The Maldives

This morning our boat weighs anchor and heads for Vaavu Atoll, which we will traverse in its entirety over the next few days. On entering the atoll, we arrive at Fulidhoo Island where the boat anchors off. As we jump in the water for our first swim of the day, we hug the outer edge of the reef and experience the abundance of coral and marine life just beneath the surface and admire the sudden drop to the depths below. It’s an excellent first swim as the local island makes an ideal sighting point.

This afternoon we hop between reefs and swim along Kunavashi Reef. Watch as the flawless white sand changes to delicate corals and then to deep blues in the intersecting channels. We pause at the reef to video your swimming stroke for analysis and swimming tips later in the evening. We also take the opportunity to visit a local island in the afternoon.

Awake to the sun rising over the Indian Ocean and casting its warm light on the Vaavu Atoll.

Today’s swims take place on the Digufalhu Reef, which features a number of sandbars which make excellent stop-off points. The reef here is only a few metres below the surface, so the wildlife is right in front of our eyes. During the swim, we cross over to another reef using the MV Felicity as our sighting point. This reef features a number of gaps in the reef, from where it is possible to enter the sandy lagoon inside. It really is a most marvellous swim. You pass alongside a hummock of sand with its resident reef fish and sea turtles before setting foot on the sandbank of Kuda-Anbaraa. Lunch will be well earned!

Fussaru is our location for our relaxed afternoon swim, where both soft and hard coral thrives, creating the ideal home for colourful reef fish. Also, don’t be surprised if you see a squadron of eagle rays sweep across the sand beneath you.

In the evening we enjoy another delicious dinner as the sun sets over the Vaavu Atoll which is laid out before us.

This morning we tackle the circumnavigation of Anbaraa Island by following the reef all the way around. Tuna, turtles, and Napoleon wrasse are some of the marine life who may join us on today’s circumnavigation.

After a hearty lunch of tuna, chicken and local dishes, we swim in the most westerly point not just of Vaavu Atoll but the entire Maldives. We start off above a sandy floor, using the drop off to the reef as a natural lane marker and swimming past the uninhabited Fontheyo Bodu Mohora Island. Dolphins have been spotted here previously as well as plenty of other interesting marine life.

After dinner, if you have energy in reserve, you might like to join in some night fishing.

This morning we travel to Gira Fahu Reef where we’ll be completing our biggest swim of the week and one of the highlights of the trip.

We start at the shipwreck of an old fishing boat that got too close to the reef during a storm. The views underneath the water here are simply spectacular. From here, we swim around the near perfect semi-circle that Gira Fahu Reef forms, before a final crossing to Keyodhoo Island. This swim offers a kaleidoscope of marine species and lively corals, enough to motivate any tired shoulders. You will be amazed by the coral formations and large boulders found in this reef.

After our big morning swim, the afternoon is set aside for a relaxed snorkel around the Alimatha Sand Bar. This is one of the best snorkelling experiences of the trip as a myriad of wildlife can be seen at the reef drop-off.

After dinner we have another taste of island life as we join the locals for a wonderful evening of cultural dancing.

This morning, we head up the eastern side of Vaavu Atoll until we reach the Ohuveli Island. From here we jump right in, opposite the resort and swim over the reef which appears more colourful than any we have witnessed so far. The pristine reef is the perfect place to take in the amazing submerged world or shoot some spectacular underwater photography

Following lunch, we move higher up South Malé Atoll. Our next swim is along the Villivaru Reef finishing at the uninhabited Villivaru Island where Eagle Rays and turtles have been spotted previously.

Our morning swim is one of contrasts as we swim close to Maldives Skeleton Coast with shipwrecks dotting the far shore. The swimming here is varied and we can normally benefit from a current pushing us along the reef. There is a rich biodiversity within this atoll. The MV Felicity is our target point for this swim and here you truly can swim as far or as little as you want.

In the afternoon we head to Krunba Island to partially circumnavigate it. Keep an eye out for the resident Nurse Shark population as well as countless fish species. It's a wonderful way to finish off the swimming leg of our journey. Following your final onboard dinner there is an opportunity for a sightseeing visit to Malé in the evening.

Following a relaxed breakfast onboard MV Felicity, our dhoni boat will drop you back at Malé International Airport between approximately 07:00 - 09:00. If you require an earlier transfer to catch a morning flight, please let your guides know so that this can be arranged.

Equipment to bring along with you

In addition to your daily non-swimming clothes, we also recommend that you bring the following items:

*Try to bring one clear lens and one tinted lens for different light conditions.

**A towel will be provided on board, however, please do feel free to bring your own along if preferred.

***Please bring a lightweight conservative outfit which covers your shoulders and thighs and which you can wear for our island visits to Muslim communities.

