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Vibrant and Enchanting Undersea World Awaits at Seaside Finolhu

underwater world at seaside finolhu
Seaside Finolhu offers an idyllic base from which to explore the reserve’s sheer diversity and abundance of underwater life.

Seaside Finolhu recently underwent extensive renovations and upgrades as part of an elaborate transition from luxury Maldives resort to a proud member of the exclusive Design Hotels portfolio. The resort’s bold new design concept is described as a kaleidoscope of colours that are inspired by the vibrant hues of the island’s natural wonders.

Guests will find this kaleidoscope concept brought to life in splashes of color throughout the resort when it reopens in October 2020. Enjoying a prime location in Baa Atoll’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Seaside Finolhu offers an idyllic base from which to explore the reserve’s sheer diversity and abundance of underwater life, some of which is found nowhere else on the planet.

Most of these beautiful animals can be seen year round while snorkelling and diving at Finolhu. However, we are world famous for manta rays roughly between the months of May and October. Anyone interested in seeing these unique megafauna in large numbers should therefore plan their trip for this time although the sheer diversity and abundance of marine life in the Baa Atoll’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve means there’s never a bad time to visit. Whenever you come, you’re sure to enjoy your diving experience here at Finolhu with our expert team of instructors and the five-star luxury service.

Dive Butler Finolhu’s Senior Diving Instructor, Tom Zimmer stated.

Under the expert guidance of the resort’s professional and highly knowledgeable dive centre team, guests at Seaside Finolhu can explore the Baa Atoll’s most enchanting sites on small group tours or private excursions that can be individually designed to optimise the guest experience through the centre’s Dive Butler. The options are available to guests including diving, snorkelling and even a semi-submersible boat for those who want to stay dry.

In addition to the vibrantly colored corals, the reefs of the Baa Atoll teem with a wide diversity of marine life, some of which are extremely rare or even unique to the area. While the reefs are home to an array of exotic fauna, there are also some exciting visitors that come from the open ocean to breed or eat in the shallow waters of the Baa Atoll.

The green sea turtle is the most commonly sighted sea turtle in the Maldives. Although these beautiful marine reptiles spend their lives out at sea, they breathe air and lay their eggs on land. After the baby sea turtles hatch, they can frequently be found swimming in the shallow reefs and lagoons of the Baa Atoll.

In addition to seagrass and algae, green turtles also enjoy the occasional jellyfish. Unfortunately, they have been known to die after ingesting discarded plastic bags which can look just like jellyfish drifting in the water. As an endangered species, sea turtles are protected in the Maldives where their friendly and curious nature make them a favourite among tourists and locals alike.

Another very popular visitor from the deep ocean is the white-spotted eagle ray, which comes to the shallow waters of the Baa Atoll in large schools to feed on invertebrates such as clams, shrimps, oysters, and worms. Growing up to 3 meters in wingspan and 5 meters in tail-length, these ocean giants can often be seen cruising close to the surface making them easy to spot even from a boat. One of the most spectacular sights in the Maldives is when these majestic creatures remove parasites by breaching and then slapping down on the surface.

In addition to these visiting ocean giants, there are also a few large creatures that call the Baa Atoll home. Named for their distinctive black fin tips, the blacktip reef shark spends much of its life in and around the reefs feeding on smaller reef fish. They can grow up to 1.8 meters in length but pose no danger to humans. Juveniles can often be seen using the Baa Atoll’s shallow lagoons as a nursery ground before venturing out into deeper waters.

The most common of the 40 species of eels in the Maldives is the giant moray eel. Growing up to 2.4 metres in length, only their black-spotted heads are generally visible poking out of rocky coves from where they ambush shrimps, fish, octopus, and even smaller eels. Although generally shy and peaceful creatures, they will use their extremely sharp teeth to bite if they are provoked.

One of the most colourful inhabitants of the Baa Atoll reefs is Clark’s anemonefish. Closely related to the clownfish and with similar colouration, these small fish get their name from the anemones in which they make their home. The stinging tentacles of the brightly coloured anemones provide protection for their small lodgers as part of a symbiotic relationship that also benefits the anemone. Clark’s anemonefish can grow up to 14cm and their markings depend on the type of anemone in which they make their home.

