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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 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 in-between self-guided and private tours in both 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 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 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 retreats. All the retreats include yoga and wine, and some also offer surf classes, stone-sculpting workshops, or photography sessions. 

Whether you’re looking to be immersed in nature, conquer a challenge, or unwind and recharge we can help you find your perfect itinerary.

Is a small-group fixed departure tour right for you?

Small-group tours are ideal for those looking to enjoy the benefits of fully guided experiences at a more affordable price point. This type of travel allows you to share a destination with like-minded travelers, make new friends, and enjoy your vacation with minimal stress. If you’re short on time, a small-group tour can be the answer to maximizing your trip. Combining a pre-planned itinerary with organized transport will help you use every moment efficiently. Couples or several friends or family members may also enjoy joining a group tip, particularly if no one wants to be responsible for planning the trip, sorting the money, and booking everything. 

It’s important to note that small-group tours have less flexibility and spontaneity than other types of guided travel. The departure date will be fixed and the itinerary will have structure, although you will have pockets of free time for individual exploration.

Whatever your travel style, whether you’re a solo traveler wanting to see a particular destination and make new friends, a couple looking to enjoy a relaxing yoga experience, or a group of friends ready for a cultural adventure, you’ll find a group tour to suit you.

Browse our small-group guided tours here!

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

Experience unique, sustainable yoga retreats featuring wine, surfing, photography, and stone-sculpting. Come rejuvenate your body and mind!

Sustainable Yoga Retreats in Portugal | Yugen Earthside

Inhale. Gates open onto a secluded property and bright yellow trim – the classic color associated with southern Portugal – peeks over lush greenery. You’ve arrived. Deep in the rural Alentejo region, thoughtfully curated sustainable retreats await. They draw yogis of all levels, curious surfers, lovers of wine, and those generally looking for an active holiday inclusive of great food and wine.

The oasis away from the bustle of city life includes a pool surrounded by sun chairs, an open-air, covered common area, and a dining room enclosed by glass windows and wood ceilings slanted methodically to optimize morning and evening light. Hammocks dot the property, a small gym is available, and two adorable dogs offer their furry protection.

Which sustainable retreats are available?

At this eco-friendly retreat center, there are four sustainable yoga retreat experiences available:

The programs are similar in that they each include daily yoga sessions, a glass of wine with dinner, and ample downtime to disconnect and unwind. The 7-day programs are nearly identical - some even running on the exact same dates - with the differentiation being the additional daily activities of either surf lessons, photography classes, or stone-sculpting workshops. Depending on which program you choose, you may also enjoy a market visit, hikes, a winery tour, or even an included on-site massage.

It is a fantastic set-up with a well-struck balance between structured activities and leisure time: it feels almost like a ‘choose your own adventure’ adult summer camp.

Free activities include lounging by the sparkling blue pool, sinking into a hammock with a good book, or going for short hikes (both hikes we did were around three miles – one was a coastal hike alongside stunning cliffs; the other was an inland hike past a large herd of roaming goats en route to a favorite swimming hole).

Paid activities include horseback riding, kayak tours, stand-up paddle board (SUP) tours, or getting a massage (only included in the Surf, Yoga, & Wine Retreat).

Once there, your time is yours to spend as you wish. Even the included activities are optional; you are not forced to participate in anything that does not serve you. This allows you to craft the perfect experience for you.

Nina, an experienced Hatha instructor, leads the daily 75-minute yoga sessions. The classes accommodate all levels, so don’t be afraid to join if you’re new to a yoga mat – the instructor will assist with modifications and explanations! For more experienced yogis, expect to play around safely with inversions and try familiar poses in new sequences.

The sessions will occur either in the morning, early afternoon, or late afternoon. This provides a nice opportunity to enjoy the outdoor Shala, lovingly called “the Grounds”, at different times of the day. Nature sounds and light seeping through the trees create a slightly different environment with every session.

Classes begin and end with several minutes of mindfulness and meditation exercises. Sometimes, you’ll be treated to the smell of incense or essential oils dotted on your forehead during savasana.

The surfing is suitable for complete beginners all the way up to experienced surfers. Your classes will take place on several beaches that have consistent waves that are good to learn on. It’s not uncommon for first-timers to stand up on their board during the first lesson, or at least by the end of the surf retreat!

Surfing is a great way to try a new activity and get outside of your comfort zone. Surfing and yoga are also known to complement each other quite well as you stretch and strengthen new sets of muscles.

Surfing conditions are better in the off-season rather than in the high season. Therefore, doing the surf retreat outside of the peak summer months might be favorable, especially if you’re new to surfing.

What about the photography classes and stone-sculpting workshops?

