ecotourism
Sustainable nature vacations
Ecotourism is travel to natural areas that aims to conserve the environment and benefit local communities.
The term combines ecological awareness with tourism, emphasizing minimal impact and education: The Costa Rican rainforest draws ecotourism from around the world.
In practice, ecotourism ranges from genuinely sustainable travel to conventional tourism with a green veneer.
Range of life forms
- reforestationReplanting depleted woodlands
- anti-poachingCombating illegal animal killing
- rewildingRestoring natural ecosystems
- stewardshipResponsible care of entrusted things
Wildlife observation journey
- trekkingLong-distance foot travel
- kayakingNavigating slim watercraft seated
- snorkelingSurface swimming with breathing tube
- divingEntering water deliberately
ziplining · rafting · paddleboarding · birdwatching · caving · mountaineering · expedition · backpacking
Wet tropical woodland ecosystem
- coral-reefSubmarine calcium carbonate ecosystem
- wetlandsWater-saturated terrain
- mangrovesSalt-water coastal trees
- savannaTropical grassland, sparse trees
jungle · watershed · tundra · grasslands · estuary
Minimally stressful on body
- carbon-neutralNet-zero emissions state
- eco-lodgesSustainable tourism accommodations
- solar-poweredEnergized by sunlight
- organicFrom living matter
plastic-free · off-grid · permaculture · energy-efficient · biodegradable
biodiversity
Range of life forms
- reforestationReplanting depleted woodlands
- anti-poachingCombating illegal animal killing
- rewildingRestoring natural ecosystems
safari
Wildlife observation journey
- trekkingLong-distance foot travel
- kayakingNavigating slim watercraft seated
- snorkelingSurface swimming with breathing tube
diving · ziplining · rafting · paddleboarding · birdwatching · caving · mountaineering · expedition · backpacking · island-hopping
rainforest
Wet tropical woodland ecosystem
- coral-reefSubmarine calcium carbonate ecosystem
- wetlandsWater-saturated terrain
- mangrovesSalt-water coastal trees
savanna · jungle · watershed · tundra · grasslands · estuary
low-impact
Minimally stressful on body
- carbon-neutralNet-zero emissions state
- eco-lodgesSustainable tourism accommodations
- solar-poweredEnergized by sunlight
organic · plastic-free · off-grid · permaculture · energy-efficient · biodegradable
homestays
Tourist accommodation with families
citizen-science
Public participation in research
- ecologyhabitat, balance, niche, food webs, food chain
- ecosystem servicespollination, carbon sequestration, water purification, climate regulation, air purification
- South American CoastHumboldt Current, sea lions, penguins, anchovies, fishing industry
- Saloum Deltatidal creeks, channels, lagoons, estuaries, islands
- tourismtourists, sightseeing, guided tours, heritage sites, travelers
- Travel/VacationHawaii, beaches, hotels, camping, national parks
ecotourismall-inclusive resorts
Prepaid vacation properties with amenities
tourist traps · sex tourism · dark tourism · slum tourism · voluntourism
ecotourismmass tourism
Large-scale commercial travel
cruise ships · Disneyfication · tourist traps · all-inclusive resorts