Discover sustainable travel in the Maldives! Explore the islands' incredible nature & culture off the beaten path. Carbon removals included! Packages customizable.

Sustainable Travel in the Maldives | Yugen Earthside

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Yugen Earthside connects mindful travelers to responsible package trips around the world. CARBON REMOVALS INCLUDED WITH EACH BOOKING!

Connecting mindful travelers to responsible experiences around the world.

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

We proudly partner with wanderwell, a B-Corp-certified travel insurance agency and 1% for the Planet member.

Request a FREE quote for Trip Protection or Travel Medical coverage.

Discover self-guided, privately-guided, & small group tours around the world. Our sustainable adventures are customizable, and include carbon removals with each booking!

Trips | Yugen Earthside | Sustainable Adventures

Liveaboard a Turkish gulet & cruise the Maldives to experience island hopping, whale shark conservation, & snorkeling adventures. Carbon removals included!

[8 Days] Whale Shark Snorkeling Conservation Cruise | Yugen Earthside

Liveaboard a Turkish gulet and cruise the island paradise of the Maldives to experience the ultimate in island hopping, whale shark conservation, and snorkeling adventures.

Snorkel with majestic whale sharks and learn about these gentle giants from the Maldivian Whale Shark Research Program Coordinator, who will travel with us. As you discover life under the sea at the South Male and South Ari Atolls, you can assist in data collection, identify individuals, and maybe even take measurements underwater!

If you are passionate about ocean life, this trip through the Maldives is a perfect fit!

This experience can only accommodate 12 guests and has 3 departure dates per year, so secure your spot early. Carbon removals are included with your booking!

Experience the magic of snorkeling with whale sharks and assist in data collection

Spot turtles, colorful fish, sharks, and dolphins through ~10 vivid underwater encounters

Snorkel the coral nursery maintained by Save the Beach and watch coral propagation firsthand

Learn about the Maldivian ecosystem, seagrass, conservation challenges, & protective measures

Savour exquisite local cuisine by sampling "hedika," sweet and savory small bites

Experience local traditions such "Boduberu," a tribal dance to drum music

Intrepidly roam through an uninhabited island and help clean up its beaches

This unique, hand-curated cruise itinerary is for couples, solo travelers, and families with a passion for the ocean and responsible travel. Discover the charm and natural beauty of the local islands of Dhangethi, Dhigurah, and Gulhi, both above and below the surface.

In addition to snorkeling alongside the whale shark research team, meet with a local NGO (Save the Beach), visit a coral nursery, and learn about the local efforts to regenerate coral reefs and how you can assist the process. Your expert tour leader will teach you about the importance of the humble seagrass in sea turtle conservation efforts. Embark on a tropical forest walk, visit deserted sandbank islands, complete beach cleans, watch mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets, and of course, kick back and relax as you sail your worries away, onboard the lovely MV Felicity gulet. 

Your tour leader will also familiarize you with all things Maldivian. From tours of the local islands and villages, to sampling afternoon tea snacks known as "hedika," to enjoying a Maldivian theme night featuring a traditional "Boduberu" musical drumming and dance performance, you'll see a special and unique side to these wonderful islands!

With a tropical climate, plenty of sunshine, and temperatures around 86°F (30°C) throughout the year, there is never a bad time to visit the Maldives. The Maldives has two distinct seasons:

January - March: This is the dry season as the northeast monsoons are more common.

Mid-May - November: This is the wet season, as southwest monsoons are more common. Wet, however, doesn't mean rain all the time, it just means we see more rain during this period than during the dry season. This may be a daily heavy shower, but it's very rare to have days and days of rain in succession or even a full 24 hours of rain. There is usually more wind during this period, but this helps keep the temperature at a nice level and you can still expect plenty of blue skies and sunshine.

The rare thunderstorm in the Maldives (especially around the southwest monsoon months) can be a welcome respite from the sun. Cloudy skies, slate grey seas, and crashing thunder make for lovely reading weather. The warm temperatures will allow you to go for a walk in the rain, a thoroughly enjoyable experience. For extra exhilaration, take a swim in the rain - the sea will be extra warm.

