Experience the thrill of scuba diving at Six Senses Laamu, a premier diving resort in the stunning Laamu Atoll of the Maldives. This luxury scuba diving destination boasts vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and exceptional manta ray diving opportunities.
Immersed in the vibrant marine life of Laamu Atoll, a diver explores a spectacular school of fish, showcasing the breathtaking underwater beauty that awaits.
Unveiling the Hidden Wonders of Laamu Atoll
Whether you’re new to diving or seeking advanced PADI courses Maldives, Six Senses Laamu offers guided adventures and world-class training, ensuring every dive is an unforgettable journey through an underwater paradise. Nestled in the southern-central region of the Maldives, Laamu Atoll stretches over a continuous 130km of pristine reef. This remote atoll is renowned for its vibrant marine ecosystems and rich biodiversity. Since the opening of Six Senses Laamu in 2011, this luxurious resort has become a gateway to exploring one of the most ecologically significant regions of the Maldives.
Laamu Atoll’s marine habitats are a focal point for conservation and research, encompassing unique seagrass meadows, isolated inner reef formations, and lush mangroves. Scientific research has recorded that Laamu Atoll’s ecosystems support over 47 coral genera and more than 400 species of fish, including some that are endemic, endangered, or critically endangered. This is part of Laamu Atoll’s biodiversity-rich ecosystem, which includes coral reefs home to over 2,000 fish species, 250 coral species, and a variety of other sea creatures such as turtles, dolphins, sharks, manta rays, and pelagic species like tuna and sailfish. This impressive biodiversity is a testament to the health of Laamu’s underwater world, with coral cover in some areas reaching up to 50%—a rare sight in the Maldives following the widespread coral bleaching event of 2016. The atoll’s mangroves, both open and closed systems, provide crucial habitat for migratory birds and juvenile fish.
Uniting for Marine Protection: MUI and Its Partners
The Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI), an acclaimed marine conservation program, operates from Six Senses Laamu, a five-star resort located in the southern Laamu Atoll’s Mission Blue Hope Spot. This award-winning initiative unites the resort’s staff with three esteemed partner NGOs: The Manta Trust, Blue Marine Foundation, and The Olive Ridley Project. Together, they focus on advancing research, educating guests, and engaging in community outreach to protect and preserve the marine environment.
“Since MUI was formed, our ultimate goal has been to protect Laamu’s marine habitats and keystone megafauna species through legislation,” says Philippa Roe, MUI’s Head Marine Biologist. “For years, the partners within MUI – Six Senses Laamu, the Manta Trust, Blue Marine Foundation, and the Olive Ridley Project – have been gathering research on Laamu’s marine ecosystems and species, much of which was used as evidence to support marine protection.”
Budding conservationists aged 7 to 12 are invited to join the MUI team for our Junior Marine Biology program, where they can dive into exciting science experiments, snorkelling adventures, and create their own conservation videos.
Six Senses Laamu: A Sanctuary for Scuba Enthusiasts
Six Senses Laamu is the only luxury resort on Olhuveli Island within the untouched Laamu Atoll, offering guests an unparalleled diving experience amidst minimal tourist traffic and immaculate white sands. The resort’s unique position provides direct access to some of the region’s most extraordinary dive sites, making it a haven for divers of all levels.
Underwater Tranquillity
Diving at Six Senses Laamu is not just about exploring marine life; it’s about immersing oneself in a serene underwater world that promises both tranquillity and adventure. Whether you’re snorkelling along the house reefs or embarking on a guided dive, the experiences offered here are designed to connect you with the ocean’s beauty and mystique.
Snorkelling and scuba diving in Laamu Atoll, Maldives, offers an unforgettable experience, where vibrant reefs and colourful marine life create a breathtaking underwater world.
Discovering Laamu’s Manta Rays and Marine Life
Laamu Atoll is famed for its manta ray sightings, particularly around Hithadhoo Corner, where researchers from the Manta Trust have been studying over 120 resident mantas since 2014. The best time to witness the mesmerising manta chain dance, where a female manta tests the strength of multiple males in a graceful underwater ballet, is from May to July and October to November.
Fushi Kandu, in Laamu Atoll, is one of the top dive sites in the Maldives, renowned for its rich biodiversity, including schools of reef sharks, manta rays, and vibrant coral formations, making it a must-visit for any diving enthusiast.
