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About this trip
Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime freediving adventure in the stunning Maldives.
This trip is a rare chance to swim alongside diverse shark species in their natural habitat, deepening your appreciation and understanding of these majestic creatures. Understand and participate in conserving these marine apex predators hands-on activities workshops.
Whilst you're with us, you'll also spend time working on those freediving skills with one of Australia's top freediving schools, meet likeminded people from around the world, and take home some tips from shark experts, PLUS photography tips from one of Australia's leading wildlife cinematographers.
We'll be eating and sleeping in a beautiful luxury resort on the island of Fuvahmulah, a 4 min walk from a stunning beach where we can watch sunset every night. Between dive sessions we'll make the most of our time together with talks, workshops, meditation and relaxation time.
We'll also organise a team beach clean to give up some volunteering time to the island we are enjoying so much. One night we'll have a team-building beach olympics followed by an epic beach BBQ.
What To Bring
- Wetsuit - the water is between 27-31 degrees Celsius so most divers will be ok in a spring suit or just a swimsuit with rashie. Please avoid shiny, flashy suits.
- Fins, mask, snorkel, weight belt (weights can be hired on the island)
- Swimwear
- Summer clothes. Please note that Maldives is a Muslim country and we request that all guests bear this in mind. Shorts and t shirts are fine; please avoid skimpy/tight clothing for the island.
- Waterproof jacket for the boat
- Smaller backpack for essentials on the boat trip
- Towel (we suggest at least 2)
- Personal toiletries and medication, inc. seasickness pills
- Refillable water bottle
- Sun protection - hats, glasses and waterproof zinc/sunscreen (reef safe sunscreen please!)
- Go-pros, cameras and spare, charged batteries (optional but recommended)
- Plug converter
*if you need help choosing your gear, please get in touch.
Who Is This Retreat For?
Your Ocean Experience:
We love our new divers, but it's really important to have freediving experience for this trip! At a minimum, you must be a certified freediver and be very comfortable with the idea of meeting a big tiger shark!
If in doubt, feel free to still book and drop us a message. We will contact you within 3 days and if we agree it's a no-go we will return your deposit straight away. After this, the deposit is non-refundable.
Your Vibe:
- You live for the ocean and care about the wellbeing of the animals
- You're tolerant, patient, and engaged in a group setting
- Minimum 18 years of age
- Medically fit to be in the water - we will require all participants to complete a medical history statement, and we may require clearance from a doctor.
How We Work
There are so many freediving retreat options out there. Let's make sure we are a good fit!
- We rise early, dive a lot, and go to bed pretty early. P.S. Alcohol is forbidden on this island, so it's not the place if you want to party!
- We typically host guests of all ages (18+) so expect variety!
- Our customer is primarily Australian but we love hosting guests from all over the world!
- We are LGBTQIA+ friendly
- We always put the animals first and won't force interactions
- We really really really value great group dynamics and we are grateful for respectful, warm, tolerant people!
Cancellation Policy
We get it, life is unpredictable. Here is our policy if something happens or you change your mind:-
- Deposit: Non-Refundable
- Cancellation of trip up to 6 weeks before: Refund or Credit less Deposit
- Cancellation within 4-6 weeks of start date: 50% Credit less Deposit to be used within 1y
- Cancellation within 4 weeks of start date: No Refunds or Credits
Please read our Terms and Conditions here. All guests are required to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover them in the event that they are sick or unable to attend with late notice.
Payments
Upon booking you will be given the option to set up an automatic card payment for your installments.
Please be aware that all payments will be subject to a credit card fee and possible an international transaction fee. Once your deposit is paid, we offer you the option to pay your remaining balances via bank transfer (USA, Australia and UK bank options).
What’s included
- 6 nights AccommodationWe'll be staying at the Ataraxis Grand and Spa hotel with a great top deck to enjoy the oceanic view when we're not diving.
- 5 Days on the WaterEach day will feature 1 tiger dive and one open water fun-dive or depth freediving session. On one of our days we will venture out into the deep blue to look for pelagic shark species
- 2-Way Internal FlightsReturn flight from Male to Fuvahmulah, booked by our travel agent at the local dive school.
- All MealsDelicious Meals served at our hotel, with a special Beach BBQ night. Dietary restrictions can be catered for but please remember that this is a remote island with limited supplies.
- Shark Biology WorkshopMarine biology workshop to help us understand the main feature of our expedition!
- Movement and MeditatioReconnecting with your body and mind helps you stay present, builds stronger interpersonal connections and better prepares you for freediving.
- PhotosWe're honoured to host two talented photographers!They will be capturing beautiful moments in the water so that you can treasure your memories forever.
- Beach CleanupWe're honoured to give back to the community and the waters of Fuvahmulah by getting our hands dirty in some volunteering
- Beach Olympics and BBQAn evening of total nonsense and fun to have a few laughs together and enjoy the stunning beach. We will wrap up the beach games with a beach BBQ.
What’s not included
- International FlightsFlights from your home country to Male, Maldives
- Freediving GearWeights are available for rental on the island
- Travel InsuranceThis is mandatory, and must include insurance for travel cancellations/delays, belongings, health and emergency evacuation, including adventure sports/freediving/shark diving
- AlcoholAlcohol is banned in Maldives. This also includes Malé, and other inhabited islands. That means alcohol will not be found anywhere and is not sold in supermarkets, grocery stores, etc.
- Additional ActivitiesAny accommodation, food, transport, dives, etc. you decide to take outside of the retreat
Available Packages
Shared Twin Room with ensuite bathroom.
If you have a friend you want to share with, let us know! Otherwise we will match you with a member of the same gender.
Private Room with ensuite bathroom.
If you have a friend you want to share with, let us know! Otherwise we will match you with a member of the same gender.
Itinerary
Morning / Afternoon:
Meet at Male airport at 1pm for our domestic flight transfer to Fuvahmulah.
We'll all be picked up and taken to our beautiful hotel for the week. You'll get plenty of time to unpack, relax, and get to know your fellow retreaters.
Evening:
We'll share a welcome dinner.