In honor of PADI’s 11th Women’s Dive Day on July 19, 2025, Nova Maldives, the heartfelt beach hotel, is proud to partner with the nation’s leading scuba diving organization, PADI, to host a unique sea experience year from 13 to 20 July. Ocean lovers from all over the world will be able to take part in Nova &’s Transformative Ocean Adventure Week thanks to PADI’s Ambassador, Conservationist India Black, and Maldives Regional Manager Matt Wenger, who will also introduce the transformative power of the sea and promote green diving practices. This event, which will take place at Nova’s spectacular South Ari Atoll location, may feature guided dives, workshops on marine conservation, and sustainability-focused training. Guests will have the unusual opportunity to go snorkeling and snorkeling in the South Ari Marine Protected Area ( SAMPA ), observe a variety of marine life, including manta rays and whale sharks, and expand their understanding of responsible ocean stewardship. PADI Regional Manager Matt Wenger, who brings nearly three decades of practice as a PADI Pro, is leading the charge alongside PADI AmbassaDiver India Black. Matt, who is now in his tenth year in charge of PADI’s existence in the Maldives, has been instrumental in extending PADI’s reach to both upscale resorts and emerging native island destinations. His commitment to sustainability and marine protection is in line with PADI’s Three Pillars of Change, ensuring that concerned swimming and environmental awareness are at the forefront of this exploration. India Black, a zealous writer and advocate for sea conservation, has dedicated her career to inspiring others to explore new places, take care of themselves, and preserve the planet. She has a strong affinity for the sea, having spent time advocating for coastal defense activities abroad, rehabilitating sea crocodiles in the Whitsundays, and sailing 110 kilometers across Hawaii’s Alenuihaha Channel. She hopes that this function will inspire others to experience the same for India, which has always been a source of treatment and personal growth. This function promises to be an exciting, educational, and interactive year for all participants thanks to Matt’s extensive knowledge of the Maldives swimming field and India’s commitment to join people with the ocean. India Black says,” The ocean has given me so much: peace, perspective, and connection,” and I’m so eager to assist others in finding that as well. This week is about more than just diving; it’s about discovering how all of us can contribute to the protection of the marine environment while creating unforgettable memories there. The event, which is held at Nova’s soulful island resort in the breathtaking South Ari Atoll, offers guests a curated program of conservation-focused activities, dives, and educational workshops designed to advance their understanding of ocean protection. Manta Quest Snorkelling – Head out to search for majestic manta rays in their natural setting with the assistance of India and Matt’s expertise throughout the week.
Snorkeling with whale sharks is a unique way to interact with the gentle giants of the Maldives.
Turtle Quest- Learn about conservation efforts to protect the endangered sea turtles in the Maldives while visiting their endangered species.
Take part in the Ocean Clean-Up Dive by removing marine debris from the reef.
Blue Planet Movie Nights- Deepen your appreciation for the underwater world with screenings of the BBC Blue Planet series.
Attend presentations on whale shark research, coral conservation, and PADI AWARE’s initiatives [ma1], which explore sustainable diving and marine protection.
Women’s Dive Day Celebration: A unique PADI Women’s Dive Day celebration to inspire and inspire more women to dive and protect the ocean.
Nova is proud to support the conservation of the Maldives ‘ beautiful gentle giants, as partners of the MWSRP ( The Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme ) and as a Responsible Manta Tourism Operator. A commitment to sustainable tourism, ocean conservation, and community connection, values that closely align with India’s own mission, are at the heart of the event. India hopes to inspire people to see themselves as ocean stewards by creating a platform to encourage others to explore new things, love themselves better, and protect the planet. She says,” I’ve learned that once you truly connect with the sea, you can’t help but want to protect it,” and that’s how I’ve changed who I am today. ” I’m so excited to dive alongside Nova’s guests, share what I’ve learned, and hopefully instill in them that same love for the water,” says Nova’s General Manager, Abdulla Aboobakuru. The collaboration between PADI and India Black gives us an incredible opportunity to not only demonstrate the natural beauty of the Maldives but also inspire visitors to become lifelong advocates for the ocean. The Nova x PADI Transformative Ocean Adventure Week runs from 13 to 20 July 2025 is only accessible through Nova, with limited spots still available. Full Board Plus rates start at USD 493/night in a Beach Villa and USD 694/night in a Water Villa ( inclusive of tax ), based on two adults sharing when booked directly.
