MY OCEAN WORLD
Excursions & Watersports at Veligandu
My life in the ocean by Ali Shaheed (Ayya) Excursion & Watersports Guide, Ocean Group
A Childhood Shaped by the Sea
I still remember the first time I swam in the open sea as a boy. The Indian Ocean stretched endlessly before me, its shades of blue shifting with the sunlight, its currents both gentle and strong. I felt small, yet connected to something vast and alive. That moment planted a seed in me…a love for the ocean that would grow into not just a passion, but a calling. Growing up, the sea became my classroom. I learned its moods, its rhythms, its beauty and its dangers. I fished, I swam, I dove and over the years, I realized I didn’t just want to experience it for myself. I wanted to share it. When guests ask me how I became an excursion and watersports guide here at Ocean Excursion and Watersports Center in Veligandu, I often tell them: “it’s been a long journey of discovery and the ocean is where I finally found myself.”
From Aircrafts to the Ocean
Ironically, my career began far from the sea as an aircraft mechanic trainee at Island Aviation (Maldivian), working with metal and machines, not salt and waves. But deep down, I knew something was missing. I longed for connection, for movement, for the kind of freedom I had always felt in the ocean as a child by being born and bred in the Maldives.
It did not take me long to realize that was not my calling.”I admit. That is when I decided to explore the hospitality industry. My first role was at a well known resort in the Maldives, where I did an internship in all departments to figure out what I wanted. I found myself drawn to the Front Office, where I loved interacting with guests, and I began working as an island host.
From there, I moved between several high-end resorts in the Maldives, growing my career in guest services. I grew into roles like Island Host, Front Office & Recreation Attendant, and later became a Butler after completing the prestigious Four Seasons Butler program. I worked in some luxurious resorts across the Maldives, it was rewarding but no matter what position I held, my heart always pulled me back to the water.
“I realized the moments I felt happiest were always during excursions, guiding guests in the ocean, or simply being out at sea. That is when I knew I had to follow my passion.” Inspired also by my brother, who has always been a watersports instructor, I eventually decided to follow my heart and fully embrace my passion. That decision led me to Ocean Group, where I now work proudly as an Excursion Guide and Watersports Assistant in Veligandu Maldives.
Why the Ocean is home?
I still remember the first time I slipped into the open sea as a boy…the water cool and endless around me, the sunlight dancing on the waves. I felt small, but strangely at peace, as if I had finally come somewhere I belonged. That feeling never left me. For me, the ocean is where I feel most alive. It is peaceful, it is endlessly fascinating, and it is full of surprises and infinite discoveries.
Every day, I meet guests from all around the world, each carrying their own expectations of the sea. Some come with courage, ready for adventure. Others come with quiet curiosity. I often tell them softly: “The ocean has a way of giving back what you bring to it. If you come with courage, it shows you its wonders. If you come with calm, it surrounds you with peace.” Watching them float, dive, and discover life beneath the waves is a joy I can not describe.
Their laughter, their wide-eyed amazement, the quiet moments when they simply drift above the reef, these are the treasures I get to witness every day. And in those moments, the ocean doesn’t just feel like work… it feels like home.
Memories I Treasure
Guests often ask about my “favorite excursion memory”, but the truth is every trip is special in its unique own way. What I love most is seeing the joy on guest’s faces when they experience something for the very first time, whether that is their very first turtle sighting, the thrill of snorkeling amidst the nurse sharks or spotting dolphins surprisingly passing by on a jet ski adventure or snorkeling trip. As long as guests leave with their expectations met and often exceeded with their faces lit up with joy and amusement, I feel satisfied and super-duper happy.
My favorite part of any excursion is the pause. That moment when a guest floats quietly, watching the reef below, or when the boat engine turns off and all you hear are the waves. It is in those pauses that the magic of the Maldives really sinks in.
Watersports: Flying, Gliding, Thrilling
At Veligandu, watersports are all about freedom and excitement. Watersports is not just an activity, it also brings laughter and thrill. Jet skiing, windsurfing, Wake Boarding, or kayaking each has its own joy. I love the moment when a guest finally balances on a paddleboard after trying again and again, their laughter echoing across the lagoon. Or when a family races kayaks, cheering each other on. These are not just activities. They are moments of connection with nature, with loved ones, and with yourself.
“The most popular watersport here is definitely Jet Ski Adventures.” Guests absolutely love this adventure and I understand why. Nothing compares to speeding across turquoise water away from the island with the wind in your face and unexpected spotting of dolphins or rays passing by. Waiting quietly until they pass, capturing the moment, and sometimes jumping into the ocean to swim or snorkel with them… It is a feeling beyond words, one you can only live in the moment. “If you are trying watersports for the first time, I recommend Windsurfing. It is fun and easy to learn.”
If you are looking for something unique, don’t miss trying the Lift E-Foil and X-Jetblade. These are not widely available in most of the resorts in the Maldives, and the thrill is unlike anything else.
“Guests are often getting nervous before trying the X-Jetblade, but once they do, they always love it, get addicted to it and wants to repeat this experience.” For me, my personal favorite is the Lift E-Foil. It feels like flying above the water in pure silence… Just you and the ocean. Sometimes birds flying your eye level. It is just amazing.
