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How can you know if private tours are right for you? Here are 5 reasons travelers love them, along with examples of privately-guided trips.

Private Tours: What are they? Why book one? | Yugen Earthside

We get it. You’ve checked your calendar and, having allocated a week or two of your precious annual leave for a big trip overseas, you want to make the most of every second. With limited time to plan and wanting to maximize your time spent at the destination, you’ve decided some sort of organized tour is the best way to alleviate the stress associated with traveling. But with so many options of organized travel – from small-group tours, to self-guided tours, to private tours – how do you decide what is right for you? 

Private tours are most- to all-inclusive travel experiences, led by an expert local guide following a well-crafted and balanced itinerary. If you want to customize the itinerary, you may also see private tours called “bespoke” or “tailor-made” tours.

Convenience and saving time are huge reasons people choose private tours. Coordinating all the logistics of your own trip – from booking transportation and attraction tickets to finding local places to eat, sustainable places to stay, and ethical experiences – can be a struggle if you are not used to it. Having a guide is also ideal if you are nervous about visiting a place, don’t speak the language, or want to see places well off the beaten path that might otherwise be difficult to get to. 

So what makes private tours so great? In addition to the above, here are five reasons travelers love private tours.

Accompaniment of local insight and knowledge

Access to nature and off-the-beaten-path areas

Whether you’re someone who’s already read the guidebook cover to cover or someone who’s ready to put their feet up and get whisked away to places unknown, you will be able to find or create a private tour that matches exactly what you want.

Private tours are designed around what you want to get out of your vacation. Although the itineraries we list are meticulously crafted by our sustainable travel partners, it is impossible to create a plan that suits every traveler. However, one key benefit of a private tour is that your itinerary is fully customizable. Activities can be coordinated with the tour operator so that the itinerary suits you perfectly. You can add destinations that you’ve gathered from your own research or remove activities that don’t captivate your interests. The beauty of being able to personalize your travel experience is that you get to see and do what’s important to you, instead of following a group consensus. 

With customized tours, you can be as involved in the planning process as you want. For some people, trip planning is a major stressor. Our sustainable tour operators can relieve you of this burden. For other travelers, planning the trip is part of the joy of traveling itself! In this case, your research and feedback can be incorporated into your private trip. 

2. Private tours are flexible in terms of departure dates, trip length, and more

Planning a trip can be difficult to work around your daily life and responsibilities. Another benefit of a private tour is that, unlike a group tour, there are no set dates of departure. You get to decide when to travel and how long to travel. The only thing you might want to consider is whether your planned itinerary will work with the season of travel. For example, many hiking, trekking, and climbing adventures must be done within a defined season to avoid unsafe weather conditions. That said, traveling in the shoulder season or off-season, where possible, is more sustainable and can offer an enriching cultural experience with fewer tourists and shorter queues, allowing you to maximize your travel time. 

You also have more flexibility with private tours, once at your destination, than you would have if traveling as part of a small-group tour. Itinerary tweaks are easier to manage, you can travel at your own pace, and you can focus purely on maximizing your own experience without waiting for a larger group consensus. 

3. Private tours offer local insight and knowledge 

All of our tours are led or supported by local guides with an intimate knowledge of the cultural significance, history, and meaning behind each destination you visit. Hearing the stories of your local guide adds depth and color to your experience, bringing each destination to life. The importance of this cannot be understated for some destinations, such as our 13-Day Rajasthan Cultural Tour. 

Imagine a guided tour of Jaipur’s Amber Fort; a local guide leads you past the tourist traps outside, allowing you to dive into the rich architecture and history undistracted. You spend your afternoon with a visit to a local Rajput artisan family to experience their crafts and delicacies and take part in a hands-on block printing workshop using traditional techniques.

Another great example is our 10-day Kenyan Coast & Safari. Enjoy a perfect blend of a few days in Mombasa along the sparkling coast, plus a 6-day safari through three Kenyan national parks. Discover food tours, go on nature walks, get your fill of game drives, and soak up the magic of the enchanting savannah and Kenyan culture.

Your guide will also be fluent in the language and dialects of your destination. This makes travel a breeze as you tap into local knowledge. After all, the most rewarding experiences may steer you off the beaten path. Traveling alongside a native speaker allows you to let go of communication worries surrounding transportation or specific dietary requirements and immerse yourself in the culinary and cultural experiences of a new country. 

4. Private tours allow you to get deep into nature

Private tours make the most of private transportation, which, despite what you may think, isn’t just limited to cars. We have lots of guided tours for slow travelers at a relaxed pace with minimal driving time that will allow you to fully immerse yourself in your destination.

