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Beneath South Ari


A seaplane ride from Malé offers a first glimpse of South Ari Atoll’s clear turquoise waters, reef formations and scattered island resorts


Radisson Blu Resort Maldives is situated within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), placing guests at the very centre of one of the Maldives’ most diverse marine ecosystems. The atoll is notable for year-round


whale shark encounters as well as frequent sightings of manta rays and other large marine species. Unlike many dive destinations that rely on seasonal migrations, whale sharks are resident throughout the year in South Ari Atoll. Healthy coral systems and nutrient-rich waters support a rich diversity of marine life, from reef sharks and turtles to vast schools of tropical fish, making it one of the Indian Ocean’s premier diving destinations. Just minutes from Radisson Blu


Resort, Maldives, lies Kudarah Thila, widely regarded as one of the region’s finest dive sites. This protected rocky outcrop is alive with movement: swirling clouds of bluestripe snapper, whitetip reef sharks patrolling the edges, bluefin trevally cutting through the current, and trumpetfish and moray eels weaving through coral formations. Fishing is prohibited in this area, allowing marine life to flourish in exceptional density. Equally compelling is the MV


Kudhimaa shipwreck, which was deliberately sunk to create a thriving artificial reef. Over time, the structure has become encrusted with everything from corals to sea sponges, transforming it into a vibrant underwater habitat. Its open cargo hold makes exploration accessible, while its coral-covered framework supports countless


IMAGE: HENLEY SPIERS


species, offering a rare fusion of history and marine ecology. Guests can explore the marine


environment through the resort’s PADI five-star certified dive centre, managed by Ocean Maldives. The centre accommodates all experience levels with guided dives, snorkelling excursions and professional certification programmes. Young guests can participate in


PADI Bubblemaker and PADI Seal Team programmes, introducing children aged eight and above to scuba diving under supervision. The resort also offers swimming lessons, snorkelling, watersports and fishing, ensuring families have access to safe and engaging water experiences. The resort actively supports


marine conservation, partnering with Ocean Maldives to implement coral regeneration projects and sustainable practices that protect the reef ecosystem. These initiatives allow guests to learn about and contribute to the preservation of the delicate marine environment. Plankton blooms periodically


draw manta rays into graceful feeding formations, while calm lagoons provide ideal conditions


for snorkellers to observe reef life in crystal-clear shallows. From slow-moving whale sharks cruising past coral formations to rays gliding through sunlit water columns, encounters feel both intimate and awe-inspiring. Above the surface, Radisson Blu


Resort, Maldives complements these adventures with spacious villas, intuitive service and panoramic ocean views. Days flow effortlessly between underwater exploration and barefoot relaxation with restorative spa rituals, curated dining concepts from overwater settings to private, secluded experiences, and generous spaces thoughtfully designed for families, creating a seamless balance between discovery and tranquillity. In South Ari Atoll, nature performs


daily on a grand scale. It’s a place where ancient geology meets living reef systems, and where rare marine encounters aren’t fleeting moments, but part of everyday life. For travellers seeking meaningful connection with the ocean, South Ari Atoll offers something increasingly precious: access to a thriving marine sanctuary for one dive, one breath and one unforgettable encounter at a time.


IMAGE: HENLEY SPIERS


For further information


T: +960 724 1442 E: reservations.maldives@radisson.com Visit: radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-resort-maldives


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