There’s something magical about stories that live beneath the surface-especially when they’re real. This July, Dhawa Ihuru invites divers, snorkelers, and ocean lovers to gather for Rannamaari Dive Fest, a celebration of one of the Maldives’ most fascinating underwater landmarks.
Held on July 24, 2025, this year’s event marks 26 years since the Rannamaari Shipwreck became part of the island’s stunning house reef. What started as a sunken dredger has transformed over time into a vibrant artificial reef, now home to batfish, nurse sharks, corals, and more. It’s a living, breathing symbol of nature’s resilience-and a must-dive site for anyone who dreams in blue.
A Place Where Adventure Meets Purpose
Set just 25 minutes by boat from Malé, Dhawa Ihuru is known for its bold energy and one of the Maldives’ most accessible and colorful reefs. Named among the best house reefs in the Maldives, it draws divers from all over the world-and the Rannamaari wreck is a big reason why.
During Dive Fest, guests will have the rare chance to dive the Rannamaari Shipwreck with expert guides, while learning about the reef’s journey through marine conservation talks and snorkelling sessions led by the island’s in-house biologists.
There’s something for every kind of traveler here:
- Beginner-friendly Discover Scuba sessions
- 5- and 10-dive packages for certified divers
- “Save the Reef” snorkelling tours showcasing live restoration sites
- Island-inspired workshops, cultural activities, and even a beachfront sunset party to close the day
It’s part dive trip, part eco-festival-and 100% Maldivian in spirit.
A Reef With a Story to Tell
What makes Dhawa Ihuru special isn’t just its natural beauty-it’s the care behind it. The team here has been actively restoring the reef for decades. Starting in the late ’90s, they launched some of the first electric reef structures in the country-innovative installations that helped regenerate coral growth long before “sustainability” became a buzzword.
Structures like the Barnacle, Necklace, and Lotus (at neighboring Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru) still exist today and continue to support marine life across the island’s lagoon. And guests during Dive Fest can witness these up close, guided by the marine team that continues this legacy.
Special Offers During Dive Fest Week
From July 24 to 31, guests can take advantage of exclusive Dive Centre promotions-whether you’re suiting up for the first time or returning for a new challenge beneath the waves. With up to 30% off selected water sports and dive packages, this is the perfect time to reconnect with the ocean-or discover it for the first time.
Whether you’re here for the marine life, the story of the wreck, or simply the joy of diving in one of the Maldives’ most celebrated reefs, Rannamaari Dive Fest is more than an event. It’s a chance to be part of something meaningful.
Book your journey with Lets Go Maldives and experience the reef, the rhythm, and the magic of Dhawa Ihuru.