Why not explore the important historical Kokoda Track trail in Papua New Guinea, while learning about, connecting with, and supporting indigenous cultures? 

Or, follow in the footsteps of South American cowboys on an adventure along the Gaucho Way, and become fully immersed in the pristine and untouched wilderness of Chilean Patagonia.

Private travel allows you to get off the beaten track and into nature as you explore areas that public transport and large group tour buses can’t access, whilst remaining safe in the knowledge that you will be well looked after along the way. 

It’s been a few years since Covid turned the world upside down and, although many of us are ready to explore new horizons, many of us also have anxieties about safe and comfortable travel. Private tours offer personalized experiences just for you and your close travel companions. You don’t have to worry about vacationing with strangers, sharing public transport, or the pressure of getting to know new people. It’s also relatively easy to stay socially distanced from those outside your group. You can relax and enjoy your experiences with only your fellow group members.

Private tours inherently come at a higher price point than small-group tours or self-guided tours, with the actual price depending on variables including destination, activities, trip length, and group size. A private tour is a unique opportunity to make the most of your vacation time and explore a destination with an itinerary truly tailored to you. To give an idea of the price range, here are a couple of privately guided tours:

How do these prices compare to small-group tours and self-guided tours?

Private tours are different from both small-group tours and self-guided tours.

Small-group tours will be less expensive than private tours. You won’t have much flexibility with the itinerary – though you will have pockets of free time –  and you may be traveling with more people. 

Self-guided tours are always the most affordable option. You have a lot of autonomy, and since you’re not paying to be accompanied by a guide, this drastically reduces the cost of the trip. Self-guided tours are well-suited to nature-focused experiences, like walking and cycling tours. These are inherently more budget-friendly activities than tours involving cultural experiences and guided storytelling. 

Ultimately, with private tours, you get what you pay for. You are, after all, paying an individual to travel with you and be available to you and your travel buddies 24/7 for the duration of your trip. You will also avoid spending money on experiences you’re not interested in, you can splash on what’s important to you, go at your own pace, and relax – knowing you are in the capable and expert hands of your local guide.

While the price of private tours can vary greatly, we aim for fair, mid-range price points that will be a great value for travelers. We do this for two reasons:

Firstly, we aren’t convinced budget package trips are sustainable. Low prices make us nervous that someone somewhere is not getting paid fairly. 

Secondly, we don’t want sustainability to be synonymous with luxury and feel inaccessible. (That said, if you do enjoy staying in luxury eco-accommodations, this can be arranged!) 

Your budget can be taken into consideration with any custom-designed private tours. If cost is a concern, make this clear at the beginning of the planning process and let our sustainable travel partners help craft your adventure within your budget. This may mean prioritizing certain destinations or activities over others, or adjusting your trip length; we can play with your itinerary until it suits you. 

Are you dreaming of a Spanish vacation with your family? Take a look at our relaxed trips in Spain combining classic cities, peaceful nature, and flavorful gastronomy. 

Do you have an artistic streak? Explore our slow-travel cultural deep-dive tours in India that include organized visits and hands-on experiences with artisans including weavers, potters, bangle makers, and more. 

Below are just a handful of our favorite private tours. Whether you’re looking to stretch your legs in nature, unwind near the sea, immerse yourself in culture and wildlife, or focus on personal wellness, we can help you find (or create!) the perfect trip.

Himalayan hiking with a twist, this off-the-beaten-path trail along Nepal's Khopra Ridge is a serene alternative to more popular treks in the region. You'll have time to discover the cultural highlights of Kathmandu at the beginning of your trip and of Pokhara at the end.

In the middle, you'll embark on a 9-day trek through the majestic Himalayas. As you climb, you’ll marvel at spectacular views and then rest and recover at community lodges and homestays along the way.

This unique trip combines breathtaking beauty with diverse landscapes and authentic cultural experiences to help you discover the hidden treasures of the Annapurna region.

When you think of the Maldives, you may think of white-sand beaches and honeymooners. You're not wrong, and also... there is so much more to these beautiful islands!

For a unique visit that embodies the 'opposite of mass tourism', consider booking a private tour of the Addu Atoll (a type of circular island with a perimeter of coral reefs surrounding a central lagoon).

Discover the natural wonders via snorkeling and kayaking, visit an eco garden, and learn about the unique culture, rich history, and modern development of this tropical paradise. 

Delve into the nature and culture of Ecuador and be mesmerized by its rich diversity. From wandering around Quito (a UNESCO site), to perusing indigenous markets, to hiking in the intriguing cloud forest, our private guide will warmly introduce you to the different regions of Ecuador's mainland.

You'll see snow-capped volcanoes, relax in hot springs, and visit Latitude Zero at the Equator. Then, you'll visit Nono, a little jewel built in colonial times by the Jesuits, where the charm and hospitality of Villa Doris wait for you.

