The crystalline waters of South Ari Atoll promise year-round underwater adventures and captivating marine encounters for divers of all skill levels
Sun-kissed and serene, NH Maldives Kuda Rah is the ultimate retreat for poolside relaxation. It is also a gateway to some of the Maldives' most breathtaking dive sites, with over 40 unique spots accessible within ten to 90 minutes of the resort. From experienced divers seeking encounters with the giants of the deep to beginners discovering the house reef, every level of expertise will find opportunities to be both challenged and inspired.
Stepping out of their beach villa, holidaymakers are greeted by five dive spots accessible via shore entry. Ideal for beginners, the house reef teems with life, including stingrays, white tip reef sharks, sand eels, eagle rays and more. As night falls, the reef transforms into a mesmerising aquarium-like setting, offering a magical experience as nocturnal marine creatures emerge to thrive beneath the surface.
Beyond the house reef, marine explorers will discover an extraordinary array of dive sites mapped by the resort’s experienced dive centre team. Intermediate divers can challenge themselves at the iconic Big Valley, where two underwater pinnacles converge to form a breathtaking landscape. Another quintessential Maldivian experience, grey reef shark spotting, is a highlight at Lhamiyaru Gaa.
Advanced divers, meanwhile, will delight in the depths of Bodufinolhu Thila, a small yet captivating thila resting on a sandy plateau. Beneath the coral blocks, baby white tip reef sharks, stingrays, and in-seas
Shipwreck enthusiasts will find their haven at Kudhimaa, where a medium-sized steel wreck lies conveniently close to the Machafushi house reef. The easily accessible cargo holds make this site a favourite for budding photographers and filmmakers. Meanwhile, the ship’s surface has become a battleground for algae, sponges, sea squirts and corals competing for space on its metal hull.
For a new perspective, holidaymakers can consider a night dive when reclusive creatures come out to feed, mate or simply be active. The peacefulness allows for a more intimate experience, while the need to adapt to reduced visibility hones diving skills, making the experience both exhilarating and rewarding.
For those who prefer to stay close to the surface, snorkelling the house reef offers plenty of thrills amid schools of colourful fish, turtles and the occasional reef shark. Adventurers comfortable in deeper waters can join guided tours to snorkel with whale sharks, hawksbill and green sea turtles, and manta rays, particularly from September to May.
Diving novices and those feeling a bit rusty can opt for introductory or certification courses at the dive centre. Alternatively, guests can balance their underwater escapades with activities like fishing, sailing to sandbanks, canoeing or parasailing – all set against the dazzling backdrop of nature’s beauty.
“The sustainable ethos of Minor Hotels, our parent company, drives our conservation initiatives in and around the resort,” said Michael Nassiri, General Manager of NH Maldives Kuda Rah. “Along with marvelling at marine life through our eco-friendly diving and snorkelling expeditions, guests are encouraged to participate in coral restoration efforts and support our turtle adoption programme, contributing to the protection of endangered species within the South Ari Atoll.”
For more information on diving and other aquatic adventures at NH Maldives Kuda Rah, please visit https://world.nh-hotels.com/en/nh-maldives-kuda-rah/diving.
NH Hotels & Resorts is a globally recognised select hospitality brand known for its exceptional quality of service and facilities. Since its beginnings in Spain in 1978, NH has delivered trustworthy hospitality that meets the expectations of guests searching for functional hotels and resorts. The brand has grown to over 220 hotels and resorts in prime destinations across Europe and the Americas and is expanding into Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean. NH provides guests with value-for-money, smart service and all the necessary comforts for work, rest or enjoyment, ensuring each stay is always a pleasure.
NH Hotels & Resorts is a Minor Hotels brand and recognises its guests through one unified loyalty programme, Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY.
Visit nh-hotels.com for more information and connect with NH Hotels & Resorts on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
About Minor Hotels
Minor Hotels is a global leader in the hospitality industry with over 560 hotels, resorts and branded residences across 58 countries. The group crafts innovative and insightful experiences through its eight hotel brands – Anantara, Avani, Elewana Collection, NH, NH Collection, nhow, Oaks and Tivoli – and a diverse portfolio of restaurants and bars, travel experiences and spa and wellness brands. With over four decades of expertise, Minor Hotels builds stronger brands, fosters lasting partnerships, and drives business success by always focusing on what matters most to our guests, team members and partners.
Minor Hotels is a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and recognises its guests through one unified loyalty programme, Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY.
Discover our world at minorhotels.com and connect with Minor Hotels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Contact details
-
- Mark Thomson
- Group Director of PR and Communications
- mthomson@minor.com
- +66 (0)2 365 7678
Related topics
Related news
Connect to the Stories of Sri Lanka with Enriching Travel Experiences from Minor Hotels
Starting from the bustling capital of Colombo then off to Kalutara, Bentota and finishing in the beach haven of Tangalle, find the rhythm of local life and culture in Sri Lanka.
Minor Hotels Adds Second NH Hotels & Resorts Property in Bangkok
NH Bangkok Asoke follows the brand's debut in Thailand's capital city with the opening of NH Bangkok Sukhumvit Boulevard in October 2024.
Seamless Serenity: Experience NH Maldives Kuda Rah’s New All-Inclusive Island Retreat Offer
NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort, the first NH-branded resort in the Maldives, invites guests to experience its private island in the South Ari Atoll with its attractive all-inclusive offer.
NH Hotels & Resorts Makes Indian Ocean Debut with Opening of NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort
The 51-key property in South Ari Atoll will offer marine enthusiasts unparalleled access to some of the world's most spectacular diving and snorkelling sites.