There can be heavy rain showers pretty much any time of year, but they tend to be short and cannot be accurately predicted seasonally (in other words – don’t worry too much about them – you will quite possibly experience some rain showers, but the majority of the weather should be great, and you will be unlucky to get several consecutive days of heavy rain). Like many places in the world today, the climate and weather pattern is changing, and historical data is less reliable as an indication of what to expect in the here and now.

7 nights' accommodation in a standard cabin

7 Breakfasts, Lunches, Snacks, High Tea, & Dinners

Unlimited drinking water – bring a reusable water bottle

Dingy or Dhoni transfer to snorkeling points and islands

Special BBQ Dinner on the beach (weather permitting)

All local taxes (10% Service Charge, 16% GST, & $6 Green Tax pp/night)

Additional services on board, including alcohol, can be requested and are to be paid in cash. 

Price is the same even for solo travelers.

We are a Travelife Partner, which signifies our compliance with over 100 sustainability criteria.

Sustainable and Responsible tourism has been an integral part of our business model since 2012. We are mindful of ensuring we promote local tourism in line with Maldivian culture and traditions. Through the education of our team, guests, and locals, we aim to protect the environment and limit wherever possible any negative impact on local life.

As a team, we aim to inspire, inform and demonstrate to our partners, guests, and the tourism industry as a whole, that we are committed to ensuring we offer only responsible and positive travel experiences. We believe that people, communication, and education are the foundation of Sustainable Tourism. This is the reason that we have built our business around four communities:

We understand that success requires focus, adaptation, and long-term thinking. Change does not often happen overnight but is a gradual process. Surely in a destination such as the Maldives, it is our responsibility to make that difference.

Environmental Initiatives
Through learning experiences with our guides, we provide guests with awareness of corals, marine life, seagrass, mangroves, waste management, and plastic pollution. We brief all guests participating in snorkeling activities on the Green Fins Code of Conduct, this improves their knowledge of what they can do to help protect the ocean and coral reefs. We follow the Codes of Conduct produced by international marine organizations when encountering manta rays, whale sharks, and turtles while snorkeling and diving.

We collaborate with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Program, a charity founded to learn more about the life cycle, population dynamics, and habitat usage of the Maldives whale shark population. This enables us to educate our team, provide guests with marine education and spread the importance of whale sharks.

Plastic waste reduction is also paramount for us. Stemming from this belief, we do not provide any single-use plastic bottles to travelers, so we advise that you bring your own reusable bottle. 

Sociocultural Initiatives
We ensure that our tours include opportunities to engage with locals and learn about the local way of life. By facilitating interactions between travelers and the local community, we aim to provide enriching and authentic experiences. These not only benefit the travelers by offering a deeper and more meaningful connection with the destination, but they also have a positive impact on the local community. By actively participating in cultural interactions, travelers contribute to the preservation of local traditions, ensuring their endurance over time. Additionally, these interactions have a positive economic impact on the community economy, as they provide opportunities for income generation and sustainable development. 

Economic Initiatives
We choose locally owned and operated infrastructure as well as services developed and managed by locals to contribute to the local community's economic development. By doing this, we provide job opportunities for locals making the wheels of the economy spin. In this same line, we opt not to have our own fleet of vehicles but rather use public means of transportation or private locally owned ones. This decision not only supports the sustainability of the local transportation sector but also ensures that the economic benefits of tourism are distributed among the community, promoting more inclusive and balanced growth.

Be sure you have traveler´s insurance.
You can travel safely in the knowledge that you are in capable hands, all our guide team are certified in the care and safety of guests holding First Emergency Response and Lifeguard certifications.

Whale Shark Snorkeling Conservation Cruise

A blend of natural wonders, unique culture, rich history, & modern development make our Addu Atoll Uncovered tour ideal for discovering the Maldives beyond its beaches.