These unique variations of our sustainable yoga retreat are perfect for creatives! For the photography classes, you'll need to bring your own (real) camera - not your phone - and you'll be instructed by a pro on taking shots of landscapes, animals, and people. For the stone-sculpting workshops, you'll be provided with all of the materials on site. As a fun souvenir, you'll get to get home your creation at the end of the week.

The photography and stone-sculpting retreats often have overlapping dates, so you could come with a friend and each choose the activity most appealing to you!

What makes these sustainable yoga retreats different?

Yoga retreats exist in multitudes, with yoga and surf retreats being only slightly more niche. Active adventurers looking for a sporty vacation know that Portugal is a hot spot for these types of holidays. With so many to choose from, how is a yogi or surfer to decide?

Four components blend together to set this experience solidly apart from similar getaways.

A glass with dinner is included in every package. These are not generic, mass-produced glasses of wine. Rather, they are from small, family-owned vineyards within the region – many of whose vintners are now personal friends of the retreat center. Part of the retreat experience also involves going to one of these wineries to meet the local producer, see the vines in person, and do on-site tastings alongside mouth-watering homemade tapas.

The winery tour is a highlight. A 5th-generation owner will delve into the myriad sustainable methods employed to keep their wine as natural as possible. Utilizing everything from sheep and chickens to protect against pests, to planting certain trees to help protect their vineyard from frost and fires, this responsible wine tour will be as unique as it is delicious. View Instagram Reel to see more about the sustainable wine tour.

Most, if not all, yoga retreats boast themes of wellness, health, and detox. Some overlap between these and sustainability comfortably exist: for example, eating a plant-forward diet is generally considered to be both better for your body and the planet. This retreat center kicks the principles of sustainability into high gear.

The vast majority of the furniture on site is reclaimed and repurposed, solar panels top the casitas, and water is served in glass carafes via reusable cups. Guests receive locally made, organic bar soap that can be used for body and hair, and refillable hand soap is on-site, too. Each guest house has a compost bucket, and there are clear sorting bins throughout. The property’s bountiful on-site garden makes seasonal cameos in nearly every meal. View TikTok to see sustainability initiatives in action.

Speaking of meals – after experiencing the Yoga & Wine Retreat firsthand, it is debatable if that is the best name for it or if a “Foodie Retreat with a Side of Yoga” might be more deserving. It’s hard to say. Meals are thoughtfully prepared and proudly presented as hyper-local and fresh – and the ingredients are most often organic and vegetarian as well. Vegan, dairy-free, and other dietary restrictions can be accommodated.

The one exception I recall not being locally sourced is parmesan cheese which came from Italy, because “artisanal parmesan cheese just cannot be replicated,” noted one of our hosts.

Between nutritious brunches and three-course dinners each night, your tastebuds will be delighted with every bite. View TikTok to see more food.

Last but certainly not least, the people truly do make the place. This applies to the gracious local hosts running the retreat center as well as the type of clientele attracted.

The hosts – a couple comprised of a Portuguese woman and an American man – are warm and kind and designed these sustainable retreats as if they were imagining sharing all their favorite regional experiences with their best friends. It’s a new operation, a silver lining stemming from Covid, and it maintains a “non-corporate, more personal, genuine feel,” noted Del, an in-house legal counsel who joined from the UK. From the winery, market, and artisan visits to the surfing classes, yoga sessions, and short hikes, every activity stems from a desire to share their love of the region with guests.

This retreat is open to guests of all ages and genders and tends to draw those who truly appreciate the sustainable aspects. This fostered unplanned yet deeply thoughtful and thought-provoking conversations about how to be a responsible tourist and what challenges face the region. (For example, the prolific eucalyptus trees are not native to the area, are very dry, and thus burn easily. Although they pose a serious fire risk, the trees grow quickly and support the paper industry.)

Aub, a small-business owner who joined from the Netherlands along with her Court, her US-based business partner

The way [the hosts] talk about the land, artisans, and community is really refreshing.

Why should you book one of these unique, sustainable yoga retreats?

Selling points in addition to the fantastic food, yoga, and wine included with each retreat:

The ample free time to relax as you want (or even get a few hours of work done if needed)

The fact that all activities are suitable for everyone from complete beginners to pros

Bonus: The Surf, Yoga, & Wine Retreat includes an on-site massage during the rest day!

Tash, a product manager at a tech startup in London

All else equal, the sustainability practices tipped the balance.

