Responsible Travel Policy
We strive to offer guests a magical holiday with a minimal footprint, sharing our passion for the Maldives as we open our guest’s eyes to the incredible diversity & fragility of this beautiful island nation.
We love this amazing aquatic wonderland and its people. To protect their combined futures, we’re working to reduce our impact on the environment and local communities.
Most visitors to the Maldives stay at luxury resorts owned by international hotel chains. Choosing a sailing charter allows travelers to explore the real Maldives and enjoy its people and places whilst gaining a deeper understanding of its culture, wildlife and the environment.
We love this amazing aquatic wonderland and its people. To protect their combined futures, we’re working to reduce our impact on the environment and local communities.
Most visitors to the Maldives stay at luxury resorts owned by international hotel chains. Choosing a sailing charter allows travelers to explore the real Maldives and enjoy its people and places whilst gaining a deeper understanding of its culture, wildlife and the environment.
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Respecting the Environment
As a sailing yacht the very nature of how we travel is responsible; relying on the wind to glide us through the atolls. When wind conditions aren’t optimal, we are able to use our engines, but do so in a way which minimizes our fuel usage. With a maximum group size of just 6 guests, we are able to tread lightly in the area’s we travel. Our itineraries are designed to get us “off-the-beaten path” as quickly as possible, and away from the area’s crowded with luxury resorts. We recognise that seeing marine animals in the wild can be the very reason why some people travel. Swimming with dolphins, manta rays or friendly sharks, can be a once in a lifetime experience. Our skipper provides insight into the marine environment, wildlife and reef and shore ecosystems that are encountered along the itinerary and explains how to behave in a responsible manner to all the fauna and flora encountered along the way. Guests benefit from the skippers deep connection and knowledge of the ocean, and he has earned the nickname of the “Sea Whisperer”. |
The yacht is fitted with solar panels which supplement our energy requirements and minimize the use of the generator as far as possible. Guests are encouraged to keep electricity use to a minimum, and although air-conditioning is available, the cabins are well-ventilated and have fans, so air-con is only utilized upon guest request. We have 2 double air mattresses available if guests would like to sleep outside under the stars (up on the flybridge or on the trampolines in front). Nature’s air-conditioning is so much nicer!
Plastic pollution is a visible problem in Maldives, and can affect even deserted islands far from the tourist area. We try as far as possible to limit our own use of single-use plastics on board. Plastic water bottles are minimized as the yacht has its own water-maker, as well as rain-catcher.
All garbage is disposed of at island rubbish collection points. Unfortunately recycling is not yet readily available in Maldives.
Being conscious of the damage that anchoring can do to coral reef, as far as possible we anchor in sandy areas so as not to damage the coral.
Plastic pollution is a visible problem in Maldives, and can affect even deserted islands far from the tourist area. We try as far as possible to limit our own use of single-use plastics on board. Plastic water bottles are minimized as the yacht has its own water-maker, as well as rain-catcher.
All garbage is disposed of at island rubbish collection points. Unfortunately recycling is not yet readily available in Maldives.
Being conscious of the damage that anchoring can do to coral reef, as far as possible we anchor in sandy areas so as not to damage the coral.
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We understand that as a small independent company there is a limit to what we can achieve, but we take encouragement from Margret Meads quote
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” It is this philosophy that prompted us to do what we could to make a positive impact. Maldives will be one of the first countries to be adversely affected by climate change (due to rising sea levels) and yet generates all its power by burning fossil fuels. It was this irony that motivated our company’s owner to initiate a project to investigate the tidal energy potential of the island nation. |
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Presidential permission was obtained, funding sought, and a leading Scottish university engaged to conduct the first phase of a tidal energy research project. It was concluded that a significant portion of the country’s energy requirements could potentially be met by ocean power. Unfortunately, a regime change has delayed further investigation to date. However, with the pro-environment political party retaking power recently, it is hoped that the project will soon progress to the next phase, and that one-day Maldives might be able to generate much of its power through the energy of the ocean.
