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Aquatic marvels of the Maldives
Are you planning to unwind at one of the Luxury Maldives Resort on your next holiday? Then a headlong plunge into the blue ocean would be on top of the recommended activity list, that being said is of course with an air tank on your back, a pair of flappers, a mask and a camera if you want to treasure all the beauty you would encounter underwater in Maldives. The marine life and landscape of coral reefs in the Maldives, both as staggering, are frequented by barracudas, trevally and black snapper fish at all seasons. Experience finest diving precinct at Maldives, where there is no limit to majestic rock faces, caves, deep gutters and overhangs, which are caught sight of at more than 600 named dive sites in the Maldives. Engender your stay at Maldives, making a worthwhile trip to the clear waters to dig into all the stunning species waiting to be fancied.
Some of the best reefs are right by the Luxury Maldives Resorts, which are the house reefs, others to be reached by a boat ride no longer than one hour at most within the atoll. These picturesque reefs are famed for manta rays convening on large numbers, seasonal grey reef sharks and whale sharks which make an appearance every now and then. Dappled with overhangs and crevices as well as large boulders the reefs are well known and experienced by dive instructors, and you will be in safe hands while you go on inquiring the waters and their dazing life.
Looking pinpointed at what exactly you might expect to see in a dive at any atoll during your Luxury Maldives Resort vacation, a vast motley of species are spotted in every dive experience. Most charmed divers could spot eagle rays, barracuda, big-eye trevally, eagle rays, triggerfish, tuna and reef sharks. The marine life comprises numerous species of damselfish, snapper, long-nose hawk fish, and feather star fishes. Presence of dainty corals in mostly shallow areas, they are ideal to encounter rare invertebrate species such as nudibranchs, flatworms, leaf fish and frog fish, and more pelagic. The exterior reefs have several sandy inlets and ridges cutting across it, and sandy slopes transpire commonly as popular reef shark spots.
Dive site options in all Luxury Maldives Resorts and nearby areas also include some very dandy and interesting shipwrecks featuring prodigious array of soft corals in a riot in bright colours, flanked by black corals and gorgonian fans and all the usual. The natural dive sites hold overhangs, swim-throughs and caves with chimneys which are worthy probes. The main reefs have a beautiful terrain of coral ridges, usually teaming with schools of flamboyant fish life. There also are bijou bays with sandy patches where gobies, shrimps, dogtooth tunas, fusiliers and oriental sweetlips are spotted. Some reef tops are shallower, just perfect depth where you can complete your safety stop among the fields of anemones, soft corals and tunicates, which are bright and vibrant in the sun’s nourishing rays.
Whichever dive site you explore, be prepared to have the time of your life and be startled by all the tiny and huge life you’d be spotting and keeping as great memories treasured in your heart. Maldivian Tour Operator ALPHA MALDIVES can guide you to book the finest Luxury Maldives Resorts offering the best dive experiences, furthermore helping you pick a resort nearest to the type or certain taxon you want to spot underwater during your holiday dive experiences.
By Afza Hassan for Alpha Maldives
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Coco Bodu Hithi celebrates Women’s Dive Day with marine conservation experience
In celebration of PADI Women’s Dive Day on 18 July 2026, Coco Bodu Hithi invites certified women divers to come together for a meaningful morning beneath the surface, combining marine conservation with the joy of exploring the ocean in one of the Maldives’ most vibrant natural environments.
Inspired by this year’s global theme, “Celebrate Community. Create Change.”, the resort’s Women of the Ocean Reef Clean-Up Dive encourages to connect through shared passion for the underwater world while making a positive impact on the environment. Designed exclusively for certified women divers, the guided reef clean-up dive offers the opportunity to explore Coco Bodu Hithi’s biodiverse house reef while helping remove debris and protect its delicate ecosystem.
At the heart of it all is Coco Dive, the resort’s PADI-certified dive centre, where guests can discover the beauty and wonders of the Maldives through safe, personalised and memorable underwater adventures. Whether taking their very first breath below the surface or exploring advanced dive sites, guests are guided by an experienced, multilingual team of instructors dedicated to creating unforgettable diving experiences.
Just minutes from the resort, divers can access almost 30 renowned dive sites, home to vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine life, including hawksbill turtles, white-tip and grey reef sharks, eagle rays, barracuda, Napoleon fish, schools of blue-striped snappers, batfish and fusiliers. Guests looking to begin their marine adventures can also start their certification before arrival through PADI eLearning, allowing them to spend more time exploring the ocean once they reach the Maldives.
“At Coco Bodu Hithi, we believe every dive is an opportunity to build a deeper connection with the ocean,” said Jinn Hui, Dive Base Leader for Coco Bodu Hithi. “PADI Women’s Dive Day celebrates the growing community of women in diving while reminding us that small actions, such as removing debris, can make a meaningful difference to the health of our reefs.”
The activity is available at the resort’s standard single-dive rate and includes a personalised certificate of participation and a complimentary dive video, allowing guests to take home lasting memories of a meaningful day beneath the surface.
Rooted in Coco Collection’s truly Maldivian heritage, Coco Bodu Hithi continues to bring guests closer to nature through experiences that inspire a deeper appreciation for the Maldives and its fragile marine habitat.
Located in North Malé Atoll, just 35 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Coco Bodu Hithi invites guests to unwind in spacious villas with up to 30% savings through the Discover Coco offer or enjoy exclusive benefits with the Local & Expat Exclusives package. Visit cococollection.com or contact reservations@cococollection.com for further enquiries.
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Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru launch month-long marine conservation programme
This July, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru reaffirm their long-standing commitment to protecting the Maldives through a month of conservation initiatives that inspire guests to become active stewards of the ocean.
Plastic Free July: Protecting the Maldives’ Blue Heart
As per UNDP, each year, the Maldives generates more than 43,000 tonnes of plastic waste – equivalent to the weight of approximately 215 blue whales and nearly 120 tons per day. For a country whose future depends on healthy oceans, reducing plastic pollution is essential to protecting marine biodiversity, and preserving the natural beauty that defines the Maldives.
Throughout July, guests are invited to take part in weekly Sunset Island Beach Cleans and Reef Cleans with our Marine Lab, helping remove marine plastic trash while learning about the importance of protecting the fragile coastal and reef ecosystems. The programme also includes a collaboration with a local sustainable NGO, showcasing how discarded plastic can be transformed into artwork, jewellery, and other meaningful products through creativity and circular design.