Note: Your normal swimwear will be perfectly suitable for the liveaboard boat and the majority of our swims. When swimming near inhabited islands, swimming costumes and rashvests are more appropriate than a bikini, however, your guide will let you know when this is applicable.

Please note that SwimTrek will supply swim hats and provide water and electrolyte drinks in shared water bottles on your safety boat. If you prefer to use your own drink bottle, please feel free to bring one along. If you would like to use a wetsuit, rash vest or fins during your swims, please ensure that you bring these with you.

Suncare

Due to the equatorial nature of the weather in The Maldives, the sun can be incredibly strong, so please ensure you take the necessary steps to ensure you are well protected. High factor, waterproof sun cream, cover ups, long sleeved rash vests and leggings and a good sun hat are all strongly recommended.

Swimming Distances

*Please note that these swims are an example of the what may take place during the course of your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and sea conditions.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience but you need to be aware that marine life is abundant in the Maldives. Stonefish, scorpionfish, lionfish, jellyfish, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures, however if you suffer from anaphylaxis please consult the office prior to booking.

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. As a consequence, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Group Size

This trip has a maximum group size of 12 people with two swim guides and a local boat crew. The trip will be split into a maximum of two groups based on speed, each of which is accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort.

Flights to the Maldives are widely available from most international destinations, however, due to its isolated location in the Indian Ocean, multi-leg journeys are usually required to reach the islands.

While we have outlined various travel options below, they are subject to change and should be used as a guide only. We suggest that you use Skyscanner to search for alternative flight options for this trip.

Whichever route you choose to take, we recommend confirming your flights and other travel arrangements as early as possible in order to avoid price rises and availability issues.

Travel to Malé International Airport (MLE)

The only airport in the Maldives which services international flights is Malé International Airport, which is also known as Velana International Airport and is located on Hulhule island, just a 15-minute ferry ride from the capital, Malé.

To search for available flights into Male International Airport, please visit Skyscanner.

Once you have booked your flights and any pre-trip accommodation in the Maldives, please ensure that you forward this information to info@swimtrek.com as soon as possible.

Malé International Airport to MV Felicity

Once you arrive at Malé International Airport, one of your SwimTrek guides will meet you the Airport Information Desk located in front of the pharmacy and left luggage room in between the arrival and departure gates, at the designated trip start time, i.e. 12:00 on Day 1 for our February - April 2018 departures and 11:00 for our November 2018 departures. From here, you will be transferred from the airport to your liveaboard accommodation on MV Felicity. Please note that this transfer is included as part of your package price.

Arriving Early

Guests who arrive in the Maldives prior to the start of their SwimTrek trip must organise with their hotel to be transferred back to Malé International Airport in time to meet the SwimTrek group on Day 1 of the trip.

This transfer should be organised with your hotel during the check-in process in order to ensure you arrive at the airport in time for the start of your SwimTrek trip. Please note that confirmation of the exact departure time from your hotel will usually not be available until the night before the transfer.

IMPORTANT: Please note that it is not possible to meet your SwimTrek group anywhere other than the airport at the start of your trip. Therefore, it is critical that your travel plans are arranged to ensure that you arrive at Malé International Airport in time for the 12:00 (February - April 2018 departures) or 11:00 (November 2018 departures) start on Day 1.

Leaving the Maldives

At the end of your SwimTrek trip, you will be transferred from MV Felicity back to Malé International Airport between 07:00 and 09:00, depending on your outbound flight time or your onwards travel plans.

Accommodation

Our accommodation over the course of your trip in onboard MV Felicity, a traditionally crafted local gulet. You will wake in the morning to the sun rising over the Indian Ocean, and can enjoy the sunset whilst relaxing on deck with a drink in the evening. Our vessel consists of fully air-conditioned cabins and comfortable deck spaces. There are three double cabins and three twin share, all with en-suite and air conditioning. There are a limited number of single supplement rooms which can be reserved during the booking process, subject to availability.

Pre- and Post-Trip Accommodation

If you would like to extend your trip, Secret Paradise, our agent in the Maldives, can organise accommodation before or after your SwimTrek tour. This will ensure that you will be offered better rates than what are available online, you will be staying in locally-recommended properties and someone from Secret Paradise will meet you at the airport and arrange the transfer to your hotel as part of your booking. Please email sales@secretparadise.mv for additional accommodation and transport advice to meet your SwimTrek transfer.

Meals

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon snacks are included as part of your package and are prepared on the MV Felicity by our very own onboard chef. Menus include a mix of freshly prepared international and local specialities. Our chefs who will do their best to accommodate special dietary requirements, however, if you have any strict dietary restrictions/requirements, please contact the SwimTrek office prior to booking.

