Mālama Earthventures
More than just travel
I’m Illi, the founder of Mālama Earthventures.
The journey to Mālama Earthventures began with my deep passion for travel and my fascination with the beauty of our planet, especially the oceans and their giants, such as sharks and whales.
From the very start, it’s been my aim to explore the world in a conscious, respectful, and nature-centric way. This is also reflected in the name “Mālama Earthventures”.
Mālama is a Hawaiian word that means to care for, protect, or preserve.
My Vision
After many years of traveling, diving, and collaborating with marine conservation projects, including volunteering for a shark conservation project in Fiji, I realized in 2019 that travel can either harm or help our planet. It all depends on how we choose to travel. I’m convinced that small actions can make a big difference and that’s exactly what resonates in my work.
I want to share my fascination with these majestic creatures, because I believe these encounters transform us: They move us, inspire us, and show us what is truly worth protecting.
Whether you dream of witnessing orcas in the wilds of Norway or embarking on an unforgettable diving expedition in Indonesia or Mexico, I’ll plan your journey with both expertise and heart.
My vision is to make travel more sustainable, away from mass tourism, wherever possible. I enable you to connect authentically with nature, with the culture, and with yourself. At Mālama Earthventures, you won’t get a one-size-fits-all holiday, but a tailored experience that resonates with you and aims at strengthening local communitie and protecting biodiversity.
What I stand for
For me, responsible travel begins with the people I choose to work with. I select my partners very intentionally because it matters to me that animals and nature are treated with respect. Many of them I’ve known personally for years; I know how they work, how they make decisions, how seriously they take the protection of their environment and that they share the same values I do. That trust means a great deal to me.
I know there are no perfect solutions. But I believe in honest effort, in mindfulness, and in the willingness to look closely again and again. And that’s what I keep in mind with every journey I design: that we can explore the world with curiosity while never forgetting what it needs to remain wild, protected, and alive.
Experiences that stay in your heart
I travel regularly, personally test accommodations and experiences, or collaborate with trustworthy local partners to guarantee an authentic and sustainable journey.
Join me on a trip that leaves a mark: not in the sand, but in your heart. Let’s create memories together that will last a lifetime.
Clientlove
We booked our family vacation to Mexico with Mālama Earthventures, followed by a liveaboard trip to Socorro. We are absolutely thrilled with everything. Not only was Iliana incredibly professional, but she also offered fantastic tips, saving us so much time and allowing us to experience the trip in a way we never could have planned on our own.
Thank you for this wonderfully organized journey and the fabulous moments that will stay with us for a very long time! We can recommend Mālama Earthventures wholeheartedly and will definitely return for all our future diving trips.
Manuel F, Sales Manager
I highly recommend Iliana for organising an outstanding ten-day Maldives liveaboard dive trip. Every detail was handled with professionalism, from seamless logistics to clear communication. The boat, crew, and dive operation were exceptional, prioritising safety while delivering unforgettable experiences. Everything ran smoothly, making the entire journey stress-free and truly memorable. I would book with her again without hesitation in future.
I can highly recommend Malama Earthventures. Iliana offers excellent guidance and goes above and beyond to ensure that her clients’ holidays meet the highest expectations. We have already booked with Malama twice and would do so again anytime. Iliana also organizes transfers and excursions with great dedication. Each time, we were welcomed in our room with a thoughtful surprise, including a handwritten card, chocolates & even a wellness voucher. Iliana truly knows how to pamper her clients. Malama means “to care” & “to look after,” and Iliana embodies this spirit with all her heart.