How to Travel the Maldives Responsibly

# How to Travel the Maldives Responsibly

The Maldives' coral reefs and marine life face climate threats. Here's how to enjoy paradise while protecting it.

## Choose Eco-Certified Resorts

Look for these certifications:
- Green Globe
- EarthCheck
- Travelife Gold
- ISO 14001

**Top eco-resorts:**
1. Soneva Fushi - waste-to-wealth program, solar power
2. Six Senses Laamu - marine biology lab, coral restoration
3. Finolhu - carbon-neutral operations, turtle protection
4. Gili Lankanfushi - no concrete construction, local materials

## Reef-Safe Practices

**Sunscreen:** Use mineral (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide) only. Chemical sunscreens kill coral.

**Swimming:**
- Don't touch coral-it's alive!
- Keep 6 feet from sea turtles and manta rays
- Don't chase or corner marine life
- Take nothing from the ocean

**Snorkeling/Diving:**
- Master buoyancy control
- Don't stand on coral
- Book with PADI-certified operators
- Respect marine protected areas

## Reduce Plastic Use

**What resorts typically provide:**
- Reusable water bottles
- Metal straws
- Reef-safe toiletries

**What you should bring:**
- Reusable shopping bag
- Solid shampoo/soap bars
- Reusable utensils
- Reef-safe sunscreen

## Support Local Communities

**How:**
- Book local island stays (not just resorts)
- Buy handicrafts directly from artisans
- Eat at local restaurants
- Hire local guides

**Local islands to visit:**
- Maafushi (most developed)
- Thulusdhoo (surf culture)
- Dhigurah (longest beach)
- Guraidhoo (best local diving)

## Carbon Offset Your Flight

The Maldives is remote-flights produce significant emissions.

**Options:**
- Atmosfair
- MyClimate
- Gold Standard projects
- Resort offset programs

**Cost:** Typically $30-80 per passenger

## Responsible Activities

**YES:**
- Coral restoration volunteering
- Beach cleanup participation
- Marine biology presentations
- Sustainable fishing trips
- Island hopping by local ferry

**NO:**
- Feeding fish
- Collecting shells/coral
- Touching marine life
- Littering
- Buying coral/turtle shell souvenirs

## Eating Sustainably

**Choose:**
- Locally caught fish (in season)
- Coconut-based dishes
- Locally grown vegetables
- Sustainable tuna (pole-caught)

**Avoid:**
- Imported seafood
- Shark fin soup
- Overfished species (grouper, napoleon wrasse)

## The Numbers

**What your responsible choices support:**
- 1,192 islands (200 inhabited)
- 2,000+ species of fish
- 5% of world's coral reefs
- 1,100+ species of coral
- 21 species of whales/dolphins

## Before You Book

**Questions to ask resorts:**
1. What percentage of staff is local?
2. Do you have coral restoration programs?
3. How do you manage waste?
4. What renewable energy do you use?
5. Do you support local community projects?

The Maldives faces an existential threat from rising seas. Responsible travel helps ensure this paradise survives for generations to come.