RULERS OF THE REEF

Trip Highlights:

• Daily Tiger Shark Encounters: Enjoy respectful and careful interactions with sharks whilst freediving. Experience pure awe as you get up close and personal with these special animals.

• Expert Guidance: We’ll be diving with some of the Maldives most experienced shark safety divers. You’ll also be in the great hands of the Immersia Freediving founder, one of Australia’s most experiences freedive coaches. We are there to help you develop those freediving skills even further. Finally, you’ll have a professional photographer on hand to help you capture and edit breathtaking footage/photos.

• Luxury Stay: Unwind at the Ataraxis Grand and Spa hotel, a modern hotel which is the perfect blend of comfort and elegance with stunning ocean views.

• Interactive Workshops: Engage in enriching shark biology workshops, mindfulness meditation sessions, and photography & cinematography tips from renowned wildlife cinematographer, Ewan Donnachie and amazing photographer Kendall Williams

• Fun and Games - We really really really care about creating a good group vibe. Expect a lot of silly activities to foster a sense of joy and closeness. Think: Beach Olympics, Movement, Stretch, Human Pyramids and more

• Gourmet Dining: Indulge in 3 delicious meals a day, including a special beach BBQ night. Most dietary requirements can be catered for; please enquire if unsure.

• Captured Moments: You’ll receive a photo package of a selection of shots from your trip, making your memories last a lifetime. The incredible Kendall Williams will be dedicated to capturing memories from the trip.

• Giving Back to the Ocean: We’ll be organising a beach cleanup to do some important giving back to this beautiful island

Included

6 nights Accommodation -

• We'll be staying at the Ataraxis Grand and Spa hotel with a great top deck to enjoy the oceanic view and restaurant when we're not diving or workshopping.

5 Days of Shark Freediving

• Daily tiger shark dives, one pelagic expedition to find other shark species such as Oceanic Whitetips

Freediving Training - Depth and Rescue techniques

• Level up your freediving skills by training with Immersia’s founder, Bella Massey. Training in the deep, warm blue is an unforgettable experience.

Workshops and Presentations

• Shark Safety and Behaviour Presentation

• The Sciences of Sharks with a Professional Shark Biologist

• “Do what you love” - Starting a Career in Freediving / Starting a Career in Cinematography

• Freediving Equalisation Workshops

• Technical Workshops on Photography and Editing

Beach Cleanup

• A voluntary activity organised in partnership with our dive partners. It’s our opportunity to give back to this amazing island.

Photography

• We're honoured to host one of Australia's top wildlife cinematographers AND emerging photographers. Ewan and Kendall will be capturing beautiful moments in the water so that you can treasure your memories forever.

All Meals

• Nourishing, tasty meals served at our hotel, with a special Beach BBQ night. Most restrictions can be catered (enquire if you have complex requirements so we can confirm)

Donation to PADI AWARE

• We are in a privileged position to enjoy nature this way. We are serious about giving back and contributing to ongoing shark conservation globally.

Not Included:

• International Flights from your home country to Malé, Maldives

• Alcohol - 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.

• Specific snacks or food items you’d like to bring

• Freediving and camera equipment (weights are available for rental on the island)

• Private/personal photoshoots - Pictures are of a general nature, focused on the wildlife. We don’t guarantee any specific photos of each guest. We cannot orchestrate it. If you would like to purchase a personal photo package please email us!

Sample Itinerary

Day 1

Meet your retreat group and catch a domestic flight from Male to Fuvahmulah. Enjoy an afternoon exploring our beautiful hotel, relaxing, and getting to know your retreat buddies over a welcome dinner.

Tonight, we have a workshop to learn all about interacting with sharks and shark conservation issues.

Prep your camera gear with the support of award winning natural history cinematographer Ewan Donnachie, and one of Australia’s fast emerging wildlife photographers, Kendall Williams.

Day 2

Wake up early for breakfast and a morning with the Tigers! We will spend the morning freediving with Tiger Sharks, getting comfortable with them and letting them get comfortable with us.

After a delicious lunch at our hotel, we will participate in a reef cleanup operation to remove fishing gear and other trash from the beautiful reef.

In the evening we’ll take a moment before dinner for meditation and a slow movement flow. After dinner we’ve organised a group game to continue to get to know each other better.

Day 3

Another morning freediving with the Tiger Sharks!

This afternoon, we’re heading out into the deeper water for some freediving depth training. Polish those rusty freediving skills and enjoy the deep, clear blue.

Another evening of amazing food, plus a sharky movie night!

Day 4-6

After spending the morning freediving with the Tiger Sharks, we’ll be taking a trip out to meet some other shark species. If we’re lucky, we will encounter the spicy and beautiful Oceanic Whitetip Shark.

One on of our evenings, we’ll be treated to a relaxed beach BBQ near our hotel. There may be beach games. You’ll find out…. It’s a great time to unwind and reflect on the week!

Day 7

Departure day!

Enjoy a group goodbye breakfast, pack up your room nice and slowly and enjoy a chilled day of exploring the island or some well-earned beach time. Flights depart late afternoon back to Male.