There are so many stunning places to explore around our planet. From deserts to glaciers, the natural beauty of our world is hard to fathom. As travelers, we all want to do our part to visit these places with care so they are here for many years to come. So, I am sharing all the top ecotourism destinations for your next adventure! This is a list of places that also do their part to sustain their destination in the best way possible so you can feel good about visiting.
What is ecotourism?
The definition of ecotourism according to Google’s dictionary by Oxford Languages is tourism directed toward exotic, often threatened, natural environments, intended to support conservation efforts and observe wildlife.
I love that way of describing its purpose. Essentially it is tourism to places of natural beauty done in a way to minimize impact on the environment and help sustain the livelihood of local communities.
How can ecotourism benefit the environment?
But, how can tourism benefit the environment and not cause further harm? Ecotourism brings together conservation, travelers, and locals for a common good. It is intended to benefit both the visitor and the community.
Ecotourism can help bring awareness to a need for conservation, provide financial benefits, raise compassion for the host countries’ people and environmental climate, among others.
Isn’t there a chance that ecotourism can unintentionally cause harm to an environment?
It makes sense that more people equals high impact. Sometimes the areas we travel to are fragile and sensitive. However, ecotourism is not meant to be like regular tourism. It ‘s not simply traveling somewhere outdoorsy. It’s about traveling in a more responsible and sustainable way. It’s about educating yourself about conservation efforts and providing economic growth for impoverished communities through your tourism dollars.
Advantages of Ecotourism Destinations
There are many advantages to visiting ecotourism destinations like….
- More educational experience for a visitor
- Create deeper connection to a destination
- Awareness to protect environment
- Raise sensitivity to social, political, spiritual, and environmental beliefs of a country
- Generate income for locals
- Provide financial benefit to help sustain natural areas
- And more!
How Can I Be A Responsible Ecotourist?
Wondering how you can travel, but still try to do good in the world? Here are a few ways to get started.
- Know where your money is going (ie. choose green hotels)
- Hire a local guide
- Seek educational opportunities
- Volunteer
- Leave nothing but footprints
- Recycle
- Reduce consumption
- Minimize harm
- Stay longer
- Consume local products and goods
- Stay at an eco friendly hotel or airbnb
Ecotourism Destinations
I believe you can practice the elements of ecotourism in any destination. For example, staying at an eco-friendly or green hotel, not using plastics, shop local, visiting national parks, reducing water consumption, hiring a local guide, and things of that nature.
I’m sharing a list of some of the top ecotourism destinations where you can experience eco activities and really feel connected to the environment. I will also include some of the ways the community embraces green practices, the best things to do, and some eco-friendly hotels – some are even 5 star, luxury resorts! In my opinion, you can’t call it ecotourism if you aren’t staying in a hotel that adopts environmentally friendly practices. You have to do your research!
Patagonia, Chile
When you think of a remote, nature-oriented ecotourism destination, Patagonia probably comes to mind. Known for its vast landscapes including glaciers and iconic mountain ranges, Patagonia is all about adventure. The region is extremely remote and wild with national parks, wildlife like pumas and guanacos, and so many delicate, natural features to protect.
While many people head to Patagonia to camp as they hike the iconic W trail, there is a more luxury option while still minimizing your impact.
Head to Awasi Patagonia located near Torres del Paine National Park. Awasi is an intimate property that will allow you to connect with nature in an authentic way, with 5 star service!
The property and villas are built to flow with nature creating minimal impact to the environment. As part of their sustainability initiatives, Awasi is carbon neutral. They protect 340 hectare of woodlands which absorb over 10,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. This offsets the emissions from all three of their lodges!
Awasi is an all inclusive resort (it has to be in the middle of nowhere) offering local cuisine, private native guides with 4×4 vehicles, and world class experiences. You can hike to the famous towers in Torres del Paine or visit an estancia to learn all about the gaucho culture or even spot wildlife from your private villa.
Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands are located in the North Atlantic Ocean near Iceland. It’s still pretty undiscovered so it is a great time to visit this magical country. In this outdoor destination, you will find mountain hikes, lakes, gorges, waterfalls, and wildlife like the Atlantic puffins. In addition, you will find Michelin-starred restaurants, a charming capital city, and friendly locals. There are so many adventures to discover in the Faroe Islands.
