Imagine spending a day – or more – surrounded by the spectacular marine life of the Maldives. This is what PADI AWARE Week is all about. Here’s your guide to making the most of this unique occasion.
What Is It?
First things first, what is PADI AWARE Week? It’s an annual global event organised by PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and the AWARE Foundation. The goal is to raise awareness about marine conservation and protecting ocean environments.
During this eventful and fun-filled week, divers, dive centres, resorts, and ocean advocates worldwide participate in activities like underwater clean-ups, coral reef monitoring, educational workshops, and community outreach. To what end? To help preserve marine ecosystems.
In the Maldives, the ocean plays a crucial role in both ecology and local life. PADI AWARE Week brings together these conservation efforts with the stunning natural beauty of the region. The experience includes diving, learning, and conservation.
When Is It and Where to Stay to Enjoy It the Most?
PADI AWARE Week usually takes place in September – the perfect time to visit the Maldives if you want your tropical getaway to mean something. The event spans seven days and includes various fun experiences as well as conservation efforts. This year, the week lasts from Friday, 12 September to Sunday, 21 September.
The best way to get the most out of PADI AWARE Week is to stay at a resort that actively supports ocean conservation. Resorts like Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, one of the five-star PADI dive resorts in Maldives, collaborate with marine biologists to host events during this week. These resorts offer activities such as coral plantation, beach clean-ups, and also host evening talks and screen educational films on the beach to raise awareness.
Special PADI AWARE Snorkelling Tours
If you want to combine underwater adventure with education, add a PADI AWARE manta snorkelling tour to your day. You not only get to swim with mantas but also learn about their behaviour, feeding habits, cleaning stations, and the threats they face.
These tours usually last six to eight hours and are open to those aged 12 years and above. At the end of the session, you’ll be awarded a certificate.
Learn to Dive for a Cause
One of the most meaningful ways to take part in PADI AWARE Week is to enrol in the PADI Dive Against Debris Specialty Course. It’s short yet highly impactful, allowing you to take action underwater.
What will you be doing? Removing underwater debris safely and contributing critical data to PADI AWARE’s global marine conservation database. These courses are led by PADI ambassadors, run for three to four hours, and are open to anyone aged 10 and above who holds a PADI Junior Open Water Diver, PADI Freediver, or PADI Advanced Mermaid certification.
Coral Reef Conservation
To make a real difference during PADI AWARE Week, you don’t necessarily need to dive. You can instead join a PADI AWARE coral reef conservation specialty course. It’s something anyone can do – both divers and non-divers with the willingness to understand and protect the delicate ecosystems beneath the waves.
These courses are led by experienced PADI ambassadors. Set aside two to three hours for the course. It’s open to all ages and requires no previous certifications or training.
What can you expect? A fascinating introduction to how coral reefs function, the threats they’re facing, and practical steps you can take to help preserve them.
It’s inspiring and educational and goes beyond just raising awareness.
Snorkelling Trip to Hanifaru Bay
World Manta Day falls on 17 September – a fitting day to join a snorkelling trip to Hanifaru Bay.
It’s a protected area within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll. Known for the seasonal gatherings of manta rays and whale sharks, this extraordinary site promises one of the most enchanting snorkelling experiences in the world. Keep in mind that only snorkelling is allowed, as the ecosystem is too fragile for any diving. It’s an activity best suited to confident snorkelers aged 10 and above.
You can spend about three to four hours right in the heart of a natural spectacle. Prepare yourself to see hundreds of manta rays gracefully swimming through plankton-rich water. Among the flock of mantas, you might also spot a whale shark or two, both awe-inspiring creatures of the wild.
Breathwork and Freediving
Take your diving experience to the next level by joining a breathwork and freediving session. It’s an excellent way to connect with your body, breath, and the ocean. Each session lasts about two to four hours.
It begins with breathwork exercises aimed at improving relaxation, breath control, and body awareness – all essential skills in freediving. You’ll then take these techniques into the ocean, moving through the water, completely aware of your breath, body, and surroundings – it’s almost like meditating underwater!
Anyone who’s 10 or older with a PADI Freediver, Open Water certification, or similar experience can join a tour.
Myth vs Fact about Coral Reefs and Marine Life in the Maldives