 4. South Africa: Wellness, Wine, & Safari

Indulge in a slow-travel, two-week saunter through South Africa and enjoy wellness treatments, sip world-renowned wines, and go on a classic safari. Your private guide will enhance this immersive trip so you can get the most out of experiencing the beauty and vibrant cultures of Cape Town, South Africa.

Indulge yourself in traditional cuisine, nature walks, and time at the spa to restore your tired mind while enjoying fine wine in the Winelands. Finish your leisurely visit to South Africa with a sensational safari in a scenic floral setting.

All in all, the type of trip you choose depends on your personality, budget, appetite for adventure, travel style, and experience.

If you wish to retain complete control of your trip, independent travel, where you book each component on your own, might be your style. This is a tried-and-true way of crafting your trip exactly to your budget.

If you want a little help with organizing your experiences (route, accommodations, airport transfers) but still want to call most of the shots once you get there, try a self-guided tour. These autonomous itineraries are common for walking, cycling, and driving tours, and are generally cheaper than small-group or private tours.

Those who enjoy the company of others and decide that having a guide will make for a more convenient experience may enjoy a small-group tour. These have fixed departure dates and are usually capped at 10-12 travelers for an intimate experience with like-minded travelers at an affordable price point.

And if you’re looking for a highly customized itinerary where you can immerse yourself in nature or culture alongside a local expert, book a private guided tour. This is a great option if you only want to travel with close family or friends, and want a truly personalized experience without the stress of trip planning all on your own.

In the end, the choice is entirely yours. If you want assistance in choosing, or if you have a trip in mind you want to discuss, reach out to us. We offer free, 30-minute sustainable travel consultations for conscious travelers! To get started, simply fill out this form and we’ll help you out.

Private Tours: What are they? Why book one?

When preparing for sustainable Kilimanjaro climbs, travelers are tasked with choosing the best route for a safe, memorable, and environmentally conscious journey.

Sustainable Kilimanjaro Climbs: Choosing the Best Route | Yugen Earthside

Mt. Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, is the tallest mountain in Africa and has a beloved nickname of "the Rooftop of Africa". This dormant volcano is called Mt. Kili for short, and its namesake Kilimanjaro National Park attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually. During the 2022/2023 season, the park welcomed 47,000 tourists, nearly reaching its pre-Covid levels, yet still 10,000 people below its peak (pun intended) year of visitors in the 2011/2012 season.

While Kilimanjaro National Park offers other activities including paragliding, crater camping, waterfall day hikes, mountain biking, and technical climbing, climbing Kili is the most popular draw.

A Brief History of Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro

What Makes Climbing Kili Unique and Special

How To and Why Choose a Responsible Climbing Company

Mt. Kilimanjaro has summoned adventurous travelers since 1848, which is when the very first attempt of the mountain was recorded. The summit eluded climbers until October 6th, 1889 when Dr. Hans Heinrich Joseph Meyer and Ludwind Purtschelle successfully summited thanks to their leading guide, Yohani Kinyala Lauwo. Lauwo was the first Tanzanian and African to reach the peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro!

Before Covid, tourism contributed over 10% to Tanzania's GDP, and over the last 10 years, tourism from the Tanzanian National Parks has generated over $225 million from almost 470K visitors, of which, Kilimanjaro climbs and climbers are significant contributors.

This means that still today, in addition to being an epic, bucket-list adventure for many, climbing Kili is an important element of Tanzania tourism and their local economy.

What makes Climbing Kili Unique and Special

Although "climbing" is the term used for Mt. Kilimanjaro, the first thing that makes climbing Kili is that it's not actually a technical route. This means you don't need alpine mountaineering experience, crampons, ice picks, or other intensive mountain climbing gear. As such, Mt. Kilimanjaro is one of the most, if not the most, accessible of the "Seven Summits" - the collection of mountains that are the highest on each of the respective continents.

Aconcagua (6,961 m) in Argentina, South America

Denali (6,194 m) in Alaska, USA, North America

Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) in Tanzania, Africa

The last two of the Seven Summits depend slightly on how tectonic borders and mountain ranges are considered. For Europe, it's between Elbrus (5,642 m) in Russia and Mont Blanc (4,810 m) in France and Italy. For Oceania, it's between Kosciuszko (2,228 m) in Australia and Puncak Jaya (4,884 m) on the island of New Guinea.

The second thing that makes Mt. Kilimanjaro so special is the diverse ecological zones climbers experience. Beginning in tropical rainforests and ending at the arctic summit, climbers pass through a heath and moorland zone, and an alpine desert zone.

