Best Ecotourism Activities Around the World

From diving in crystal blue waters to hiking the highest mountains, here is a list of ten ecotourism activities you can do across the globe for an unforgettable adventure without harming the planet. 

As the world wakes up to climate change and the ecological impact of our lifestyle, the travel industry is evolving.

Today, ecotourism is one of the most popular forms of travel, focused on protecting the environment and benefiting local communities.

Ecotourism is an incredible way to discover a destination whilst reducing your carbon footprint and minimising your overall impact. It allows you to slow down and truly connect with the places you visit.

One of the easiest ways to become a more responsible traveller is to take part in ecotourism activities. Most of them are free and can be organised anywhere in the world. 

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Overview: examples of ecotourism activities

1. Hiking & trekking
2. Cycling
3. Kayaking & Canoeing
4. Scuba diving & snorkelling
5. Sailing 
6. Eco-friendly Safari
7. Stargazing
8. Horseback Riding
9. Hot air ballooning
10. Volunteering

10 ideas for ecotourism activities

Are you looking for examples of ecotourism? Here is a list of 10 sustainable activities you can do worldwide to live a unique experience whilst having a positive impact on people and our planet:

1- Hiking & trekking 

What better way to explore your destination than on foot? 

Embarking on a scenic hike is a unique way to immersive yourself in nature and offers to walk through local villages that you might not otherwise be able to explore.

And the opportunities are endless! Wherever you decide to go, there will likely be hiking trails from easy to difficult for all abilities, ranging from one-hour walks to multi-day excursions. It is also an ideal activity for families or solo travellers. 

Finally, if you plan your route yourself, be mindful of where you go. Some trails attract attention from social media, causing environmental issues such as path erosion. If you can, reconsider your itinerary using fewer walked paths, but always stick to pre-existing trails to protect local land. 

📱 Best free hiking app: AllTrails

♻️ Eco-tips:

• Always stay on the path when you hike.
• Pick up your trash or any you come across.
• Smile and be grateful to the locals for welcoming you.
• Avoid making fires.
• Use a reusable water bottle.

2- Cycling

Cycling is another excellent way to move freely whilst reducing your carbon footprint. 

It can be as simple as renting bikes for a day and exploring your destination (or island!), or you can organise multi-day trips and strap your bag to your bike and venture when cars can not. 

The possibilities are, once again, endless. And if you can, try to always prioritise cycling over driving. Another way to reduce the impact of tourism is sightseeing your destination by bike. Renting is a great option that easily adapts to the needs of everyone, and it allows you to exercise whilst uniquely enjoying the outdoors. 

Check out EuroVelo to plan your trip and map your route across Europe.

📱 Best free cycling app: Bikemap

♻️ Eco-tips:

• Always stay on the road or path.
• Use a reusable water bottle.
• Do not litter.
• Use eco-friendly cleaning and maintenance products. 

3- Kayaking & Canoeing

Kayaking is one of the cleanest and easiest ways to enjoy the water and coastlines, especially in areas inaccessible to cars. As kayaks are driven by humans rather than engines, they emit no gases and are not harmful to the environment. 

They also allow you to discover your destination from another angle whilst slow travelling (= taking the time to appreciate your surroundings and connect with nature). 

Renting a kayak is a great option and can adapt to all needs and levels – from the quiet river to the wavy Atlantic Ocean.

📱 Best free kayaking app: Go Paddling

♻️ Eco-tips:

• Do not pollute and litter.
• Be respectful of wild animals.
• Avoid crowded places.
• Be mindful of where you step and fragile plants.

4- Scuba diving and snorkelling

Immerse yourself in an entirely different world and explore marine life and its fragility through scuba diving and snorkelling. 

Discovering the underwater world is an unforgettable experience – for adults and children. 

You can either snorkel on your own or decide to join an eco-friendly tour operator and scuba diving agency to explore the beauty of the ocean in a sustainable way.

However, choose your dive centre carefully. Look out for dive schools or snorkelling tour operators working responsibly – Green Fins is a great example.

📱 Best free snorkelling app: Dive+

♻️ Eco-tips:

• Pick up any trash you encounter.
• Wear reef-safe sunscreen.
• Consider more local diving.
• Do not feed or touch sea life.
• Remember, you are only a visitor in the underwater world, be mindful and grateful. 

5- Sailing 

Sailing is another great way to reduce your impact and enjoy the ocean responsibly.

Whether you want to sail in the open sea or on a small lake, the possibilities are broad and for all levels – from leisure to thrilling sport. 

You can easily rent a sailboat for a day trip, which is a beautiful opportunity to discover your destination from another angle and allows you to explore remote lands and unique areas. 

In addition, sailing gives you the chance to experience other eco-friendly activities, such as swimming, snorkelling or hiking. 

📱 Best free sailing app: Go Sailing

♻️ Eco-tips:

• Dispose of waste appropriately.
• Take reusable cups and bottles.
• Wear reef-safe sunscreen.
• Be careful where and how you drop the anchor.
• Respect the rules in harbours.

6- Eco-friendly Safari

Safari is one of the most popular activities, allowing you to discover wildlife in an immersive way. However, there is an ongoing debate about whether or not these expeditions are ethical. 

Doing your research and educating yourself on this topic is essential. 

More and more tour operators are promoting eco-friendly safaris that benefit the local communities and protect wildlife. They are a beautiful way to enjoy a new culture and learn more about flora and fauna whilst giving back and positively impacting people.

You can either reserve your tour with a local travel operator or take the time to volunteer (GVI, Fronteering).

Finally, safaris are most popular in Africa but do not hesitate to look further as they are everywhere. For example, Costa Rica is another great place to observe wildlife and learn about biodiversity. 