The Faroe Islands have an entire sustainability strategy coined Preservolution which aims to build up the tourism industry in a way that benefits the people, environment, and economy. Their main airline, Atlantic Airways, has all new planes that are more fuel efficient keeping the air fresher.
They even host a program called “Closed for Maintenance, Open for Voluntourism” where they literally close 11 sites for a weekend except for volunteers who help in maintaining the islands. They work in popular tourist sites with projects like creating walking paths, putting up signage, and even constructing view points. In exchange, they get accommodations and food for the 3-night period. (Learn more and apply here.)
You can have a truly local experience in the Faroe islands. Stay in an airbnb, prepare your own meals with local produce, hire native tour guides, and even have dinner with the Faroese people. For the most authentic ecotourism experience, have dinner hosted by a local in their home. They call this Heimablidni which translates to “home hospitality” and you can find all of the offerings here for this unique culinary experience.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is the leader in ecotourism destinations. They have been doing it for decades. As such a large country, there are plenty of options for your trip from traversing the rainforest, seeing volcanoes, and surfing at the beaches.
For a luxury experience, stay at Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas in the Guanacaste Region which lies along the Pacific Ocean. Casa Chameleon is dedicated to responsible tourism in their secluded beach paradise.
They complete monthly beach sweeps, give back to the local school (which you’ll see on your way there), and support a plant-a-tree program. The hotel partners with Kind Traveler so every stay gives back to the children and adults in the rural communities of Guanacaste.
In addition, they use alternatives to plastic like glass, bamboo, clay, etc. in their daily operations. They also have a robust recycling program for all of these items.
Of course, there is no shortage of nature based activities. Take a day trip to the rain forest, zipline, ride horseback along the shore, paddleboard at Las Catalinas, surf with a local instructor, and white water raft down the Rio Colorado. Not to miss are the Monteverde Cloud Forest and Arenal National Park!
While on property, you can enjoy luxury amenities while also respecting the environment at this eco hotel.
Africa
Africa is a perfect place to add to your list. Instead of a traditional safari trip, ecotourism in Africa aims to connect the visitor with local people and customs. Of course, you will still spot wildlife, but also be educated about protecting them. Your dollars will go to conservation projects all across the continent.
There are plenty of conservation reserves you can support from gorillas in Rwanda to Okavango Delta in Botswana to Etosha National Park in Namibia. However, I would book a trip to Tanzania to witness the Great Migration across the Serengeti and then end the trip with a beach holiday in Zanzibar where you can visit Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Seychelles
Seychelles may not be the first that comes to mind, but it’s definitely a luxury ecotourism destination. With a UNESCO World Heritage site, aldabra tortoises, rich marine life, and nature preserves, the Seychelles are perfect for any nature lover.
The top things you will want to do include:
- Visit Valle de Mai Nature Reserve – 48 acre natural palm forest
- Hike to Morne Seychelles National Park – the highest peak in the islands
- Shop the local market in the capital, Victoria
- Get up close with the aldabra tortoises at Curieuse Island Marine National Park
- Snorkel or dive to see the rich marine life on the coral reefs (in reef-safe sunscreen)
- Kayak around the massive granite boulders at Anse Source d’Argent
Best Seychelles Hotel
The top eco-friendly hotel for 5-star accommodations is easily Six Senses Zil Pasyon. It is located on the private island of Felicité where the villas blend harmoniously with their surroundings. The most impressive sustainable feature is that they produce and bottle their own drinking water on site with a goal to be completely plastic free. They also have their own organic farm on the island where they source most of the fruits and vegetables for the onsite restaurants. In addition, they fund local environmental and social projects, use electric transportation, stock biodegradable cleaning products, and much more.
Galapagos, Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands practically invented ecotourism. Uniquely situated at a point in the Pacific Ocean where three currents collide, the 19 volcanic islands are in a unique area in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. It is one of the most pristine natural places on Earth with beautiful beaches, the 2nd largest marine reserve in the world, diverse wildlife, and green landscapes.