In the tropical rainforest zone (up to 2,800 m), expect to see lush vegetation, moss-covered trees, and abundant flora and fauna including over 3,000 plant species!

In the heath and moorland zone (up to 4,000 m) the landscape changes. The trees and shrubs are shorter, lending to stunning, open views of the surrounding plains. Plant life also changes here to adapt to the different temperate zone.

Next, the alpine desert zone (up to 5,000 m) evolves to have sparse vegetation with sturdy plants that can survive in harsh conditions. The terrain becomes rocky and climbers will see unique geological formations.

Last but not least, the arctic zone (5,000+ m) is barren and covered with snow and ice. Here, oxygen levels are noticeably lower and conditions are the most extreme.

Kilimanjaro National Park has not released any recent statistics, and old data indicates success rates between about 30% and 90%. Most unofficial data though indicates relatively high summit success of around 70%-80%. The success rate depends on the route, climb duration, weather, and other factors - and safety is always paramount.

Companies tend to track summit success on their own. Ask the company you want to climb with about their specific success rates for the route you are interested in, as well as what else they do to ensure climbers' safety.

Kilimanjaro's altitude gain is relatively rapid, which can make it challenging for acclimatization. This is the main reason why it's suggested to spend at least five days climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. Generally, the longer the duration of your climbing days, the higher the chance of success will be. In other words, climbs attempted in only 5-6 days have lower success rates than climbs attempted over 8-9 days. The extra days give you both time to rest and to acclimatize slower.

Your guides and porters should carry some emergency and safety equipment with them, including a pulse oximeter to test your blood oxygen levels every day.

Travel insurance is also strongly encouraged, if not required, by climbing companies. We recommend World Nomads, which specifically offers insurance for 6,000+ m, as required by many Kili climb operators.

Originally, there was only one route for ascending and descending Mt. Kilimanjaro - the Marangu "Coca-Cola" Route. Today, there are eight main routes:

Six routes are exclusively for ascending (Machame, Lemosho, Northern Circuit, Rongai, Umbwe, Shira Londorosi)

One route is exclusively for descending (Mweka)

One route is for both ascending and descending (Marangu)

When choosing a route, consider the duration, success rates, difficulty, scenery, accommodations, and crowds.

As mentioned in the Summit Success & Safety section, climbs with a longer duration allow for more acclimatization time which can contribute to higher summit success rates.

The routes are considered "Mildly Strenuous" and physical preparation is strongly suggested. Longer routes may feel easier as you're trekking at a slower pace and not gaining elevation as quickly.

Each route will offer unique landscapes, but overall the views will be beautiful and range from 'very good' to 'excellent' regardless of route! There is some more variability when it comes to accommodations - namely if you prefer a more comfortable climb staying in mountain huts along the way, or a more rugged climb staying in tents. 

Crowds are the last element to consider carefully. The popular routes are popular for a reason, but less-trafficked routes will provide a more serene, peaceful climb.

The Marangu Route is the original Kilimanjaro summit path. It's a popular route and the only one with hut accommodations. Several other routes eventually feed into or shoot off of the Marangu Route: Rongai, Umbwe, and Lemosho for ascending routes, and Mweka (the other descending route).

We don't recommend this route unless you are both short on time and highly physically prepared for the climb. The shorter route makes it harder for climbers to acclimatize to and has a correspondingly lower success rate. Yet, there is still high traffic from climbers trying to do this journey quickly.

The Machame Route was established in 1977, born out of a need to relieve foot traffic from the Marangu Route. Known for its excellent scenery, it quickly rose in popularity and is today, somewhat ironically, the most utilized climbing route with around 40% of Kili climbers choosing this path.

Because this trail has become so crowded, we strongly suggest considering one of the alternate routes for a more enjoyable experience. This can also help prevent over-tourism along the route.

The Lemosho Route is a lovely option for climbers wishing to travel at a more leisurely pace with more time to acclimatize. It's one of the longer routes and starts from the west before sweeping along the Southern Circuit. The Lemosho Route is known for its scenic beauty and panoramic views, a beautiful crossing of the Shira Plateau, more secluded campsites, and high success rates. Combined with the Shira Londorosi Route, which merges with Lemosho after the 1st day, this trail attracts 18% of climbers.

We love this route! It's a great mid-length duration and combines less traffic with high success rates and captivating views.

The Northern Circuit Route is the newest addition, and it's a sort of sister route to the Lemosho Route. It is the longest route and takes climbers from the east, over the north side, and then to the west side of Kili in a more gradual ascent. This unique, panoramic route is ideal for climbers seeking to optimize for comfort and difficulty by allowing more time to acclimatize. 

