On 24th July, Dhawa Ihuru invites ocean lovers, divers, and culture seekers to join the annual Rannamaari Dive Fest, marking 26 years since the Rannamaari Shipwreck became part of the island’s legendary house reef.

Celebrating 26 Years of a Living Legend Beneath the Surface

Just 25 minutes by complimentary speedboat from Velana International Airport, Dhawa Ihuru is a refreshingly bold and laid-back island escape, surrounded by one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house reefs. 

Recognised among the Best House Reefs in the Maldives (Travel + Leisure Asia Luxury Awards 2025) and a certified PADI 5-Star Dive Resort, the resort combines all-inclusive ease, modern design, and heartfelt hospitality—making it an ideal sanctuary for reef lovers, divers and ocean explorers.

Sitting at the edge of the house reef lies the Rannamaari Shipwreck, a sunken dredger that has, since 1999, blossomed into a flourishing artificial reef teeming with coral, nurse sharks, batfish, and more. This iconic wreck is now a celebrated dive site and a symbol of reef regeneration.

What to expect at Rannamaari Dive Fest 2025?As one of the key highlight activities of the event, you are invited to explore this underwater legend – Rannamaari wreck on guided dives led by Dhawa Ihuru’s PADI Dive Instructors. 

Guests will also experience a full-day event of marine conservation talk, Save the Reef educational snorkelling activity, island-inspired cultural, wellbeing and culinary workshops, kids' corners, beachfront sunset cocktail party as part of the Rannamaari Dive Fest celebration.

“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.” — Elias Pertoft, General Manager, Dhawa Ihuru and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru. 

Celebrate more than Two-decade of Reef Restoration at Dhawa Ihuru

Well-known for its reputation as an environmentally conscious and green resort, Dhawa Ihuru was among the first to apply electric reef method. The Barnacle project, based on the barnacle shell, about 4 meters tall and 6 meters across, located in 6 meters depth, was started earlier in November 1996, and has become an iconic symbol for Dhawa's restoration. 

The second electric reef was created shortly after in 1998 called the Necklace and in 2001, a third electric reef was created on the house reef of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru called the Lotus – the sister resort of Dhawa Ihuru, just five-minute away by speed boat. Since then, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru have expanded coral restoration to include micro-fragmentation, mid water nursery and coral rope nurseries. 

During Rannamaari Dive Fest, guests will be able to join Save the Reef educational snorkelling activity and help preserve the ecosystem. During the snorkel guests can see the marine conservation projects, led by our resident marine biologists from the Banyan Tree Marine Laboratory team. Get ready to explore a world of discovery beneath the surface with a vast of variety of fish including black tip reef sharks, stingrays, turtles and parrotfish, and more.

Festival-Only Dive & Discover Offers

From 24–31 July 2025, guests can enjoy exclusive Dive Centre and Water Sports offers, with up to 30% off selected experiences during Rannamaari Dive Fest.

Beginner divers can take part in a Discover Scuba Diving session, while certified divers can enjoy 5- or 10-dive packages—each beginning with a guided dive to the Rannamaari Shipwreck.

For those seeking more flexibility, the year-round Dive More, Pay Less package offers attractive bundled PADI dive sessions and continuing education courses, making it easy for guests to explore the ocean at their own pace.

Learn more about Dive More, Pay Less package. 

Whether you're just starting your dive journey or returning to the reef for more, Rannamaari Dive Fest 2025 offers a meaningful and memorable way to connect with the ocean, the culture, and a legacy of regeneration.