This summer, Nova Maldives partners with PADI, the world-renowned scuba diving organization. Together, they will host an exciting ocean adventure week from July 13 to 20, 2025. The event will celebrate PADI’s 11th Women’s Dive Day on July 19. It will take place at Nova’s picturesque South Ari Atoll location. Guests will have the chance to explore the pristine waters of the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA). They will encounter diverse marine life, including manta rays and whale sharks. Furthermore, the week will feature guided dives, marine conservation workshops, and sustainability-focused training. This gives participants the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of ethical diving practices and become better stewards of the ocean.
PADI AmbassaDiver and Regional Manager: Key Hosts of the Event
PADI AmbassaDiver, conservation advocate, and broadcaster India Black will co-host the Transformative Ocean Adventure Week. She will team up with Matt Wenger, PADI’s Regional Manager for the Maldives. Together, they will bring ocean lovers from around the world. The event will offer a unique opportunity to dive, learn about conservation, and connect with like-minded individuals. Moreover, participants will also promote sustainable diving practices and ocean protection.
Speaking about the event, Abdulla Aboobakuru, General Manager at Nova, said:
“This event embodies everything we stand for at Nova — community, connection, and sustainability. Partnering with PADI and India Black gives us an incredible opportunity to not only showcase the natural beauty of the Maldives but also inspire guests to become lifelong ocean advocates.”
Matt Wenger, with nearly three decades of experience as a PADI Pro, will also lend his expertise. Having overseen PADI’s operations in the Maldives for a decade, he has played a key role in bringing PADI’s services to luxury resorts and emerging local islands. Additionally, Matt’s commitment to sustainability and marine conservation aligns seamlessly with PADI’s Three Pillars of Change. This ensures that responsible diving and environmental awareness remain at the heart of the event.
India Black, an avid storyteller and ocean conservation advocate, will bring her passion for the ocean to the event. Throughout her career, India has dedicated her life to inspiring people to explore the ocean, take care of themselves, and protect the planet. She has rehabilitated sea turtles in the Whitsundays and paddled 110km across Hawaii’s Alenuihaha Channel. India has also championed marine protection initiatives worldwide. For her, the ocean has always been a source of healing and personal growth. She hopes to share that connection with others. With Matt’s expertise in diving and India’s passion for ocean conservation, the event promises to be an inspiring and impactful week for all involved.
India Black, reflecting on her journey, shared:
“The ocean has given me so much — peace, perspective, and connection — and I’m so passionate about helping others find that too. This week is about more than just diving; it’s about learning how we can all play a part in protecting the marine world while building unforgettable memories in it. ”
A Curated Program of Activities and Experiences
Held at Nova’s serene island resort in the breathtaking South Ari Atoll, the event will offer a carefully curated schedule of conservation-focused activities, dives, and educational workshops. These are designed to deepen guests’ understanding of ocean protection. As a result, guests will enjoy a range of experiences, including:
- Manta Quest Snorkeling – Embark on a search for graceful manta rays in their natural environment.
- Whale Shark Snorkeling – Swim alongside the gentle giants of the Maldives for an unforgettable encounter.
- Turtle Quest – Learn about the endangered sea turtles of the Maldives while discovering ongoing conservation efforts to protect them.
- Ocean Clean-Up Dive – Take action by helping to remove marine debris from the reef.
- Blue Planet Movie Nights – Relax under the stars with screenings of the BBC’s Blue Planet series to foster a deeper appreciation for the underwater world.
- Marine Conservation Talks & Workshops – Participate in presentations on whale shark research, coral conservation, and PADI AWARE’s initiatives. Learn more about sustainable diving and marine protection.
- Women’s Dive Day Celebration – Celebrate PADI Women’s Dive Day with a special event designed to inspire more women to get involved in diving and ocean conservation.
Supporting Marine Conservation and Sustainable Tourism
Nova proudly supports marine conservation efforts as a partner of the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP). They are also an accredited Responsible Manta Tourism Operator by Manta Trust. At the core of the event is a commitment to sustainable tourism, ocean conservation, and community engagement—values that resonate deeply with India’s mission. India has built a platform encouraging people to venture further, love themselves more, and protect the planet. She hopes to inspire attendees to view themselves as caretakers of the ocean.
India further said:
“My journey with the ocean has shaped who I am today, and I’ve learned that once you truly connect with the sea, you can’t help but want to protect it. I’m so excited to dive alongside Nova’s guests, share what I’ve learned, and hopefully spark that same love for the water in them. ”
This immersive, transformative week at Nova Maldives will certainly leave a lasting impression on all participants. It will encourage them not only to explore the wonders of the Maldives but also to adopt sustainable practices that will help preserve the oceans for generations to come.
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