📱 Best safari app: KrugerExplorer

♻️ Eco-tips:

• Choose your tour operator carefully.
• Join a small group tour.
• Do not feed, touch or get too close to animals.
• Use a reusable water bottle.
• Do not litter
• Say no to plastic.

7- Stargazing

Stargazing is an activity often forgotten, yet one of the most fascinating.

From meteorites to constellations and lunar eclipses, these are just some of the astronomical phenomena you can observe from anywhere – step outside, slow down and look up.

Stargazing is an eco-friendly activity with the right approach. You can watch the sky yourself by moving away from the city and air pollution, or hire a local guide to teach you the local history and connection to the universe. 

In addition, if your hotel has an observation deck to appreciate the sky, take advantage of it and learn as much as you can. 

You can also combine stargazing with other eco-friendly activities such as hiking, camping or night photography.

📱 Best free stargazing app: Star Walk 2

♻️ Eco-tips:

• Try to observe the sky from where you are – only move if necessary.
• You do not need a telescope to become a stargazer (use your eyes!).

8- Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is a great way to experience the diversity and wealth of your destination and travel through different landscapes. 

You can enjoy this eco-friendly activity no matter your level – from beginner to advanced rider.

However, because horseback riding involves animals, being mindful of choosing an ethical tour operator is crucial.

If you consider joining a horseback riding tour, there are easy ways to tell if the horse is happy and healthy. For example, look for the body condition, weight, and feet state, do a visual check of the stable, pay attention to the way horses are treated (no physical abuse), and inspect the tack that the horse will wear.

Choosing a responsible horseback riding tour can help break the cycle of poor horse management and ensure that the horse will enjoy the experience as much as you do. 

📱 Best free horse riding app: Equilab Equestrian Tracker

♻️ Eco-tips:

• Choose your tour operator carefully.
• Use a reusable water bottle.
• Do not trash.

9- Hot air ballooning

Rise above the landscape and discover your destination from an exceptional point of view with hot air ballooning, a unique eco-friendly activity that will give you unforgettable memories.

Today, hot air balloons are becoming increasingly more sustainable through different green practices, such as recycling, using sustainable materials and non-toxic gases like Propane. It is insoluble in water and harmless to the soil, making it one of the lightest hydrocarbons and cleanest burning of all alternative fuels.

When booking a hot air balloon company, do your research and look for green practices and eco-friendly balloons. It might be slightly more expensive, but it will significantly reduce your carbon footprint.

📱 Best hot air balloon app: Hot Air

♻️ Eco-tips:

• Choose your tour operator carefully.
• Dispose of waste appropriately.
• Pack your bag mindfully.
• Do not take too many items.

10- Volunteering 

Whether it is rebuilding trails in a national park, cleaning up beaches or providing assistance to local communities, volunteering is a beautiful way to travel the world whilst giving back and making a difference. It also allows you to immerse yourself in another culture and encounter unique landscapes. 

Furthermore, volunteering will give you the knowledge and a deeper understanding of tourism effects and how to help and support biodiversity and communities. 

It is also a great place to meet and connect with like-minded people.

Here are some volunteering organisms you can join – GVI, Fronteering, Plan My Gap Year. 

You can also join researchers on unique expeditions across the globe with Earth Watch. They will connect you with scientists to conduct environmental research and empower you with the knowledge you need to conserve the planet.

What is ecotourism?

According to The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), ecotourism can be defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education”. 

In other words, ecotourism means providing positive experiences to visitors and hosts whilst developing a culture of environmental respect and having a positive social and economic impact.

Ecotourism is about “uniting conservation, communities and sustainable travel” (TIES) to ensure a better and more viable long-term future for the industry and our planet.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

• The Complete Guide to Sustainable Travel
• 10 Best Travel Apps for Exploring Sustainably
• Carbon Offset your Flights: What, Why & How
• 8 Best Filtered Water Bottles for Travel & Hiking

Download your free sustainable travel checklist ↓

Why does ecotourism matter?

Problems of tourism 

Today, tourism, a $9 trillion industry, has many negative impacts on our planet, including the destruction of lands, wildlife and historical sites. As a result, it is vital to learn more and understand the effects of travelling.

To ensure a viable expansion of the tourism industry, our habits must change. Creating safe and responsible travel to protect our planet and communities is crucial.

Despite the negative consequences, tourism remains an incredible way to experience the world and its beauty, share and connect with others, and generate economic benefits for a local area. And these positive outcomes should be the priority.

benefits of ecotourism

Ecotourism has many benefits and should be one of the leading forms of travel. It is an incredible way to reduce your impact whilst enjoying the outdoors.

Here are five good things about ecotourism:

1. Provide financial benefits for wildlife and conservation.
2. Minimise impacts and carbon footprints.
3. Help construct and operate low-impact facilities.
4. Build environmental and cultural awareness.
5. Generate economic advantages for local communities.

How to choose ethical ecotourism activities?

Choosing ecotourism activities or ethical tour operators is not always easy, as a company might promote green practices they do not follow in real life. Consequently, that is why paying attention is essential. 

To help you, here are some key signs of a responsible activity or tour operator. They:

• Promote sustainable practices.
• Benefit the local communities.
• Use eco-friendly supplies and equipment. 
• Preserve flora and fauna.
• Do not harm wildlife. 
• Educate on conservation. 
• Celebrate the local culture.
• Treat staff and locals with respect.

Of course, these are only guidelines. You should educate yourself about your destination and ask as many questions as possible. And never take part in activities that do not seem right or hurt animals.

reading inspiration

And if you want more, here are interesting books on the top destinations and activities to travel greener (“used books” available):

Best ecotourism activities – FAQ

What are your favourite ecotourism activities? Do you have any other suggestions?
Let me know in the comments below!

With love ♡
Lucie