EFFORTLESS SWIMMING PRESENTS
2025 Maldives Long Distance CAMP with Sharon Van Rouwendaal and Brenton Ford
South Atoll, Maldives
Ready to Join us in Paradise?
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spend EIGHT days in paradise transforming your swimming and enjoying some of the most beautiful swimming locations You can imagine
Welcome to the Maldives Long Distance Camp!
This exclusive land-based swim retreat offers a rare opportunity to improve your swimming technique and open-water skills under the guidance of Olympic gold medalist Sharon van Rouwendaal and Effortless Swimming Head Coach Brenton Ford.
Set against the backdrop of the Maldives’ stunning turquoise waters and pristine islands, this experience combines expert coaching, breathtaking swims, and a deep connection with nature.
What's happening:
8 day / 7 night swim experience
Where:
Maalhos and Fulhaloo Islands, South Atoll, Maldives
When:
October 12th – 19th, 2025
Distance:
Between 4-10km of swimming available each day
Swimming level:
Must be able to swim 3km at 1:45/100m or faster
Pricing and room options:
Single ($6,200 USD)
Twin-share ($4,900 USD/per swimmer)
Deposit ($1000 USD upon booking)
Please note: Non-swimming partners can attend
the camp however the cost is the same as a swimmer.
We have 6 single rooms available and 3 twin share for this trip. You can book a twin share room and we can find a partner of the same gender to share a room with.
(Maximum of 12 swimmers per camp)
What's included:
Accommodation, Return Boat Transfer from the airport, all meals and snacks, boat trips to swim locations and all coaching
What's not:
Airfares, optional extras like drinks, etc
Itinerary
Day One - Arrival in the Maldives Maalhos
AM: Arrival & Check In
We’ll meet at Male Velana Airport and domestic flight from Male to Dharavandhoo followed by speedboat to Maalhos. On the way we’ll have a fun and informative safety briefing and boat orientation to ensure everyone is familiar with the vessel and ready for the adventure ahead.
All the days meals will be served at the hotel
PM: Afternoon Swim in Hibalhidhoo 5 km
Our first swim is a short 3 km acclimatization swim. This allows guests to get accustomed to the water, the swimming support and safety setup, and the incredible marine life of the Maldives. Throughout the trip, swim distances are adaptable, catering to all abilities and preferences, with extensive boat cover ensuring safety and support for every swimmer, whether they swim 1km or 5km.
Baa Atoll located in the central region of the atoll chain that form the Maldives is considered globally significant in terms of its biodiversity. The atoll covers an area of over 139,000 hectares and is situated just north of the Kaashidhoo channel that geographically separates the northern chain of atolls from the central chain. Baa atoll consists of several habitats that support the rich biodiversity of the atoll and includes coral reefs, islands, sea grass beds and mangroves.
Check in at Thundi Village
Nestled amidst the pristine beauty of the Maldives, Thundi Village Maalhos offers an enchanting escape for those seeking tranquility and comfort. Situated on the picturesque island of Maalhos, this locally owned hotel combines traditional Maldivian charm with modern comforts to create an unforgettable holiday experience.
You will stay in one of eight deluxe rooms meticulously designed to provide guests with the ultimate in comfort and relaxation (twin rooms are subject to availability at time of booking). Wake up to breathtaking views of the turquoise lagoon or island views.
Location
This hotel is located in Maalhos, right on the beach.
Facilities
The friendly staff at the reception desk are happy to answer any questions. Amenities available at the hotel include a baggage storage service and a safe. Wireless internet access is provided in public areas. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions.
Day Two - Maalhos
AM: Morning Swim in Dhigali/
Borangali Lagoon 4-5 km
PM: Swim the Nelivaru Lagoon 3 km
Day two we will swim in two locations for up to 8 km of swimming. Dhigali Haa – also known as Horubadhoo Thila – and Nelivaru Haa are both well known for their plentiful marine life, with plenty of caves and overhangs to explore in search of stingrays, groupers, batfish and schools of oriental sweetlips. Nelivaru Haa is also famous for its dense schools of glassy baitfish that swirl and undulate in the currents and can completely cover the site in the wet season! Dhonfanu Thila and Dharavandhoo Thila are also well worth a visit, particular when there is a current running which will bring in the schools of fish and other marine life. There are also a number of manta cleaning stations scattered across the atoll, especially in the eastern half not far from the famous Hanifaru Bay.
Day Three - Maalhos
AM: Morning 4-5 km swim in Angafaru & Dhigufaru Lagoons
PM: Afternoon 6.5 km along the Island chain
Kendhoo Island is part of the Haa Alifu Atoll in the Maldives, a cluster of islands known for their pristine beauty and rich marine biodiversity. The Kendhoo Island chain is situated in the northernmost region of the Maldives, offering a serene and secluded place to swim.
One of the notable features of the Kendhoo Island chain is its unspoiled beaches with powdery white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. Visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant underwater world, where colorful coral reefs teem with a diverse array of marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and reef sharks.
