2025 dates: 3rd – 10th May
Price: from £2,799pp

YOUR MALDIVES SWIMMING HOLIDAY

If you love the sea, The Maldives is probably on your bucket list. If it’s not, it should be. With a relaxed atmosphere, year-round warm water and a kaleidoscope of marine life, in The Maldives you will find yourself swimming over teeming coral reefs, floating over schools of fish, mingling with mantas and soaring with rays. If you’re lucky, you may even bump into a pod of playful dolphins. This is a true ‘bucket list’ swim vacation.

WATCH OUR MALDIVES VIDEO:

ABOUT EMPEROR VOYAGER

This tour has been designed as a live-aboard to give us the best possible access to The Maldives incredible atolls. Your home for the week will be the impressive MV Emperor Voyager. At 30m length, you will have plenty of space to rest, relax and socialise. All cabins are en-suite with air conditioning. Upper deck and main deck cabins have large windows giving amazing views to the ocean and islands beyond. Decorated in light wood and contemporary style, the boat has a bar area and comfy sofas, an outdoor dining area, and a large sundeck with loungers for sun bathing, kicking back or sunrise yoga. With a capacity for 20 guests, but a maximum SwimQuest occupancy of 14 guests, we ensure that there is enough space on board to rest, relax and socialise, whether you are a single traveller, couple or group of friends. Click on the ‘accommodation’ tab for more information.

Essential Information

Duration: 8 days / 7 nights (arrive and depart on the Saturday)
Sea temperature: approx. 28oC – 32oC
Daily swimming distance: 1.5km, building up to 4km towards the end of the week (tailored to the ability of each individual)
Swimming ability: confident swimming in open water
Are non-swimmers welcome? Yes, Voyager is a spacious live aboard and non-swimming guests can enjoy relaxing and soaking up this incredible part of the world too.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Accommodation on the liveaboard MV Emperor Voyager
Full swimming itinerary
One-to-one swim coaching and video analysis
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) – BBQ dinners on local island as per schedule (weather allowing)
Afternoon snacks
Unlimited drinking water, tea and coffee
Safety boats
Swim guides
Snorkelling equipment
Swim feeds and wet boat refreshments
Transfers to and from Male airport
Government taxes and bed tax
VAT

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?

Travel to and from Male airport
On board extras
Purchase of any alcohol / soft drinks
Optional scuba dive (trial or qualified dive)
WiFi (approx. 30 USD for 5GB, buy on-board)
Single room supplement if you wish to take a cabin to yourself (see ACCOMMODATION tab for details)

SWIMQUEST LIVEABOARD - MV EMPEROR Voyager

MS Voyager alongside our swim escort boat

This tour has been designed as a live-aboard to give us the best possible access to The Maldives incredible atolls. Your home for the week will be the impressive MV Emperor Voyager. At 30m length, and with a capacity of 20 passengers (we take only 14 guests) you will have plenty of space to rest, relax and socialise. All cabins are en-suite with air conditioning. Upper deck and main deck cabins have large windows giving amazing views to the ocean and islands beyond. The main deck has a large outdoor sofa relaxing area, a corner bar and a drinks area. There are several sofas and tables inside for relaxing. On the upper deck is a home theatre and comfy sofas. We will dine outdoors on the lounge deck. MV Voyager also has a large sundeck; perfect for drying off, relaxing, or a spot of sunrise yoga.

Why choose Voyager?

A modern, spacious boat which is not full to capacity, ensuring you have enough space to rest, relax, socialise or just spend some time watching the ocean
Voyager is joined by a Dhoni and a RIB which serve as our swim safety escort boats. Extensive boat safety cover ensures we can cater for all ability levels.
A dedicated team of 13 boat staff, who will cook, clean and look after you for the week, along side your SwimQuest Guides
Two knowledgeable ocean guides, who can answer any questions about your swims, and the wildlife you’ve seen along the way
Daily housekeeping, including clean towels on a daily basis
Room, sun-lounger and boat towels provided
A varied, delicious menu - with cooked breakfasts, lunches and dinners (dietary requirements catered for - let us know in advance)
Dine el fresco
Daily tea and cake!
Free fresh coffee, tea and hot chocolate station available all week
Qualified dive guides on board in case you wish to either try a dive or add in a dive to your swim schedule
Leave your shoes at the door! This is a shoe free week!

rooming options

Lower deck room share £2,799pp
Lower deck room private use £3,940pp
Main deck room share £3,450pp
Main deck room private use £4,830pp
Upper deck room room share £3,520pp
Upper deck room private use £4,920pp

Click here for the MV Emperor Voyager floorplan MV Emperor Voyager SwimQuest Maldives

THE SWIMMING

N.B. There are two planned swims per day based on how you progress during the week. Please realise that what we have detailed below is only a rough guide to the week and that we will adapt the week carefully for each individual and the prevailing weather. All swim activities are planned with safety as the paramount concern. Open water swimming is always governed by tides and weather; so planned swims may need to be changed, depending on the prevailing weather conditions at the time. Swim guides will advise you each day on what is best for you.

