7 Destinations to Put on Your Ecotourism Bucket List

Hero image: A tour group explores a Galápagos beach; photo by Andres Mesias/Courtesy of HX

I don’t believe in travel regrets. I’ve enjoyed my time in some places more than others, to be sure. But even when I look back on trips hampered by luggage, flight and weather woes, I see them as opportunities for escaping my comfort zone and fine-tuning my worldview.

That said, I felt a pang one recent afternoon when a travel ad jumped out at me from the deluge of marketing spam. “Explore Costa Rica’s Rich Ecological Heritage,” it read, alongside an image of the San Juan streets I’d once explored post-college.

Thinking back on that trip, I realized I had been far too busy learning to mix a guaro sour and practicing Latin dance moves to give much thought to ecology. I had crinkled my nose at invitations to camp in Manuel Antonio National Park and hike to Arenal Volcano. A proud urban dweller, I admit the thought of “roughing it” simply didn’t appeal to me. It still doesn’t, if I’m honest.

Now I realize that I’d missed out because my perceptions of “ecotourism” couldn’t have been further from reality.

Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica; photo courtesy of Trafalgar

JOINING THE MOVEMENT

I learned that lesson years after that post-college trip, when I landed a writing gig with a large conservation nonprofit. In my interviews with field scientists, policy experts and indigenous stewards, I discovered that while protecting the planet is a serious matter, exploring it should be fun.

Moreover, the decades-long ecotourism boom that had existed in my mind as limited to the realm of outdoorsy types is actually made up of travelers like me—regular folks seeking all the luxury, scenery, adventure and cultural immersion that make travel worthwhile. That’s why I’ve decided to overhaul my travel bucket list, starting with the Costa Rican paradise I had overlooked.

Whitewater rafting on the Sarapiquí in Costa Rica; photo by Matthias Graben

BIODIVERSE COSTA RICA

In my six weeks there years ago, I was tangentially aware of Costa Rica’s reputation as a conservation leader. The regulatory signs alone are hard to miss, even for a happily clueless twentysomething. Now, with the click of an ad, I will be joining the thousands of ecotourists who flock to the Central American country each year for rainforest ecotours and a chance to see the astonishing array of wildlife, from playful monkeys to the elusive jaguar.

My home base will be Pachira Lodge, a luxury eco-hacienda where guests can engage with communities and contribute to the local economy through expert-led sustainability workshops, guided nature walks deep into Tortuguero National Park and rafting excursions along Rio Sarapiquí. On a guided jungle-and-sea adventure I booked for the latter part of my trip, I hope to experience the rejuvenating power of both while discovering the hidden corners of this breathtaking nation that I missed the first time around.

Nenana River in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska; photo by Pabrady63/stock.adobe.com

WILD ALASKA

Next up on my bucket list is another return visit, but this time the scenery changes drastically. When I was 24, I took an Alaska cruise, and I remember the view from the ship looking exactly like images from the glossy brochure that had beckoned me there: towering glaciers, whale sightings and landscapes so rugged that by day three I almost wondered if my former city life had been just a figment of my imagination.

But there’s a whole other Alaska I didn’t see, farther inland. This time, I’ll kayak through the icy waters of the Tanana River for a closer look at spawning salmon, peregrine falcons and other riverine wildlife. As a guest of Pike’s Waterfront Lodge in Fairbanks, I’ll travel the scenic Alaska Railroad to Denali National Park via domed railcar and rehash the day’s adventures over chef-prepared meals sourced locally with almost zero waste.

Heart Reef near Australia’s Whitsunday Islands; photo by Tanya/stock.adobe.com

AUSTRALIA’S CORAL REEFS

Like millions of other travel lovers, I’ve long dreamed of visiting Australia but couldn’t justify flying 20-plus hours to get there—until now. Call it wisdom or plain old impatience, but I’m motivated to take the leap for one simple reason: There’s only one Great Barrier Reef, and despite Australia’s concerted conservation efforts, it might not be around forever.

Fortunately, I have peace of mind knowing I can book with one of several eco-certified cruise lines in the region that are committed to minimizing environmental impact and supporting coral restoration projects. Similarly, the eco-lodges near Daintree Rainforest partner with indigenous groups to give guests a unique cultural experience among some of the world’s oldest ecosystems.

