Extraordinary marine sightings complement the arrival of a new dive team at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives continues to offer unforgettable encounters as manta season begins in the Raa Atoll, with recent marine sightings delighting guests and setting an exciting tone for the months ahead. Over the past week, a large, playful pod of dolphins was seen cruising very close along the resort’s house reef, while a rare ornate eagle ray was spotted for several consecutive days gliding gracefully through the lagoon — remarkable moments that highlight the rich biodiversity surrounding the island.

These encounters are made even more special by the resort’s strong commitment to preserving the natural serenity of its marine environment. At Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, sustainability is embedded into every experience offered through the watersports and dive center. By focusing exclusively on non-motorized watersports, the resort actively protects delicate coral reefs, safeguards marine life, and minimizes noise and pollution, allowing guests to experience the ocean in its purest and most harmonious form.

Encounter Majestic Mantas

While the resort offers a wide range of aquatic experiences to explore the atoll’s vibrant marine world, this is the ideal season to encounter one of the Maldives’ most majestic creatures — the manta ray. Although mantas can be seen year-round, sightings peak in the Raa Atoll between December and May, as large numbers migrate through plankton-rich waters and frequent multiple cleaning stations.

In the waters surrounding the resort, guests can embark on dive excursions at shallow depths of 10–15 meters, providing exceptional opportunities to witness groups of mantas gliding effortlessly while observing their social interactions and cleaning behavior. Each experience is further enriched by the dive team’s insightful storytelling, adding depth and meaning to every encounter.

Early morning dives often offer the most rewarding sightings, while beginner and non-divers can enjoy guided private snorkel excursions — a serene way to observe these gentle giants from the surface.

From kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to sailing, snorkeling, and diving, every ocean adventure at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is thoughtfully designed to inspire a deeper connection with the sea while respecting its fragile beauty. This mindful approach helps ensure that the underwater paradise of Raa Atoll continues to thrive for generations to come.

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives Welcomes New Euro-Divers Team Members

Further enhancing these marine experiences, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has welcomed new members to its Euro-Divers team, bringing fresh energy, diverse expertise, and a shared passion for marine conservation to the resort’s in-house dive center.

Lorena Diaz, from Colombia, is an experienced dive instructor known for her warmth, professionalism, and multilingual abilities. Passionate about sharing the underwater world, she has a natural talent for putting guests at ease both above and below the surface.

Joining her is Fabio Gerosa from Italy, a certified dive instructor and marine biologist from the University of Bicocca Milano. His scientific background adds valuable depth to each dive, offering guests fascinating insights into marine ecosystems while reinforcing the importance of ocean conservation.

Also part of the team is Yuan, originally from China, who has been diving since 2010 and brings extensive international experience from Egypt, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Palau, and the Maldives. Having worked with Euro-Divers Maldives since 2017, she has a passion for both pelagic species and tiny marine creatures, while describing the true magic of diving as the feeling of complete freedom underwater. On land, she enjoys relaxing with a good movie or an engaging story.

Leading the team as Dive Center & Watersports Manager is Igor Semenov, who brings 15 years of experience managing dive centers and watersports operations worldwide. A seasoned leader with extensive international expertise, Igor is focused on delivering innovative and memorable guest experiences while upholding the highest standards of safety and environmental responsibility.

With a strong blend of international experience, scientific knowledge, and a shared passion for marine conservation, the Euro-Divers team is ideally positioned to guide guests through unforgettable ocean adventures. New and enhanced offerings include eco-diving programs, guided marine biology sessions, tailored non-motorized watersports activities, and more beginner-friendly snorkel excursions with private guides, making the underwater world accessible to all.

Reflecting on what makes operating in Raa Atoll so special, Igor Semenov notes that the pristine reefs, rich biodiversity, and unique manta encounters make it a dream destination, adding that every dive feels like a new discovery and sharing those moments with guests is deeply rewarding.

Thomas Weber, General Manager of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, adds that the resort continues to deliver exceptional experiences for ocean enthusiasts year after year, from awe-inspiring marine encounters to the expertise of its dedicated dive team, all while inspiring discovery, adventure, and a lasting appreciation for the world beneath the surface.

With manta season in full swing and extraordinary wildlife sightings unfolding around the island, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives and its Euro-Divers team invite guests to discover the beauty and wonder of the Raa Atoll’s mesmerizing marine world.

To stay inspired and keep up with the latest underwater discoveries, follow Alila Kothaifaru Maldives on Instagram at @alilakothaifaru.

Source: visitmaldives.com, retrieved 1 January 2026