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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.

Nature-centric tours are a great way to enjoy a destination in a more sustainable way. Discover tours in the mountains, on land, & on the water. Carbon removals included!

Sustainable Nature Tours | Yugen Earthside

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

Explore the French Alps by snowshoeing through its pristine winter wilderness, tasting regional delicacies sure to please foodies! Carbon removals included.

[8 days] Snowshoeing in the Alps for Foodies | Yugen Earthside

Explore the French Alps by snowshoeing through its pristine winter wilderness, tasting regional delicacies sure to please foodies! 

This is a week-long, guided snowshoeing holiday in the southern French Alps' stunning Ecrins National Park. You'll stay in a luxury farmhouse accommodation famous for its excellent cuisine prepared by our chef, Meg.

Make tracks in virgin snow away from the well-trodden paths, snowshoe through forests, around frozen lakes, across open snow meadows, up to a summit, over a col, along a ridge, or along the valley floor with the snowy mountains, ice gullies, and cliffs dramatically towering over you.

At the end of your day in the snowy mountains, you will be welcomed back at the cozy farmhouse where you can snuggle in front of the log burner, or chill out in the bar before sitting down to a four-course meal prepared by your hosts. Frenchman Jean and Meg from Taiwan are the owners of the Luxury Farmhouse Guesthouse and they have developed a strong reputation in the valley for their exquisite food. They use local ingredients and fresh produce for all their recipes which are prepared and created by Meg. By adding a creative Taiwanese twist to traditional alpine recipes she manages to produce an array of unique and delicious dishes!

Explore a wild and authentic Alpine destination, away from the crowds.

Discover a wide variety of snowshoe walks and landscapes, from forests, to meadows, to ice gullies.

Indulge in authentic luxury farmhouse accommodation with 4-course gourmet meals.

Experience the expertise of UIAGM* High Mountain Guides – ensuring your safety and maximizing your snowshoeing opportunities in the mountains.

Support ethical travel by embracing non-skiing winter activities and contributing to the local Alpine community.

*UIAGM is the Union Internationale des Associations de Guides de Montagnes, or the International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations in English. This is the highest qualification mountain guides can obtain in France, Italy, Switzerland, and Austria.

The Southern French Alps – Écrins National Park

Discover the stunning Écrins National Park, one of the most beautiful and dramatic in the Alps. Spot wildlife such as chamois, ibex, deer, wild boar, and golden eagles, with wolves roaming the nearby wilderness.

Explore untouched snow far from the crowds. Snowshoe through forests, around frozen lakes, across snow meadows, and along ridges or valleys, surrounded by majestic peaks and ice cliffs.

A variety of snowshoe routes await you, with the itinerary tailored daily for the best conditions. Choose from cols, summits, alpine plateaux, and peaceful woods. Expect 300m to 800m of ascent each day, walking for 4 to 6 hours with plenty of breaks.

On your free day, relax at your accommodation, take a self-guided snowshoe walk, or visit the nearby resort of Orcières for a swim and spa session. For more adventure, try ice climbing, husky dog sledging, or cross-country skiing.

All guides are UIAGM High Mountain Guides, the highest qualification for mountain guiding. Their top priority is your safety and enjoyment, and their expertise allows for flexibility, leading you to areas other guides may not be qualified to explore.

Mar. 8th departure: 2 more to guarantee trip.

We have chosen these two dates for our snowshoeing trip as they fall outside of the French school holidays for a quieter stay. 

Getting to Gap (we can help you organize your journey here)

7 nights' accommodation at a Luxury Farmhouse

5 full days of guided snowshoeing with a qualified UIAGM high mountain guide

One free day with options to try out other winter activities (activities are extra)

A tree planted on your behalf to help with your carbon offsetting

A personalized app for your phone with all your trip details and practical information

We are Travelife Certified and we plant a tree with our partner, Mossy Earth, for all our travelers as part of their rewilding program in Europe.

We operate a paperless office and all our communication with you and all your trip details will be given to you digitally via a smartphone app.

If you are traveling from Europe, we offer a 3% discount if you travel here by train rather than plane. To claim this please ask at booking. It is not accumulable with other discounts and the train journey needs to be international, eg Eurostar to France and then onward on local French TGV or trains.