The company’s owner was also part of a team who in 2007 presented the Maldives president with a framework proposal for becoming a carbon-neutral country. Part of the proposal suggested the implementation of a “Green tax”. This suggestion was adopted as legislation in 2009, when a new environment tax was imposed on all tourists. Revenue generated from the tax is used to develop sewerage facilities, provide clean drinking water and establish waste management mechanisms for local communities.
The company’s owner was also part of a team who in 2007 presented the Maldives president with a framework proposal for becoming a carbon-neutral country. Part of the proposal suggested the implementation of a “Green tax”. This suggestion was adopted as legislation in 2009, when a new environment tax was imposed on all tourists. Revenue generated from the tax is used to develop sewerage facilities, provide clean drinking water and establish waste management mechanisms for local communities.
Respecting the Community
Our approach to responsible travel means that we seek to operate in a manner that is sensitive, respectful and observant of the cultural & religious identity of the Maldives, and we ask our guests to respect this and the traditions of the people and places they encounter. Our crew are always on hand to offer additional information, advice and guidance in this regard.
We visit small local villages en route so that guests can experience the traditional Maldivian lifestyle and culture in a very non-touristy environment.
As a company we shop local. We will stock up at the markets on the main island before a trip and will then supplement provisions en route at local villages. We encourage our guests to shop local too and buy locally sourced and sustainable goods. Should guests like to dive, we arrange for this with independently owned dive centers on local islands en route. This all channels extra spend into the local communities.
Small, independent local providers are used for our laundry, maintenance, repair and service requirements.
Our approach to responsible travel means that we seek to operate in a manner that is sensitive, respectful and observant of the cultural & religious identity of the Maldives, and we ask our guests to respect this and the traditions of the people and places they encounter. Our crew are always on hand to offer additional information, advice and guidance in this regard.
We visit small local villages en route so that guests can experience the traditional Maldivian lifestyle and culture in a very non-touristy environment.
As a company we shop local. We will stock up at the markets on the main island before a trip and will then supplement provisions en route at local villages. We encourage our guests to shop local too and buy locally sourced and sustainable goods. Should guests like to dive, we arrange for this with independently owned dive centers on local islands en route. This all channels extra spend into the local communities.
Small, independent local providers are used for our laundry, maintenance, repair and service requirements.
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We rely on local representatives for our meet & greet arrival service, as well as transfer to the yacht, and offer specialist local guides for optional city tours if guests have some time available in Male before departure. Not only does this ensure that our travellers benefit from local expertise, but it also means that we are employing locals, helping to inject revenue into their communities. Local guesthouses and small independently owned hotels instead of hotel chains are recommended if overnights stays are required because of flight times. We have friends on many of the local islands we visit, and where possible introduce our guests to them to foster relations between locals and tourists. What it’s all about To provide enriching and often life-changing experiences to our guests whilst they enjoy a Magical Maldives adventure, instilling in them a deeper knowledge and understanding of this beautiful yet threatened marine environment. |
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Travelers Code of Conduct
We have drawn up some simple guidelines to help our guests respect the people, animals, habitats and ecosystems they encounter whilst sailing with us. We expect all of our guests to be both polite and respectful to the crew, locals, fellow travellers, and anyone else we may encounter.
Before your trip
There is no such thing as a stupid question. Please ask us as many questions as you like so we can best prepare you for your trip. You will receive a copy of our Trip Notes upon booking which will cover much of the detail about life on board, and what you need to bring with you. We ask that each guest brings along a reusable water bottle to use for their drinking water in their cabins at night, so we can minimise our use of single-use plastic bottles on board.
Please note that it is illegal to enter Maldives with drugs, alcohol, pornographic materials in any form, spear guns, or pork products.
Do consider environmentally friendly toiletries and sunscreens for use on board.
Your safety
Your safety is our primary concern. There will be a safety briefing on arrival and guest are encouraged to pay attention during this and must agree to abide fully with the instructions of the skipper and crew.
The skipper will be in charge of the vessel at all times, and he will instruct guests on when and where to swim from the boat. All travellers must adhere to the skipper’s instructions to preserve their own safety and that of the marine life.