Day Four
Check out from Thundi Village
Move to Fulhadhoo
AM: Boat Transfer to Fulhadhoo
Fulhadhoo is blessed with a beautiful beach which is ranked in the top 25 beaches in the world! With avenues of swaying palm trees and surrounded by a magnificent turquoise blue ocean, it is indeed paradise. The island is much longer than it is wider, meaning a refreshing sea breeze blows across it as you amble to and from the beach. The local village is home to 250 people and is positioned on the eastern part of the island, while the rest of the island features small agricultural land plots, a tropical forest and white sandy beaches.
PM: Afternoon swim from Innfushi to Fulhadhoo Island 4.8 km
Similar to the morning we will complete an open water swim before heading out to explore one of the many features in the island.
Check in at Island Luxury
Island Luxury Dive Hotel on Fulhadhoo Island offers an exquisite retreat for discerning travelers seeking a blend of luxury and adventure. Situated in the Baa Atoll, this hotel promises an unforgettable holiday experience. Guests can wake up to views of the tropical forest or benefit from an openair bathroom. The Island Luxury Dive Hotel is impeccably furnished and equipped with modern amenities (all rooms can be twin or double)
Location
This hotel warmly welcomes guests in Fulhadhoo.
Facilities
The friendly staff at the reception desk are happy to answer any questions. To ensure guests a comfortable and relaxing stay, the hotel provides various services and facilities, including a baggage storage service and have complimentary access to Kaage. Swimming pool. Wireless internet access is provided in public areas.
Day Five - Fulhadhoo Island
AM: Morning Swim at Fulhadhoo Island
Complete a 2.5 to 3 km circuit around Furdalhoo island. The calm, clear waters reveal vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, with visibility over 30 meters. Framed by white sandy beaches and palm trees,
PM:
Afternoon off to explore, go snorkeling or enjoy other water-based activities such as kayaking or SUP boarding.
Day Six - Fulhadhoo Island
AM: Morning Swim from Fulhadhoo Island to Fehendhoo Island 2.1 km
Fehendhoo Island is situated in the western part of the Baa Atoll and is known for its stunning natural beauty, pristine beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. The island also offers a glimpse into the local Maldivian way of life, with traditional villages and friendly locals welcoming visitors to experience their culture and hospitality. Fehendhoo is a peaceful and idyllic destination.
PM: Afternoon Swim from Hanifalhu to Goidhoo 4.2 km
There is only one entrance for vessels to the atoll at Goidhoo Corner and offers the usual marine life that can be seen at many channel entrances. Among them are Napoleon fish, lobster, nurse sharks, and turtles. The Rose Garden is a shallow snorkelling site that offers a spectacular display that looks like a huge underwater garden of rose-shaped coral.
On the inside of the atoll, it is deep in the center but closer to the islands and reefs are vast expanses of shallow sand with many reef flats and coral heads. On the outside of Goidhoo Atoll, the structure of the reef is hard and flat as a result of its exposure to rough seas.
Day Seven - Fulhadhoo Island
Swim AM: Innfushi to Boduhuraa 9.2 km
Day 7 begins with a morning journey to the Innfushi area for our planned longer swim. We have up to 9 km available for those inclined towards a marathon swim with support. Don’t worry if this is too much! We have boat support so you can swim as much or as little as you like!
PM: Free Time
Return to Fulhadhoo island where we will enjoy a late lunch and free time to explore the island and enjoy the beaches before our final group dinner.
Day Eight - Check Out From Island Luxury
Departure
We’ll start by Speedboat from Fulhadhoo to Male Airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
The speedboat departs from Male airport at 12pm on October 12th, so we recommend booking a flight that arrives before 10am to allow time to clear immigration.
- Goggles (at least one pair of tinted goggles for when it’s sunny)
- Swimwear
- Fins/flippers
- Rashie/rash vest (optional) – This will come in useful for when we are swimming during the day and the sun is at it’s strongest
- We’ll send a full list of what to bring before you travel
Depending on where you are travelling from, tourist visa’s are available for 30 days and you can register for free online before you travel.
If you are travelling from a country that has yellow fever they will require proof of yellow fever vaccination. For more details visit this website:
https://www.immigration.gov.mv/tourist-visa/
You don’t need to be elite to come on this trip, however we do require you to be able to swim 3km at 1:45/100m pace to attend. This helps keep the group together on the longer swims.
Each swim varies in distance from 2.5km up to 9km on the final day. Don’t stress if you want to shorten a swim, you’ll be able to hop on the boat and watch the others swim if you like! You’ll be able to wear fins/flippers during any swims if you choose to.
There is a $1000 USD deposit required for this trip, which is fully refundable up to 14 days after booking.
Cancellation of your trip up to 120 days or more before the start of the trip allows you to keep your deposit as credit with us which can be rolled over to another trip within 12 months.
Cancellation of your booking from 120 days or less to the start of the trip is non-refundable.
Yes! Each day there is time between swims and meals to relax, explore the islands or simply relax by the beach.
Bookings can be made directly through this website. If booking a twin share room with another swimmer, change the quantity to 2x when securing your spot.
Your $1000 USD deposit secures your spot, and final payment of the balance is due 120 days before the start of the trip.
If you’re booking with a partner or another swimmer, please select a twin-share room.
If you’re open to sharing but don’t have a specific roommate, you can still book a twin-share room, and we’ll pair you with another swimmer of the same gender.
For those who prefer their own space, a single room guarantees a private room for the duration of the camp.
Have other questions?
Call us in Australia on 1300755088 or contact us here.