We have purposefully chosen a one base stay rather than changing accommodations each night on this trip to avoid unnecessary washing and cleaning of rooms after just one night and avoid excessive baggage transfers, both of which are known sustainability issues in tourism.
Your fully qualified snowshoeing guides are also vetted for their passion for the area and local knowledge of plants, wildlife, and sustainability measures for protecting fragile mountain flora and fauna. They will share this knowledge with you and ensure you are respecting local guidelines, like not disturbing wildlife in sensitive areas when snowshoeing..

We use local independent suppliers and accommodations for all elements of this trip to ensure your money is plowed straight back into the local economy.

Your fully qualified snowshoeing guide is also local to the area, rather than a helicoptered-in gap year student or other non-local person. We pay them a fair rate ensuring there is no exploitation and making sure your money is going back into the local economy also. 

All our partners are local to the Champsaur valley in the French Alps and by booking this holiday you are contributing to the development of non-ski tourism in this area to help spread the tourist benefits to the villages and area outside of ski resorts. 

Our choice of accommodations is important as we have handpicked this boutique accommodation as it is locally owned and culturally important in the area offering an insight into local Alpine food and culture for you and ensuring your money is plowed straight back into the local economy. We encourage them to create single-use plastic-free picnics for this trip and ask that you bring your own water bottle and lunch box to help with this.

Walk from Porto to Santiago on this 3-week, easy Coastal Camino. Leisurely cover 4-11 miles/day as you pass by stunning beaches & traverse peaceful countryside.

[21 days] Camino: Easy Coastal Walk from Porto | Yugen Earthside

Walk from Porto to Santiago on this 3-week, easy Coastal Camino. Leisurely cover 4-11 miles per day as you pass by stunning beaches and traverse peaceful countryside. 

Over 21 days, you can sustainably enjoy the coastal scenery, gorgeous countryside, and charming towns and villages of northern Portugal and Spain with minimal carbon impact. The relaxed pace of this slow-travel Camino allows you the time and energy to appreciate your surroundings along this ancient pilgrimage trail.

Starting in Porto, Portugal, this easy Coastal Camino route divides the walking days over shorter distances, ranging from 4 miles (7 km) to a maximum of 11 miles (18 km). If you prefer to take your time, or simply aren’t as fit as you used to be, this itinerary is manageable and rewarding for most people.

This self-guided 21-day trip provides more free time to explore the charms of northern Portugal and Galicia, Spain. You'll have countless stops for refreshments and to soak up the local atmosphere as you immerse yourself into a mixture of seafaring and rural communities, thriving towns and cities. You will discover breathtaking landscapes and taste numerous traditional delicacies in the Minho and Galicia regions!

Blend a classic Camino walk with time for sightseeing

Stroll along coastal trails next to breathtaking gorgeous and varied beaches

Meander inland for picturesque nature, forests, and farmland

Stay in comfortable accommodations close to the ancient pilgrim trail

See iconic bridges, beautiful churches, and roadside shrines

Admire a 12th-century monastery and stunning views overlooking the bay in Oia

Learn the important history of a Romanesque church in Iria Flavia 

Rest your feet in the thermal springs in the spa town of Caldas de Reis 

Experience the magical atmosphere of Santiago de Compostela

Enjoy authentic villages, regional dishes, fantastic seafood, and great wine

This wonderful trip starts along the northwest coast of Portugal, known as the Costa Verde, or Green Coast. This name is thanks to the abundance of lush vegetation between the coast and the nearby mountains of the Minho countryside.

Over the three weeks, you will pass by stunning beaches (from Vila do Conde to Esposende, from Vila Praia de Âncora to Baiona), lush forest areas, and cultivated fields with picturesque landscapes.

You’ll also visit charming seaside towns and villages like Castelo de Neiva or Arcade with wonderful opportunities to taste the local cuisine, especially seafood.

This route passes through the coastal cities of Viana do Castelo, A Guarda, Vigo, and Pontevedra, where you can admire incredible monasteries, Romanesque Churches, gorgeous medieval architecture, and ancient bridges with interesting legends.

