RESPONSIBLE MALDIVES EXPEDITIONS
Ethical Maldives trips. Wildlife comes first.
For Kandu, responsible travel means making decisions that put the animal’s space and behaviour first. Our locally led Maldives ocean expeditions combine calm observation, small groups and education, helping guests understand the wildlife they encounter and how to behave respectfully around it.
No touching. No feeding. No chasing.
We never touch, feed or chase wildlife, and we avoid crowding animals. Our guides explain our approach before entering the water and help guests enter gently to avoid startling wildlife. Around manta rays and other marine animals, we move slowly and stay calm.
Giving wildlife room to move
We aim to keep around 4–5 metres from whale sharks and approximately 3–4 metres from other marine wildlife. Our guides respond to the animal’s behaviour and follow applicable site rules. We keep the animal’s route clear and do not move closer to force an interaction.
If a manta approaches, remain calm and let it pass. When it swims away, let it go. An animal may approach or return, but that is its choice.
Knowing when to step back
If an animal appears uncomfortable or changes its behaviour in response to our presence, we end the encounter. If another boat’s guests enter the water during a whale shark encounter, we stop swimming with the animal to avoid adding to the crowd and give others space.
We seek quieter opportunities wherever possible. The ocean is shared, and other boats may arrive. The animal’s space comes before extending an encounter, and wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Small groups, local knowledge and learning
Our own scheduled expeditions welcome a maximum of 14 guests. Education is central to the experience: our Maldivian team introduces guests to marine life and explains respectful behaviour before and during encounters. Daily plans respond to conditions and wildlife activity.
Kandu grew from Naz’s belief that tourism can provide a livelihood while respecting the environment that makes it possible. Born in the Maldives and in the water for as long as he can remember, he wants guests and local communities to appreciate these islands and why protecting them matters. Read why Naz started Kandu.
How to choose a responsible Maldives trip
Ask an operator how its principles change what happens on the water. Useful questions include:
What do guests learn before entering the water?
Are touching, feeding and chasing wildlife prohibited?
How does the team manage viewing distances and crowding?
Will the guide end an encounter when an animal appears uncomfortable?
What happens when other boats and swimmers arrive?
Look for clear answers and examples from real encounters. Our guides below explain Kandu’s approach alongside original photos and footage.
Ocean encounter guides
Responsible whale shark encounters in the Maldives
How we give whale sharks space, recognise when to step back and avoid adding to crowded encounters.
Responsible manta encounters in the Maldives
Calm observation, a clear path for the animal, and what to do when a manta approaches or leaves.
Explore with Kandu
Discover our Maldives Ocean Expedition and Manta Migration Expedition, or ask our team about your plans.