Excursions: Wonders Beneath the Waves
Excursions are where the Maldives truly comes alive. Your Maldives explore is not complete without gawking into the silent world beneath. As one guest told me after a dolphin cruise: “I didn’t just see the Maldives today…I felt it.”That is what I wish for every guest. Not just memories of activities, but a connection…an understanding of the ocean’s rhythm, its beauty, and its power.
One excursion I always recommend is the Wonder Rock Snorkeling for beginners or Nurse Shark Snorkeling for intermediate. Swimming with nurse sharks is an unforgettable experience. I still remember the first time I did it myself.On the other hand, the Turtle Snorkeling excursion really captures the beauty of the Maldives. We go to some of the healthiest reefs where guests do not just see turtles but a whole range of vibrant marine life. Of course, nature is unpredictable, but that is what makes each trip special. Before commencing the trip and boarding to the boat, our residence marine biologist provides insightful awareness session about the turtles, its behavior and how to move around them.
And then there is our House Reef here at Veligandu. Having snorkeled at so many resort’s house reefs, I can confidently say I have never seen a reef as healthy and vibrant as this one. It is truly a hidden gem of unpredictable surprises.
For couples, I usually suggest a half day private boat trips either on our luxury yacht or a small speedboat, combining manta rays, nurse sharks, and even dolphin watching at sunset. It is private, romantic, and adventurous all at once. For older guests or those who prefer a slower pace, I love guiding them to Wonder Rock, where the water is shallow, calm, and filled with thousands of small fish.
The Magic of Every Hour
Over the years, I have found that the ocean reveals a different face at every hour of the day. Each time has its own magic. At sunrise, when the island is still quiet, there is nothing more peaceful than setting out to sea. The light is soft, the water calm, and the reef slowly comes alive. I often recommend an early snorkeling trip or a gentle paddle across the lagoon. “It feels like the world belongs only to you,” …one guest once told me after her sunrise paddle. I couldn’t agree more.
During the day, in the bright sun the corals shows its colors most vividly and schools of fish shimmer like silver beneath the waves. And then there is sunset. This is when the ocean feels almost magical. A dolphin cruise is unforgettable at this hour…the sky turns gold and crimson, and dolphins leap as if dancing with the waves. Many times, I have seen couples holding hands in awe, and one guest explained the experience in one sentence: “This is the most beautiful moment of my life.”
At night, under the beam of a torch, a different world emerges…creatures you never see in daylight reveal themselves. Every hour on the water has its own story. Whether it is the thrill of trying jet skiing, the joy of kayaking, or the simple beauty of floating above a coral garden, I believe there is something here for everyone. As I often remind my guests: “You don’t just visit the ocean—you live it.”
What I have learned, guiding both watersports and excursions, is that the ocean demands respect. I always tell guests: “Stay calm. When you are calm, the ocean accepts you. The turtles, the sharks, the rays…they come closer, they let you in. But you must never block their way and never touch. Respect is the key to true connection.”
Guiding with Heart
For me, guiding is not just about technique. It is about care. Every snorkeling trip, every dive, every watersports lesson is a balance of safety, knowledge, and joy. Over the years, I have trained my body and mind to dive deeper and stay longer beneath the surface. Today, I can free dive 70.1 meters and hold my breath for three minutes 25 seconds… a skill that is not just personal pride, but one that helps me protect and guide my guests with confidence.
In June, a guest wrote on TripAdvisor: “Special thanks to Ali, and others who made every dive feel safe, exciting, and personal.” That is exactly what I hope to give…an experience that is not rushed, that makes guests feel confident in the water, and that opens the door to discovery. Another guest review in May: “We took the snorkelling lesson with Ali. Very knowledgeable about the coral reef, he answered my questions about the rise in the sea temperature to global warming and coral reef destruction etc.”
I believe guiding is more than pointing out a fish or coral. It is about connecting guests to the bigger picture…the fragile beauty of our reefs, the importance of protecting them, and how every person can make a difference.
Why I Love Veligandu I have worked at many resorts across the Maldives, but Veligandu is unique. It is peaceful, the team here is warm and supportive, and the marine life is extraordinary. The lagoon itself feels like a living postcard. Every day feels like a new opportunity to share what I love most: the ocean. The service we provide is something I am proud of. Guests often tell me they felt safe and cared throughout the trip. That is all I could ever hope for.
Your Invitation to the Ocean
When you join me for an excursion or watersports adventure, you are not just signing up for an activity…you are stepping into a tale that the ocean and I will write with you. So, if you are visiting Veligandu, my advice is simple: come with an open heart. Whether you are snorkeling at Wonder Rock, flying on an E-Foil, or joining a dolphin cruise at sunset, the ocean will always share something magical with you. And when you accept it, I promise,
it will leave you with memories that stay long after the waves have faded from sight.
Ready to begin your own ocean story?
Book your excursions and watersports with us at Veligandu Maldives. Let’s create moments that will stay with you long after the waves have faded from sight.
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