Canareef Resort Maldives has been nominated in two categories at the World Travel Awards 2026: Indian Ocean's Leading Dive Resort and Maldives' Leading Dive Resort.
The nominations recognize Canareef’s standing as one of the region’s leading diving destinations, offering underwater experiences unique to the Maldives.
One of the resort’s most notable dive attractions is the British Loyalty, the largest shipwreck in the Maldives. The 140-meter WWII oil tanker lies only minutes away from the resort and has evolved into a thriving artificial reef, making it one of the Indian Ocean’s most sought-after dive locations.
Unlike many Maldivian atolls where manta ray sightings are seasonal, Addu is the only destination where full-sized adult Oceanic Manta Rays with wingspans reaching up to 5 meters can be seen throughout the year, regardless of monsoon season. These “mega-mantas” remain a key attraction for divers visiting Canareef.
The resort’s well-known Shark Point, referred to as “The Shark Hotel,” is home to more than 20 Grey Reef Sharks resting together on the sandy seabed, a rare underwater occurrence that continues to attract photographers from around the world.
As one of the few resorts situated south of the Equator, Canareef also provides visitors with the opportunity to dive in the Southern Hemisphere. In addition, while many reefs across the region experienced coral bleaching, Addu’s reefs continue to remain among the healthiest and most vibrant in the Indian Ocean, showcasing the color and biodiversity associated with pristine coral reef systems.
The World Travel Awards, frequently described as “the Oscars of the travel industry,” recognize excellence across all areas of tourism. The two nominations position Canareef among some of the world’s top diving destinations while also reflecting the resort’s dedication to marine conservation and guest experiences.
“These nominations reflect what our guests and the diving community have known for years,” says the Canareef management team. “Addu Atoll offers diving experiences that are truly unmatched, and we're honored to share these underwater treasures with the world.”
The nominations also draw attention to Addu Atoll and the southern Maldives, supporting tourism diversification beyond the northern atolls. Canareef has invited divers, former guests, and supporters to participate when voting for the World Travel Awards opens.
For travellers seeking internationally recognised diving experiences alongside marine encounters and healthy reef systems, Canareef Resort Maldives continues to maintain its position as a leading dive resort destination.
To support Canareef’s nominations and promote the marine biodiversity of Addu Atoll internationally, votes can be submitted through the resort’s official voting page.
