The most memorable experiences in the Maldives often happen beneath the surface. This September, guests at Nova Maldives can go beyond observing the underwater world and take an active role in protecting it.
From September 16 to 20, 2026, the South Ari Atoll resort will partner with PADI to host Project AWARE Week. The five-day program combines marine encounters with conservation activities, including underwater cleanups, coral restoration workshops and guided excursions in search of whale sharks, manta rays and sea turtles.
The event is designed to be accessible to a wide range of travelers. Experienced divers can participate in conservation dives, while snorkelers and guests who prefer to remain closer to the surface can join wildlife excursions, educational sessions and reef-restoration activities.
A Maldives Vacation With a Conservation Focus
Located within the South Ari Marine Protected Area, Nova Maldives is well positioned for an ocean-focused program. The surrounding waters are known for their marine biodiversity and are among the few places where whale sharks may be encountered throughout the year.
Project AWARE Week gives guests an opportunity to learn more about this environment while contributing to its protection. Rather than treating sustainability as something happening behind the scenes, the resort is inviting travelers to become part of the work.
Activities planned for the week include ocean storytelling sessions inspired by marine documentaries. These sessions will explore the beauty of the underwater world, the pressures facing marine ecosystems and the role travelers can play in protecting vulnerable habitats.
Diving Against Marine Debris
One of the program’s most hands-on activities will be Dive Against Debris, an underwater cleanup conducted in Nova’s lagoon.
Participating divers will work with the resort’s marine and dive teams to locate and remove debris from beneath the surface. The collected items will then be identified and recorded through PADI AWARE’s citizen-science program.
This documentation is an important part of the process. Instead of simply removing waste, divers help create data that can be used to identify pollution patterns and inform marine research, local waste-management strategies and environmental policy.
PADI’s Dive Against Debris program has developed one of the world’s largest underwater marine-debris databases. According to the organization, volunteers have logged more than 2.56 million pieces of debris, generating information that supports ocean-conservation efforts around the world.
Participation in diving activities may depend on certification level and local conditions. Guests should confirm requirements with the resort before arrival.
Swimming With the Gentle Giants of South Ari Atoll
Wildlife encounters will also be a major part of the week.
Guests can join guided whale shark snorkeling excursions into the open waters of the South Ari Atoll. Rather than watching from the deck of a boat, participants may have the opportunity to enter the water and observe these enormous but gentle fish in their natural environment.
Additional boat excursions will look for manta rays and sea turtles around nearby feeding, nesting and gathering areas. Guides will help guests understand the animals’ behavior while emphasizing responsible observation practices.
Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, but the excursions offer a chance to learn about the species that inhabit the protected waters surrounding the resort.
Nova works with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme and Manta Trust as part of its broader marine-conservation efforts. The resort is also recognized as a Responsible Manta Tourism Operator, supporting practices intended to reduce disturbance during manta ray encounters.
Helping Restore the Reef
Project AWARE Week will also introduce guests to Nova’s coral-restoration program.
During workshops, participants can learn how coral fragments are secured to specially constructed underwater frames and placed within the resort’s coral nursery. The young corals are then monitored by the marine team as they grow and become established.
The resort says its nursery has already planted approximately 32 coral fragments, with guests regularly invited to participate in the project.
Coral restoration is a long-term undertaking rather than a one-time activity. Its inclusion in the week helps demonstrate that reef recovery requires continued monitoring, maintenance and careful management.
For travelers, the workshops provide a closer look at the work required to support reef habitats—and a better understanding of why healthy coral systems are essential to marine life and island communities.
Marking Two Milestones in 2026
This year’s event coincides with two anniversaries. PADI is celebrating 60 years since its founding in 1966, while Nova Maldives is marking four years of operation in the South Ari Atoll.
For Nova General Manager Abdulla Aboobakuru, the resort’s conservation work is closely connected to the experience it wants to offer guests.
“Some of the most meaningful work happens when you show up year after year,” he said, pointing to the reef and returning guests as signs of an evolving, long-term commitment to the destination.
While Project AWARE Week concentrates several activities into five days, Nova’s marine initiatives continue throughout the year. Guests visiting outside the September program can still explore nearby dive sites, learn about local marine life and inquire about coral-restoration experiences.
Staying at Nova Maldives
Nova Maldives is a laid-back island resort with 76 beach and overwater villas, each featuring a private terrace. The property is reached by seaplane and offers several restaurants, a spa, water sports, diving and snorkeling excursions.
Its location in the South Ari Atoll makes it especially appealing to travelers interested in marine life. Days can be divided between diving, guided excursions and conservation activities, with quieter stretches reserved for the beach, spa or lagoon.
Project AWARE Week runs from September 16 to 20, 2026. Travelers interested in participating should contact the resort in advance to confirm the activity schedule, diving requirements, availability and any additional charges. More information is available through the Nova Maldives website.
SEO title: Nova Maldives Hosts PADI AWARE Week 2026
Meta description: Nova Maldives and PADI will host Project AWARE Week from September 16 to 20, 2026, with conservation dives, coral restoration and marine encounters.
