Celebrating 25 years of the Rannamaari shipwreck: a dive into marine conservation at Dhawa Ihuru

Dhawa Ihuru is excited to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the legendary Rannamaari shipwreck, an integral part of its celebrated house reef and a symbol of marine conservation. Since its sinking in 1999, the Rannamaari has evolved into a flourishing artificial reef, attracting diverse marine life and offering unforgettable diving experiences for enthusiasts from around the globe.

The Rannamaari shipwreck embodies Dhawa Ihuru’s commitment to marine conservation. Over the past quarter-century, it has transformed into a vibrant underwater habitat, promoting coral growth and attracting various marine species, including batfish, moray eels, and groupers. This evolution highlights the role of artificial reefs in enhancing marine biodiversity and revitalising reef ecosystems.

From October 4th to 6th, Dhawa Ihuru will invite guests to join in the celebration of Sunken Stories: 25 Years Beneath The Waves, a weekend dedicated to honouring this milestone through exploration and education. Participants can engage in a variety of exciting activities tailored for both divers and non-divers, merging marine conservation with Maldivian culture.

Event Highlights: Dive into History and Adventure

• Exclusive Shipwreck Dives: Guests can experience the Rannamaari wreck through day and night dives, showcasing its vibrant marine life and coral formations.
• Freediving to Shipwreck: Adventurers can challenge themselves with a freediving experience to explore the depths of the Rannamaari wreck.
• Shipwreck Treasure Hunt Dive: Participants can join an exhilarating underwater treasure hunt around the historic wreck.
• Underwater Photography Contest: Attendees are invited to capture the beauty of the wreck and enter a photography contest for a chance to win exciting prizes.

For those interested in cultural and creative pursuits, the event offers a blend of artistic and educational experiences:

• Stone Carving Workshop: Attendees can participate in a hands-on stone carving workshop led by a local artist.
• Morning Yoga Sessions: Guests can start their day with a revitalizing yoga session, surrounded by the serene atmosphere of Dhawa Ihuru.
• Marine Conservation Talk: Participants can learn about Dhawa Ihuru’s marine conservation initiatives and discover ways to contribute to ocean protection.
• Rannamaari Folklore Performance: Guests can enjoy live performances of Maldivian folklore that bring the history of the Rannamaari to life.

Dhawa Ihuru’s house reef, renowned as one of the best in the Maldives, is home to a vibrant array of marine life and is easily accessible from the shore. The Rannamaari wreck is a key attraction, providing divers with a unique opportunity to explore its colorful coral growth and diverse inhabitants. The reef is central to Dhawa Ihuru’s marine conservation efforts, serving as a living example of how artificial reefs can foster marine biodiversity and promote environmental sustainability.