Our Commitment to the Maldives

The islands that give you everything.

Every Velara booking contributes directly to the people and ecosystems that make the Maldives unlike anywhere else on earth. 5% of our net booking profit, every time.

5% of our net booking profit, routed to a cause you choose.

The same reefs you swim above, the same communities who welcome you, and the same waters that define this destination are under real and growing pressure. Access to one of the world's most extraordinary places carries a responsibility.

5% of our net booking profit from each booking is directed to organisations working on the ground in the Maldives. Restoring coral, protecting marine life, and strengthening the livelihoods of local communities.

This is not an offset. It is an investment in the place itself, and in ensuring that those who travel with us leave it better than they found it.

The commitment

Of our net booking profit

Partner organisations

You

Choose where it goes

Where your contribution goes

At the time of booking, you choose the cause that matters most to you.

Maldives-wide

Manta Trust

The world's leading authority on manta ray research and conservation, operating in the Maldives since 2005. Funds field research, population monitoring, and community education across the atolls.

Where it goes

· Manta ID and population monitoring across Baa and the south
· Resort dive-team training in manta-encounter best practice
· Community education programmes in Baa Atoll schools

Marine Research & Conservation

The Manta Trust

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Maldives-wide

Olive Ridley

A UK-registered charity rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing sea turtles across the Indian Ocean. Their Maldives Marine Turtle Programme treats injured turtles and runs long-term population monitoring.

Where it goes

· Marine Turtle Rescue Centre operating costs
· Population monitoring across the atolls
· Ghost-net retrieval and disposal programmes

Sea Turtle Protection

Olive Ridley Project, registered charity number 1165905 in England & Wales

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Maldives-wide

Maldivian cause of your choice

Not sure which partner to pick? Choose the area you care about most — whale shark monitoring, waste management, child welfare, coral reef restoration, or sustainable fisheries — and we route your contribution to a verified organisation working on the ground.

Where it goes

· Whale shark monitoring and conservation
· Community waste management and recycling
· Child welfare, health and education
· Coral propagation and reef restoration
· Marine reserves and sustainable fisheries

Your Choice

Your choice of cause

Support this

Simple, transparent, accountable.

Book with Velara

Your itinerary is curated and confirmed with the resorts and DMCs we hold relationships with.

Choose your cause

Pick one of three impact areas at enquiry: reef, wildlife, or community. You can change it any time up to departure.

We donate

5% of our net booking profit from your booking is transferred directly to the partner organisation you chose. No middlemen, no marketing rebates.

You hear back

Partners send a short impact update after your trip. No glossy brochures — just what changed.

Impact in focus

What your contribution protects.

From coral restoration to marine research and community programmes. The work is real, measurable, and happening now.

Coral Lines restoration project in the Maldives

Local community programmes in the Maldives

Soneva Fushi wildlife - nature conservation in the Maldives

"The Maldives gave us everything. We built Velara to give something back."

Antonela & Jordon, Founders

Transparency

The questions we expect you to ask.

How is the 5% calculated?: On Velara's net booking profit, the profit we make and retain on your booking, after the cost of delivering your trip. It is calculated on profit, not on the total value of the trip.
Is the contribution tax deductible?: For most travellers, no, because Velara is the donor of record. You receive an itemised acknowledgement with the partner organisation and the date of transfer.
Can I split across causes?: Yes. Tell us at enquiry and we will divide your contribution evenly across whichever causes you choose.
Can I add an additional gift on top?: Yes. Many guests do. We will add it to the same transfer and note it on the same receipt.
Who audits this?: Velara publishes a yearly aggregate report. Each partner organisation is a registered charity or NGO with public financials. We can share them on request.

Velara Maldives donates directly to registered partner organisations. All contributions are tracked and reported annually. Our partners are selected for their on-the-ground presence, transparency, and measurable impact.

Ready when you are

Plan a journey that leaves the world better.

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