Best Ecotourism Activities To Do in 2022

With our increasing consciousness of environmental threats, travelers are searching for ways to explore the world with the smallest footprint. Ecotourism focuses on activities that minimize our environmental impact while maximizing our experience.

Besides these main goals, ecotourism also seeks to: avoid harmful impacts on local communities, provide financial support for conservation efforts, and build environmental and cultural awareness among tourists. If you’re interested in ecotourism, check out this list of low-impact activities that will fully immerse you in any setting.

1. Hiking

The classic way to delve into ecotourism is through hiking. Hiking gives you direct contact with the scenery, not to mention fresh air and exercise.

It’s also a great chance to bring a picnic, a camera, or a swimsuit (for any lakes or rivers along the way!). As a good ecotourist, be sure to be respectful during your hike: don’t litter, damage nature, feed the animals, or wander off the trail.

2. Horseback Riding

For a more exciting form of transportation, your destination might offer horseback riding. This can be a great opportunity to commune directly with nature.

Even if you’ve never ridden before, most horse ranches are equipped for beginners. Look out for this chance to interact directly with some beautiful animals and possibly learn a new skill. 

3. Cycling 

If you want to cover more ground than on a hike, cycling might be the right choice for you. For a nearby destination, you can bring your own bike, but don’t worry if you’re going far away.

Lots of places, in the city or in nature, offer bicycle rentals. Bike riding can be a great alternative to other transportation: it gives you more freedom than public transportation, it’s cheaper than ride-sharing, and it does all this without polluting. Plus, you’ll have an unobstructed view of the scenery and a great workout to boot!

4. Eco-friendly Safari

For many travelers, going on a safari is high up on the wish list. A safari lets you see some of Earth’s most majestic animals in the wild. Unfortunately, not all safaris are eco-friendly. They are often disruptive to animal habitats and sometimes even associated with poaching.

But today, there are lots of conscientious safari options. These tours are based on respectful interaction with the wildlife, and the profits are reinvested into local conservation efforts.

5. Wildlife Viewing and Birdwatching 

Not everyone can travel on a safari, but that shouldn’t stop you from seeing wildlife. Professional guides (or a thorough booklet!) can help you identify local species and teach you about their behaviors and habitat.

This is especially popular for birdwatchers, but the list of wildlife you can see on such an excursion is endless. This is a great opportunity for photographers to get exceptional shots for their portfolios!

6. Observation of astronomical phenomena

Wildlife isn’t the only thing you’ll want to see on your vacation. If you’re traveling to more natural areas, it might be a great opportunity to go stargazing. Away from the cities, the skies will be free from the smog and light pollution that obscure our view of the night sky.

In fact, if you’re traveling between the north and south hemispheres, you’ll get to see a totally different map of constellations! Make sure to see if there will be any meteor showers during your visit.

But that’s not all: if you’re traveling far north, see if you’ll be able to spot the aurora borealis. Also known as the northern lights, this extraordinary phenomenon of dancing light is a sight to remember.

7. Sailing and Kayaking

Don’t forget; tourism doesn’t just have to be on land. For an eco-friendly way to explore local waterways, consider sailing or kayaking.

These activities are totally emissions-free and allow you to explore your destination from a different perspective. Unlike tour boats, you’re in complete control of your itinerary and pace. You’ll be able to see marine life and stunning views while enjoying the fresh air.

8. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving 

For some of us, watching the fish from the surface of the water just isn’t enough. Snorkeling and scuba diving brings you face to face with marine life. You can look forward to seeing not only diverse fish but also sea stars, coral reefs, turtles, and so much more.

Although scuba diving allows you to go more in-depth (literally!), it’s not for everyone. But don’t worry: snorkeling can be an absolutely magical experience as well.

9. Eco-friendly cruise 

Some ecotourists just want a laid-back vacation. Despite cruise ships’ bad reputation, today, there are hybrid-electric ships that take tourists on zero-emissions trips.

These cruises can take you to hard-to-reach corners of the ocean to witness the spectacular scenery and marine life. Meanwhile, you can relax luxury-style and learn all about the location you’re visiting.

10. Whitewater Rafting

Thrillseekers might be hoping for something a little more intense. Whitewater rafting takes tourists over river rapids of all different levels.

Fully immersed in nature, you can enjoy the scenery between rapids and then enjoy an all-natural “rollercoaster.” Whitewater rafting is a great group activity and can really build your teamwork skills.

11. Zip Lining

Another high-intensity travel activity is zip-lining. Experts attach you to a harness on a secure cord spanning across a valley or down a hill.

Your job is just to let go and zip along! This is an exhilarating and totally unique way to view the scenery.

12. Canopy Walk

If you’re going to a highly wooded area, keep an eye out for a canopy walk. A canopy walk takes place on a raised walkway, high up in the trees.

From there, you can experience the forest from a totally new angle. You’ll be able to see animals, plants, and views that you can’t see from the ground.

13. Voluntourism

For the activists out there, lots of organizations have opportunities for you to give back directly while you’re traveling. These programs usually arrange for you to work alongside local community members in their conservation efforts.

Some of these programs are paid, in which case the profits are usually reinvested into those local conservation efforts. In other programs, your contributions grant you free or discounted room and board.

Some of the work you do could include tree planting, flora and fauna rescue, or organic farming (like the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms). This is a great chance to see a new place, develop new relationships, and give back in a meaningful way.