Shark Awareness Day: Why Sharks Matter
On 14 July, the resorts will mark Shark Awareness Day in collaboration with Miyaru, the Maldives’ leading shark research and conservation NGO. While sharks are often portrayed as dangerous, they are in fact among the ocean’s most important guardians.
By naturally regulating fish populations, sharks help keep coral reef ecosystems healthy and balanced. Without them, the delicate food chain can be disrupted, affecting everything from reef fish and coral health to the countless marine species that depend on these habitats. Healthy shark populations are also a sign of a thriving ocean—one that supports local fisheries, protects biodiversity, and sustains the world-renowned diving and snorkelling experiences that make the Maldives so unique.
Through engaging talks with Miyaru’s marine experts, guests will discover fascinating facts about Maldivian sharks, understand the challenges they face, and learn how conservation efforts are helping protect these often misunderstood guardians of healthy oceans.

Mangrove Conservation Day: 26 July
As part of Plastic Free July, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru will also celebrate the International Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem on 26 July through a community mangrove planting and cleanup initiative with Huraa Council.
Mangroves are among the Maldives’ most valuable natural ecosystems, serving as nurseries for marine life, protecting coastlines from erosion, filtering pollutants, and strengthening resilience against climate change. Together with reef conservation and plastic reduction, the initiative reinforces the importance of protecting every part of the marine ecosystem—from the shoreline to the reef.

More than a month of activities, Plastic Free July reflects Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru’s enduring commitment to preserving the Maldives’ rich marine heritage – bringing together guests, local communities, and conservation partners to protect the ocean through collective action.
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InterContinental Maldives elevates active luxury with new padel court
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has unveiled its new padel court, adding a fresh dimension to island wellness and offering guests a dynamic new way to stay active in paradise.
Now with over 30 million players worldwide, padel is one of the fastest growing sports, offering a fun and inclusive activity for beginners and experts alike. The brand new court is framed by Maldivian palm trees and white sand, creating a striking backdrop for both leisurely matches and spirited competition.
Complimentary for all guests, the court includes the use of premium rackets and balls, allowing guests to discover a new skill in a tropical island setting. Families are invited to enjoy dedicated on-court sessions designed for all ages to create memorable, shared experiences. Benches line the court, creating a comfortable space for spectators to watch and support friends and family.
Located beside InterContinental Maldives’ fitness centre with its state-of-the-art gym, personal training programmes, and aerobic workout sessions, the new padel court aims to enhance the resort’s distinctive approach to luxury, wellbeing and curated guest experiences.
Overwater Pool Villa starting from $1,290++ per night with a variety of inclusions. The padel court is complimentary
for guests.
For more information, please visit www.maldives.intercontinental.com or email reservations.icmaldives@ihg.com.
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