As a tale that has been dormant for a long time, Dhawa Ihuru calls on everyone and ocean lovers to join and experience Rannamaari Dive Fest 2026, which will take place on May 23, 2026. The event is set to take place on one of the Maldives most accessible and diverse house reefs known as one of the Best House Reefs in the Maldives according to Travel + Leisure Asia (2025), and has also received Best Dive Resort award from Travel Trade Maldives (2025).
It all revolves around the wrecked ship called Rannamaari, which was once a dredger that had been sunk by manmade means in 1999 on the outskirts of the island. The ship has been transformed over time to form a rich artificial reef that hosts a wide range of marine life and provides an engaging diving spot. On 23 May, guests and visitors can expect a day-long celebration dedicated to exploring the mysterious world of Rannamaari Shipwreck. There will be diving sessions led by professionals at Dhawa Ihuru’s certified Dive Centre. Other planned activities include underwater treasure hunts and discovery trips.
As one of the first Marine Labs in the Maldives, ours has continually innovated in the realm of reef protection and regeneration. Visitors at the festival will get to interact with our marine biologists and learn more about the ecosystems that keep the islands alive. Visitors will also be introduced to some of the underwater projects we've been working on in the past decades, such as the Barnacle Project, which is the Maldives' first electrified reef created in 1996, and the Necklace Reef, created in 1998. Today, both reefs have become home to diverse fish populations.
The festival will not only include activities in the water but extend throughout the island, showcasing the many activities Dhawa Ihuru has to offer, ranging from island crafts and watersports to beachside dining and fun-filled family activities, all reflecting the laid-back, all-inclusive atmosphere of Dhawa Ihuru, where everything has been thought out and planned beforehand, so all you need to do is arrive and start enjoying yourself. The Rannamaari Wreck is not just another sunken vessel but rather an illustration of how responsible marine endeavors turn history into a new habitat.
