The Maldives is a tropical archipelagic country in the Indian Ocean and is famous for its pristine white beaches and distinctive atolls, ring-like islands whose land surrounds an interior lagoon. It was known by the Arabs in the 2nd century as the “Money Isle” because of its monopolized control and export of cowry shells, an international currency of the time. Initially a British protectorate, the nation declared independence in 1968, and today the Maldives relies upon its tourism and fishing industries to support its economy. On this trip, travelers will enjoy a snorkeling excursion before boarding a traditional dhoni boat. Travelers spend five days cruising around the South Male and Felidhu atolls while visiting different islands, drumming with locals, snorkeling through coral reefs and walking on beaches. The Maldives has 700 species of fish and 70 of coral. The coral, individually small marine invertebrates, secrete the stony reefs as a protective exoskeleton. The tour is relaxed, and perfect for travelers seeking idyllic peace while enjoying stunning scenery and novel experiences. Optional activities include a beach cleanup to help remove unrecyclable plastic and protect the Maldivian sea life.
This 7-day trip costs $1,499. It is a G Adventures’ 18-Thirtysomethings trip geared toward young, budget minded travelers. G Adventures is a sustainable, small-group tour company that has been leading travelers for 35+ years. They have been pioneers in community tourism, and their trips directly benefit the local communities they visit. They have a responsible travel effort called G For Good and partner with the nonprofit Planeterra, dedicated to ensuring communities touched by tourism benefit from it. They were rated one of CATALYST PLANET’s 8 Best Sustainable Travel Companies.