The traditional food of the Maldivians is based around fish (tuna), chilli and coconuts. White rice and 'roshi' (a flour based flat-bread) are staple items. Fish is normally smoked, fired, barbequed or roasted. Pork products are strictly prohibited. Typical ingredients used widely in dishes and served on board include onion, ginger, garlic, lemon and spices.

Drinking water is provided with all meals. Soft drinks, wine, beer and spirits can be purchased onboard the MV Felicity, with an individual tab to be set up for each guest at the start of your trip. Your tab must be settled prior to the end of your trip and can be paid in either US Dollars or the local currency, MVR. As a guide, soft drinks are priced from US$2.00, beers from US$3.00, wine from US$6.00 and 300ml bottles of spirits from US$30.00. Please note that these prices exclude a 12% government tax which will be added to your final bill.

Please note that, although alcoholic drinks are available for purchase onboard the MV Felicity and on ‘Resorts Islands’, it is strictly prohibited, by law, to bring alcohol into the Maldives or to take it off your liveaboard onto a ‘local island’.

When taking on-shore trips to local islands, it is worth noting that Maldivians traditionally eat with their fingers and, therefore, food is not always served ‘piping hot’. Tap water is perfectly safe for brushing your teeth, however, we advise to drink bottled or boiled water. All food on local islands is halal.

Extra Activities

Throughout the course of your trip, you will have the opportunity to take part in a number of extra activities before or after our organised daily swims. These activities include snorkelling, scuba diving* (extra cost), cultural dancing, night fishing, local island visit with afternoon tea and a sightseeing visit to Malé. Participation in these activities is optional and does not need to be booked in advance.

*Scuba diving is available on board through our partners in the Maldives. It is possible to take part in an introductory or a standard dive at the following rates:

• US$65 per dive, including equipment
• US$75 per night dive, including equipment
• US$100 per person for an introductory Discover Scuba Dive, including equipment

If you intend to participate in scuba diving (other than the Discover Scuba Dive), you must be a qualified diver in possession of a dive certification card and log book.

Extra Expenses and Tipping

The US dollar is accepted as legal tender throughout the Maldives, however, the country also has a local currency, Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), which is non-convertible and cannot be purchased before your arrival in the Maldives. It is possible to change most major currencies for Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) at Malé International Airport upon arrival.

On board MV Felicity and on smaller local islands, credit cards are not accepted, so cash is the only payment option. If you make a payment in US Dollars, change will usually be given in the local currency. All major credit cards can be used (and are preferred) at major resorts, hotels, shops, etc.,

ATMs are available in Malé and on some local and resort islands throughout the country. Please note that ATMs only dispense cash in the local currency (MVR), not in US Dollars. As all of your meals and accommodation are included in your package price and you will be spending most of your time onboard MV Felicity, extra expenses throughout the duration of your trip will be limited, however, you should bring extra money with you to cover items such as additional drinks, souvenirs and optional island resort visits or extra activities.

Tipping is considered to be part of the culture in the Maldives and while not compulsory, it is advised that you budget $10-20 per day for tipping at your own discretion.

Local SIM Card / Internet Access

Please note that there is very limited access to WiFi during your time on board the MV Felicity (via a shared 4G modem). Should you need access to the internet during your trip, please ensure that you get your phone unlocked before your trip (or bring your own personal dongle) and that you purchase a SIM card from the airport on your arrival. If you purchase a SIM card with a 3G or 4G data plan, you should be able to access the internet for the majority of the trip (subject to your data allowance limits).

Passports and Visas

You do not need to apply for a visa before you travel to the Maldives. All tourists, of all nationalities, can receive a 30-day visa free of charge on arrival in the Maldives.

To receive a tourist visa on arrival at Malé International Airport, you will need the following items:

• A valid passport with at least six months validity beyond the expected length of stay
• A return flight ticket, or a flight ticket to another destination, for departure within 30 days of arrival
• Either confirmation of a hotel/resort booking, or evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses in Maldives (at least US$100 + US$50 per day demonstrated by cash or bank statement)

For further information about passport and visa requirements, please visit the Maldives High Commission website.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

For comprehensive health information for people travelling to the Maldives, including all recommended and required vaccinations, please visit Travel Health Pro. Please note that this information is subject to change and you should re-check this site regularly prior to your trip.

UK health authorities have classified the Maldives as having a moderate risk of Zika virus transmission. For further information about this assessment, you should visit UK Travel Guidance and follow the advice on the Travel Health Pro. It is also recommended that you discuss your travel plans with your healthcare provider, particularly if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Travel Plugs & Electricity

The power points aboard MV Felicity use the standard 3-pin UK plugs (type G), however, please be aware that some hotels in the Maldives use alternative plug types. If you are staying in the Maldives before or after your SwimTrek trip, please contact your accommodation to enquire about this.

All electrical devices running on 110/120V must have power converters / step-up transformers.

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit ElectricalOutlet.org.