[5 days] Addu Atoll Uncovered | Yugen Earthside

A blend of natural wonders, unique culture, rich history, and modern development make our Addu Atoll Uncovered tour the ideal choice for discovering the Maldives beyond its stunning beaches.

This trip is perfect for travelers who are seeking a unique experience and enjoy exploring off-the-beaten-path in a tropical paradise.

What is an "atoll"?  An atoll is a type of circular island found in the tropics, wherein the perimeter is a coral reef surrounding a lagoon in the center.

Snorkel tropical waters teeming with marine life (keep your eyes peeled for turtles & sharks!)

Kayak through beautiful red mangroves, seagrass, and lakes

Discover the Koattey protected area, a UNESCO sanctuary of biodiversity that will delight bird enthusiasts!

Delve into the local history and culture with a guided tour of Gan 

Visit Kogannu Cemetery, the country's oldest & largest, home to many mosques & ancient tombs

See an experimental farm's unique techniques & go to the Mathikilhi Eco Garden

The atoll you will be visiting presents a distinct character that sets it apart from other Maldivian atolls. Feel welcomed by the warmth and hospitality of the Adduans and enjoy the remoteness of the islands, knowing that the next landfall is 300 miles further south! 

Addu Atoll, the heart-shaped gem of the Maldives, is nestled at the southernmost tip of the archipelago. Unlike the atolls that stretch to the north, Addu does not offer the idyllic white sand beaches the Maldives is famous for, but this captivating atoll boasts so much more. Lying just a few degrees south of the equator, the islands offer many surprises, such as lush, green, tropical forests, mangroves, and marshy taro fields. A rich ecosystem supports a diverse range of wildlife, such as seabirds, fish, crustaceans, fruit bats, and various bird species. The symbolic white terns, known locally as ‘dhondheeni’ is a type of bird that only graces the skies of Addu. In the waters surrounding these islands, snorkelers and scuba divers can enjoy vibrant coral reefs, encounter manta rays and sharks, and discover the biggest shipwreck in Maldives: the British Loyalty Wreck.

Connected by a 16-kilometer link road, the islands of Hithadhoo, Maradhoo, Maradhoo-Feydhoo, Feydhoo, and Gan form a vibrant community on the western side of the Atoll. Exploring the city's streets, you'll find a fascinating mix of traditional charm and contemporary development. On the eastern side, you'll find the quieter islands of Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo. At the southernmost tip lies Gan International Airport, making it the southernmost point in the Maldives and South Asia.

Roundtrip public ferry transfer including bicycle fee

Airport and domestic transfer assistance 

Addu Nature Park (return transfer, entrance fee, activities & picnic included)

Services of our English Speaking Tour Leader

All local taxes (10% service charge, 16% GST, & $3 Green Tax pp/night)

Sustainable and responsible tourism has been an integral part of our business model since 2012. We are mindful of ensuring we promote local tourism in line with Maldivian culture and traditions. Through the education of our team, our guests, and locals, we aim to protect the environment and limit wherever possible any negative impact on local life. As a team, we aim to inspire, inform, and demonstrate to our partners, our guests, and the tourism industry as a whole, that we are committed to ensuring we offer only responsible and positive travel experiences. We believe that people, communication, and education are the foundation of Sustainable Tourism. This is the reason that we have built our business around four communities:

We understand that success requires focus, adaptation, and long-term thinking. Change does not often happen overnight but is a gradual process, but surely in a destination such as the Maldives, it is our responsibility to make that difference.

Environmental Initiatives
Through learning experiences with our guides, we provide guests with awareness of corals, marine life, seagrass, mangroves, waste management, and plastic pollution. We brief all guests participating in snorkeling activities on the Green Fins Code of Conduct, this improves their knowledge of what they can do to help protect the ocean and coral reefs. We follow the Code of Conduct produced by international marine organizations when encountering manta rays, whale sharks, and turtles while snorkeling and diving.