One of the more elusive occupants of the Baa Atoll reefs is the peacock mantis shrimp. Although they can grow up to 18cm in length, they can be difficult to spot as they make their home between the rocks and will only leave to hunt for clams and oysters in the surrounding area before quickly returning to their burrows. As they scurry over the reef tops, however, they are easily distinguished by their bright green color and curious, high stalked eyes.

Feature image by Seaside Finolhu Maldives
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Maldives Signs Partnership with Liverpool FC as Official Tourist Destination

Liverpool FC and Maldives sign Tourism Partnership

The Maldives, renowned for its breathtaking islands and luxurious resorts, has taken a bold step to enhance its global tourism reach through an exciting new partnership with Liverpool Football Club (LFC). Announced by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives), this multi-year agreement designates the Maldives as the official tourist destination partner of one of the world’s most iconic football clubs, covering both the men’s and women’s teams. This partnership aims to showcase the Maldives to a vast international audience, thereby driving a surge in high-value tourism to the island nation.

A Global Stage for the Maldives

Liverpool FC engages an audience of over 205 million followers globally, giving Visit Maldives an unparalleled platform to attract potential travelers. By leveraging the club’s influential reach, the Maldives plans to draw an additional 100,000 tourists in 2025, generating over $100 million for the country’s tourism revenue. Additionally, on April 2nd, during a high-profile match against Everton, the Maldives will unveil the partnership, with branding prominently displayed on LED boards at Anfield Stadium, ensuring millions of viewers worldwide see it.

This strategic alliance extends beyond brand visibility at LFC matches. Visit Maldives will place billboards across Europe, targeting affluent travelers in key markets, and secure coverage in LFC’s official publications and digital platforms. With LFC’s TV audience exceeding 211 million per season and 53 million followers on social and digital channels, the Maldives positions itself as a top destination for luxury travelers and football fans alike.

Exclusive Experiences and Sports Tourism

Moreover, this partnership offers the Maldives unique opportunities, including the creation of a Liverpool Academy in the Maldives, further boosting sports tourism. The academy will attract aspiring athletes and football fans, blending their love for the sport with the beauty of the Maldives’ stunning surroundings. In addition, additional fan zones, appearances by LFC legends, and interactive digital campaigns will further engage audiences and drive travel interest.

As a part of this effort, Visit Maldives will incorporate these activations into their global events, fairs, and roadshows, building a cohesive branding presence that emphasizes the Maldives as a luxury destination. The partnership will reach over 397 million people per season, with an expected media value of over $17 million annually, thus delivering a significant return on investment.

A Shared Commitment to Sustainability

Beyond tourism, this partnership reflects a mutual dedication to sustainability. Both LFC and the Maldives commit to protecting the environment, with LFC’s “The Red Way” program promoting sustainability in sports, while Visit Maldives champions ocean conservation and eco-friendly tourism. Since the Maldives faces challenges from rising sea levels and climate change, this collaboration highlights the importance of sustainable practices in preserving the island nation’s unique ecosystem.

Ben Latty, LFC’s Chief Commercial Officer, highlights the mutual goals of sustainability and unforgettable experiences in this partnership. Meanwhile, Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO & MD of Visit Maldives, expresses pride in aligning with Liverpool FC, noting that the collaboration will bring the Maldives closer to millions of passionate football fans and offer them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the “Sunny Side of Life.”

Forging a New Era in Global Tourism

This partnership between Visit Maldives and Liverpool FC marks a significant milestone in the Maldives’ tourism marketing strategy. Not only does it strengthen the Maldives’ position as a premier luxury destination, but it also connects with global football fans, inviting them to experience the beauty and tranquility of the islands. Ultimately, by combining world-class tourism with the passion of football, the Maldives aims to capture the hearts of millions, inspiring them to choose the Maldives for their next unforgettable adventure.

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