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Discover the real Maldives aboard Four Seasons Exlporer

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Maldives Promotion House – Experience the Maldives as few visitors ever do with the world’s most intimate Four Seasons Resort.

Four Seasons Explorer, a three-deck luxury live-aboard, takes a maximum of 22 guests – matched one-to-one by a seasoned crew – on a marine and cultural odyssey into the undiscovered Maldives via three, four and seven-night cruises, or private, customized charters. The fastest and most luxurious live-aboard in the Maldives,Four Seasons Explorer offers scuba divers effortless access to a minimum of three dives a day as part of all-inclusive itineraries that cover some of most sought after locations in the Maldives: untouched reefs, vibrant thilas, exciting channels and wrecks, breathtaking sunrise and night sites, plus seasonal manta ray and whale shark hot spots.

Aside from diving, guests can snorkel, water ski, fish, kayak and sail in virtually untouched waters; savour gourmet cuisine and relax with beachfront barbecues and massages on idyllic sandbanks; spend time with the marine biologist and visit secluded islands for cultural and castaway experiences, historic monuments and isolated arts and crafts villages. Above all, Four Seasons Explorer offers guests the opportunity to experience a side of the Maldives rarely seen by tourists.

Newly refurbished for 2013, on board accommodation ranges from ten large ensuite Staterooms (215 square feet/20 square metres) in luxurious earthy tones to the spacious Explorer Suite (484 square feet/45 metres) – the epitome of indulgence at sea – complete with a wall of windows and its own private deck. In addition, the boat has an extensive dive deck and two sun decks plus a restaurant with indoor and al fresco dining, two bars, a large comfortable lounge and library. There’s even a resident Spa therapist offering natural Asian-inspired therapies from a private treatment area on the upper deck – curtained for privacy yet open to the refreshing sea air – or at any one of the secluded beach locations visited during the cruise. Additional touches from luxury linens to nightly turndown stories, local lacquer-ware gifts and relaxed one-to-one service further enhance the boat’s easy, residential vibe.

Four Seasons Explorer cruises a Northward, Southward and Circuit route between Four Seasons two Maldivian island resorts on three, four and seven-night itineraries. All the routes explore remote locations selected for their unique marine, cultural and recreational value. The cruise experience is tailored to each individual, whether they are diving in secluded sites, dining on isolated beaches or exploring remote villages, while a ratio of one staff member to every guest ensures seamless and highly personalized service at all times.

Four Seasons Explorer offers as much to see and do above the water as beneath it. Below is a sample itinerary highlighting activities that offer the sense of discovery that only a Four Seasons Explorer cruise can bring:

  • 07:00 Dive option: Sunrise dive
  • 08:00 Breakfast on board
  • 09:00 Cruising and sunbathing on upper deck
  • 11:00 Arrival at island of Kudarikilu: visit the old mosque and see traditional handicrafts such as carpet weaving. Dive option: Kuda Kurathu Thila
  • 12:30 Cruising and lunch on board
  • 14:30 Set anchor at a virgin island and spend a relaxing afternoon on the beach or watersports in the lagoon. Snorkelling trip escorted by a marine biologist
  • 16:00 Dive option(s): Afternoon dive. Alternative: indulge in a massage or read a book
  • 18:00 Sunset fishing trip on local dhoni boat. Alternative: embark on a night dive
  • 20:00 Cocktails on upper deck followed by barbecue dinner on the beach
  • 22:00 Shiptalk briefing and after-dinner drinks in the Lounge

Cruise Details

Three, four and seven-night cruise options begin at USD 800.00 per person per night and include the following:

  • Full board meals and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Windsurfing, kayaking, water skiing and fishing
  • Fish talks and snorkelling excursions with on board marine biologist
  • Island hopping and cultural presentations
  • Scheduled dive sessions including full equipment
  • Round trip airport transfers and seaplane transfer (where applicable)

Private charters may be booked beginning at USD 16,000.00 per day and include the following:

  • Full board meals and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Windsurfing, kayaking, water skiing and fishing
  • Fish talks and snorkelling excursions with on board marine biologist
  • Island hopping and cultural presentations
  • Scheduled dive sessions including full equipment

Featured

Finolhu replants 1,200 coral colonies to strengthen house reef

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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

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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

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Excursions

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

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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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