They have carefully managed tourism in order to protect this precious environment – the most biodiverse and fragile place on our planet. The islands are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site – the very first site designated back in the 70s.
Things to see and do:
- Galapagos National Park – 97% of the islands are park
- Rancho Primicia on Santa Cruz to see the giant tortoises
- Snorkel with sea lions
- Hike to Volcano Sierra Negra
- See saltwater iguanas swimming
- Dive with the 400+ species of fish
- Visit Tortuga Bay
- and so much more!
Where to Stay in Galapagos
Take a luxury yacht cruise with Relais & Chateaux Ecoventura boats appropriately named Origin and Theory.
If you prefer land, book Galapagos Safari Camp to stay in tented villas and have their expert guides plan your itinerary.
Hawaii
Hawaii has a complex ecosystem that can easily be damaged by a number of threats. It already has a high number of endangered plant and animal species. There are so many ways you can learn about the natural environment in Hawaii and help protect it. A few of the top ecotourism experiences in Hawaii are:
- Tour a coffee plantation on Kaua’i
- Whale watching off the southern coast of O’ahu from December to May
- Botanical gardens of Maui
- Upcountry Maui to tour the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
- Haleakala National Park – highest peak on Maui
- Help restore native plants on a tour with Hawaiian Legacy Tours – you plant your own tree
- And of course, you want to get out on the water whether surf lessons, diving, or kayaking!
New Zealand
New Zealand is synonymous with ecotourism destinations. It has everything from the mountains to glaciers to the sea. Travel to enjoy the natural scenery and help sustain it for many years to come.
Take a helicopter tour to see the stunning Fox and Franz Josef glacier which can only be seen from above due to melting ice.
Hike New Zealand’s highest peak, Mount Cook, located at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. It’s filled with glaciers, turquoise lakes, and snow capped mountain ranges.
Visit Fiordland National park to see dolphins, seals, and penguins in their natural habitat. See the geysers at Wai-O-Tapu park. Dive at Poor Knights Islands marine reserve which is one of the top diving sites in the world. There are endless opportunities for ecotourism adventure in New Zealand.
Dubai as an Ecotourism Destination
Like I said earlier, you can practice ecotourism anywhere. Dubai might not come to mind when you think about ecotourism destinations, but there is plenty to find in the city of gold. The UAE has a rich natural landscape from the beaches to the desert to the mountains. Each destination can provide you with a varied experience.
I suggest heading into the Dubai desert. I went last year with Dubai’s Platinum Heritage Tours and had an incredible time. Platinum Heritage is the only eco-friendly tour company in Dubai with sustainability at the core of their mission. They are committed to showing you the desert while supporting the locals, sustaining the environment, and educating you in their culture.
For one, they do not offer touristy sand dune tours as they wreak havoc on the ecosystem which lives below the sand. They DO offer safari tours, ethical falcon shows, and camel rides – on camel’s that are well cared for and not overworked. Additionally, they only operate in the protected Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve – the only one of its kind in the Middle East.
You will learn so much about the desert’s ecosystem and local bedouin culture. Chose from daytime safaris or overnight adventures!
Dubai Hotel Suggestion
For accommodations, go with Al Maha Resort & Spa. It is a luxury getaway in the middle of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Enjoy easy access to desert activities along with stunning views, desert palms, pools, and local cuisine.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a great place to go where you can connect with nature and do your part to support it through tourism. Learn about Puerto Rican history in Old San Juan, explore the El Yunque rainforest, kayak through one of the world’s only bioluminescent bays, relax at the white sandy beaches and sample the local flavors.
Be hosted by a local in their airbnb rental or stay at one of the eco-friendly hotels in Old San Juan. For a really unique experience, stay at the Dreamcatcher by DW, a 12 room property offering yoga classes, vegan meals, and true relaxation. They are a top Green leader on TripAdvisor for their efforts.
