Dhawa Ihuru is set to welcome guests and ocean enthusiasts to the Rannamaari Dive Fest 2026 on 23 May 2026, offering a distinctive celebration of the Maldives’ marine heritage, vibrant reef life and relaxed island hospitality. The event will place the spotlight on one of the country’s most recognised underwater attractions while presenting guests with a full-day programme designed to combine adventure, education and conservation in an immersive island setting.
Located just 25 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Dhawa Ihuru continues to strengthen its reputation as a highly accessible retreat for travellers seeking an authentic Maldivian resort experience enriched by nature. The resort is particularly known for its exceptional house reef, which has earned international recognition among the Best House Reefs in the Maldives by Travel + Leisure Asia in 2025, while also receiving the Best Dive Resort award from Travel Trade Maldives in the same year. These distinctions further reflect the resort’s standing as a destination where marine discovery forms an integral part of the guest experience.
At the centre of the festival is the Rannamaari Shipwreck, a former dredger that was deliberately sunk off the island’s shore in 1999 and has since transformed into a flourishing artificial reef. Over the years, the site has developed into a rich marine habitat that attracts a wide variety of sea life, creating an engaging dive location that appeals to both first-time divers and experienced underwater explorers. Its proximity to the island and the clarity of the surrounding waters have helped make it one of the most memorable marine features associated with Dhawa Ihuru.
The Rannamaari Dive Fest 2026 will bring this underwater attraction to life through guided dives organised by the resort’s PADI-certified Dive Centre, allowing participants to explore the shipwreck in the company of trained professionals. The day’s programme will also include underwater treasure hunts, marine discovery sessions and interactive engagements with the resort’s Marine Lab, creating opportunities for guests to gain a broader appreciation of the marine environment while enjoying a thoughtfully curated series of activities.
Dhawa Ihuru’s Marine Lab remains one of the resort’s defining features and a meaningful part of its environmental identity. Established in 2004 as the first facility of its kind in the Maldives, the Marine Lab has played a pioneering role in reef protection and restoration. During the festival, guests will have the opportunity to meet marine biologists and learn more about the delicate ecosystems that support island life, deepening their understanding of the importance of conservation within the Maldivian tourism experience.
The festival will also highlight the resort’s long-standing underwater initiatives, including the Barnacle Project, introduced in 1996 as the Maldives’ first electric reef, and the Necklace Reef, established in 1998. These projects demonstrate Dhawa Ihuru’s early commitment to innovation in marine restoration and continue to stand today as thriving habitats that support coral development and attract diverse fish and marine species. Their inclusion in the event programme adds further depth to the festival by connecting leisure experiences with environmental awareness and responsible tourism practices.
Beyond its underwater attractions, Dhawa Ihuru presents guests with a resort experience that extends across the island in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The Rannamaari Dive Fest will reflect this broader appeal through a range of activities that go beyond diving, including watersports, island crafts, beachfront dining and family-friendly experiences. This blend of adventure and leisure reflects the resort’s easy-going all-inclusive concept, where guests can enjoy a seamless holiday with thoughtfully arranged experiences set against the beauty of a tropical island environment.
Commenting on the significance of the event, Mujuthaba Ali, Marine Recreations Manager, Marine Centre, of Dhawa Ihuru and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, said the Rannamaari is far more than a shipwreck, describing it as a living symbol of how responsible marine initiatives can transform history into habitat. He noted that from its unexpected sinking in 1999 to its evolution into a thriving artificial reef and the centrepiece of the resort’s signature dive experiences, the Rannamaari reflects Dhawa Ihuru’s commitment to marine conservation, meaningful guest engagement and the Maldives’ enduring connection with the ocean.
With its combination of award-winning marine attractions, pioneering conservation efforts and refined island hospitality, Dhawa Ihuru is expected to offer a memorable setting for the Rannamaari Dive Fest 2026. For international travellers and regional visitors alike, the event presents an opportunity to experience the Maldives not only as a destination of natural beauty, but also as a place where sustainability, education and resort excellence come together in a truly engaging way.
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