Be flexible. The route chosen for your charter will determined by the skipper based upon prevailing wind and weather conditions. Often this can be variable and we need to be flexible with our timings and itinerary. The skippers decision is final.
Guests should immediately report any concerns about safety, security, or unsafe behaviour to the crew as this ensures they can respond immediately to the situation. Also report any unfamiliar smells or sounds to the crew, as they might be indicative of a serious mechanical situation or something burning.
The environment
Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but bubbles. This applies to any activities on land too. Shells, sand, rocks and other natural items should be left in their natural environment. However, if you see trash, plastics etc. we encourage you to collect it and dispose of it on the boat.
Please do not aggravate, chase, harass or hug the marine life! Practice passive interactions in all your dive and snorkel endeavours.
Our staff are supported to challenge any activity that they believe may cause harm or that is contradictory to the welfare and conservation of the marine, reef or shore environment and ecosystem.
We will do our best to ensure that you see a wide variety of marine life. However, please understand that there can be no guarantees when it comes to wildlife, so all sightings are a bonus.
The community
The Maldives is a Muslim country. We expect all guests to be respectful of their local customs. When visiting inhabited islands ladies must have their shoulders and thighs covered, no skimpy tops or short skirts/shorts. Men should not be bare-chested. On deserted islands bikinis and costumes are fine. Nudity is forbidden in all areas.
No alcohol may be taken onto inhabited islands.
Maldivians on local islands are naturally shy and won’t often actively engage with tourists. Always ask first before photographing or videoing people, as they may not want their picture taken.
Try and support local businesses: purchase a few things at the local village store, and shop from traditional artisans and for locally made products, helping keep traditional crafts alive and favour local products over imported items. Rather purchase your souvenirs from the islands than at the airport shop on departure. Please note that bargaining is not a local practice.
Please don’t hand out sweets, loose change or small gifts. This only serves to create an expectation where none existed before. Although most villages are simple, the locals have a comfortable standard of living.
Life on board
Please be water and power wise.
Despite being surrounded by water, water on board is precious. The water-maker can produce 100L an hour and requires the generator to be running. We ask that guests have “boat showers” – get wet, switch off the water, soap up, and then rinse off. Also turn off the tap whilst brushing your teeth/washing face/shaving.
Turn off all lights and the fan when leaving the room, don’t leave computers, chargers etc plugged in once the items are full charged. Minimise use of Air Conditioning as much as possible, as this requires the generator to be switched on. We provide AC until 11pm so that the boat can be “quiet” for the night. If you do require AC for the whole night this is available at a small additional charge.
Please don’t use hair dryers or hair irons, unless the generator is running, as the high load of these items strains the batteries.
Dispose of waste in an appropriate matter. Organic waste may be discarded overboard, but all other waste must be placed in the rubbish bins provided. We ask that beverage cans are crushed before throwing away, as this reduces the amount of space they take up in the garbage bags, allowing us to use fewer bags on a trip.
Guests are responsible for their actions at all times. Consuming alcohol in excess impairs your judgment and reduces your ability to recognize and avoid potentially dangerous situations. This is particularly relevant being at sea. Guests who choose to consume alcohol do so at their own risk.
Excessive alcohol consumption and abuse of drugs or other controlled substances, whether legal or illegal, that puts you, other guests or our staff at risk is grounds for removal from a charter. Use and possession of illegal drugs and other illegal substances are prohibited. Guests who are removed from charter are responsible for all costs related to their removal including accommodations and transportation home at their own expense. No refunds will be issued if you are removed from a charter because of a serious violation of the Conduct policy.
Before your trip
There is no such thing as a stupid question. Please ask us as many questions as you like so we can best prepare you for your trip. You will receive a copy of our Trip Notes upon booking which will cover much of the detail about life on board, and what you need to bring with you. We ask that each guest brings along a reusable water bottle to use for their drinking water in their cabins at night, so we can minimise our use of single-use plastic bottles on board.
Please note that it is illegal to enter Maldives with drugs, alcohol, pornographic materials in any form, spear guns, or pork products.