Three majestic manta rays glide gracefully through the crystal-clear blue waters of Laamu Atoll, showcasing the area’s rich marine life.
Diving with Manta Rays
At Six Senses Laamu, you have the opportunity to dive with these majestic creatures year-round. Though sightings cannot be guaranteed, the chances of encountering manta rays are high. Each manta ray bears a unique spot pattern on its belly, which researchers use to track and identify them. Before your dive, a Manta Trust researcher will provide a briefing on how to photograph and interact with these gentle giants, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of their behaviour. After the dive, you’ll receive a Manta Memo with photos and details of the mantas you encountered.
Manta Ray Population Studies: Identifying the Giants of the Sea
The Maldives is renowned for housing the world’s largest population of reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi), making these magnificent creatures a national symbol. Gentle and harmless, manta rays feed solely on zooplankton and lack defensive features like a barb in their tail. Reef manta rays can reach up to 4.5 metres across their wings, while their oceanic relatives (Mobula birostris) can grow up to 6.8 metres. Their impressive size and social behaviour make them a mesmerising sight for tourists eager to encounter these marine giants.
Cutting-Edge Manta Ray Gestation Research
In an innovative collaboration involving Six Senses Laamu, The Manta Trust, IMV Imaging, Vetsonic (UK) Ltd, and the University of Cambridge Veterinary School, the world’s first underwater contactless ultrasound scanner has been developed. This pioneering, non-invasive technology allows researchers to monitor the internal maturity and reproductive status of manta rays in their natural environment without physical contact.
Tracking Manta Ray Growth Rates
The Manta Trust team at Laamu Atoll is also focused on studying manta ray growth rates using a stereo-video camera system. More than 100 measurements have been recorded, offering valuable data on their growth and body size. This research, combined with ultrasound examinations, provides insights into the size at which manta rays reach maturity.
Enhancing Sustainable Tourism with Manta Rays
At Six Senses Laamu, guests can join the Manta Trust team on excursions to manta ray aggregation sites. The team offers briefings on manta rays, conducts research, and takes photographs during dives. Visitors learn how to interact with manta rays, capture ID photos, and may even have the opportunity to name new individuals. For those interested in deeper involvement, a PADI Distinctive Specialty Course led by the Manta Trust and Deep Blue Divers is available.
Marine Biologists conducting scientific research to support conservation efforts in the vibrant marine ecosystems of Laamu Atoll.
Deep Blue Divers: Your Gateway to the Underwater World
Deep Blue Divers: PADI 5* Dive Center
Deep Blue Divers, the PADI 5* dive centre at Six Senses Laamu, offers a comprehensive range of diving courses and experiences. Their multilingual team of professional instructors teaches in multiple languages, including English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Catalan, and Dhivehi. This ensures that divers from around the world can enjoy a personalised and accessible diving experience.
The scuba dive jetty and scuba diving dhoni at Six Senses Laamu’s Deep Blue Divers, the PADI 5* dive centre, where an international team of 10 instructors and dive masters, fluent in 10 languages, offers PADI courses and daily dive trips.
“Deep Blue Divers will add value to our guests’ underwater experiences. With a very experienced and highly trained team of dive instructors and dive masters that can assist our guests in a variety of languages, in addition to the variety of courses and dive excursions, diving is now open for enjoyment by more guests,” says Marteyne van Well, General Manager of Six Senses Laamu.
Diving Courses and Programs
From introductory courses for beginners to advanced training for seasoned divers, Deep Blue Divers caters to all levels of experience. The following are some of the courses and programs available:
- PADI Discover Scuba Diving (DSD): Ideal for those new to diving, this course includes a theory session, confined water training, and an open water dive up to 12 metres (40 feet). The entire experience takes about two hours, providing a taste of the stunning underwater life of Laamu.
- PADI Scuba Diver: For those short on time but eager to earn a certification, this course covers the basics of diving over 2-3 days. It allows you to dive under the supervision of a PADI Professional to a maximum depth of 12 metres (40 feet).
- PADI Open Water Diver: The most popular scuba diving course, it spans 3-4 days and includes theory, confined water training, and four open water dives. Graduates can dive to a maximum depth of 18 metres (60 feet).
