Eco-Friendly Travel IN FLORIDA

    Ecotourism in the Sunshine

    Travelers from all over the globe are compelled by Florida’s natural environment – its springs, oceans, beaches, forests, and wildlife – and by the beauty those allures can bring to the soul.

    The Sunshine State is committed to responsible tourism, and to the preservation of this paradise for future generations.

    Here’s where to learn about Florida’s eco-friendly attractions, activities, dining, transportation and lodging, and how to practice voluntourism while you’re here.

      

    Flamingo Gardens Ecotourism Resources

    When you think Everglades, you probably think airboat. If that’s not your speed, then slow things down with a pole boat tour, like this one with Everglades Adventure Tours. Ecotourism Tips

    Overhead view of rainbow springs river with kayaks on riverbank Volunteer on Your Vacation

    Green Activities and Attractions

    Check out the eco-friendly attractions, activities, transportation and lodging options, and how you can volunteer your time, in these Florida locations.

    Destin’s sugar-white sand beaches, tranquil emerald waters and plentiful marine life offer many adventures for the eco-tourist. Destin

    The SQUID is a solar-powered, electric charter boat that provides dolphin watch and snorkel tours out of Key West. Florida Keys

    : Blue Moon Outdoor Adventures is one of many outfitters to offer eco-tours and kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale

    The University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science offers “Citizen Science” opportunities for guests to accompany scientists on shark tagging expeditions. Miami

    John D. MacArthur Beach State Park in North Palm Beach boasts a pristine beach and a tropical forest. Palm Beaches

    Volunteers help the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program plant native plants in parks and preserves. Sarasota

    Fort Myers is known for having the state’s largest population of burrowed owls, a threatened species which nest in tunnels underground. Tours are offered by Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife. Fort Myers

    Many come to Florida’s Paradise Coast to see its vibrant bird population, like this family of Anhingas. Naples

    Panama City Beach has two state parks and miles of pristine beaches. Panama City Beach

    Climb the 219 steps to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse of unpanelled views of the First Coast. St. Augustine

    A day at the beach is always on the agenda for campers at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park in Jacksonville. There are several access points to the beach including a boardwalk over coastal dunes. Jacksonville

    Gopher Gopher tortoises are one of the protected species on the Oakland Nature Preserve. Orlando

    Scuba dive Pensacola Beach’s five sites along the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Dive Trail. Pensacola

    The Saturday Morning Market draws thousands of people to the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront to buy produce and prepared foods from more than 150 vendors. St. Pete-Clearwater

    Backwoods Crossing in Tallahassee takes the farm-to-table concept one step further by combining a family-friendly eatery with an onsite farm and produce from local farms. Tallahassee

    Ybor City Walking Tours guides regale visitors with the history of Ybor City, which is a U.S. National Historic Landmark District. Tampa Bay

    Massive, craggy rocks combined with crashing ocean waves result in the phenomenon that gives Blowing Rocks Preserve its name: geysers that can reach as high as 50 feet. Martin County

    Marineland St. Augustine

    Come along with Marineland on a Ripple Effect ecotour in St. Augustine.

    Dolphin Research Center

    St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge

    Seacrest Wolf Preserve

    Ravine Gardens State Park

    More Eco-Friendly Activities

    A series of springs feed the Wacissa River and keep its waters crystal clear. Wacissa River by Airboat

    The Sarasota Bay Explorers eco-boat tour at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is an up-close way to learn about natural Florida. Eco-Boat Tours

    Fort Clinch State Park is one of Florida's oldest state parks. Superlative Ecotourist Spots

    Madison Blue Spring State Park in Lee, near Tallahassee, features a first magnitude spring that empties into the Withlacoochee River. 8 Destinations for Wildlife & Scenery

    St. Andrews State Park near Panama City Beach features sugar white sands, emerald green waters, and a vast array of ever-changing winged creatures since the park is a popular migratory stopover for numerous bird and butterfly species. Besides boasting a mile-and-a-half of beaches for fishing and swimming, St. Andrews also offers the chance for visitors to stroll through pines, dunes and coastal plant communities, or set up camp in a shady campground or primitive group area. 5 Ecotour Destinations

    The horticulture experts at SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando and Discovery Cove are managing bees in a profoundly different and more enlightened way. How SeaWorld is Saving Honeybees

    Florida is for Ecotourism

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