Dhawa Ihuru is set to host the annual Rannamaari Dive Fest on 24 July 2025, celebrating 26 years since the Rannamaari Shipwreck became a central feature of its famed house reef. Located just 25 minutes by complimentary speedboat from Velana International Airport, Dhawa Ihuru offers a laid-back island atmosphere and is surrounded by one of the Maldives’ most vibrant reef ecosystems.
Recognised as one of the Best House Reefs in the Maldives by the Travel + Leisure Asia Luxury Awards 2025, Dhawa Ihuru is a PADI 5-Star Dive Resort known for combining modern design, all-inclusive convenience, and genuine hospitality. Since its sinking in 1999, the Rannamaari Shipwreck—a former dredger—has transformed into a thriving artificial reef, now home to an array of marine life including coral, batfish, and nurse sharks. The wreck has become a signature dive site and an enduring symbol of reef restoration.
The Rannamaari Dive Fest 2025 will invite guests to explore this underwater marvel through guided dives led by Dhawa Ihuru’s experienced PADI instructors. The event will feature a full day of programming, including marine conservation talks, educational snorkelling sessions under the “Save the Reef” initiative, island-inspired wellness and culinary workshops, children’s activities, and a sunset beachfront cocktail gathering.
General Manager Elias Pertoft, who oversees both Dhawa Ihuru and sister resort Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, emphasized the significance of the celebration: “Rannamaari Dive Fest 2025 is more than just a commemorative event. For over 20 years, our team has nurtured this reef and shared its magic with divers and marine lovers from around the world. As a PADI 5-Star Dive Resort, we pride ourselves on offering immersive experiences that are both exciting and educational, encouraging regenerative tourism.”
Dhawa Ihuru has long been a pioneer in reef restoration efforts. In 1996, it launched the Barnacle project, installing an electric reef structure resembling a barnacle shell, standing 4 meters high and 6 meters across, at a depth of 6 meters. Following this, a second structure named the Necklace was added in 1998, and in 2001, the Lotus reef was installed at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, located just five minutes away by boat. Both resorts have since expanded their restoration efforts to include coral rope nurseries, mid-water nurseries, and coral micro-fragmentation.
During the festival, guests can participate in the Save the Reef snorkelling activity and observe the marine conservation work led by the Banyan Tree Marine Laboratory’s resident biologists. The reef teems with a variety of marine species including blacktip reef sharks, parrotfish, stingrays, and turtles, providing a unique opportunity for discovery beneath the surface.
From 24 to 31 July 2025, festival-exclusive offers will be available at the Dive Centre and Water Sports hub, including discounts of up to 30% on selected experiences. New divers can try a Discover Scuba Diving session, while certified divers can opt for 5- or 10-dive packages that begin with a guided exploration of the Rannamaari Shipwreck. For year-round flexibility, Dhawa Ihuru continues to offer its Dive More, Pay Less package, which bundles PADI dive sessions and continuing education courses for guests wishing to explore the ocean at their own pace.
Whether you are taking your first steps into diving or returning to familiar waters, Rannamaari Dive Fest 2025 offers an inspiring way to engage with the ocean, Maldivian culture, and a legacy of marine regeneration.