Maldives Ocean Conservation Yoga Retreat
In November 2026 we’re boarding a private yacht in the Maldives and spending a week exploring the Northern atolls in search of manta rays, whale sharks, tropical reef fish, Hawkesbill turtles and so much more! We’ll practice yoga under the rising sun each morning, overlooking the ocean and spend our days cruising the warm Indian Ocean waters, snorkelling with the area’s iconic megafauna, exploring quiet islands and lounging on forgotten sand banks.
This retreat is an active conservation participation retreat; we’ll be working alongside The Manta Trust to identify and log any sightings and our dedicated biologist will be on board answering all our questions and guiding our adventure.
DATES: Sunday 8th - Sunday 15th November 2026 (7 nights)
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our days will start with a yoga practice under the rising sun each morning, overlooking the ocean and we’ll spend our days cruising the warm ocean waters, snorkelling, diving (for those who wish to dive), exploring local islands, doing beach clean ups, BBQ’ing, taking in conservation education and lounging on forgotten sand banks. This incredible part of the world is teeming with wildlife and we’ll enjoy respectful encounters with reef fish, manta rays, whale sharks and more on our snorkelling and dive trips each day.
THE CONSERVATION FOCUS
This retreat is in partnership with The Manta Trust and a marine biologist from the Manta Trust will join us on board for the duration of the retreat. We’ll learn all about the conservation battles and success stories of the Maldives and what the future looks like for oceanic wildlife in this area. We’ll also learn how to identify turtles and manta rays and have a chance to actively contribute to The Manta Trust’s manta monitoring program by submitting our sightings.
Our accomodation.
Welcome aboard the Conte Max; a spacious, luxury liveaboard offering spectacular scuba diving and snorkeling in the turquoise waters of the Maldives. The Conte Max provides 9 comfortable cabins over 3 decks, each equipped with individual climate control and en-suite bathrooms.
The salon features a comfortable seating area, TV, and DVD player, while the bar offers a wide choice of soft drinks and spirits. Guests enjoy table service and chef-prepared Italian-international and Maldivian cuisine in indoor and outdoor dining areas. All three decks provide areas for relaxation with comfortable seating, including sun loungers, sun mats, and deck chairs.
Our schedule.
We will journey North to visit three atolls on this expedition and experience as much of the wonderful marine diversity the Maldives has to offer as possible!
Baa Atoll is off the main route for the majority of the trip and we will venture into this more northern atoll specifically to seek out the feeding mantas of Hanifaru Bay and hopefully a few whale sharks as well. To see several of the world`s largest fish feeding amongst dozens of the world`s largest rays is something most people will never forget.
Just north of Baa we will venture into Raa Atoll, a region that is home to the second largest population of mantas in the country and hosting some stunning sites. Here we will be snorkelling on reefs filled with multicolored tropical reef fishes, schooling butterflyfishes and hawksbill turtles while seeking more encounters with manta rays.
Notes: this itinerary is not finalised and is subject to change according to weather conditions and wildlife movement at the time. Divers, please note that the number of diving excursions we run will be dependant on the interests of the group and decided closer to departure.
Day one.
8AM: Depart from Male. We recommend you overnight in Male on the 1st November and make your way to the docks at around 7.30AM ready for our 8AM departure.
1PM: Lunch
3PM: Snorkelling excursion
5.30PM: Sundowners (on the boat or on the beach)
7.30PM: Dinner and welcome celebration
Days two & three.
6.30AM: Sunrise Vinyasa Yoga and meditation on the top deck
8AM: Breakfast and we sail North to Baa Atoll + presentations with The Manta Trust
1PM: Lunch
3PM: Diving excursion for those who want to dive (snorkelling or alternate activity for non-divers)
5.30PM: Sundowners (on the boat or on the beach)
7.30PM: Dinner
Day four.
6.30AM: Sunrise Vinyasa Yoga and meditation on the top deck
8AM: Breakfast
10AM: Snorkeling excursion (diving for the divers)
1PM: Lunch and downtime
3PM: Local island visit & beach clean up
5.30PM: Sundowners (on the boat or on the beach)
7.30PM: Dinner
Days five & six.
6.30AM: Sunrise Vinyasa Yoga and meditation on the top deck
8AM: Breakfast
10AM: Snorkeling excursion
1PM: Lunch
3PM: Diving excursion for those who want to dive (snorkelling or alternate activity for non-divers) NB. No afternoon diving/snorkelling on Day ^ as we will be cruising back to Male.
5.30PM: Sundowners on the boat
7.30PM: Dinner
Day seven.
8AM: Breakfast
10AM: Snorkeling excursion (diving for the divers)
1PM: Lunch
3PM: Yoga on the beach
5.30PM: Farewell beach BBQ
Day eight.
Dock at Male for 8AM. Please book any international flights out of Male after 11AM at the earliest today. Transport from the vessel to Male Airport is included.
Those connecting to local flights can make a connection from 9.30AM.
The cost.
Space on this retreat is limited to 15 people so it’s vital that you waste no time in securing your spot! Rooms are shared twin beds or double beds. Please indicate your preferred room type on your booking form.
Early bird rate (ends 15 April 2025)
$4,690 Per Person (Sharing A Twin Room)
Full rate (from 16 April 2025)
$5,190 Per Person (Sharing A Twin Room)
This 30% deposit payment confirms your booking on our first ocean conservation yoga retreat to the Maldives in November 2025.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Accommodation: 7 nights accommodation on board The Conte Max in a shared cabin
Food & drinks: all meals + tea, coffee and drinking water
Activities: daily yoga classes, guided snorkelling and snorkelling gear rental + other mentioned activities
Fees: government green tax, Hanifaru Marine park entry fee & service charge
Transfers: Drop off at Male International Airport on the 9th
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Diving gear rental ($200 for the week)
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (available to purchase on board)
International flights and any other travel not outlined in the itinerary
Transport too Male docks on day one
Any additional activities not mentioned
Travel Insurance (required) eg. World Nomad
By paying your deposit you confirm you have read and agree to our terms and conditions. Read these here.
OPTIONAL 3-NIGHT ISLAND EXTENSION
If you’d like to linger longer we invite you to join us on a 3 night luxury island extension to the beautiful island resort of Baros, just a 25minute speedboat ride from Male and the perfect location to unwind after our adventures in the Northern atolls.
WHY WE LOVE BAROS
This beautiful, castaway island resort has put conservation first and coral care is a top priority. You can visit their extensive coral garden during your stay, tour neighbouring villages and uninhabited islands, and take part in any of their diving and snorkelling activities which better help you understand the fragility of this ocean ecosystem and the issues it faces.
PRICE ON REQUEST (Guide price: approx $1,205 for a beach villa on a half board basis)
Bookings at Baros are subject to availability, so just let us know if you’d like to join us on our extension and we’ll check space and send you an up to date quote.
Contact us.
Send us an email to enquire and book your space on this retreat.
Other important travel information.
DEPARTURE DAY: Our Maldives yoga retreat will depart at 8AM from Male. It’s recommended that you overnight in Male prior to this retreat to ensure you arrive in time for our departure. On the 9th we will dock at Male at 8AM. Any international flights on this day must depart after 11AM. Those choosing to extend to Thudufushi will board a seaplane departing at 9.30AM.
VISAS & VACCINATIONS: Thirty day visas are granted on entry and are currently free of charge to most passport holders. Please ensure you have the most up to date travel information regarding recommended vaccinations from the CDC website.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: You are required to ensure that you have fully comprehensive travel insurance ahead of your trip. Your insurance details will be required before the trip commences.