The route ends in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, whose famous, namesake cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Whether you're interested in the landscapes, history, or architecture, this sustainable Camino itinerary has something for everyone and plenty of time to see it all!

You can book this itinerary from March 1st through October 31st each year.

The low season is in March, April, May, and October.

April, May, June, September, and October are ideal for a walking adventure through northern Portugal. Days are generally warm and sunny but can be chilly and possibly windy, especially on the coast. There is always a chance of experiencing some rain, so please come prepared for changeable conditions. May, June, and September tend to be warmer with less chance of rain.

July and August are usually the hottest months, with temperatures regularly exceeding 86° F (30° C). Additionally, the last two weeks of July are especially exciting in Santiago de Compostela. The city celebrates the "Feast of Saint James" or the "Apostle Festival" to honor the patron saint known to be laid to rest in the Cathedral. The city is overtaken by a magical mix of culture, religion, and celebrations during July with costumes, music, activities, and a famously stunning fireworks display.

Traveling during the low or mid-seasons is generally considered a sustainable tourism practice as it helps with tourism dispersal – spreading out where tourists go and how their money supports locals throughout the year.

Arrival & departure transfers (between airport-hotel)

All items not mentioned in the "included"

20 Nights of accommodation with breakfast included

Luggage transfer between accommodations (1 bag per person – maximum 33 lbs/15 kg per bag)

Private transfer from Porto to Labruje on Day 2

Private transfer Corujo – Baiona on Day 11

Private transfer Baiona – Corujo on Day 12

Private transfer San Mauro – Pontevedra on Day 16

Private transfer Pontevedra – San Mauro on Day 17

Roadbook with tips, maps, and detailed information about the walk (in English)

Pilgrim Kit: Credencial (passport) and Vieira (shell)

Welcome Kit and pre-departure information

Extra nights in Porto or Santiago (3-star hotel): On request.

Transfer from hotel to airport in Santiago de Compostela:
$60 for up to 3 people, $80 for 4-7 people

Transfer from Santiago de Compostela to Porto city/airport:
$385 for up to 3 people, $45 for 4-7 people

Transfer from hotel to airport in Porto:
$55 for up to 3 people, $85 for 4-7 people

Price varies between high, mid, and low seasons.

Low season: March, April, May and October

We firmly believe that travel should be a safe and rewarding experience for all concerned, including the destinations that you visit and the people you meet. Using our own extensive local knowledge, we carefully design our tours to respect the way of life of local populations as well as the environment and provide our clients with a genuine experience that leads to meaningful interactions with another culture. In turn, we make sure that money stays within the small local communities that they spend time in.

The historical and spiritual Portuguese Coastal Camino de Santiago offers a wide range of scenery and gastronomic experiences. The unspoiled coastal landscapes in Northern Portugal and Galicia in Spain are varied and beautiful, as are the inland stretches through woodland, farmland, country villages, and historical towns.

We take into consideration environmental issues when planning new programs within Northern Portugal and design them to have negligible harmful impact. To achieve this, we follow the guidelines laid out by the Portuguese Nature Conservation and Forestry Institute (ICNF), which protect and preserve the areas of natural beauty and environmental significance in which we operate.

We provide our self-guided clients with a full briefing and detailed instructions on their route, which includes a traveler’s code of conduct. This includes guidelines for avoiding damage to the landscape and advice on minimizing waste as well as preventing forest fires.

We also recommend that our clients bring refillable water bottles (use code YUGEN10 for 10% off) and encourage them to use local tap water or approved water fountains along the Camino. We explain how they can tell when water is safe to drink. We stress the importance of leaving no trace, which includes not following the popular practice of adding stones to cairns to mark their passage.

For luggage transfers, we usually have more than one client undertaking the route at any given time so we arrange bulk delivery and collection with local drivers to reduce carbon emissions.

Our preferred accommodation and catering partners are those who make effective use of eco-friendly practices to save water, utilize solar power, and promote recycling.

This program follows an ancient pilgrim route that passes through non-touristed villages and small towns that depend on the revenue generated by the pilgrims for their survival and development.