On this tour keeping the history of Addu in mind, we stay at Equator Village Maldives in Addu, a resort with a rich history as the former British Royal Air Force Sergeant's Mess during World War II. The converted colonial buildings now offer comfortable accommodations amidst a tropical garden. Guests can enjoy amenities like en-suite rooms, a swimming pool, a small beach area, and access to a house reef, creating a unique and memorable stay experience.

Our tours include opportunities to engage with locals and learn about the local way of life. By doing so, we help preserve the local cultures, foster mutual learning and exchange, empower the local community economically, as well as provide authentic travel experiences. Through meaningful interactions, travelers gain a deeper understanding of the destination's culture, traditions, and heritage, ensuring the preservation of unique cultural practices for generations to come. 

By using locally owned and operated infrastructure and sourcing services developed and managed by locals, our approach promotes economic sustainability in the Maldives. One key benefit is the creation of local jobs. Supporting locally owned businesses generates employment opportunities for residents, reducing unemployment rates and fostering economic stability within communities. This not only contributes to the overall well-being of the local population but also helps to alleviate poverty and improve living standards.

Additionally, by relying on existing local infrastructure and services, we contribute directly to the revenue streams of local businesses, enabling them to thrive and invest in further development.

Our decision to avoid having our own fleet of vehicles and vessels and instead utilize local public transport or private locally-owned transport allows us to support the local transportation sector. By utilizing their services, we contribute to the sustainability of local transport businesses, ensuring their continued operation and economic viability. 

You can travel safely in the knowledge that you are in capable hands. All of our guide team members are certified in the care and safety of guests and hold First Emergency Response and Lifeguard certification.

Embark on a unique experience & discover the tranquil beauty of the Maldives' Goidhoo Atoll, a set of circular islands that remains off the radar of many tourists. 

[8 days] Goidhoo Atoll Experience | Yugen Earthside

Embark on a unique experience and discover the tranquil beauty of the Maldives' Goidhoo Atoll, a set of circular islands that remains off the radar of many tourists. 

This quiet atoll of natural beauty, also known as Horsburgh Atoll, sits within the UNESCO Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve. During this trip, we'll visit 4 islands:  Hulhumale - our starting point near the airport and capital city of Male; Goidhoo - the atoll's paradisical namesake; Fehendoo - loosely populated and mostly covered by tropical jungle; and Fulhadoo - a long, narrow island home to one of the world's top 25 beaches!

On your journey through Goidhoo Atoll, you'll snorkel through a vibrant marine ecosystem and encounter an array of coral reefs and colorful marine life. On land, you'll delve into the captivating history, rich culture, and tasty cuisine of three local islands (Goidhoo, Fehendhoo, and Fulhadhoo), immersing yourself in their way of life.

Explore Goidhoo's heritage through markets, mosques, and island tours

Get a taste of local cuisine through a "hedika" sampling of sweet & savory small bites

Snorkel in marine-rich tropical waters to see the vibrant tapestry of ocean life

Kayak through mangrove lakes and learn about their importance 

Join local women for a cooking workshop as you prepare "maashuni roshi", a Maldivian breakfast

Learn about conservation efforts & visit a coral nursery to watch coral propagation firsthand 

Complete a beach clean to give back to the island that welcomed you 

Witness incredible biodiversity as you explore mangroves, seagrass beds, and island lakes. Engage with inspiring NGOs and connect with friendly locals, gaining insights into their sustainability efforts and community initiatives. This purposeful journey will leave you with cherished memories and a deeper understanding of the Maldivian culture and environment.

Hulhumale, North Male Atoll, is a suburban island just a 10-minute taxi ride from Male International Airport. This artificial island was reclaimed from the sea to offer alternative living space outside of Male and, while not a 5-star resort, Hulhumale provides the ideal base as a start or finishing point for a trip. There are plenty of local coffee shops and restaurants and a small local shopping area. The public beach along the island's east side is an endless stretch of sand and provides the ideal location to swim or simply sit and watch the world go by. The capital of Male is just a 20-minute ferry journey away or a 15-minute ride by taxi.

