MALDIVES TRAVEL DOCUMENTARY | The Pearls of the Indian Ocean

Follow us on our Maldives island adventure with Soneva, exploring the beautiful beaches and rich coral reefs of the country. We spent one week at two resorts soaking in the intense Maldivian sun while learning more about both the beauty and the problems of the Maldives.
Thank you to Soneva (soneva.com/) for supporting us in the creation of this documentary.
Special thanks to Nila Patty and Maavin Faure for helping us with fact-checking, the pronunciation of Maldivian names, and the identification of marine species. Big thank you to Kika Mantzouridou for believing in our idea of a Maldives Travel Documentary. And, of course, thank you to all the people that made our stay unforgettable, among many others Lilian, Kochey, Alson, Bart Knols, Avinash Pratap Singh, Eleanor Butler, Nicola Reynolds, Naifa Zahir, Erin Barr, and Janusz Poźniak.
All photo credits for the images of Thilafushi go to Matt Porteous and Soneva.
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Location: Soneva Fushi & Soneva Jani, Maldives
Full disclosure: We visited Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani as part of a personalized press trip. The costs for accommodation and F&B were covered by the resort. We paid for the flights to the Maldives ourselves.
00:00 Intro
00:39 Arriving in Maldives
01:46 Geography of Maldives
02:48 Arriving at Soneva
04:07 Quarantine Villa
05:55 Moving to Beach Villa
06:42 Exploring the island
09:27 Asian Koel
09:53 Dolphin Tour
11:02 Stars of the Maldivian night sky
12:47 Snorkeling the house reef
15:01 Cowrie Shells
15:52 Global Warming & Coral Propagation
17:44 Plastic Pollution
18:18 Waste Management
21:18 Glass Studio
22:39 Coconuts
24:10 Chocolate Room
24:48 Indian Flying Foxes
25:46 Blacktip Reef Sharks
26:38 Resort Gardens
27:15 Mosquito Traps
27:38 Standup Paddle Board
28:00 Snorkelling
30:41 Leaving Soneva Fushi
31:27 Arriving at Soneva Jani
32:30 Seashore Screwpine
33:18 Overwater One Bedroom Villa
34:30 Exploring Island
34:56 Turtle Hatchlings
37:42 Slide at Villa
38:30 Stingray and Guitarfish
39:02 Tropical Rainstorm
40:01 Snorkelling House Reef
40:53 Dolphin Tour
41:48 Saying Goodbye to Soneva
42:14 Outro

[@LucasTJahn]

►► *If you would like to support us with our production of travel documentaries, you can now do so:* www.buymeacoffee.com/lucastjahn Thank you for your support!

[@HebrewHakaishin]

You forgot to mention how Somalis were the first inhabitants and first to bring islam to the Maldives!🇲🇻🇸🇴

[@piyushpunyani9592]

Traveling to the Maldives? Watch this video to discover the highlights of Maldives! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaeTc3iwaKyCfZo

[@allysonleroux4396]

What is the 1st island you stayed on. I wanna look at prices. Thanks

[@prathameshrivonkar7215]

THIS DOCUMENTARY LITERALLY LOOKS LIKE IT WAS MADE BY NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL! Amazing stuff!

[@LucasTJahn]

Thank you 🥰

[@conis4242]

I think it looks better actually

[@gaare8701]

Very very good job u did and better national geographic I hope u fine man and you wife good lucky all The time

[@noun_trips]

True, great job

[@aburabaah7126]

Yeah true, I'm from Maldives 🇲🇻 still really exited and amazed with this beautiful documentary.

[@mdzh9667]

The pro level documentary which raised the benchmark how a travel blog should be

[@Axel-Jett]

As a Maldivian, I'm very impressed! Definitely the best documentary I've seen about the Maldives so far

[@hanakarimtaramashi6418]

It seems its veryyyy profesional ...not made by binginner mobile buyers!!

[@hanakarimtaramashi6418]

Woooe you are sooo lucky u born there ...not in hot middle east like me with scarf

[@mahiramajeed359]

i am also maldivian!

