The Government of Maldives is set to implement stricter operating requirements for vessels entering the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), reinforcing national efforts to protect one of the country’s most important marine tourism destinations. Effective after the 30th of this month, vessels will no longer be permitted to enter the protected area without official registration and installed propeller guards, under a regulatory framework designed to enhance visitor safety, safeguard marine life, and support the long-term sustainability of tourism activities in the area.
SAMPA, the largest protected marine area in the Maldives, has long held international recognition for its exceptional natural value. Extending across the reef systems from Rangali to Dhigurah, the area is home to the country’s largest concentration of whale sharks and is also one of the Maldives’ most admired locations for encounters with manta rays. Its rich biodiversity, warm waters, and year-round appeal have made it a highly regarded destination for divers, snorkellers, resorts, guesthouses, excursion operators, and marine tourism businesses serving visitors from around the world.
The strengthened regulations follow the comprehensive management plan published by the Ministry of Environment last year, reflecting a broader national commitment to preserving the ecological integrity of SAMPA while improving operational standards in one of the busiest marine tourism zones in the country. Authorities have emphasized that the updated requirements are intended to address long-standing safety concerns, reduce environmental risk, and ensure that tourism growth in the area continues in a responsible and well-managed manner.
Under the new requirements, all vessels operating in SAMPA, including dive boats, snorkelling dhonis, and speedboats, must complete registration through the designated Ministry portal before entering the area. Registered vessels will be issued an official flag, which must be clearly displayed whenever operating within the protected zone. In addition, all vessels must be fitted with propeller guards, a measure introduced to help prevent serious injury to swimmers and marine species, particularly in an area where close interaction with whale sharks and other marine life is a defining part of the visitor experience.
The new operating framework also places greater emphasis on real-time oversight and coordinated movement within the protected area. Vessel operators are required to notify the Marine Rangers before crossing into SAMPA and must share their live location while active in the zone, allowing authorities to monitor marine traffic more effectively. Marine Rangers, together with the Maldives Police Service, will be responsible for enforcing the regulations as part of efforts to maintain orderly operations and uphold protection standards across the area.
Another important provision under the management plan is the full prohibition of recreational watercraft such as jet skis and jet cars within SAMPA. This restriction is intended to reduce risks in heavily visited waters and further strengthen the area’s status as a carefully managed marine environment where conservation and visitor safety remain central priorities.
The deadline for full compliance with the propeller guard requirement expires at the end of this month. After the 30th, any vessel that is not registered or does not have a propeller guard installed will be denied entry into the protected area. However, the Ministry has also provided flexibility for operators taking timely action. Vessels that submit their registration applications before the deadline will be granted an extended grace period to complete the physical installation of propeller guards, offering support to businesses that are actively working to meet the new standard.
The updated rules are especially significant for the many resorts, guesthouses, safari vessels, and excursion providers whose services are closely linked to South Ari Atoll’s marine attractions. For the hospitality industry, the enhanced framework is expected to strengthen confidence in the area as a premium nature-based destination by promoting safer excursions, improving accountability among operators, and reinforcing the Maldives’ international reputation for high-value, environmentally conscious tourism. Businesses operating in the atoll are being encouraged to complete their registrations without delay to avoid disruptions and to align their operations with the evolving standards of one of the country’s most celebrated marine parks.
As the Maldives continues to position itself as a leading destination for marine experiences, the stricter SAMPA regulations represent an important step toward balancing environmental stewardship with tourism excellence. By protecting the unique ecosystem that supports whale shark and manta ray encounters, while also improving operational safety for visitors and service providers, the new framework is expected to contribute positively to the future of sustainable tourism in the South Ari Atoll and to the wider global image of the Maldives as a destination that values both natural heritage and responsible visitor experiences.
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