For this reason, we encourage our clients to use local cafés, traditional non-chain restaurants, markets, and grocery stores, not only to support the local economy but also to maximize their opportunities to interact with local people. If there is a local delicacy worth trying, such as octopus in Esposende or the renowned oysters in Arcade, we point this out in the roadbook (info pack).

Our ‘roadbooks’ contain information about the destination and advice for clients on respecting local cultures and interacting without inadvertently causing offense, as well as some helpful phrases in Portuguese and Spanish.

One thing that every pilgrim will agree with is the helpfulness of local people. They are used to seeing pilgrims and are pleased to see and support them where possible. If a pilgrim appears to be in any doubt as to which way to go and there is a local nearby, they will point the traveler in the right direction without them even having to ask.

Our office is in northern Portugal, close to Porto, the usual starting point for this program, and a few days’ walk along the Camino. Our staff live locally and have in-depth knowledge of the route, so they are able to help out rapidly and effectively, mobilizing local resources where necessary to help clients if they encounter any difficulties.

We ensure our staff and those who work for us are treated with respect and have fair working conditions. As such, we are directly supporting the local economy and communities in which we operate.

In our office, we recycle as much as possible and do our best to minimize printing and waste in general, e.g., by using washable crockery and cutlery and providing a 20-litre water cooler for staff to refill.

This sustainable, active adventure tour through Türkiye along the Lycian Way blends healthy outdoor activities with rich history & cultural sites.

[8 days] Lycian Way Active Adventure Tour in Türkiye | Yugen Earthside

This sustainable, active adventure tour through southwestern Türkiye along the Lycian Way blends healthy outdoor activities with rich history and cultural sites.

We’ll stay in the most charming villages and towns of the Lycian Coast, lying under the Taurus Mountains. We’ll hike scented hills and visit classical coastal sites, sea kayak to explore sunken cities, sail the Fethiye Bay, snorkel over sunken Roman ruins, and search for the fire-breathing monster, Chimaera of Mt. Olympos.

6 hikes (easy to moderate) 1-5 miles long

Sea kayaking for 3-4 hours (easy to moderate if windy)

Boating for a full day, with swimming breaks

Snorkeling at various locations, including over a sunken Roman bath

Visiting ancient cities: Olympos, Anti-Phellos, Lydae, Caunus, Aperlai

Searching for Chimaera, the fire-breathing monster, at Mt. Olympos

Exploring Kekova, an uninhabited Turkish island with sunken ruins

Meander Simena, a town near the ‘Sunken City,’ with a castle at the top

The Lycian Way is a popular trekking route in southwestern Türkiye that spans about 320 miles (520 km). The well-marked path hugs the Mediterranean coast, occasionally dipping inland, and runs from Fethiye to Antalya. The Lycian Way is Türkiye's longest hiking route and weaves between ancient cities and beautiful coastal views along the way. 

While walking the full length of the trail could easily take a month, this active adventure trip is a fantastic way to see more of it in a shorter time frame. You'll get to enjoy a perfect blend of the classic, leisurely hikes, along with relaxing time in beautiful Turkish waters, and fulfilling cultural experiences at historic sites.

You’ll be guided by a licensed professional who is sustainably minded and adept at interpreting the natural and cultural heritage of the region, as well as skilled at leading the active aspects of the trip. A private minivan supports the entire trip, and most meals are included.

This coastal trip along the Lycian Way is generally best from April through November.

April-May: This region of Türkiye is a bio-diversity hotspot, so if you are a wild-flower enthusiast, April and May will be especially fantastic!

June-August: During these peak summer months, you are more likely to observe (very discreetly) the “Caretta caretta” loggerhead sea turtles laying eggs, hatching, or swimming around. However, we suggest avoiding July and August if you are not used to very warm temperatures. It can be above 100°F (38°C) which you may find uncomfortably warm for hiking. If you are OK with the heat, go for it!

September-November: A pleasant time to visit as temperatures cool down and crowds lessen.