Boasting a very high success rate, fantastic scenery, and less-crowded trails, this is our other top pick!

The Rongai Route is the only route that approaches Kili directly from the north, meaning the scenery and views will be unique compared to the other routes. Catering to about 12% of climbers, this is a more remote, less crowded route. 

This route is a great choice for those looking for something more serene and off-the-beaten-path, and looking to go slightly faster than Lemosho or Northern Circuit.

The Umbwe Route is regarded as the most challenging and only draws around 2% of climbers. The route takes a more direct path and the summit ascent, through dense forest, is particularly steep and lacks the sweeping panoramic views and diverse landscapes of some of the other routes. 

This route is suitable for experienced climbers seeking a more secluded and rugged experience.

The Shira Route merges with the Lemosho Route after the first day, so there are minimal, yet notable, differences. The Shira Route (which was in use before Lemosho), has a higher starting altitude that completely bypasses the tropical rainforest zone. This means climbers can have a harder time acclimatizing.

The Shira Route is so similar to the Lemosho Route that unless you're trying to essentially do the Lemosho Route in less time, we advise opting for the full Lemosho Route.

To choose the best route for you, consider your physical fitness, altitude tolerance, and personal preferences for crowds, scenery, and accommodation. Especially since the dream of climbers is to reach the Roof of Africa, it's essential to strike a balance between a route that allows for proper acclimatization and one that offers a manageable level of difficulty.

For scenery, safety, and probability of summit success, our top two picks are the Lemosho Route and the Northern Circuit Route. These are also our top picks in terms of sustainability:

They avoid the most popular routes, thereby helping to combat overtourism. Note that the Lemosho Route is gaining in popularity and the Northern Circuit will have less trail traffic than Lemosho.

They allow for slower travel, providing a more immersive and less rushed experience.

How to and Why Choose a Responsible Climbing Company

Myriad companies offer Kili climbs, which makes choosing a sustainable company all the more important! Whenever there are a plethora of similar options (in this case, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro along pre-determined routes with guides and porters), we strongly urge travelers to let sustainability be a differentiating factor in who they book their adventure with.

Kris B. about the 8-day Lemosho Route + 4-day Safari

[Yugen Earthside] assisted me in finding the perfect Kilimanjaro climb and safari! The trip was everything we dreamed of. Guides and Porters were amazing and friendly and helped us make it to the top as well as see every African animal!

6 Questions to Ask your Kili Climb Company for Sustainability

Is the climb provider a locally owned, Tanzanian company with Tanzanian guides and porters?

Do they offer and promote the less trafficked routes?

Is the company a member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project? KPAP is a third-party organization that audits and advocates for fair treatment and payment of guides and porters.

Does the company require insurance, and put the safety of their clients first?

Does the company do anything above and beyond offering Kili climbs to give back to their local community or the environment? 

At Yugen Earthside, we are proud to partner with a locally-owned Tanzanian company offering Kili Climbs. We advise travelers to opt for the Lemosho and Northern Circuit routes (though we also offer the Machame Route, and especially recommend this for our unique Women-Only Kili climb!). All our Small-Group climbs have a maximum of 12 travelers, though frequently the groups are even smaller. Travel insurance for 6,000+ m is mandatory and a certificate of proof will be required.

Our local partner has created around 400 jobs for locals and takes some wonderful sustainability actions. Not only are they a member of KPAP, they also are a member of Carbon Offsetting Tanzania and offer carbon offsetting for every traveler - this is in addition to the automatic carbon removal contributions Yugen Earthside makes on behalf of each traveler who books through us.

Some other incredible actions our partner takes include mandatory Leave No Trace training for all staff, and profit sharing with the local community in Moshi (supporting disabled children, helping to fund the building of schools, and providing one Moshi child with health insurance for 1 year for every client).

One More Sustainability Tip for Climbing Kili

The last tip for sustainably climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is to add on other experiences in Tanzania to your visit. The classic addition is to go on a relaxing and rewarding safari after your summit attempt! Another fun option is to head to the Tanzania's nearby island of Zanzibar for some sun and beach time.

Extending your stay further promotes the principles of slow tourism, whereby you get to see more of the diversity that a destination has to offer, and at a relaxed pace.

If you're ready to book your sustainable Mt. Kilimanjaro climb, or if you have more questions about the routes, contact us. Whether you're looking to join a fixed departure journey with other climbers, or want to privatize a climb uniquely for your group, we can help. And, we're here to chat about safari or Zanzibar add-on options as well!

No matter what: We urge you to book your Kili climb with a company truly committed to responsible environmental, economic, and social practices so that you can use your climb for good - and have a safe, and memorable experience!