[@user-dw2df4ke8x]

@@hanakarimtaramashi6418 Maldives is a tropical country. Sometimes it gets very hot in here! I also wear a scarf in hot weathers, but now I'm used to it. It doesn't matter since I'm doing it for our Creator!

[@relaxationwithscenery]

Amazing and really astounding. Maldives' breathtaking natural beauty is beyond praise. really lovely surroundings Everything is quite lovely. It's as though Mother Nature has loved this place. Just go there and take in all the natural beauty you can. The locals protect the environment as if it were their own lives.

[@JohnCillis]

This is the best Maldives video I have ever seen. In '92 I snorkled over the coral reefs of Guam, from a Beach adacent to the Pacific Island club. Snorkeling just over those reefs, so my body would not touch them and damage their ecosystem, was heaven to me, and a swarm of yellow fish came to me and kissed my arms and legs so gently, it felt like the goosebumps when I met my fiance and when my daughter was born. I do not know the species of those yellow fish--I would just call them "Valium Fish", lol I almost think the director James Cameron must of gone thru the same experience, given his documentaries of the Oceans and the scene in the first Avatar movie where the fuzzy thingies fell and gently touched Jake's arms realizing he would protect life with compassion and not destroy it. That is how I feel in my travels that made me a now retired tourism systems instructor.

[@vinayk7]

The Quality of this documentary is unbelievable feels like "living" it

[@MinecraftPlayer_-fp8kb]

as a Maldivian, I feel so lucky I live in Maldives after seeing this documentary

[@nikinik5620]

I smiled throughout most of this video. You are an amazing editor and have a great eye. Your voice is also a treasure. I'm so glad that you are sharing your travels with us. I could definitely see these being used in schools as educational devices for students and a welcome break for teachers. Thank you!

[@gitaukiboi1616]

One of the best documentaries i have seen.....i would love to see a Kenyan travel destination documentary soon.

[@LucasTJahn]

Hopefully can visit Kenya soon :)

[@youngboo6578]

yay

[@lampurnas]

This is PRO! Amazing shots and impeccable story-telling skills.

[@BBZ-008]

Sometimes people forget how beautiful nature can be. This is a reminder of the beauty that still remains in the world.

[@andymurray1848]

I've seen many Maldives travel videos. But man, this is by far the best one!! Great work:)

[@nikzzi0511]

this is an educational documentary on maldives not the typical vlog

[@piyushpunyani9592]

Traveling to the Maldives? Watch this video to discover the highlights of Maldives! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaeTc3iwaKyCfZo

[@mustafaabohari3853]

Are you tennis player ;) ?

[@jazgulronsch6722]

Incredible, especially the combination of "must see" destination paired with the preservation of this beautiful spot of earth through sustainability and environmental protection so that even our descendants can enjoy these dream islands in their natural beauty. Great work Anna and Lukas!

[@mkushagradhi1]

I really want to thank you for this visual treat. Made me fall in love with the Maldives. The editing and videography is out of the world, you deserve an applaud

[@shaminibrahim8579]

I'm from Maldives, and Welcome everyone to Maldives

[@lifeincanadasl]

This is one of the best documentaries I have ever seen in my life. Narration is also the same. Much more informative. Great work.

[@mariakljajevic9527]

Soneva Fushi was my home for a year. I forgot how magical this place is, and how grateful I am for embarking on this journey 5 years ago. ❤️

[@iconmusicke]

wow! Beautiful, breathtaking, amazing! This documentary is everything. thanks for showcasing from Kenya with love.

[@Rsk1960]

Yours photography is SPECTACULER. I enjoyed a lot without spending money. THAKS A LOT.

[@RedRoseSeptember22]

I'm putting it out in the universe! One day my husband and I will get to visit these magnificent place.

[@GroupHIIT]

Beautiful! Thank you.

[@dmarkj22]

This channel deserves an award and needs to be recognized:

[@LucasTJahn]

Thank you!