Panama
Panama is much like Costa Rica in terms of tourism and landscapes. However, it is much less crowded with tourists. With rich marine life and lush jungles, there is much biodiversity in Panama. There are many experiences to find, but some of the top eco-focused ones include:
- Museum of Biodiversity
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Center
- Visit the rainforests which hold more species than Costa Rica. Over 1,000 species of birds and over 10,000 native plants!
- Visit some of the 18 national parks and 27 nature reserves
Stay at the incredible Isla Secas which is a luxury private island resort off the coast. They are a part of Beyond Green which is a collection of destinations and hotels that are committed to delivering tourism through sustainable initiatives to leave a lasting impact.
You will stay in their casitas, which are villas around the island – some with private plunge pools! Enjoy activities like whale watching, diving, water sports, nature walks, birding and more. Make sure to add diving in the gorgeous Coiba National Park to your must-do list!
Alonnisos, Greece
Alonnisos is one of the best kept secret islands in Greece. Located off the coast of Pelion in Central Greece, it is a newer destination for ecotourists.
Plan to visit the National Marine Park of Alonissos as it is a nature reserve home to many marine species, plants and animals, including the Mediterranean monk seal. It is the largest marine protected area in Europe.
Next, visit the many mountains on the island for hikes, trails, and amazing views. Be sure to check out the highest peak at Kouvouli (which is 450m) at sunset. The walk takes about 45 minutes and you will be rewarded with amazing views as the sun drops.
Book a kayak tour to explore the local waterways and marine park or enjoy relaxing on the pristine beaches. And don’t worry, you’ll get your fix of Greek architecture with white washed houses through the old capital of Chora.
Eco Friendly hotels in Alonnisos:
Stay at the locally owned Ikion ECO Boutique Hotel. Its 13 room property has been renovated to create a green, safe, and energy efficient experience for visitors. It’s one of the most eco-friendly hotels in Greece.
Marpunta Resort is located along the coast near the marine park, but built up on a hill so you have incredible views. They have three private beaches, tennis courts, fitness centers, pools, and restaurants. They take their sustainability plan seriously with actions to reduce water consumption, recycle waste, reduce energy, and use eco friendly products.
Switzerland
Breath in the fresh mountain air in Switzerland! The first things that come to mind are the Alps, valleys, gorges, rivers, forest, and of course, Swiss cheese!
The country highly values sustainable travel and works hard to protect their unspoiled landscapes. They boast 19 Swiss Parks and conserve land via the Swiss Forest Act which requires at minimum that 30% of the country remains forested. Additionally, Swiss Airlines has committed to making operations carbon neutral by 2050 by utilizing sustainable aviation fuel.
Switzerland has so many things to do from skiing in the winter, exploring the cities, and hiking the many mountain ranges. I recommend a road trip through the country getting to take it all in. They have a vast public transit system so you can easily get around the whole country via train.
For a luxury experience, book a few nights at the Burgenstock Resort and Alpine Spa located on a 60 acre property along Lake Lucerne offering views of the Alps. The luxury wellness destination practices eco-friendly concepts like driving energy from the lake to help heat and cool the facilities.
Norway
Ecotourism in Norway is mostly associated with the stunning fjords which line the coast. The country prides themselves on their green practices which make them an example to the international tourism community.
You will visit Jaeren Beaches on the southern tip of Norway with 7 miles of conserved coastal area making it a pristine area to walk, bike and horseback ride.
Next, visit Hardangerfjord, the third largest fjord in the world. With over 100 miles of water, you will want to plan a kayak or boat tour to admire this impressive landmark.
And since the country is covered in snow for a large part of the year, plan to go dog sledding. What a great way to take in the beauty of the country by being pulled by a team of huskies! Truly a bucket list experience.
Additionally, you can’t go to Norway without a visit to the Lofoten Islands. It is one of the most stunning places in the country with charming fishing villages, hiking trails, fjords, and white sand beaches. If you time it right, you may even get lucky enough to see the northern lights!
Final Thoughts
And that is all for now on my list of top ecotourism destinations! You truly can’t go wrong exploring the natural beauty of our planet – so much to see and so little time. Wherever your travels take you, always do your part to sustain the wonderful place we call home.
Have you been to any of these ecotourism destinations? Any places you would add to the list? Let me know in the comments.
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