We believe beautiful places are beautiful all year round. If your schedule allows, we encourage you to travel in the shoulder season (April-May, September-November) for several reasons. It helps reduce the environmental impact of this popular trail, avoids over-tourism, and rewards you with more tranquil trails and site visits. Spring and fall offer the best balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

7 nights' accommodation in charming local hotels

A big container of water on the van for refills (please bring your own reusable water bottle)

Entrance fees to Olympos, Simena, Patara, Xhantos, and Caunus ancient sites

Private sea-kayaking tour in Kekova Sound

These are the optional activities for your free day on Day 5 in Kaş.

Coasteering – 50 Euros pp, including equipment, guide, support boat, and snacks.

Mountain biking – 40 Euros pp, including equipment, guide, support vehicle, lunch, drinking water, and snacks.

Scuba diving – 32 Euros pp for 1 tandem dive or 55 Euros pp for 2 dives. 

Patara Ancient Site and Beach & Xhanthos – 25 Euros pp, including transportation and entrance fees and guiding. 

We are the only active member of ATTA (Adventure Travel Trade Association) from Türkiye and we have signed the Travel’s Climate Action Agreement powered by ATTA. We are a signatory of Tourism Declares Climate Emergency and have published a Climate Emergency Plan.

We worked with ATTA-South Pole to calculate the carbon emissions for each of our itineraries. As a result, we modified some itineraries to reduce our carbon footprint. We're also proud to say that we're a "carbon neutral" company. We reported our 2020 emissions and will offset them at the end of 2021. We will also add 25 USD/person to our bulk carbon offset for this trip to be used in planting trees.

Our new itineraries are being designed with a "Slow Travel" perspective so that we spend at least two nights at each location and our new trips are more local. We stay in small or remote places, plan to stay more than 1 night at each location, travel in the shoulder season, and cover a small region, rather than traveling long distances. This travel format is not only safer but also helps to absorb and enjoy the experience even better.

This trip promotes tourism dispersal as it is in the less-traveled parts of the Turkish Riviera. We pick up our guests at Antalya Airport and immediately drive out of the heavily touristic region to small villages and towns. In these towns, tourism revenue is greatly appreciated, especially in the shoulder season.

During our trips, we prioritize the principle of "leave no trace" when visiting natural and historical sites, and we expect our travelers to uphold these expectations. To minimize our environmental impact, we take measures such as optimizing our driving distances and offering low carbon impact activities like hiking, sea-kayaking, snorkeling, coasteering, and para-gliding.

In line with our commitment to sustainability, we encourage our clients to bring their own water bottles. Throughout the day, we provide refills from large containers to reduce plastic waste. In the event that you forget to bring your own bottle, small bottles of water are available for purchase.

If you join us between June and mid-August, you may have a special opportunity to witness the remarkable sight of loggerhead sea turtles laying or hatching their eggs. Dedicated volunteers work to protect these precious creatures. If permitted, we may have the chance to observe them using red flashlights, as red light is the least disruptive method for observing the turtles. If this interests you, please remember to bring a red flashlight.

We understand that we have the responsibility to sustain our activities and support the local population. We choose to use the services of local accommodation providers, family-run restaurants, and women-owned businesses. The places we visit throughout the trip are highly dependent on tourism, so your visit will contribute to improving their well-being. 

Immerse yourself into authentic Kenyan culture and beautiful nature with this village experience by the famous Mida Creek. Carbon removals included!

[3 days] Mida Creek Village Experience in Kenya | Yugen Earthside

Immerse yourself into authentic Kenyan culture and beautiful nature with this village experience by the famous Mida Creek. This private experience is perfect for a small group of friends or for a unique family vacation!

A lovely family welcomes you to their community camp, a masterpiece that has come to life – treehouses, swings, and tent platforms built by their own hands. Have the opportunity to head out to the creek, on a wooden canoe or boat, visit islands, learn about the mangroves, swim in the water, and feel the essence of being in the middle of breathtaking nature.

A bit like summer camp on the gorgeous Kenyan coast, your days will be filled with leisurely hands-on activities that will introduce you to the local way of life here. This style of immersive learning is fun for adults as well as curious children.

