At The Nautilus Maldives, Ocean Discovery Week returns from 2 to 8 August 2026, inviting guests into a deeper, more personal exploration of the ocean. Set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Baa Atoll, where time gently fades and experiences unfold without script, Ocean Discovery Week is an evolving expression of the ocean’s beauty, mystery, and meaning. More than a programme, it becomes a shared journey into the rhythms of the sea, where discovery feels both intimate and transformative.
An Ocean Story Told Through a Family of Explorers
At the heart of this year’s edition is world-renowned underwater photographer Tobias Friedrich, joined by his wife Isidora and their two sons, Kian and Dorian, all passionate divers and ocean advocates. Together, they bring a rare perspective, not only as experts in their field, but as a family united by a deep and instinctive connection to the underwater world.
Tobias, celebrated for his award-winning imagery and role as a jury member for the Underwater Photographer of the Year, has spent years capturing the ocean’s most extraordinary moments across the globe, from tropical reefs to Arctic depths. His work reflects both technical mastery and a profound respect for the marine environment. Isidora, an AmbassaDiver for PADI and a leading voice within the global diving community, complements this vision through storytelling that bridges ocean exploration, safety, and conservation. Through her platform, she brings the underwater world to life with both insight and authenticity. Kian and Dorian, both certified junior divers and emerging ocean ambassadors, add a new dimension, a next-generation voice shaped by curiosity, wonder, and a natural affinity with the sea. Together, they transform Ocean Discovery Week into something deeply human: a story of exploration, learning, and connection across generations.
A Week of Unscripted Ocean Discovery
Across the week, guests are invited to move fluidly between adventure, learning, and quiet reflection. From encounters with manta rays in the world-renowned Hanifaru Bay to night dives and guided snorkelling along the house reef, each experience unfolds at its own rhythm, shaped by the ocean itself.
Photography becomes both art and perspective, with Tobias Friedrich leading sessions on underwater composition, storytelling, and the creation of iconic imagery. From poolside introductions to more advanced techniques, guests are invited to see the ocean through a more thoughtful lens. Alongside this, Isidora curates moments of storytelling and connection, shaping the narrative of the week through engaging sessions and guiding children’s activities with a thoughtful, immersive approach. Evenings shift into shared experiences, from outdoor cinema sessions exploring rare underwater phenomena to conversations that gently reveal the unseen world beneath the surface.
At Naiboli, a dedicated Ocean Gallery will showcase Tobias’s work through books, calendars, and curated pieces, with selected artworks available. A portion of proceeds will be directed towards marine conservation initiatives, reinforcing a shared commitment to protecting the ocean.
Where Discovery Begins, and Stays With You
Ocean Discovery Week unfolds just as freely for younger guests through Young Wonderers, where curiosity leads the way. From coral planting sessions alongside our resident marine biologist, to ocean-inspired art, storytelling, and reef explorations, children are invited to form their own connection with the sea.
At The Nautilus Maldives, Ocean Discovery Week is not defined by schedules, but by moments.
A manta encounter that lingers long after.
A shared dive between parent and child.
A story told beneath a sky full of stars.
Here, the ocean is not only explored, but understood, through experience, through artistry, and through connection.
For more information, please contact hello@thenautilusmaldives.com