Soneva Academy 2024

In this course, we follow the Adventure of the Corbin, a 17th -century French galleon that was shipwrecked off the coast of the Goidhoo Atoll. Set up camp and learn how to survive on an uninhabited island. Learn how to make a fire and discover how to navigate using the stars. Snorkel around the remnants of the shipwreck and learn about the Maldives’ maritime history.

There will be 4 modules in the course:

Day one: Learn the skills (2 hours)
​On the first day, you’ll receive training in survival skills. You will hear the full story of the Corbin ship, how it got shipwrecked and its survivors from more than 400 years ago. Imagine this would happen to you! We go over the skills you need to survive on a small uninhabited island, so you are ready to join our own adventure

Day two: Let’s go! First, you will surrender your phone to your parents. Then we will travel to the uninhabited island of Innafushi to set up camp. Learn how to build a shelter, make a bush toilet, then fish for your lunch. After eating, discover how the Corbin’s shipwrecked sailors lived on a deserted island based on the accounts of the ship’s navigator, François Pyrard. Using a metal detector, we may even be on the lookout for lost treasures ourselves! When the night falls, we sleep in our camp under the stars.

Day three: Snorkelling the wreck site After breakfast, we pack up our camp and hop on the boat. We will visit the site of the Corbin shipwreck remnants, which is now a thriving ecosystem and home to an array of marine species. Spend an hour snorkelling and learn about the ship’s lost treasure. We will travel back to Soneva Fushi, where you will arrive just before lunchtime, armed with lots of stories to share with your parents!

Day four: Tell your own story On the last day, you can use your GoPro footage to produce a short presentation about your adventure. The presentation will be held during a special early evening gathering, when you will also receive your certificate for passing the course

We will bring a GoPro so that you can capture moments of this great adventure and show your family and friends afterward. You will also receive a certificate for completing the experience.

We look forward to welcoming you to this great adventure!

Bart Knols, PhD MBA (Managing Director of Science & Conservation at Soneva)