5 Ways To Experience Ecotourism in Florida

With an ever growing demand on the tourism industry to be more ecologically responsible, Florida has become a hot spot for ecotourism.

With so many options for this environmentally friendly trend available in Florida, we’ve put together a short list of five of our favorite ways to explore this scenic state while staying green.

But first:

What is Ecotourism?

Ecotourism is perfect for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint, but still have a travel bug that demands to be itched.

This responsible way to see the world allows tourists to be conscious of their environmental impact while still ticking off the items on that ever growing bucket list. 

This means participating in greener activities that involve less pollution, such as swapping out a motorboat for a kayak, or hiking or biking through a park rather than taking a motorized vehicle.

It also means increased attention towards visiting endangered places or species, with a focus on education — learning about the negative role human impact has played on the area and what measures can be taken to slow it.

So with that in mind, here are five quintessential Florida experiences that you can feel great about.

Trip to Myakka State Park

Located just half an hour out of Sarasota, FL, Myakka State Park is one of Florida’s oldest protected areas and largest parks, with over 35,000 acres of forests and wetlands. 

Here, tourists can hike the many walking trails and maybe even catch a glimpse of some of the exotic wildlife, such as hogs, deer, gopher turtles, turkeys, alligators and even the occasional panther. 

A must do in this popular state park is the canopy walkway, an incredible suspended structure that spans 100 feet for pristine viewing of the Myakka flora and fauna. 

Primitive camping allows you really get in touch with nature and for those that want to see massive alligators by the dozens, a hike to Deep Hole will certainly deliver.

Kayaking Through the Mangroves 

Kayaking is a great way to stay green and active while exploring these unique trees — the only trees in the world that thrive in saltwater. Mangroves sometimes create mangrove tunnels which offer a unique kayaking and photographic opportunity.

Many experts believe that these unique water trees may be carrying a considerable amount of weight in the fight against climate change, due to their ability to store massive amounts of carbon. This prevents this harmful fossil fuel from entering the air and impacting the environment negatively. 

Scuba diving 

Enjoying the underwater world past Florida’s white sandy coastline is a dream for any traveler, especially with the chance to see incredible wildlife like manatees, dolphin, and sea turtle in some of the best scuba spots in the world.

Florida also provides visitors with the chance to dive into a coral reef, a perfect opportunity for education on how important these underwater ecosystems are to our climate.  Venice, Florida is known as the Shark Tooth Capital of the World and divers find fossilized sharks teeth millions of years old.

Bird Watching

There’s no better way to learn about how important birds are to the environment than watching them, solo or on a guided tour! 

With so many exotic bird species that head to Florida during spring, this migration hotspot is one of the best places in the world for bird watching.

Keen eyes may be able to pick out the Snowy Egret perched on mangrove roots, the unmissable colors of the Roseate Spoonbill, or the great Osprey as it hunts for its next meal atop utility poles, a common sight in Southwest Florida. 

Grab your binoculars and a friend and head out to one of the many guided bird watching tours in Florida for an unforgettable learning experience.

Sailing the Gulf of Mexico

Cut out the motors and enjoy the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico with the power of wind!

Sailing is a great, ecologically responsible way to traverse the Gulf, whether you’re an experienced sailor, or looking to take your first lesson — there’s something for sailors of all skill levels in Florida. 

With so many options available for incredible experiences that are also kind to the environment, Florida is a great state to live in for experiencing nature the way we should be. 

Are you interested in living near these amazing activities? Contact Gulf Shores Realty today to learn more!