Please remember:

Swim distances are adaptable and because of our extensive boat cover we can deal with all abilities on this tour, whether you would like to swim 1km or 5km!

saturday

SwimQuest Maldives accommodation image courtesy of Emperor Maldives

Transfers from the airport to the boat run at 12:00 and 16:00, and are free of charge. A light sandwich style snack will be provided for lunch on transfer day. If you are already in the Maldives you should make your way to the airport for the 16:00 transfer. The boat moors near Male and departs early on the morning after the check-in day.

sunday

In the morning, the Ships anchor will be lifted and Emperor Voyager will cruise south from North Male Atoll, crossing the short “Vadoo Kandu” channel down to Gulhi in South Male Atoll. After breakfast, we will start with an easy swim within and around a large lagoon reef. Whilst you kick back and enjoy lunch, Emperor Voyager will venture further South to Vaavu Atoll. In the afternoon we will attempt a lagoon-to-lagoon swim.

In the evening we will finish off the day watching the nurse sharks, stingrays and giant trevally under the famous Alimatha Resort Jetty.

Monday

SwimQuest Maldives, image courtesy of Emperor Maldives

In the morning, Emperor Voyager will venture further South into Vaavu Atoll to the famous Fotteyo Kandu. Today we will swim and motor around one of the longest reefs in the Maldives, from Fotteyo Kandu, past the island of Fotteyo and around to Rakeedhoo. After breakfast, we will swim from Fotteyo Kandu to Fotteyo Island. This reef is approximately 24 Nautical Miles (45 km) when navigated inside the Atoll, so we will motor over lunch to make up the ground. The afternoon swim is really up to you to challenge yourself, as Emperor Voyager, its dhingy and its dhoni will be following you ready for you to signal you are ready for a pick up at anytime. After dinner if you have energy left, feel free to join in with the crew for a spot of night fishing around Rakeedhoo.

Tuesday

In the morning Emperor Voyager will venture further South from Rakeedhoo Kandu in Vaavu Atoll to the small Atoll of Vattaru. This morning we will swim from south to north of Vattaru Atoll. Whilst you are having lunch, Emperor Voyager will take us to the Northern Tip of Meemu Atoll. After lunch, we will swim across two of the northern channels of Meemu Atoll, surrounding Dhiggaru Island. In the evening, sit back and enjoy a sundowner while reviewing your technique with our swim guides.

Wednesday

This morning after breakfast we will swim in a different section of North Meemu Atoll. After lunch we cross back north to Vaavu Atoll’s Western edge for a relaxing swim or time relaxing on one of the many uninhabited islands or sandbanks. Enjoy the sunset with a drink, and dine the night away with a desert island BBQ dinner.

Thursday

Two swims on the western side of Vaavu Atoll are the order of the day. In the morning we will swim on the outside of the atoll, followed by a more relaxing swim in the afternoon in a large lagoon inside the atoll.

Friday

This morning Emperor Voyager will venture further north back to South Male Atoll. Today we will swim the lagoons of the west coast of South Male Atoll, from Rannalhi Island resort up to Vittaveli Island Resort. In the afternoon, Emperor Voyager will cruise back to North Male Atoll, where you will have the chance for one last (amazing!) snorkel, before returning to the boat to enjoy your final dinner and night onboard.

SATURDAY

One final breakfast on board before saying goodbye to the crew, and a short dhoni ride back to Male International Airport for your flights home or transfers onto other resorts. Please note, check out is at 7am on the final day to allow the boat staff to turn the over ready for the next week. All guests will be back at the airport by 7.30am.

Maldivian Terms: kandu = channel, dhoni = traditional shaped boat used for Fishing, diving and general transportation.