Goidhoo Island is an interesting island paradise waiting to be explored. Experience an island rich in culture with mangrove lakes and agricultural resources, not at all what you expect from a Maldivian island! Enjoy a beautiful beach, vibrant coral reefs, a rich ecosystem, and a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the Maldives. Goidhoo could be described as 'large' compared to many other local islands, but the village community has a population of no more than 500, and much of the island is given over to tropical flora and agriculture.

Fehendhoo Island is one of the least populated islands in Baa Atoll, with some 150 locals living within its tiny village. The rest of the island is covered with tropical jungle and surrounded by aquamarine waters and coral reefs teeming with schools of tropical fish. With such a small population the island has little in the way of infrastructure; there are a couple of local shops and a small cafe. There are several beach areas on the island, especially for tourists, as well as a few secluded corners where you can relax in a hammock and lie in the shadow of the palms. 

Fulhadhoo Island is blessed with a beautiful beach that ranked in the top 25 beaches in the world! With avenues of swaying palm trees and surrounded by a magnificent turquoise blue ocean, it is indeed paradise. The island is much longer than it is wider, meaning a refreshing sea breeze blows across as you amble to and from the beach. The local village is home to 250 people and is positioned on the eastern part of the island, while the rest of the island features small agricultural land plots, a tropical forest, and white sandy beaches.

Departures are every 3rd Sunday of the month.

Return transfer by vehicle & public speedboat

2 Point Snorkeling tour including equipment

Sandbank hopping including snorkeling equipment

All local taxes (10% service charge, 16% GST, & $6 Green Tax pp/night)

Sustainable and Responsible tourism has been an integral part of our business model since 2012. We are mindful of ensuring we promote local tourism in line with Maldivian culture and traditions. Through the education of our team, our guests, and locals, we aim to protect the environment and limit wherever possible any negative impact on local life. As a team, we aim to inspire, inform and demonstrate to our partners, our guests, and the tourism industry as a whole, that we are committed to ensuring we offer only responsible and positive travel experiences.

We believe that people, communication, and education are the foundation of Sustainable Tourism. This is the reason that we have built our business around four communities:

We understand that success requires focus, adaptation, and long-term thinking. Change does not often happen overnight, it is a gradual process. Surely in a destination such as the Maldives, it is our responsibility to make that difference.

Environmental Initiatives
Through learning experiences with our guides, we provide guests with awareness of corals, marine life, seagrass, mangroves, waste management, and plastic pollution. We brief all guests participating in snorkeling activities on the Green Fins Code of Conduct, this improves their knowledge of what they can do to help protect the ocean and coral reefs. We follow the Codes of Conduct produced by international marine organizations when encountering manta rays, whale sharks, and turtles while snorkeling and diving.

Sociocultural Initiatives
We ensure that our tours include opportunities to engage with locals and learn about the local way of life. By facilitating interactions between travelers and the local community, we aim to provide enriching and authentic experiences. These not only benefit the travelers by offering a deeper and more meaningful connection with the destination, but they also have a positive impact on the local community. By actively participating in cultural interactions, travelers contribute to the preservation of local traditions, ensuring their endurance over time. Additionally, these interactions have a positive economic impact on the community economy, as they provide opportunities for income generation and sustainable development. 

Economic Initiatives
We choose locally owned and operated infrastructure as well as services developed and managed by locals to contribute to the local community's economic development. By doing this, we provide job opportunities for locals making the wheels of the economy spin. In this same line, we opt not to have our own fleet of vehicles but rather use public means of transportation or private locally owned ones. This decision not only supports the sustainability of the local transportation sector but also ensures that the economic benefits of tourism are distributed among the community, promoting more inclusive and balanced growth.

Be sure you have traveler's insurance.
You can travel safely with the knowledge that you are in capable hands, all our guide team are certified in the care and safety of guests holding First Emergency Response and Lifeguard certifications.

The Maldives

Whale Shark Snorkeling Conservation Cruise

Addu Atoll Uncovered

Goidhoo Atoll Experience

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