[@jesminkhatun317]

Hey man,I was waiting for this .Your videos are like therapy.Missed this.Now I am happy again.

[@afrozshaikh1808]

A very unusual vlog. I didn't expect it to be the way it was. Amazing cinematography. I'm amazed to see the good side of these beautiful islands regarding waste management and their efforts to protect it. Thanks to YT for recommending me this video ❤️👍👌

[@daintyflygirl4va]

Was stocking your channel yesterday hoping you'll upload new vid.And here you are with a new one.Thank you so much.

[@blackmarlin3166]

Such a wholesome travel video it's got a little bit of everything. This is easily one of the best travel vlogs I've seen.

[@sacadabdi8117]

what a beautiful country!! thanks mr lucas for showing us these beautiful islands and beaches

[@elwingy]

This video seems as much a documentary about Maldives as one for Soneva as well! Very very well done. You filmed things that nobody else has bother to. Thank you!

[@kerlipeterson]

Maldives is so beautiful, I could just cry. :)

[@riseevolution]

magical place yes to cry of happiness

[@omarlagasca7487]

Quarantining in Maldives…amazing!

[@carmenturbuk9790]

Beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing!🥰🙏🏼

[@rahulsen804]

I was waiting for this.Lots of love. Great video , keep it up.

[@HakunaMatata_1]

Wow wow wow. Such an amazing documentary. Should be on Netflix!!

[@LucasTJahn]

Thank you so much!

[@kartvehl4604]

Wow this was an amazing video! Was able to see a different side of Maldives and the beautiful scenery felt like I was there in person! Keep up the great work and this is truly the Paradise on Earth!

[@paulajbaker6739]

I want to go!❤ Beautiful video! The Maldives are absolutely incredible! You two do a wonderful job of showing off the absolute beauty of this paradise and bio diversity and struggles to keep the eco system intact to preserve this place forever. Appears to be a great staff as well. Those little turtles were awesome as well. Thank you for sharing your adventures.❤

[@Olu-Olu]

Amazing travel vlog, more like a documentary, true travel journalism, very well made and different from most. I like your coverage of not just hotel rooms and lounges but environment, local wildlife, local issues etc. Your editing and going straight to the point showing enough to mesmerise but not to bore like most other videos was impeccable. Thanks Lucas...

[@LucasTJahn]

Thank you very much for your nice comment! We are really happy that you enjoyed our take on the Maldives, especially showing it from different perspectives. Hope to produce many more documentaries in the future :)

[@fairworld2522]

Wow..I am truly impressed by the beauty of the Maldives. And really boosted even more with this great documentary.

[@zouaouiasahraoui5398]

I loved the glass recycling business so much. A wonderful idea to keep the island so clean first, and second our land...

[@SadikshaG.]

Thanksss for bringing this video to life❤️

[@KK-eu6ym]

Im curious to know this 7 people what they didn’t like in this beautiful video !?

[@comeflywithmeinvestinmemor5436]

Great documentary. Well done looking forward to see more from you guys, thank you and safe travels

[@roopaml]

Amazing documentary, can’t wait for more videos!

[@Alex-Yang]

Great video! I’ve personally been to the Maldives and this video almost encapsulates the true experience!

[@amazingtalent1788]

The Maldives looks stunning. Thank you for the information.

[@heatherresnick4756]

This was fascinating, beautiful and sad. I'm glad you reveal the world fragility! Thanks for taking me on this incredible journey.

[@inspirierte]

Great documentary! I'm happy that you didn't show just the perfect blurred side of the country, but also the problem they've to face!

[@kunalsingh2485]

Great work Lucas. I have been waiting for this documentary and every bit of it was satisfying, to say the least. Love your documenting style. Looking forward to see more travel documentaries from you. Cheers (y)

[@LucasTJahn]

Thank you! Very happy to hear that :)

[@makhanaamritmantra.721]

Absolutely breathtaking...

