Every operator in the ocean expedition space markets themselves as "small group" these days. Some mean 8 people. Some mean 18. And almost none of them address what small group size actually enables, or what it doesn't automatically solve: the social dynamics of spending a week in close quarters with people you've never met.
Here are 8 operators genuinely worth considering, and what actually sets each apart.
The only operator on this list that curates who travels with whom. Every Maui guest goes through an application process — not to exclude anyone, but to ensure that each group is compatible in the ways that matter: curiosity, respect for the ocean, willingness to be present. Maximum 8 guests. Four destinations: Maldives, Norway, Tonga, Raja Ampat. All-inclusive from €3,950.
The differentiator is measured in repeat bookings and in the WhatsApp groups that are still active three years after the expedition ended.
The gold standard for ethical in-water orca encounters in Northern Norway. Led by researcher and filmmaker Jacques de Vos, Arctic Freediving is as much a conservation organisation as a tour operator. Best for experienced ocean swimmers with a genuine interest in cetacean science. Small groups, serious credentials.
Over 25 years running humpback whale swim expeditions in Vava'u, Tonga. Maximum 8 guests, boutique beachside accommodation, passionate crew. One of the most trusted names in cetacean tourism anywhere. Best for travellers who want a well-worn, deeply reliable Tonga experience.
A Dutch operator running 5-day liveaboard orca expeditions in the Norwegian fjords. Custom drysuits, expert wildlife guides, and a flexible approach to snorkeling that accommodates all levels. Maximum 12 guests. Best for those who want maximum days on the water in Norway without a land base.
Six guests maximum. Twenty-five-plus years in Tonga. Award-winning underwater photographer as lead guide. One of the most intimate marine wildlife expedition formats available anywhere. Best for photography-focused travellers who want professional-quality imagery of their encounter.
A US non-profit running naturalist-led whale swim expeditions in Vava'u since the 1970s. Named one of National Geographic's 50 Tours of a Lifetime. The most conservation- and education-focused operator on this list. Best for travellers who want their expedition to contribute directly to marine research.
A UK operator offering small-group liveaboard dive itineraries to South Ari Atoll in the Maldives. Well-organised, PADI-affiliated, and focused on the underwater programme. Best for experienced divers who want a structured dive itinerary with reliable logistics.
A Swedish expedition company running 12-passenger voyages aboard the historic M/S Stockholm in Northern Norway. Strong naturalist guiding, Northern Lights focus, and a loyal repeat following. Best for travellers who want the expedition ship atmosphere without the pressure of in-water encounters.
Eight operators. Each excellent at what they do. Seven of them fill their groups by whoever books first. One of them — Maui — considers whether those people should be together before confirming a spot. That difference may seem subtle. Ask any Maui guest if it matters.
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