Nova Maldives, a serene island resort in the heart of South Ari Atoll, is partnering with the global leader in scuba diving education, PADI, to host a special Ocean Adventure Week from July 13 to 20, 2025. Timed to coincide with the 11th annual PADI Women’s Dive Day on July 19, this week-long event is designed to connect guests with the ocean through exploration, education, and conservation.
This one-of-a-kind marine experience will be guided by PADI AmbassaDiver India Black, a well-known conservationist and ocean storyteller, along with Matt Wenger, PADI’s Regional Manager for the Maldives. Participants from around the world are invited to dive into the crystal-clear waters of the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), where they will have the opportunity to swim alongside whale sharks, manta rays, and endangered sea turtles while learning about the importance of responsible marine tourism.
India Black brings a deep passion for marine life, having worked on conservation efforts across the globe—from rehabilitating sea turtles in the Whitsundays to undertaking long-distance paddling expeditions in Hawaii. Her mission to foster personal growth through ocean connection complements the week’s focus on mindfulness, community, and environmental awareness.
Matt Wenger, with nearly 30 years of experience in the diving industry and a decade overseeing PADI’s work in the Maldives, offers a wealth of knowledge about sustainable diving. His efforts have been central in expanding PADI’s presence across Maldivian resorts and local communities, with a strong emphasis on the organisation’s Three Pillars of Change: ocean conservation, diver safety, and community engagement.
Throughout the week, Nova’s guests will take part in curated excursions such as manta ray and whale shark snorkelling, sea turtle discovery trips, and reef clean-up dives. In the evenings, Blue Planet screenings under the stars will offer moments of relaxation and reflection, while educational workshops and marine talks will deepen participants’ knowledge of coral preservation, sustainable tourism, and PADI AWARE initiatives.
A highlight of the week will be the Women’s Dive Day celebration, aimed at empowering more women to embrace the underwater world and become advocates for marine protection. The event aligns closely with Nova’s long-standing partnerships with respected organisations such as the Manta Trust and the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme, reinforcing the resort’s commitment to ethical wildlife interaction and conservation.
India Black shared her hopes for the event, saying, “The ocean has given me healing and perspective, and I want others to experience that same transformation. Through this week, I hope to help people not only fall in love with the sea but feel a deep responsibility to protect it.”
Echoing this sentiment, Nova Maldives’ General Manager Abdulla Aboobakuru added, “At Nova, we believe in the power of connection—between people, nature, and purpose. This event is a chance for our guests to form meaningful bonds with the ocean while enjoying the incredible beauty the Maldives has to offer.”
The Ocean Adventure Week can be booked directly through Nova Maldives and includes a full programme of dives, workshops, and conservation activities. Prices start from USD 493 per night in a Beach Villa and USD 694 per night in a Water Villa (including tax), based on two adults sharing under the Full Board Plus plan. Availability is limited, offering an intimate and enriching experience for those eager to dive deeper into the magic of the Maldives.
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