Baa atoll is set to host the longest organised swimming event in the Maldives, as part of a fresh push to promote Maldives tourism through new avenues.
Organised by Swim Maldives, a community of open water swimmers in Maldives, in collaboration with the tourism ministry, youth ministry and environment ministry, the Swim Maldives Baa Crawl 2019 will take place from February 2-9.
Over the course of seven days, eight participants will swim from Eydhafushi to Kendhoo in an epic journey, covering 22 islands and 43.7km. Swimmers will cross 5km from 8.30am t0 12.30pm every day, stopping at inhabited and uninhabited islands, as well as five resorts in the atoll.
Schedule for the event:
- Day 1: Eydhafushi – Soneva Fushi – Nelivaru Finolhu – Maalhos
- Day 2: Maalhos – Hebalhidhoo – Dharavandhoo
- Day 3: Dhavarandhoo – Hanifaru Rah – Dhonfanu
- Day 4: Dhonfanu – Kihaadhuvvaru – Kihaadhu – Amilla Fushi
- Day 5: Amilla Fushi – Milaidhoo Island – Kamadhoo
- Day 6: Kamadhoo – Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru – Kudarikilu
- Day 7: Kudarikilu – Huravalhi – Undhoodhu – Funadhoo – Hulhudhoo – Gemendhoo – Kendhoo
Throughout the event, swimmers will work to raise awareness on conservation of environment and promote healthy lifestyle choices. Beach and lagoon clean-ups, as well as swimming lessons will be held at different islands by Soneva Fushi and Four Seasons Maldives Resort at Landaa Giraavaru, whilst Ooredoo Maldives is set to organise a special water sports safety programme at each destination.
“Our aim is to showcase the natural beauty of the Maldives and promote it as a destination for swimming as well,” Hussein Shameem, Founder of Swim Maldives, told journalists on Monday.
Tourism minister Ali Waheed highlighted the importance of diversifying destination marketing efforts, noting that different atolls should be promoted as well. The swimming event was a unique initiative that would help promote the Maldives through a different approach, he added.
“Government will always support such initiatives,” the minister said.