Sustainable Kilimanjaro Climbs: Choosing the Best Route

A citizen science experience that embodies sustainable scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands. Read this first-hand account of what it's like!

Sustainable Scuba Diving: Galapagos Islands | Yugen Earthside

The following post is contributed thanks to a client who was specifically looking for a sustainable scuba diving experience in the Galapagos, found it through our 8-day Diving with Scientists in the Galapagos trip, and had a life-changing experience. Jeremy was inspired to share in detail what this citizen science, Galapagos liveaboard dive trip was like, and how it impacted him. All pictures in this post are Jeremy’s.

Dedicated to Janet Ferguson, who loved to travel.

I met Hilary through a mutual friend. Hilary was interested in talking about establishing her sustainable travel business. In the end, I don’t even remember that conversation. I’m grateful for her, though. I told her I wanted to swim with a whale shark, but to do it responsibly. I did exactly that.

Two out of three people I show this photo are surprised I would swim with something so dangerous. I joke that the animal here is vegan, eating mostly plankton. Though I guess it’s more of a pescatarian, eating small fish and crustaceans too.

This still blows my mind… give me a moment…

We were about 30 minutes into our third dive at Darwin Island, in the Galapagos. There was a din from my left. When I looked over, I saw Christian, the divemaster shaking his underwater noise maker and pointing off at a distant shadow. A bus-sized fish emerged from the gloom. Some of us just watched from a rocky shelf below the shark while two of our group took off, rising and swimming toward it. I was managing my air, avoiding strenuous movement, breathing deeply. I just filmed. Neither of the divers got close. The fish appeared to lazily swim by.

Jonathan Greene, shark scientist, conservationist, and partner in the Galapagos Whale Shark Project, said it was 11 to 11.5 meters, 35-37 feet long. He said getting in the way of the tail could kill you. I’m the one taking the picture. My bunkmate, Max, is the one in pursuit near the tail.

I got lucky. Of five dives at Darwin Island, we saw the shark on one dive. A few see none. That being said, some see many, and according to Greene, the sharks are sometimes curious enough to swim much more slowly, allowing divers to approach. Some of the divers on the trip discussed seeing numerous whale sharks in places like the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. However, The Galapagos is special for being able to see animals this size—the largest fish in the sea. Some reach sizes in excess of 50 feet long.

It’s really weird how shows like Blue Planet expose us to the existence of such wonders, but there’s an element of the profound, of overwhelming connection being there in the presence of such an animal, in quiet weightlessness, 60 feet underwater.

Surfacing at Darwin Island with a pod of dolphins, who decided to put on a show

Insanely fun, intense drift diving at Wolf Island with a school of hundreds of hammerhead and Galapagos sharks—this was so fun we did it a second time!

Swimming with marine iguanas, sea lions, giant sea turtles, and a penguin on a single dive at Isabela Island

Manta rays and too many spotted eagle rays to count

A pair of mating octopi—and me without my camera!

Jonathan Greene’s and Jenny Whack’s commentaries on conservation and the Whale Shark’s place in the ecosystem.

The people: divers care about the environment they dive in. They are curious, good listeners. They are also ready to connect, by sharing their own experiences in life and in diving. Such a fantastic group! —Except for the Brits, they’re just “rubbish.” [1] 

My primary complaints, there just weren’t enough trip highlights and they weren’t massive enough. For an overwhelmingly positive experience, far and away the most incredible dive trip of my life, I just expected more. Also, I got really tired of the amazing sunsets. [2]
Also, the beer selection onboard left a lot to be desired, being simple lagers. I primarily care for hazy IPAs, APAs, and —you don’t care. It’s probably for the best, anyway. Dehydration is not a diver’s friend.

In all seriousness, this is the kind of experience that gets me thinking philosophically. I have always loved sharks and have heard about the impact humans are having on the oceans, but that’s all been intellectual. However, seeing a school of 100 animals, hammerhead sharks, dissipate into shadow, implying hundreds if not a thousand more animals is a spiritual experience—which now directly links to the images I’ve seen of sharks being slaughtered on fishing vessels. I have let the problem in. I could push it down, bottle it up, but I don’t want to.

I want my kids to have a chance to experience this.

Again, every time I look at that picture, I can’t get over it. I am speechless for a moment. …give me a moment…

I took this trip under the premise that it was responsible. The two main parts of this were:

offsetting my flight with carbon credits at a bargain price of around $30

booking my dive boat with The Galapagos Whale Shark Project team

Yet, I still need to understand if this is just wishful thinking. I have confidence in the mission of The Galapagos Whale Shark team and would like to write about them further. They are doing one small, essential thing for conservation. I need to understand, though, if the carbon offset is verifiable and really making an impact, or is each tree planted just leading to a different, unprotected tree being cut down?