We couldn’t have known just how exceptional the food would be in advance, but that proved to be the singular most undersold aspect of the entire trip! Also, unlike other retreats, these sustainable retreats are not ‘dry’ (the local wine is an important component of the experience), nor is it a pure digital detox. While the latter might be a turnoff for some, it was a point in favor amongst this group. Attendees included solo entrepreneurs and business partners who were able to knock out time-sensitive tasks guilt-free.

Erika, ‘solopreneur’ of a sustainable marketing agency based in San Diego

I was preparing to sneak off and do some work… I should have known that this would be the group to do power hours with!

Arriving at the retreat center is a bit of a trek. This comes with the territory of supporting rural tourism and you’ll appreciate the countryside destination!

Most guests will fly into Lisbon (though Faro is another possibility). From there, several modes of transportation are available:

Public Transportation – Combinations of the metro, airport shuttles, buses, taxis, or trains offer a slower, cheaper, and more sustainable option. The metro, shuttle, or bus from the airport to the main bus station will be a couple of euros, and the bus to the town of the retreat center will cost 16-18 euros one-way (pro tip: take some Dramamine if you're sensitive to windy roads). Then, you'll be picked up in town and driven the rest of the way to the retreat center.

Train – Another option is to take the train to the nearest town and then pay a 65 euro pick-up fee to be driven the rest of the way to the retreat center. This can be a good in-between option if you don't want to sit on a bus and also don't want to rent a car.

Rental Car – Fastest, most direct, and most expensive; this can be a great choice if you’re coming with friends, or if you're planning to explore more of Portugal on your own before or after the retreat. The drive from the airport to the retreat center is about 1h45m, and there is free parking on site.

Uber – This usually costs around 130 euros from the Lisbon airport to the retreat center. Pros: you don’t need to pay for a rental car, and it’s cheaper than a private transfer. Cons: it depends on Uber’s availability and we can’t vouch for the driver you will get.

Private Transfer – We can coordinate a private taxi to pick you up from the airport with a trusted driver and deliver you straight to the retreat center. This costs 200 euros one-way. As the departure date nears, we can help see if other participants want to share the ride/cost.

The hosts will be on-hand to help ensure your arrival is smooth, including coming to pick you up in the town center if needed.

Once at the retreat center, your travel day will fade into the background, and the serenity that awaits will quickly come into focus. You’ll be welcomed with artisanal snacks, and it won’t be long until the first bottle of local wine is cracked open. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself lost in conversation with new friends. (Our group wasted no time in peppering the airwaves with everything from career advice to hilarious travel stories.)

The final word on our sustainable yoga retreats

What leaves a lasting impression is how many components of this trip exceeded expectations. On these sustainable retreats, everything was top-notch: the venue, food, wine, yoga, yogis, hosts, soul-filling moments, and sustainability initiatives. The perfectly warm, but not too hot, weather of early fall didn’t hurt, either.

Being swept up in this sea of relaxing wonderfulness is exactly what attendees crave from a retreat like this. Your body will feel nourished and your mind rejuvenated. If you need any further convincing, just watch this TikTok of video testimonials.

Time feels warped here: Without feeling rushed, it will somehow pass by all too quickly! (By day 3 of the retreat, I had forgotten what day of the week it was.) By the end of your stay, your muscles will feel pleasantly sore – slightly less so after a massage, your cheeks will hurt from smiling so much, and you will leave with new friends or with deeper connections to old friends.

And so, I leave you with this very good news: the search is over, you’ve found it. Your perfect, wholesome, active, sustainable getaway awaits in sunny southwest Portugal. Exhale.

How can you know if self-guided tours are right for you? Here are 6 reasons travelers love them, along with examples of self-guided trips.

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

Travel is an exciting experience, but the research and planning that goes into organizing a trip can be daunting for many. Browsing for eco-friendly accommodations, delicious local places to eat, and activities that align with your values can quickly become exhausting. Organized tours are a great option to alleviate some of the stress associated with booking your vacation. But with so many different choices of organized travel – from private tours, to small-group tours, to self-guided tours – how do you decide what is right for you?

To start off, let’s clarify what we mean by a self-guided tour. Self-guided tours are trips in which an expert handles all of the pre-departure organization and booking. Once travelers arrive, they enjoy their trip independently, without a third-party guide physically present. Whilst travelers are responsible for making their way to their accommodation each night they have complete autonomy regarding their pace throughout each day.

Self-guided tours are well-suited for walking, cycling, and driving holidays where the daily route is thoughtfully planned out for you, and your luggage is transported between pre-booked accommodations. This tour type is an ideal choice for travelers who would like assistance with organizing and booking their trip, but don’t need an escort on the actual journey. That said, self-guided trips include a GPS and 24/7 on-call support to ensure guests’ safety.

