Across Maldives: Pushing the Limits of Human Endurance, Technology and Marine Exploration

Initially planned in two phases, the first stage of the project was set to take place in February 2025, focusing on a world record attempt for the longest single DPV dive in the Greater Malé Region. However, due to technical issues, the team has made the strategic decision to merge Phase 1 and Phase 2 into a single groundbreaking expedition set for spring 2026. This project will now span the full length of the Maldives, from the northernmost point of Haa Alif Atoll to the southern edge of Seenu Atoll—over 460 kilometres of open ocean.

“Pushing limits has always been something that I strive for. It is in the moments when we are pushed to our limits, that we discover the true extent of our spirit’s endurance and the boundless capacity of our will to transcend the ordinary. Across Maldives is set to be a journey I will have to push harder than ever before, and it is a very personal journey for me as well. One of the last things my father said to me before he passed, was that he wouldn’t be surprised if I dived all across the Maldives. This attempt is something I am dedicating to him. I sincerely thank you all for your support in making this journey a reality.” - Shafraz (Shaff) Naeem

Two world record attempts

Shaff will complete a minimum of two dives per day, each lasting up to three hours, using a Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) to cover an average of 10–12 kilometers per dive. This mission will set two world records:

1. The greatest distance travelled in open water using a diver propulsion vehicle (DPV) in a single dive, and
2. The greatest distance travelled in open water using a diver propulsion vehicle (DPV) in one month.

Science, conservation & community engagement

In addition to the record attempts, a team of local and international divers, researchers, and marine conservationists will accompany Shaff, collecting critical oceanographic data along the route. This includes information on coral reef health, underwater terrain, temperature, and environmental DNA (eDNA) in Maldivian waters. The collected data will be openly available to researchers and the public, providing insights into the region’s marine ecosystems, their ecological, economic, and social significance, and the environmental challenges they face.

Community engagement is another key part of the initiative, with educational workshops and outreach events planned on local islands to raise awareness about marine conservation and climate change. These events will encourage Maldivians to become stewards of their marine environment and natural heritage. The team will collaborate with schools, community groups, and local NGOs to ensure that the knowledge gained from this expedition is shared widely.

The initiative has already attracted significant national and international attention. The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) is actively involved in route planning to ensure a safe expedition, while the Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation (MMPRC) is promoting the event on a global scale. The expedition will also be documented in a film, showcasing the preparation, challenges, and impact of this unique mission.

What’s next?

As the first expedition of its kind, the Across Maldives team is pushing the physical and technical limits of long-distance diving while redefining how large-scale exploration can advance ocean conservation. With 2026 on the horizon, Shaff and the team are deep into training and preparations, ensuring every detail is in place for this record-breaking challenge.