- PADI Advanced Open Water Diver: This customizable course consists of five Adventure Dives, including mandatory Deep and Navigation dives, and three elective dives of your choice. It allows you to dive to a maximum depth of 30 metres (100 feet).
- PADI Enriched Air / Nitrox Course: This course teaches the use of Nitrox, which extends dive times and reduces fatigue. It can be completed in just a few hours, with no dives required.
Private and Specialty Dive Experiences
For those seeking a more tailored experience, private dive courses and specialty dives are available. Private sessions offer personalised instruction and flexible scheduling, while specialty dives include unique options such as:
- Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) Dives: Experience the thrill of underwater flight with state-of-the-art DPVs, allowing you to explore dive sites more extensively.
- Fluoro Night Diving: Discover the underwater world in a new light with UV lights and yellow filters, revealing fluorescent marine life.
- Blackwater Diving: For a truly unique experience, blackwater dives attract rare critters like juvenile fish and pygmy squids using bright lights attached to a drift line.
Guests explore a vibrant dive site of the Laamu Atoll, immersing themselves in a breathtaking underwater world teeming with marine life.
Scuba Diving for All Ages
Children and Youth Programs
Scuba diving at Six Senses Laamu is accessible to all ages, with specialised programs for children and youth:
- PADI Bubble Maker: Designed for kids aged 8-9, this program offers a safe and fun introduction to diving in a controlled environment.
- PADI Seal Team: For children aged 8 and up, this program includes Aquamissions and issues a certification upon completion.
- Junior Marine Biology Program: Aimed at engaging young ocean enthusiasts, this 10-week program involves hands-on activities and research projects, fostering a passion for marine conservation.
Laamu Atoll’s underwater world bursts with vibrant colours as schools of tropical fish swim amidst the stunning coral reefs.
Practical Information for Divers
Dive Equipment and Boats
Deep Blue Divers provides top-of-the-line equipment, including dive computers, BCDs, regulators, wetsuits, masks, fins, tanks, and weights. For those requiring specialised gear, 15-litre tanks are available for a surcharge. Dive boats range from traditional dhoni to fast, comfortable speedboats, ensuring a pleasant and efficient diving experience.
Medical Considerations
Before diving, it’s essential to ensure you are fit to dive. The RSTC Medical Form helps identify if a medical check-up is necessary. If required, obtain a “Fit To Dive” certificate from a doctor before arrival. Note that the certificate should not contain any restrictions or limitations.
A sea turtle glides gracefully above the vibrant coral reef, adding a touch of elegance to the underwater scene.
Conclusion: Discover Unmatched Scuba Diving Adventures at Six Senses Laamu, a Premier Diving Resort in Maldives
Scuba diving at Six Senses Laamu presents an unparalleled adventure in the captivating underwater world of Laamu Atoll. Renowned as a top diving resort in the Maldives, it offers vibrant coral reefs and rich marine life, making it a premier choice for luxury scuba diving enthusiasts. The resort’s state-of-the-art dive centre and commitment to marine conservation ensure both thrilling dives and environmental responsibility. Whether you are a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Six Senses Laamu’s diverse diving experiences, including exceptional manta ray diving opportunities and advanced PADI courses, promise a remarkable and immersive underwater journey. Dive into this extraordinary destination and uncover the hidden wonders of Laamu Atoll, where every dive reveals a new dimension of the enchanting aquatic realm of the Maldives.
An aerial view of Six Senses Laamu showcases the untouched beauty of this exclusive private island resort, with elegant rooms situated both on the beach and over the lagoon. This five-star retreat on the secluded Laamu Atoll offers a perfect blend of luxury and sustainability, just a short seaplane ride from Velana International Airport.
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Resort Info
Resort: Six Senses Laamu
Address: Six Senses Laamu, Olhuveli Island, Laamu Atoll, Maldives
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +960 680 0800
Contact: https://www.sixsenses.com/en/hotels-resorts/asia-the-pacific/maldives/laamu/contact/
Brand Website: https://www.sixsenses.com
Resort Website: http://www.sixsenses.com/resorts/laamu/destination
For reservations, please visit the official resort website to secure the best rates guaranteed. Six Senses Laamu offers a full refund for cancellations made in advance. To confirm the exact terms and conditions of cancellation, refer to your booking confirmation. For additional details, please contact the resort’s reservations team at [email protected]
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Images courtesy of Six Senses Laamu unless otherwise noted.
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