Endangered black rhinoceros in the grassland of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya, East Africa; photo by Diana Robinson

PURPOSE-DRIVEN KENYA SAFARI

For years, I’ve daydreamed of taking a safari through Kenya’s iconic savannas. But until recently, I didn’t grasp the profound damage inflicted on this land by years of irresponsible tourism. I know now that my lifelong dream of witnessing a herd of African elephants won’t hold much meaning unless I know I’m doing my part to ensure their survival.

That’s why my dollars will go to one of Kenya’s many certified eco-camps that blend luxury with sustainability by using renewable energy and supporting wildlife conservation projects. These camps work hand in hand with community-led conservancies like Ol Pejeta, whose practices serve as a region-wide model for responsible safari tourism. Tours to Kenya with AAA Travel partner Trafalgar visit the conservancy, where guests learn about the plight of Africa’s rhinos.

Blue-footed boobies in the Galápagos; photo by Ashton Ray Hansen/Courtesy of HX

CONSERVATION-MINDED GALÁPAGOS

For many a world traveler, a visit to the Galápagos Islands with their giant tortoises, marine lizards and blue-footed boobies is a lifetime goal. I know it is for me. So ecologically important and fragile are these islands (97 percent of the land area is designated as national park) and the surrounding marine reserve that the Galápagos was among the very first sites named to the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The Ecuadorian government takes strict measures to ensure that these wild areas remain that way. I can help by traveling with cruise lines like Silversea Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) and Lindblad Expeditions that minimize their ecological impact, work cooperatively with a host of conservation organizations, and employ scientists and certified naturalists to lead their tours.

Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon in Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland; photo by Pavel Kašák/stock.adobe.com

ICONIC ICELAND

Since the ’90s, my fascination with the singer Björk has been fueled by images of the dramatic landscapes of her Icelandic home. Now, I get the chance to explore this mysterious world of my adolescent fantasies in good conscience, thanks to Iceland’s nationwide “Leave No Trace” standards for sustainable hospitality and visitor education.

My Iceland adventure will start with a guided tour of Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier, as well as award-winning eco-villages designed with sustainable construction and renewable energy in mind. From this responsible jumping-off point, I can immerse myself in Icelandic scenery and culture without sacrificing luxury and comfort.

Molokini Crater, Hawai’i; photo by Stuart Westmorland/Danita Delimont/stock.adobe.com

RICHLY DIVERSE HAWAI‘I

My final bucket-list adventure—at least for now—once again takes me back to a familiar place for a totally new perspective. I’ve been fortunate to enjoy many Hawaiian vacations, but this will be my first time stepping beyond bustling Waikīkī to experience the azure waters of Molokini Crater. Snorkeling in this partially submerged caldera is more than a feast for the senses; it’s a lesson in marine habitat management, with local experts sharing insights on the delicate coral reefs and efforts to protect them.

From my Big Island headquarters at the Fairmont Orchid resort and spa, I’ll join a nature walk through Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge to learn about efforts to preserve native bird species like the ‘Akikiki and ‘I‘iwi. Later, I’ll explore the storied lava-rock carvings at Puakō Petroglyph Archeological Park before heading back to the resort for spectacular island fare and cultural performances at the Hawai‘i Loa Lū‘au.

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When I embarked on this exercise, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But to my surprise, I found that with each new place I researched through an eco-conscious lens, my yearning grew to escape the bustle (and, admittedly, too-frequent grind) of city life. That’s not to say I’ll relocate to the Costa Rican jungles or Hawaiian Islands anytime soon, but I’m drawn to the potential healing effects of nature and the relaxed pace that these places offer. I’ve also found a renewed sense of responsibility for planning all my future travel—leisurely tropical vacations and routine business trips alike.

I realize now that so-called green travel is about much more than choosing carbon-neutral routes, using rideshare programs and limiting single-use plastic. It’s about understanding the landscape, history and culture of a place—perhaps especially urban areas that face unique ecological challenges—and finding ways to give back as much or more than I take.

Ultimately, by embracing a more mindful and sustainable approach to travel, I hope to leave a lighter footprint on the world while gaining a deeper appreciation for its natural wonders and cultural treasures.