Nova Maldives Celebrates PADI Women’s Dive Day 2026: Her Ocean, Her Moment

24 July, 2026

Every July, the diving world pauses to celebrate the women who have made the ocean their own. This year, Nova Maldives is taking that celebration to new depths with an extraordinary three-day Women’s Dive Day programme from 17 to 19 July 2026—and it’s shaping up to be one of the most inspiring ocean events in the Maldives this year.

Set within the marine-rich waters of South Ari Atoll, this immersive experience brings together adventure, connection, and inspiration for women who share a love for the ocean. And at the heart of it all are two remarkable women: Zoona Naseem, the first Maldivian woman to qualify as a PADI Course Director, and Jenna Lehocki, Nova‘s resident marine biologist.

What Is PADI Women’s Dive Day?

Now in its 12th year, PADI Women’s Dive Day is a global movement that goes beyond celebration—connecting more people to the ocean through purpose and action. Since its launch in 2015, PADI members have hosted Women‘s Dive Day events in 183 countries, introducing thousands of new divers to the underwater world and building lasting communities.

The official PADI Women’s Dive Day 2026 falls on 18 July, and the focus this year is on sharks, rays, and citizen science—highlighting the role every diver can play in protecting marine life. From logging sightings to contributing critical data, each dive becomes part of a larger effort to understand and safeguard the ocean.

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Why Nova Maldives?

Nova Maldives isn‘t just any resort—it’s a dedicated PADI dive centre located within the South Ari Marine Protected Area, one of the Maldives‘ most celebrated marine environments. With 35 dive sites nearby and year-round opportunities to encounter whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and vibrant coral reefs, every dive offers the possibility of a truly memorable encounter.

The resort’s commitment to ocean conservation runs deep. Its resident marine biologist leads coral planting, reef regeneration, and educational programmes that give guests a tangible connection to marine protection. For the 2026 Women‘s Dive Day, that commitment takes centre stage.

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The 2026 Programme: What to Expect

Nova’s three-day Women‘s Dive Day programme runs from 17 to 19 July 2026, bringing together marine leaders, resort guests, and local schoolgirls for a series of conversations, first dives, and hands-on conservation work centred on women and the ocean.

Day 1: Conversations That Matter (17 July)

The programme opens with a fireside chat bringing together three inspiring women: Zoona Naseem, Jenna Lehocki, and PADI AmbassaDiver Maëlly Faure. This conversation moves beyond diving logistics to the culture of the sport itself, touching on the gender gap that still shapes the industry.

Key themes include:

• Breaking the mould: The existing gender gap comes down to a lack of visible role models, not interest—and normalising women at every level is what closes it.

• From fear to fascination: The proliferation of diving content on social media has turned sharks and rays from something to dread into something to admire.

• Marine careers don‘t run in straight lines: Science majors who became teachers, divers who became underwater photographers, instructors who now run dive centres—the message is that the lanes cross.

Day 2: First Breaths Underwater (18 July)

On the morning of 18 July, participants can take part in complimentary Discover Scuba Diving sessions. For many, this will be a first introduction to breathing underwater—a small but significant step in an industry where women still make up a minority of certified divers.

Group first dives of this kind are one of the most effective on-ramps into the sport, giving participants a taste of the confidence and calm that experienced divers describe as transformative.

Inspiring the Next Generation

That afternoon, Nova welcomes 15 pupils from Dhangethi School for a careers guidance workshop led by Zoona, who shares her own journey to becoming the Maldives‘ first female PADI Course Director. The workshop is followed by a coral planting session, where students and guests help tie coral fragments onto metal frames before joining Nova’s dive team to take them out to the house reef for planting.

This offers the Dhangethi pupils a tangible link between the classroom conversation on careers in marine science and the practical, hands-on work of protecting the reef that surrounds their community.

Day 3: Discovery and Connection (19 July)

The final day offers guided dives, marine encounters, and expert-led experiences designed to build confidence, share stories, and discover the transformative power of the sea. Beyond the dives, guests can unwind in the island‘s laid-back surroundings, enjoy nourishing dining experiences, connect with fellow ocean lovers, and embrace moments of reflection inspired by the rhythm of the sea.

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Meet the Women Leading the Way

Zoona Naseem: A Barrier-Breaking Pioneer

Zoona Naseem is the first Maldivian woman to qualify as a PADI Course Director. Her journey continues to inspire a new generation of women in diving. In a country where the diving industry has traditionally been male-dominated, Zoona‘s achievement represents a significant breakthrough—and her presence at Nova’s Women‘s Dive Day is a powerful symbol of what’s possible.

Jenna Lehocki: Marine Science in Action

As Nova‘s resident marine biologist, Jenna Lehocki brings scientific expertise and hands-on conservation experience to the programme. Together with Zoona, she leads conversations that celebrate ocean exploration, marine conservation, and the connections that form when people come together through a shared passion for the underwater world.

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Coral Restoration: Why It Matters

The coral planting session during Women’s Dive Day is more than just an activity—it‘s a response to a real and pressing need. The Maldives has weathered major bleaching events in 1998, 2016, and again in 2024, when sea temperatures reached record highs and live coral cover fell sharply across several atolls.

Frame-based coral planting, of the kind Nova’s guests take part in, is one of the most widely used restoration methods across Maldivian resorts, giving damaged sections of reef a head start by anchoring young coral in place while it establishes itself.

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The Bigger Picture: Women in Diving

Despite making up nearly 40% of divers worldwide, women still account for just 20% of PADI Professionals. Events like Women‘s Dive Day are designed to address this imbalance—not just by celebrating women who dive, but by building the networks women need to feel they belong, not just welcome.

Whether you’re taking your first breaths underwater or already feel at home beneath the surface, this immersive programme invites you to explore the ocean alongside a community of like-minded women.

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Plan Your Visit

• Dates: 17–19 July 2026

• Location: Nova Maldives, South Ari Atoll, Maldives

• Getting there: A scenic 25-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport, followed by a short speedboat transfer

• Contact: [email protected] or +960 66 88 777

BOOK NOW

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What‘s Next for Nova?

This is only the start of Nova’s marine calendar this year. The resort will return with AWARE Week with PADI in mid-September—a week-long programme spanning lagoon-based Dive Against Debris sessions, guided snorkelling for non-divers, and educational workshops.

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Final Thoughts

Nova Maldives‘ 2026 Women’s Dive Day is more than a diving event—it‘s a celebration of women’s leadership, ocean conservation, and community. Whether you‘re an experienced diver, a complete beginner, or simply someone who cares about the future of our oceans, this three-day programme offers something truly special.

Her ocean. Her moment. Join the movement.

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