The level of support provided before and during the trip is very similar to what travelers would experience on a privately guided tour, minus the guide themself. Self-guided tours typically include the following:

Airport transfers at the beginning and end of the trip

A day-to-day route indicating the miles or kilometers to be traveled each day

Luggage transfers between points A and B each day (for walking and cycling tours) – this means that travelers only need to carry a small day pack with them as they walk or bike

Pre-arranged and booked activities along the way

Eco-friendly accommodations are booked for each night

24/7 roadside assistance (for driving tours)

Saving time on research, flexibility, and affordability without compromising on experiences are some of the reasons people opt for a self-guided tour. Many travelers also report a higher degree of self-satisfaction at the end of their trip; they truly feel a sense of accomplishment after navigating their own way across a new destination.

So what makes self-guided tours so much fun? Here are our top six reasons travelers love self-guided tours.

Keep reading to discover why so many travelers prefer this type of travel.

1. Self-guided tours save you the time and stress of researching and planning a vacation

Most of us lead busy lives. Deciding on a destination can be exciting, but the research and planning needed to organize a vacation are time-consuming. It’s hard to truly capture how long the average person spends planning a trip. Different reports estimate travelers spend anywhere from 10 hours to 30 hours or more planning a single holiday. Time spent researching and coordinating can either be fun, and an enjoyable part of the adventure overall, or stressful, and considered a necessary evil to have the trip of your dreams. Having a suggested itinerary with a pre-arranged route, pre-booked eco-friendly accommodations and activities, and comfort touches like airport transfers can remove a lot of this stress.

By booking a self-guided tour, you can minimize your time spent researching and planning whilst maximizing your time on vacation. Expert trip planners and our in-country partners are ready to take all of this stress off your hands and hand over an organized, well-planned itinerary. They’ll ensure that you’re making the most of every day, booking eco-friendly accommodations, and suggesting activities to participate in that support local people and businesses.

2. Self-guided tours have flexible departure dates

Another benefit of self-guided tours is that you are not tied down to specific departure dates. Unlike small-group tours with fixed departure dates, self-guided tours leave you completely free to accommodate your start date with your group’s schedule.

Pro tip: When considering your departure date, be sure to check for two things:

Availability: Many self-guided tours that are nature-focused – like walking and cycling tours – are only available to book during particular seasons, such as from Spring through Fall. This is for safety and to help maximize the enjoyment of the trip overall in terms of weather and other conditions. 

Seasonality: Traveling outside of the high season, when a peak number of travelers might be crowding a trail, is more sustainable. As long as conditions are comfortable enough, traveling during the shoulder season or low season helps with tourism dispersal. Tourism dispersal is about spreading out where tourists go, and how tourist money is spent throughout the year.

Once at your destination, self-guided tours give you complete autonomy to explore at a pace that suits you. You can pick your sightseeing stops along the way, decide to linger a little longer over a delicious local lunch, or set off an hour earlier to catch that gorgeous sunrise as you hike or cycle from point A to B. You can stop wherever you like, whenever you like, and how often you like. The freedom is yours!

3. Self-guided tours can be customized and tweaked until they’re just right

When you discover a self-guided walking, cycling, or driving trip, you will typically be presented with a suggested itinerary as a starting point. You can think of this as a base itinerary – a recommendation that will be fantastic as-is, but customizable if needed.

Some of the main ways people adjust self-guided itineraries:

Tweaking the length by either adding or removing a day or two on either end. Adding a day requires less distance to be covered each day, which can result in more downtime for exploring or resting.

Opting for more luxurious accommodations for a more upscale experience.

Scheduling experiences or activities along the way – such as an artisan visit or a wine tasting. These can be incorporated into days of light walking, cycling, or driving; or be planned for days of rest at certain stopping points mid-way in your trip.

For your leisure time, you’ll also be provided with suggestions and important information to ensure you’re not missing out on anything. But exactly what you choose to do in your downtime is completely up to you!

Self-guided tours are almost always the most economical option compared to privately guided tours or small-group tours. This type of tour is usually much cheaper as you are not paying to be accompanied by a guide for the duration of your trip, as you would be on a private or small-group tour. The affordability of self-guided trips makes them ideal for travelers aiming to stick to a smaller budget. 

5. Self-guided tours offer independence and freedom

With a self-guided tour, you retain the feeling of independence along with the safety of knowing everything is organized and arranged for you. This provides a great amount of freedom – much higher than what you’d experience on a private or small-group tour. Namely, this independence means you can go at your own pace each day. With walking and cycling tours, you can spend a leisurely day on the trail or move briskly to have more downtime at your destination for the evening. With driving tours, you can more easily take detours to particular points of interest along the way – such as a specific cultural heritage sight or a particularly good vantage point to watch a sunset.