[@carolinagarcia390]

Un sueño hecho realidad. Maravilloso. Gracias por compartir

[@kweenme8101]

The host is soooo right. Being quarantined on a tropical island does not feel like quarantine. I happened to be living in Hawaii. and it was wonderful.

[@jamesgathaiya6450]

The documentary was the best ever

[@travykangaroo40]

Some of us may never get there ... but we can dream ... thank you for sharing...very well made with respect to the local environment.

[@Soulfulvision1111]

Tears throughout so beautiful and so well done Thank you

[@Pathosia]

Such a beautiful place and video. Thank you for making og sharing it. 😍

[@kennpasilei4549]

I just subscribed to your Channel Lucas! What a wonderful storytelling skills! I have made up my mind, I will visit Maldives in 2022. From Kenya With Love🇰🇪

[@angangaus]

much ❤️ to both of you. you flood my mind with happiness and relaxation. am still waiting for the east african road trip🇰🇪🇹🇿🇺🇬🇪🇹

[@desislavpetrov2201]

One of the best doc I've seen about the Maldives! I'm sick and tired of seeing these vloggers shaking their backsides instead of covering a variety of interesting topics. Very well done!!

[@LucasTJahn]

Thanks a lot, really appreciate it!

[@jamieingels1190]

I agree.

[@joannsealove2801]

Oh beautiful! Thank you!

[@Kakashi-tn7dm]

Earth at it's best, so heaven looks like this 😍

[@mercedespicarelli6770]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE BEST MALDIVES VIDEO EVER!!!!!

[@drashtifadadu1036]

This was an amazing documentary, made me feel like i am myself on the island. ✌🏼Love from India!!

[@Grand.daddy5]

Thank you Lucas. This is an awesome video💯

[@robusttj]

Very professional and clarity and precision is better than that of some television channels. Keep up the good work Lucas!

[@louisasmith9388]

In an earlier comment, I didn’t mean to come off as an eco-“warrior.” Just an *eco-evangelist!* And the resort looked FANTASTIC. It is important to LIVE IN THE NOW, not catastrophize about events we may yet avert if we pull together. We can. Glad you didn’t let the pandemic hold you back and the resort tries to keep things safe. We must “manage the risk” of everything on life (not cower, doing nothing at all). Terrific video.

[@melisaco79]

The rain looks so beautiful! I look forward to experiencing this soon!

[@john2311871]

Amazing video. Makes me want to head back there.

[@denisewarner8287]

You have taken me on yet another great holiday without leaving my armchair!! Everything you put into your videos are outstanding. Many safe travels to you and your wife Anna.

[@chendomaniaco10]

One of the best documentaries i have seen.

[@sashayclouds2502]

This place looks amazing omg guys this such a great video I'm so in love with Maldives island

[@daetriannahickman5271]

literally cant wait to Travel Here ! Sooooo Beautiful !

[@tejashreemd]

I really appreciate, this was one of the best travel diaries ever , you have not just shown yourself having fun but have covered almost all the topics and much needed topics. The glass making and everything els was unknown cause , others haven't even mentioned that part of the Maldives. You are on the right track of creating travel content. Also the voice over is very soothing to hear. I usually am impatient to watch a 40 min video but frankly speaking I didn't realise how time passed. Also I am an architecture student doing my final year project on Aquatecture, so this entire video was very helpful in terms on everything- the good things and the problems that had to be taken care of for the environment. Thank you for this video, good vibes your way ❤

[@LucasTJahn]

Thank you so much! Really appreciate you taking the time to leave this comment! This always makes our day. We definitely tried to not just capture the pretty sides, but to raise some awareness too, so very happy that you enjoyed this :)

[@elizabethgordon6640]

Your comment sums up everything I was thinking to comment!

[@tapasyabiswas4835]

Just Awesome... Thank u for this LOVELY video....