GETTING THERE

FLY TO MALE

Guest are advised to fly to Male airport. Guests arriving at Male Airport on the check-in day will be met by a representative, wearing an Emperor Maldives T-shirt and holding an Emperor Maldives sign. The meeting point is beside the Help Desk. Information about Male Airport: If you do have to wait for one of the transfers on arrival then the airport is reasonably comfortable and has a shop for local SIM cards, a post office, money changer, and a few decent coffee shops / restaurants Inc. Thai Express, Burger King and a New Noodle. On departure you could use the airport hotel 24hr air-con coffee shop with Wi-Fi in the reception area.

TRANSFERS TO THE LIVEABOARD

CHECK OUT

Check out is at 07:00 on the last day of the cruise. Guests will be in the airport by 07:30. For guests continuing their holiday in the Maldives at a resort, hotel or another liveaboard, your on-going transfers need to be arranged by you from the airport. We will not be able to arrange direct transfers from the live-aboard to resorts.

What do I pack?

At least 2 x swimming costumes
Lightweight skin suit or rash vest (available from our online shop here) for sun protection. "e also recommend shorts to protect the back of your legs
2 x pairs of swim goggles – one clear and one tinted
Tow float (required) - if you haven’t got one yet, you can get one in our online shop here
Small daypack/rucksack to use for your personal equipment/clothing during the day (although you will receive a 10 litre SwimQuest dry bag)
Flip flops or similar, suitable for getting wet + for island visits
Insect repellent (lemon based non-deet repellents are good)
Fleece or warm jumper
Waterproof jacket
Sun hat, sun cream (SPF 50 recommended) and glasses
Ear plugs
Snorkel, mask + fins (optional - boat can provide these)
USB stick for photos / videos (optional)
Insurance details (you will need to show these to your guides at the safety briefing)
Emperor Voyager is a no shoe boat, so shoes/flip flops are only required on arrival and for island visits
Shower and swim/beach towels will be provided by the boatN.B. Evenings – there is no formal dress order on board, but we would appreciate smart casual clothing for dinner

READY TO BOOK?

We’re excited about meeting you in The Maldives. To book your trip, simply click 'BOOK NOW' for your chosen trip below. A deposit of 30% is required to secure your place, and the final payment is due 10 weeks prior to departure. Payments can be made by debit/credit card or by bank transfer. If you are not yet ready to book and require more information, please click 'ENQUIRE'. Once you have complete the form, Sarah (our bookings co-ordinator) will be in touch to help you with any additional requirements.

MALDIVES | 3-10 MAY 2025 | BOOK NOW | ENQUIRE

In booking with us, you accept our terms and conditions, which can be found here. If at any point you have any questions, feel free to contact us:

Sarah Broadley | +44 7917 033670 | sarah@swimquest.uk.com
Charlie Beere | +44 7563 389238 | charlotte@swimquest.uk.com
Alice Todd | +44 7825 301443 | alice@swimquest.uk.com

Travel Insurance

As a SwimQuest guest, you are required to have in place travel insurance that covers you for all activities you will be taking part in during your trip. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully covered for these activities.

Whatever travel policy you decide on, you will need to bring a copy of your current Certificate of Insurance to the safety briefing at the start of your SwimQuest holiday. Your swim Guides will need to take a note of your insurer, policy number and the number to call in case of an emergency claim.

Please note, if you are a UK resident and eligible for free health cover via the NHS, you do not need to take our a travel insurance policy for our UK based trips. You may still wish to take out insurance to cover you for events such as trip cancellation, luggage and personal liability.

If you are travelling from the US or another country, we suggest you use a travel insurance comparison site based in your own country in order to decide on a suitable policy.

You can find more information on our Insurance page.

Columbus Direct offers three levels of cover Bronze, Silver and Gold, with differing levels of emergency medical, cancellation and baggage so you can choose the cover to suit your needs. All levels of cover include over 150 sports and activities covered as standard including open water swimming within 12 miles of shore (you will not be swimming more than 12 miles away from the shore on SwimQuest Holidays).

You will also benefit from free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed for 1hr or more*. Optional cover is available including Gadget, Winter Sports and Cruise, along with cover for many pre-existing medical conditions subject to online screening. Columbus Direct offer single trip cover up to 85 years old and annual multi trip cover up to 74 years old.

*The policyholder can register both themselves and up to four additional travelling companions for Columbus Direct’s Airport Delay service. They will then be eligible to receive free airport lounge access in the event a delay of one or more hours is announced for their flight. View terms and conditions here