This short, sustainable excursion is perfect to pair with other experiences in Kenya, such as our Kenyan Coast & Safari or Kenyan Coast for Ocean Lovers trips, or a luxury Kenyan safari experience in the Maasai. Contact us for help in customizing your adventure; we'll make sure it suits your needs and preferences.

This experience is available year-round. Generally, we suggest the shoulder season (November through February) as the most sustainable time to travel because it promotes tourism dispersal – spreading out tourist arrivals so destinations do not get overwhelmed and resource-constrained. However, since this excursion is off the beaten path and won't have many tourists, traveling during the high season (June through October) would also be fine.

Additional activities other than those mentioned

Treehouse/banda/tent (your preference) at the community camp 

Transport within Mida Creek for all activities mentioned

Transport to/from Mida Creek. The cost is highly variable based on where you’re coming from (Watamu, Mombasa, an airport, etc.). For context, transport from Watamu to Mida Creek is roughly 800ksh (~$6) and we can help you coordinate finding a driver. 

This tour promotes tourism dispersal by taking you to lesser-known parts of Kenya. It's reflective of an innovative way of creating new tourism experiences, that are not made for the masses and instead focus on truly connecting with locals. This rural village is completely sustainable, with zero waste, local ingredients, conservation, and clean energy.

Environmental Initiatives
Our sustainable accommodations include tents in the community camp, which focuses on recovering & re-using rainwater and recycling their waste properly. The camp was made by village locals using natural resources such as dried vegetation, and by visiting you are directly supporting the camp and nearby village.

The camp emphasizes serving local & organic Swahili food (vegetarian food available) - many of the ingredients are homegrown in their gardens.

Sociocultural and Economic Intiatives
You'll learn about their culture, and the money you spend will be kept fairly in the hands of those on the ground, thereby promoting the local economy in this area around the small coastal village of Watamu.

This directly empowers the local community leading to a greater investment in healthcare, education, and employment.

This will be slow travel. We will be exploring this creek by canoe or boat, and walking around the mangrove forests and village. The pace will be relaxed so you can soak it all in. Other activities are also local-based, which provides opportunities for cultural knowledge transfers.  This trip takes you off the beaten path, meaning your tourism revenue goes farther here in supporting local people. If you want to be seeped in nature, immersed in the culture, and have an eco-friendly vacation, this trip is for you.

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.

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.

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)

Price depends on season. Lowest prices from May 1 - June 30, 2025.

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, 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.

Spend 8 days on a liveaboard yacht scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands alongside marine biologists on this sustainable citizen science adventure! Carbon removals included.

[8 days] Galapagos: Citizen Science Scuba Diving | Yugen Earthside

Spend 8 days on a small, liveaboard yacht scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands alongside marine biologists on this sustainable citizen science adventure! 

The Galapagos Islands are one of the most beautiful locations on earth, and your dive trip here supports the Galapagos Whale Shark Project (which was featured in the BBC Blue Planet II series).

Marine biologists and divemasters will be on board to provide a life-changing experience, assistance, and educational guidance on endangered marine wildlife conservation as you explore these renowned scuba diving spots.

You will do 2-4 dives a day on this trip, for a total of 19-20 dives. There’s also the opportunity for a night dive. 

For every diver, the organization donates to the research of the Galapagos Whale Shark Project. This team is studying the unique population of adult whale sharks in the Galapagos. Each scientist will provide you with extensive knowledge about whale sharks and will teach you at the same time how you as a diver can support the conservation of marine wildlife such as whale sharks, giant manta rays, sea turtles, other shark species, rays, molas, whales and other endangered animals – in the Galapagos and worldwide. You can also expect to learn about underwater photography while onboard (please note: you need to bring your own camera) and be taught about photography using what you have.

Highlands with giant tortoises (land excursion)

On this trip, you’ll spend very little time on land. The majority of the experience is on the yacht and underwater. You’ll visit islands that not all boats visit, including sites that primarily attract divers.

The yacht for your Galapagos eco dive liveaboard provides a unique and unforgettable experience, with the best service and diving that you could hope for. The boat has nine cabins with private bathrooms, air conditioning, electricity, and all that you may need to make your stay comfortable. Three meals a day are included, as well as ‘pre-breakfast’ and snacks between dives.

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