Unlike travel where you plan and book everything yourself, you will never be left entirely without support. Even though you’ll be walking, cycling, or driving unattended, there will be a local support team tracking your route via GPS, ensuring a unique and safe experience. Your GPS will also include the locations of your pre-booked accommodations, as well as pre-saved suggested sites, attractions, and important places you may wish to consider visiting along the way.

Self-guided tours include 24/7 backup telephone support in English to assist you if and when required. You won’t even have to worry about your luggage, as active self-guided walking and cycling tours include organized luggage transfer throughout! This allows you to savor every moment of your trip, secure in the knowledge that all the details have been handled and that help, if needed, is just a phone call away.

6. Self-guided tours are a Covid-friendly way to travel

In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic caused travel plans to grind to a halt across the world. Although many of us are ready to throw ourselves back into new experiences, cultures, and delicacies, we understand that travelers may still have concerns about Covid-friendly travel.

Self-guided tours are ideal as they offer an exclusive experience for you and your choice of travel companions. You won’t have to worry about vacationing with strangers or sharing public transport once at the destination. Inherently, self-guided walking, cycling, and driving tours outside and away from large urban areas make it easy to stay socially distanced from people outside of your group should you choose. You can simply focus on exploring areas of natural beauty, passing through small towns and villages, and breathing in fresh country air!

Self-guided tours are one of the most economical options for travelers, although, like all tours, the price depends on the destination, activities, trip length, and group size. Self-guided tours cater well to walking tours and cycling holidays, so here are a couple of examples: 

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

Private tours are the most expensive option as you will be accompanied by a guide for the duration of your trip. However, this can offer unique insights and cultural experiences, the chance to really get off the beaten track, and an increased sense of comfort for travelers heading to an unfamiliar destination.

The prices of small-group tours fall somewhere in-between self-guided and private tours. You won’t have much flexibility with the itinerary – though you will have pockets of free time for individual exploration – and you may be traveling with more people. Small-group tours are great for leveraging the expertise of a local guide without the higher cost that comes with private tours.

Self-guided tours are different from both private tours and small-group tours. As you are not accompanied by a local expert for the majority of your vacation, this drastically reduces the cost of the trip, although some of our self-guided tours do include a guided component to maximize your cultural experience. This tour type is ideal for those that want increased autonomy, but you will need to be responsible for getting to and from your accommodations each night and ensure you’re on time for any pre-booked activities along your route. Additionally, self-guided tours are especially suited to nature-focused activities such as walking and cycling tours. These are more budget-friendly activities and, as a bonus, will keep the carbon footprint of your travel low as well.

Now that we’ve covered what self-guided tours are, what they include, and what the benefits are, we’ll give you some examples of our favorite self-guided trips.

Are you an active traveler looking for a self-guided adventure? Explore the Portuguese Coastal Way from Porto to Santiago on this cycling tour that takes you along the rugged coastline and through the quaint villages of northern Portugal. Prefer hiking to biking? Enjoy a similar self-guided walking holiday along the coastal route of Portugal’s Costa Verde, a diverse region famous for its refreshing ‘green wine’.

Here are a couple more self-guided tours we recommend. Whether you’re looking for an active adventure, cultural immersion, or epic road trip, we can help you find your perfect itinerary.

1. Portugal: Heart and Soul of Douro Valley

Immerse yourself in Portuguese cuisine with this one-week self-guided walking tour and wine-tasting holiday in the scenic Douro Valley. You’ll follow unpaved roads and footpaths through picturesque countryside as you walk between traditional villages, pausing for picnic lunches and visits to local wine estates where you can sample award-winning wines and local cuisine. Museums and the chance to take part in activities, such as grape harvest celebrations, will give you an appreciation and understanding of the culture of this region. At the end of each day’s walk, you’ll receive a warm welcome at one of the carefully selected country houses and hotels, where you can relax, put your feet up, and enjoy a delicious meal. 

We had a great hike in Douro valley, all the accommodations were perfect, and the people we met were so nice. In every place we stopped we had great hotel rooms and a pool to rest after a day hiking (mostly up). Especially Quinta do Portal was really excellent and had the best chef and meals we have ever had in Portugal. Thank you! 

2. Romania: Discovering Transylvania's Heritage by Bike

Leisurely cycle through the hills of Transylvania, a mysterious and spectacular land with a rich heritage. This trip will take you into the Carpathian Mountains and Transylvania’s hills. Transylvania is famous thanks to Bram Stoker’s legend of Dracula, and is well-known for its forests which provide shelter for many species of wild plants and animals. 

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

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.

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