Dive into Maldives marine heritage and vibrant reefs with Dhawa Ihuru

25 March, 2025

With warm waters and white sand beaches, the Maldives is a world where crystalline lagoons and powder-soft sands meld seamlessly with a thriving marine life. Scattered like jewels across the Indian Ocean, its atolls offer a blend of pristine beaches, coral reefs that are home to wondrous marine creatures, and an unrivalled sense of seclusion. The Maldives offers a diver’s dream with its dynamic reefs, majestic megafauna, and diverse sites.

Above the surface, the Maldives is a place where time slows, and the islands’ natural beauty takes centre stage. Each island has its unique charm, offering travellers the chance to embrace the playful and explorative moments in unique settings, while immersing themselves in the rich cultural traditions of this oceanic nation.

Today, we zoom into Ihuru, an island nestled in the heart of North Malé Atoll and a mere 25-minute speedboat ride from Valena International Airport. The island is home to an exciting dive site, boasting the historic Rannamaari shipwreck mere metres off its shore, and offering a glimpse into the Maldives’ natural and cultural history.

On the island, Dhawa Ihuru is an all-inclusive resort that invites travellers to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the Maldives. Surrounded by a pristine house reef, the resort celebrates cultural traditions while championing the preservation of the ocean’s delicate ecosystem.

Dive into the past and present of the Rannamaari shipwreck

The Rannamaari shipwreck, an underwater landmark central to Dhawa Ihuru’s identity, encapsulating the island’s marine heritage and conservation spirit. 2024 marked the 25th anniversary of this remarkable artificial reef, and Dhawa Ihuru hosted a grand celebration from October 4 to 6, drawing over 50 dive enthusiasts from around the world.

During the event, participants experienced a series of exhilarating dives, including morning and night dives, freediving, and even a treasure hunt that allowed them to witness the rich marine life that has claimed the Rannamaari as its home.

The night dives in particular, offered an otherworldly experience, as divers illuminated the shipwreck under the Maldivian stars. Alongside the diving adventures, the event featured a keynote by Professor Peter Harrison, a distinguished coral ecologist, on the future of coral ecosystems, enhancing the connection between Dhawa Ihuru’s diving legacy and marine conservation.

This immersive celebration extended to land with vibrant cultural activities, including Boduberu drum performances, live art demonstrations, and DJ sets, bridging the ocean’s mysteries with Maldivian heritage. The Rannamaari wreck, now a bustling habitat for marine species, continues to symbolise Dhawa Ihuru’s commitment to ocean preservation, inviting travellers to dive into history and ecological wonder.

Journey through time with traditional Maldivian stone carving

The Maldives’ cultural tapestry is rich with artistry, and stone carving holds a unique place in its heritage, blending Buddhist and Islamic influences that have shaped the nation’s artistic identity. At Dhawa Ihuru, guests can connect with this history through local artist Abdulla’s demonstration sessions in the Art & Craft Gallery, where he reveals the stories and techniques behind this almost-forgotten craft.

While traditional stone carving itself remains an observational experience, Abdulla brings the island’s cultural evolution to life, showcasing the artistry involved in “galuvadaann”—the intricate craft of carving coral stone, especially the revered “hirigaa.”

Guests can experience a version of the galuvadaann, by transforming discarded styrofoam into carvings that remarkably resemble traditional stone. Explore this sustainable artistry through complimentary workshops, where Abdulla will share his knowledge of crafting intricate designs from recycled materials. For those keen to delve further into eco-friendly art, advanced classes offer a deeper, hands-on exploration of sustainable creativity, turning environmental mindfulness into a memorable aspect of their stay. 

Style meets sustainability with eco-chic décor

Sustainable creativity is seamlessly woven into the very fabric of the guest villas, thanks to Abdulla’s inventive use of repurposed materials. Discarded items are transformed into distinctive design elements, such as elegant decorative headboards, while repurposed cans are fashioned into characterful lamp shades. Styrofoam from used containers is skillfully shaped into intricate stone-like carvings, adding an artisanal touch to the décor.

These thoughtful innovations not only highlight the resort’s dedication to eco-conscious living but also showcase the artistic repurposing of materials that might otherwise go to waste, creating an environment that celebrates sustainability with style.

Making waves in marine conservation

At Dhawa Ihuru, the commitment to marine conservation extends beyond its pristine reefs. Occasionally, guests are able to catch an educational talk, lasting 30 to 40 minutes, for insights into coral reef ecosystems, local marine species, and the effects of environmental changes on these fragile systems. Otherwise, feel free to speak to staff on ground to learn more about sustainability efforts.

Want to dive right into action? Don snorkelling gear and engage with the Maldives’ vibrant marine life in a meaningful way. Guests can contribute to the preservation of the ocean through reef cleanup or other activities, preserving the ocean’s natural beauty for future generations.

The depths of exploration at Dhawa Ihuru

From the depths of the Rannamaari shipwreck to the heritage crafts of Maldivian culture, Dhawa Ihuru offers travellers the chance to rest, play and most importantly, explore the world around them.

Here, each activity is crafted to deepen the connection to the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, leaving guests with treasured memories of underwater exploration, artistic discovery, and conservation efforts that speak to the spirit of the Maldives.

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