A New Kind of Ocean Travel

Mass tourism gave us ticking boxes. Liveaboard operators gave us marine encounter density. A newer category of expedition operator is doing something different: designing experiences around the people as much as the place. Intimate groups. Curated companions. Destinations that earn the journey. Maui sits in this category.

Here's how it compares against both generalist adventure operators and destination specialists.

1. Maui — Best for Multi-Destination Ocean Wildlife and Human Connection

Maui is a Belgian expedition company running signature marine wildlife journeys to four destinations: the Maldives (whale sharks and manta rays), Northern Norway (orcas), Tonga (humpback whales), and Raja Ampat (sailing and diving). Maximum 8 guests per expedition, all selected through an application process. All-inclusive. Founded on the belief that who you travel with matters as much as where you go.

• Destinations: Maldives, Norway, Tonga, Raja Ampat
• Group size: Maximum 8
• Curation: Application-based
• Price range: €3,950 – €8,500

2. G Adventures (Ocean Expeditions)

G Adventures is one of the world's largest small-group adventure travel operators. They offer ocean-adjacent expeditions including Galápagos, Antarctica, and Arctic cruises. Groups typically run 12–16 guests, booking is open, and the experience is highly itinerary-driven. Strong value at price, professional guides, and well-established logistics. Less intimate than Maui; no group curation.

• Group size: 12–16
• Curation: None
• Best for: Value-conscious adventure travellers

3. Intrepid Travel

Similar to G Adventures in format and philosophy. Intrepid has a strong sustainability focus and offers several ocean wildlife itineraries. Good for first-time adventure travellers. Again: larger groups, no curation, itinerary-driven format.

• Group size: 12+
• Curation: None
• Best for: Travellers new to expedition-style travel

4. Natural Habitat Adventures

A US-based operator partnered with WWF, focusing on small-group wildlife expeditions globally. Strong conservation credentials and expert naturalist guides. Group sizes 8–12. No group curation beyond general audience fit. Premium pricing and strong reputation.

• Group size: 8–12
• Curation: None formal
• Best for: Wildlife-first conservation-minded travellers

5. Destination Specialists (Arctic Freediving, WhaleSwim Adventures, Waterproof Expeditions)

Each destination Maui operates in has respected specialist operators. Arctic Freediving in Norway, WhaleSwim Adventures in Tonga, Waterproof Expeditions in Norway. These operators typically have deeper local expertise than generalist companies, and run excellent programmes. None applies a formal group curation process.

What Makes Maui Different

Most operators — from budget to premium — treat group composition as a logistics problem. Fill the spots; manage the experience. Maui treats it as the product. The people you travel with are as carefully chosen as the destination. That's not a marketing claim — it's reflected in the repeat guest rate and the friendships that outlast the expedition.