Also, there’s a discussion to be had about the positive (and negative) economics of international travel. One positive, as I see it, I worked with at least 5 different service providers on the trip, each was small and local. Each was splitting some amount of the money I was spending on the trip. While there’s inefficiency here, that in a former life, I would have thought about how to eliminate and capture, I felt positive about each of the individuals involved. While sometimes I felt pressure to be upsold, I always felt that responses to my questions were genuine. I trust them. In particular, Hilary from Yugen Earthside did a great job working with me to find the right experience. [She connected me to a local company who] acted as a personal concierge making sure my experience in Ecuador was what I wanted and I felt safe and comfortable. I would work with both again and so appreciate their introduction to Jenny and Jonathan. I write this because I see this as an alternative model to the huge travel organizations like Marriott, Hilton, etc. which focus on economic return over being good stewards or offering tailored experiences.

[2] I can sometimes deliver irony in a very dry, imperceptible manner, but I had some feedback that made me think I needed to add this footnote… Hint: I’m saying, “For the best trip of my life, it wasn’t best enough.”

Jeremy and Hilary chatted after this trip in depth. They discussed that carbon offsetting – done through Sustainable Travel International in Yugen Earthside’s checkout process – is a good start but not a “fix-all”. You can find more information on how to positively impact the climate here. They also discussed how sustainable travel is not just environmental or reducing your carbon footprint; it is also learning new ways to appreciate the environment and Earth’s wildlife so that you are inspired to care for it and preserve it for future generations. This sustainable scuba diving trip also supported science, conservation, and local businesses. Sustainable travel is about having transformative travel experiences that make you deeply appreciate our planet and the incredible magic within it…and this really gets at the heart of what Yugen means.

Sustainable Scuba Diving in the Galapagos Islands

How can you know if small-group tours are right for you? Here are 5 reasons travelers love them, along with examples of costs and trips.

Small-Group Tours: What are they? Why book one? | Yugen Earthside

So you’re thinking about booking a vacation, maybe you even have a destination in mind. But perhaps you don’t know where to start with research, are short on time, or have done some planning and know you’ll get a lot more out of your trip with some sort of assistance. Either way, you’ve decided to simplify your vacation by booking some sort of organized trip. But with so many options for organized travel – from small-group tours, to self-guided tours, to privately guided tours – how do you decide what is right for you? 

Small-group, fixed departure tours are fully guided experiences that follow a balanced itinerary. This kind of tour is well-suited to:

Experiences where a guide is required, such as safaris, trekking, and climbing

Cultural, wine, or gastronomy tours in which the expertise of a local guide can greatly enrich your holiday

So why do travelers love small-group tours? Here are our top five reasons travelers opt for this type of organized travel: 

They leverage local insight and knowledge

You’ll get to share experiences with like-minded travelers

Small-group tours offer unique and unusual experiences

Group travel can add an extra element of security

Small-group guided tours are relatively affordable

Keep reading to find out more about what makes small-group travel so much fun. 

1. Small-group tours leverage local insight and knowledge

All tours listed on our platform are led or supported by local guides. They provide an educational and informative aspect to the locations on your itinerary. Leading the group throughout the day, our guides will share the stories behind places you visit and things you see, and answer any questions from your group.

You can trust that all the important stuff will get ticked off the bucket list. Additionally, your guide will be delighted to show you some hidden gems that maybe only they know about! Most small-group tours also leave time for individual exploration. Expect to have some freedom throughout your trip to try activities outside of the planned itinerary. This could mean grabbing drinks at the end of the day, shopping for souvenirs, or simply relaxing at your accommodation. If you need ideas for how to fill any pockets of free time, your local guide is there to help!

2. You’ll meet new, like-minded people!

Small-group tours are ideal for meeting like-minded travelers from around the world – without sitting on a huge bus with 40+ tourists. Tours listed on our platform are generally capped at just 12 travelers, and with our unique destinations and itineraries, we’re confident you will enjoy the company of others looking for the same special experience as you. You’ll get to share your adventure with friendly faces, whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or as a small group. New friendships will blossom, creating lasting relationships that know no borders.

Traveling in a group is also fun! Those traveling alone will have the company of others at points where it’s easy to feel lonely, like at mealtimes. Group travel also allows you to view your destination through the eyes of others. Your companions may be fascinated with, or notice, something that you don’t. They may ask questions you hadn’t thought of, or form different opinions based on their own culture, background, and experiences. Group travel creates a space for discussion and opens your mind to new and interesting ideas and perspectives. 

3. Small-group tours offer unique and unusual experiences

Going with the flow can be amazing sometimes. Other times, you just want your travel plans taken care of!

