimum of seven nights will receive complimentary round-trip seaplane transfers for two, a veranda breakfast, a Lucky Dolphin Cruise, a USD 100 spa credit on selected treatments, and a welcome bottle of wine with signature bed decoration. Meanwhile, the offer at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef includes complimentary transfers, a sparkling wine and fruit basket on arrival, the choice of a floating or in-villa breakfast, a 30-minute couple’s spa treatment, a complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability), access to selected non-motorised water sports, and free accommodation for children under 12.
Available for bookings made until 31 August, these seasonal offers present a perfect opportunity for guests to pair barefoot luxury with exhilarating new experiences on the water.
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