Ecotourism has taken off around the globe as resorts respond to travelers' desires to lessen their environmental impact. Some resorts make an effort to hire locals or donate money toward the preservation of the native wildlife. Here, Forbes picks 10 fabulous green vacation spots that highlight nature while working to protect it and support the nearby community.
Compass Cay, Bahamas
At Compass Cay, a private island in the Bahamas, owner Tucker Rolle watches over a school of nurse sharks that are friendly enough to pet and feed. Guests can swim with the sharks or touch them from the dock as they poke their noses out of water. North of Compass Cay is Exuma Land and Sea Park, a 176-square-mile sanctuary for marine life. No fishing or taking anything is allowed, which also makes it a spectacular snorkeling and diving spot.
Alaska's Alsek River
River rafting doesn't get much better than this when you're charging down a Class IV rapid among towering glaciers. Tourism outfitter Mountain Travel Sobek of Emeryville, Calif., provides professionally guided tours through the glacier-studded Alsek River. The 12-day trip, which costs $3,695 plus airfare, starts in Haines Junction, Canada, and follows the Alsek River for 160 miles before ending in Dry Bay, Alaska. On optional day hikes to view wildlife, travelers may see moose, bears, mountain goats and eagles.
Santa Cruz Island
Just off the coast of Los Angeles are the Channel Islands--eight small islands often referred to as America's own Galapagos. The largest and most famous is Santa Cruz Island, with 77 miles of craggy coastline cliffs, giant sea caves, pristine tide pools and expansive beaches. The Nature Conservancy owns 76% of the island and has reintroduced the bald eagle and brought the Santa Cruz Island fox back from the brink of extinction.
Kenyan Safari
Spotting lions or zebras in Africa is nothing new, but Campi ya Kanzi, a wilderness conservation site and travel outfitter in Kenya, provides custom tours that take advantage of the local culture. The camp was built in partnership with the local Maasai tribe; 280,000 acres of the Kuku Group Ranch is protected native land. For each day a visitor spends at the camp, Campi Ya Kanzi will donate $100 to conserve the Maasai community and wildlife.
Caribbean Bird Watching
Check out Hotel Paraiso Caño Hondo, an eco-lodge that's situated on the border of Los Haitises National Park in the east coast of the Dominican Republic. With buildings that blend into the natural environment you can bird watch from your room. Or trek a bit farther for the chance to see the Ridgeway Hawk in the wild. Nature tours inside the park take you to see tropical forests, caves and mangrove trees.
Hike The Himalayas
Trekking through the Nepalese Himalayas isn't for the faint of heart, especially in the winter when the temperature drops below zero. Mountain Travel Sobek will customize a trip that lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Hike among snow-capped mountains and travel from India into Tibet with stunning views of the landscape below. Break in your boots before you go and take your camera--hiking among the world's tallest mountain range is something you'll want to remember.
Cruise Brazilian Wetlands
The Pantanal, on Brazil's western border, is the largest wetland in the world. It's home to thousands of animals, including the green iguana and the hyacinth macaw. Deforestation and cattle ranching have turned the Pantanal into a threatened ecosystem. However, some tour operators strive to minimize environmental impact. Natureco offers boat sightseeing, horseback-riding, hiking and night safaris with guides trained in spotting local wildlife.
Costa Rican Volcanoes
Terra Incognita Ecotours, an expedition travel company in Tampa, Fla., will let you stare into the heart of a volcano while sipping a cocktail from a safe distance. The famous Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica is one of the 10 most active in the world. A dip in the thermal pools near the top is a popular treat among visitors. Terra Incognita donates $250 dollars for each of its travelers to the Costa Rican Conservation Foundation to protect the threatened Three-wattled Bellbird and the Resplendent Quetzal.
Snorkeling in Indonesia
The Misool Eco Resort, on a private island that's a five-hour flight from Jakarta, prides itself on great diving in harmony with the environment. In 2005 the resort secured a 248-square-mile no-take zone--a protected stretch of sea that locals agree not to fish from. With cabins right on the water and "backyard" access to world-class diving, the Misool Resort looks tempting. Meals and lodging for seven nights starts at $2,200 per person.
Sea turtles in Grenada
Watch mother turtles lay eggs in the sand under the guidance of wildlife rehabilitator Dr. Marina Fastigi on Carriacou Island, part of Grenada in the West Indies. Fastigi has helped rescue iguana, tree boas, opossums, parrots, red-billed tropical birds, barn owls and turtles. Her Kido Ecological Research Station offers three- to 10-day tours that feature night walks on the beach or participation in the sea turtle tagging program.