Small-group tours provide a fixed itinerary, allowing you to live in the moment rather than constantly thinking about where to go next. They can also enable you to visit more unusual destinations that you may not feel as comfortable traveling to independently.

You may also leverage small-group trips to enjoy unique experiences with like-minded travelers. For example, on an 8-day or 15-day tour, you can live-aboard a small yacht and scuba dive alongside marine biologists in the Galapagos. This is an incredible small-group tour that is capped at 15 divers and sells out every departure date. You’ll explore Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands whilst directly supporting the Galapagos Whale Shark Project, which was featured on BBC’s Planet Earth.

4. Group travel can add an element of security

Safety is one of the most common concerns of all travelers. This is true whether you’re planning solo adventures, or traveling with a partner or friends. Joining a small-group tour can be a great safety net. It does not mean everything will always be perfect, but it is helpful to have someone to turn to in the rare case that something does go wrong.

Your guide will have a lifetime of local insight and knowledge and will be well-equipped to deal with any problems that may arise. They will also be fluent in the local language: this can reduce miscommunication fears and help you feel immersed in the experiences. 

There’s also safety in numbers. You may feel safer sharing experiences, such as exploring a night market, in a group with your guide and/or newfound travel buddies. 

One of our favorite small-group trips is our 15-day women-only Kilimanjaro climb. It combines an 11-day hike with a 4-day safari. Outdoor activities, such as hiking, climbing, and mountaineering are often male-dominated sports, but this epic climb to the summit of Africa’s highest mountain lets you experience Tanzania in a unique and special way. Check it out if you’re interested in sharing the (literal) highs and lows with other female adventurers. 

5. Small-group guided tours are relatively affordable 

Travel doesn’t always have to be expensive! The cost of small-group guided tours usually falls somewhere between independent travel and privately guided tours. 

It can be helpful to think about the tradeoffs: It may be more budget-friendly to plan and book every component of your trip on your own, but that can take up a lot of your precious time! Meanwhile, you can save a ton of time and have a great experience on small-group trips without breaking the bank. This is because there are often preferential group rates for things like accommodation and transportation that a local operator might be able to procure.

Those looking for the benefits of a private tour (the simplicity of having everything taken care of for you, the knowledge of a local guide, the time saved planning) may want to consider small-group travel. It’s a convenient way to reap the benefits of a local guide and a thoughtfully prepared itinerary at a more affordable price point. You’ll get all the benefits of a private tour with your activities, transport, and accommodation organized in advance, and do so without shelling out for heightened private tour prices.

Small-group tours are generally priced mid-range. The actual price depends on variables including destination, activities, trip length, and group size. That said, if you value the expertise of a local guide, you can have an incredibly enriching experience at a lower price point than a privately guided tour. Keep in mind that the price of the tour will also include nearly everything except your arrival to, and departure from, the destination: accommodation, transportation, some or most food, and activities.

How do these prices compare to private tours and self-guided tours?

Self-guided tours are experiences where an expert handles the itinerary, transport, and accommodation bookings. Once travelers arrive, they enjoy their trip independently without a guide physically present. These are usually the most affordable organized travel option. They are well-suited to nature-focused activities and are highly flexible – perfect for those who like to adventure at their own pace! 

Private tours are the most expensive option as your exclusive group will be accompanied by a guide for the duration of your trip. Private tours can be customized for your group – both in terms of departure date and activities – and you have more undivided attention from your guide.

Small-group tours fall somewhere between self-guided and private tours in terms of cost and travel type. This type of travel tends to be more expensive than a self-guided tour because you have a guide with you for the duration of your trip. But, they are at a more affordable price point than private tours because the group size is slightly larger and the itinerary is less customized.

Are you an active traveler looking for an underwater adventure? You can experience the magnificent diversity of Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands alongside scientists from a local marine research organization, or join a whale shark snorkeling conservation cruise in the paradisiacal Maldives!

Or perhaps you’d like to get off the beaten path and cover more ground? Ask us about our 15-day Mount Kilimanjaro climb, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views from the highest mountain in Africa and relax afterward on a classic Serengeti safari.

Maybe you simply need to unwind at an eco-friendly retreat center with like-minded souls. Then, you should look into our sustainable yoga and wine and yoga, surf and wine retreats.

Experiences

Private Tours: What are they? Why book one?

Sustainable Kilimanjaro Climbs: Choosing the Best Route

Sustainable Scuba Diving in the Galapagos Islands

Small-Group Tours: What are they? Why book one?

Sustainable Yoga Retreats in Portugal

Self-Guided Tours: What are they? Why book one?

4 Harmful Travel Mistakes to Avoid

Sustainable Trekking in Nepal and India

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