Do consider environmentally friendly toiletries and sunscreens for use on board.
Your safety
Your safety is our primary concern. There will be a safety briefing on arrival and guest are encouraged to pay attention during this and must agree to abide fully with the instructions of the skipper and crew.
The skipper will be in charge of the vessel at all times, and he will instruct guests on when and where to swim from the boat. All travellers must adhere to the skipper’s instructions to preserve their own safety and that of the marine life.
Be flexible. The route chosen for your charter will determined by the skipper based upon prevailing wind and weather conditions. Often this can be variable and we need to be flexible with our timings and itinerary. The skippers decision is final.
Guests should immediately report any concerns about safety, security, or unsafe behaviour to the crew as this ensures they can respond immediately to the situation. Also report any unfamiliar smells or sounds to the crew, as they might be indicative of a serious mechanical situation or something burning.
The environment
Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but bubbles. This applies to any activities on land too. Shells, sand, rocks and other natural items should be left in their natural environment. However, if you see trash, plastics etc. we encourage you to collect it and dispose of it on the boat.
Please do not aggravate, chase, harass or hug the marine life! Practice passive interactions in all your dive and snorkel endeavours.
Our staff are supported to challenge any activity that they believe may cause harm or that is contradictory to the welfare and conservation of the marine, reef or shore environment and ecosystem.
We will do our best to ensure that you see a wide variety of marine life. However, please understand that there can be no guarantees when it comes to wildlife, so all sightings are a bonus.
The community
The Maldives is a Muslim country. We expect all guests to be respectful of their local customs. When visiting inhabited islands ladies must have their shoulders and thighs covered, no skimpy tops or short skirts/shorts. Men should not be bare-chested. On deserted islands bikinis and costumes are fine. Nudity is forbidden in all areas.
No alcohol may be taken onto inhabited islands.
Maldivians on local islands are naturally shy and won’t often actively engage with tourists. Always ask first before photographing or videoing people, as they may not want their picture taken.
Try and support local businesses: purchase a few things at the local village store, and shop from traditional artisans and for locally made products, helping keep traditional crafts alive and favour local products over imported items. Rather purchase your souvenirs from the islands than at the airport shop on departure. Please note that bargaining is not a local practice.
Please don’t hand out sweets, loose change or small gifts. This only serves to create an expectation where none existed before. Although most villages are simple, the locals have a comfortable standard of living.
Life on board
Please be water and power wise.
Despite being surrounded by water, water on board is precious. The water-maker can produce 100L an hour and requires the generator to be running. We ask that guests have “boat showers” – get wet, switch off the water, soap up, and then rinse off. Also turn off the tap whilst brushing your teeth/washing face/shaving.
Turn off all lights and the fan when leaving the room, don’t leave computers, chargers etc plugged in once the items are full charged. Minimise use of Air Conditioning as much as possible, as this requires the generator to be switched on. We provide AC until 11pm so that the boat can be “quiet” for the night. If you do require AC for the whole night this is available at a small additional charge.
Please don’t use hair dryers or hair irons, unless the generator is running, as the high load of these items strains the batteries.
Dispose of waste in an appropriate matter. Organic waste may be discarded overboard, but all other waste must be placed in the rubbish bins provided. We ask that beverage cans are crushed before throwing away, as this reduces the amount of space they take up in the garbage bags, allowing us to use fewer bags on a trip.
Guests are responsible for their actions at all times. Consuming alcohol in excess impairs your judgment and reduces your ability to recognize and avoid potentially dangerous situations. This is particularly relevant being at sea. Guests who choose to consume alcohol do so at their own risk.
Excessive alcohol consumption and abuse of drugs or other controlled substances, whether legal or illegal, that puts you, other guests or our staff at risk is grounds for removal from a charter. Use and possession of illegal drugs and other illegal substances are prohibited. Guests who are removed from charter are responsible for all costs related to their removal including accommodations and transportation home at their own expense. No refunds will be issued if you are removed from a charter because of a serious violation of the Conduct policy.
