A short speedboat ride from Velana International Airport transports visitors to Dhawa Ihuru, a celebrated island sanctuary known for its exceptional marine biodiversity and unwavering commitment to reef conservation. From 24th to 31st July 2025, this vibrant resort will host its annual Rannamaari Dive Fest, marking 26 years since the iconic Rannamaari Shipwreck was purposefully introduced to its house reef, transforming a sunken dredger into one of the region’s most dynamic artificial reefs.
Recognised among the Best House Reefs in the Maldives by the Travel + Leisure Asia Luxury Awards 2025, Dhawa Ihuru is a certified PADI 5-Star Dive Resort, offering guests all-inclusive comfort, modern design, and an immersive marine experience in the North Malé Atoll. The island’s compact size and proximity to thriving coral gardens make it a magnet for divers, marine biologists, and families seeking eco-adventures with world-class hospitality.
The Rannamaari Shipwreck, which was submerged in 1999, now hosts a flourishing marine habitat that attracts a stunning variety of species including nurse sharks, batfish, vibrant coral colonies, and reef fish. Perched just steps from the beach, the shipwreck not only draws seasoned divers but also stands as a testament to decades of marine restoration and sustainability practices championed by Dhawa Ihuru and its sister property, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
During this year’s Rannamaari Dive Fest, visitors will be invited to explore the famed shipwreck through guided dives led by experienced PADI-certified instructors. The program extends beyond diving, offering full-day events including marine conservation seminars, “Save the Reef” educational snorkelling excursions, wellness and cultural workshops, hands-on culinary sessions, and family-friendly beachside activities. The day will conclude with a scenic sunset cocktail gathering, celebrating the union of nature, tradition, and sustainable tourism.
According to Elias Pertoft, General Manager of Dhawa Ihuru and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, “Rannamaari Dive Fest 2025 is more than a celebration. For over two decades, our team has nurtured the reef, welcomed divers and ocean lovers from around the world, and shared the magic of this shipwreck and its transformation. As a PADI 5-Star Dive Resort, we take great pride in creating immersive experiences that are not only exciting but also educational and regenerative. We look forward to welcoming our guests—whether first-time divers or long-time ocean lovers to be part of this continuing journey.”
Dhawa Ihuru has long been an environmental trailblazer. In 1996, it launched the Barnacle Project, a four-metre-high and six-metre-wide artificial reef structure inspired by barnacle shells, placed at a six-metre depth. This early innovation set the tone for what would become a series of pioneering reef restoration efforts. In 1998, the resort added the Necklace electric reef, followed by the Lotus reef at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru in 2001. Both resorts, located just five minutes apart by speedboat, now collaborate through the Banyan Tree Marine Laboratory, a leading research centre dedicated to coral propagation and marine science in the Maldives.
The conservation efforts have since evolved to include advanced techniques such as micro-fragmentation, mid-water coral nurseries, and rope-based coral planting. These practices continue to attract eco-conscious travellers and researchers, further solidifying the destination’s role in marine education and sustainable tourism.
Guests participating in Save the Reef snorkelling sessions during the festival will be accompanied by resident marine biologists. These guided excursions provide an opportunity to witness rich biodiversity up close, with common sightings of blacktip reef sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and parrotfish, offering educational value for both adults and children.
Throughout the festival week, guests can enjoy up to 30% off selected Dive Centre and Water Sports experiences. For beginners, Discover Scuba Diving sessions provide a safe and thrilling introduction to the underwater world, while certified divers may select 5- or 10-dive packages, each beginning with a guided visit to the Rannamaari Shipwreck. For those planning longer stays or future visits, the resort’s Dive More, Pay Less package offers a flexible, value-driven option, bundling multiple PADI dive sessions and continuing education courses.
With a holistic approach that blends marine conservation, cultural heritage, and luxury hospitality, Rannamaari Dive Fest 2025 offers a rewarding way to engage with the Maldivian underwater world. It is an invitation to not only explore the depths of the Indian Ocean but also to become part of a legacy of preservation and learning that continues to shape responsible tourism in the Maldives.
Dhawa Ihuru stands as a shining example of how nature, innovation, and hospitality can thrive together, offering guests an unforgettable island experience, where each dive tells a story, and every visit contributes to a greater purpose.
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