[@shaunakhedaoo1565]

Your efforts can be seen completely to create such a good content. 43 min long tour Of this vlog was as if it was just 10 min. Thank you for this amazing video

[@user-vz9yi5ob4v]

Thanks ❤🌹🙏I'll continue watching it later. Great job lucas the Maldives islands are mesmerising ❤I'm n Indian I luv watching documentaries it enhances ones knowledge of the world v live in n appreciate the creator. It's awesome ❤

[@sumanjhurani3700]

Amazing documentary, like I was there all by myself!!!

[@conis4242]

Underrated

[@joycecherotich2166]

Oh Wow! Thank you for this.

[@Munawirtum]

Great thanks for that doc film! You've made my day today... 🤩

[@sheilaknight5923]

So very enjoyable so pleased that you are so aware of the sustainability of the environment.

[@zawarhussain4768]

Always getting something new

[@overlandme]

That is some good details and enjoying video to watch. Thanks for making and sharing.

[@maxpanama9015]

Man, such a great work with the video and the storytelling. You even provide extra info. Thanks!! You just earn a sub:D

[@jivanshr]

One of the best travel vlog i have ever seen

[@christophernatashaleddy6746]

Your documentaries are absolutely beautiful!!! What an absolute pleasure to watch them! Thank you for bringing so much joy to people's lives through your continuous works of art. Please dont stop!!

[@LucasTJahn]

Thank you so much, this means a lot to us :) We really enjoy creating these documentaries, and will definitely continue to do so! Currently on an Iceland winter trip, which will also result in a documentary :)

[@Looptraveller]

The Maldives islands are one of the few places on earth that everyone hopes to experience in their lifetime-The Maldive Islands boast of a vibrant and diverse ecosystem that is comprised of 21 dolphin and whale species, 400 molluscs species, 83 echinoderm species and an incredible 1,100 fish species. The country is also globally known for its vast coral colonies with a pulsating undersea life that attracts tourists from far and wide.

[@LR-qp7cc]

This was lovely. Great storytelling and editing

[@ninasol5569]

AMAZING I love it thank you for this incredible islands is a Paradise!!! I enjoy so much this video as I was there thank you for sharing.

[@TourSidekicks]

This video is so informative. Thank you for sharing this. Cheers! ❤

[@Mateus.77]

Wow.. Paradise

[@alkristoff3432]

Absolutely spectacular islands and the video quality is A+++

[@sandykuzlik3191]

A stunning video, so well done. Thank you for sharing this journey with us.

[@Gpepp8401]

Great documentary... glad you had fun. On my wish list.

[@attaurrahman7860]

WOW,charming canary. thank u.

[@fiercexflawless]

Thank you, I enjoyed watching this.

[@babiiii7363]

one of the best documentaries man

[@kimmoodley2974]

This is the best travel documentary I've seen. Thanks so much guys. Absolutely pro. Would also love to hear more from your wife in a vlog style about packing and clothes to take, costing etc

[@abhishekmansherchan7904]

You just earned a loyal subscriber. I am really amazed by how detailed and how beautifully shot, this documentary was. Got to learn a lot about Maldives from your vlog. Hope to see more videos like these in coming days. Love from Nepal!

[@LucasTJahn]

Thank you! :)

[@kathrynsweeney1902]

Thank you Lucas for such a stunning informative insight into the Maldives. Seeing what Soneva are trying to do to protect the reefs - coral regeneration and Non Burning is so important to protect these fragile islands. Its on my bucket list to visit.Loved your bit on the turtles was so lucky to witness this myself in Mexico as they hatched and made their way to the sea only to be attacked by frigate birds. On my own I acted like a lunatic waving my arms to fend them off. Massive fail but saved a few. Massively affected me but its nature. Keep doing these posts.Put Costa Rica on your map.Nature at its finest. Pura Vida

[@LucasTJahn]

Thanks so much for your kind comment, Kathryn. Very glad you enjoyed the video! Check out our channel to find our travel documentary on Costa Rica :)

[@Kakashi-tn7dm]

This is one of best video I have ever seen, we experiencing through video ❤️

[@kasiryewilliam2069]

Woowwwwwwww am stunned by the purity of this water 💦