Rannamaari Shipwreck Celebrated with Dive Fest at Dhawa Ihuru
Thursday 17th of July 2025
On 24th July, Dhawa Ihuru will welcome divers, ocean enthusiasts, and cultural travellers to its annual Rannamaari Dive Fest, marking 26 years since the Rannamaari Shipwreck became part of the island’s house reef.
Just 25 minutes by complimentary speedboat from Velana International Airport, Dhawa Ihuru is known for its vibrant house reef and relaxed atmosphere. Recognised as one of the Best House Reefs in the Maldives by the Travel + Leisure Asia Luxury Awards 2025, and certified as a PADI 5-Star Dive Resort, the property offers all-inclusive comfort, modern design, and a strong focus on marine experiences.
The Rannamaari Shipwreck, a dredger sunk in 1999, has become a thriving artificial reef and a popular dive site. Now home to nurse sharks, batfish, coral, and a range of marine life, it stands as a symbol of reef restoration efforts.
This year’s Dive Fest will feature guided dives to the wreck led by Dhawa Ihuru’s PADI Dive Instructors. The event will also include marine conservation talks, Save the Reef snorkelling sessions, cultural and wellness workshops, culinary activities, a children’s corner, and a sunset beach cocktail gathering.
Dhawa Ihuru is one of the Maldives' early adopters of electric reef methods. Its Barnacle Project, launched in 1996, features a large, barnacle-shaped structure placed at a depth of six metres. The resort also developed the Necklace reef in 1998, and its sister resort Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru launched the Lotus reef in 2001. Together, both resorts have expanded conservation efforts to include micro-fragmentation, mid-water nurseries, and coral rope nurseries.
Festival guests will have the chance to join Save the Reef snorkelling activities, guided by marine biologists from the Banyan Tree Marine Laboratory, and observe various species such as blacktip reef sharks, stingrays, turtles, and parrotfish.
From 24 to 31 July, visitors can enjoy up to 30% off selected experiences at the Dive Centre and Water Sports. Activities include Discover Scuba Diving for beginners and 5- or 10-dive packages for certified divers, starting with a dive at the Rannamaari wreck.
For those looking for more flexibility, the Dive More, Pay Less package offers bundled PADI dive sessions and continuing education courses, allowing guests to explore the reef throughout their stay.
Rannamaari Dive Fest 2025 offers an opportunity for both new and experienced divers to experience the rich marine life, culture, and conservation focus that define Dhawa Ihuru.