Caribbean EcotourismCaribbean Ecotourism is not an old concept. Only in the last few decades have people started to thin k in those terms and try to save the planet on one hand and visit and enjoy nature on the other. The idea is that many travel companies have been looking into an Alternative Tourism to minimize the negative influences on the environment produced in the past, by providing a nature oriented alternative to resort based tourism.
The Blue Iguana on the Cayman Islands Beaches
Do you have a story about your Caribbean Ecotourism vacation? Please share it with us and send your photos... Please share your story with the visitors of this site...Click here Practically all the Islands provide the setting for Caribbean Ecotourism. Although the isles are recognized for great exotic beaches blessed with white sand and clear waters and an incomparable weather, they also feature mountainous areas in their interior providing exuberant flora and fauna that can teach us what no university could do in any of it’s city campus of the big countries. I want to quote Baba Dioum that said “In the end we will only conserve what we love. We will only love what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught" Concern for the environment has helped change the face of Caribbean Ecotourism on the Islands and Central America. More and more, visitors are leaving the confines of their resorts and heading to mountains, reefs, animal sanctuaries, hiking trails and waterfalls. As interest in Caribbean Ecotourism continues to grow, so, too, does the preservation of these precious resources
El Yunque in Puerto Rico is the best example of Caribbean Ecotourism Few regions in the world can offer as much to Ecotourism as the Caribbean and Central America. From the flocks of spectacular scarlet ibis in Trinidad's Caroni Swamp to the Turks and Caicos Island's third largest coral reef system in the world. There is something for every nature lover and a growing number of hotels and tour operators available to assist in your adventure. Caribbean Ecotourism Highlights Dominica The best exponent of Caribbean Ecotourism is known as the "The Nature Island of the Caribbean," you can spot over 160 species of birds on Dominica including the Imperial Parrot and the purple throaty hummingbird. Barbuda Barbuda, Antigua's sister is host to an impressive site called Frigate Bird Sanctuary located at the Codrington Lagoon. It is just a short ferry ride and it’s worth every bit of it. Between September and April is the mating season. Its marvelous to see how the males display a large redbreast to attract the female mates. The frigate birds soar high to the clouds because do not swim or walk. They live solely of fish, most of the time “stolen” from other birds, giving them their name of man’o’war. Puerto Rico My lovely Isla del Encanto offers a great diversity of natural attractions. El Yunque Rainforest which is a Caribbean National Forest, is the number one site visited by tourists in Puerto Rico. It features about 240 different species of trees.
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Caribbean bird watching is at its best in St Lucia
St Eustatius The tiny island of St Eustatius, also called Statia offers visitors world class diving and great hiking in The Quill, a dormant volcano harboring a tropical rain forest. Saba Statia's sister island, Saba, has set up The Saba Conservation Foundation. This organization has a mission to preserve and manage Saba's natural and cultural heritage. It promotes the development of parks and protected areas, manages a network of hiking trails, encourages the preservation of historic buildings, and promotes supportive scientific research and education. Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has a strong commitment to its nature and Caribbean Ecotourism. Under the supervision of the Dirección Nacional de Parques (the National Parks Administration), it has designated a total of 68 protected areas , including panoramic routes, recreational areas, ecological corridors, national parks and scientific reserves. The Republica Dominicana has become a popular bird watching destination. The national bird is the cotica parrot, which are green, very talkative and a popular pet. Other birds include several types of parrots, hummingbirds, the guaraguao, Barrancolí and the Flautero.
The impressive corals of Bonaire Diving
Belize Among its nature treasures is the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, located thirty-miles northwest of Belize City. The sanctuary was established for the protection of resident and migrant birds. Consisting of a large network of inland lagoons and swamps, the sanctuary provides both the abundant food sources and the safe resting area that is necessary to support a large and diverse population of birds. Bonaire Bonaire Diving is second to none, it world renowned for its beautiful corals populating the western coast of this small beautiful island. Bonaire is part of the ABC Islands together with Curacao and Aruba.
They feature Buck Island off of St Croix, which is world famous for the beauty of its coral reefs and crystal clear water. Two thirds of St John is protected by the National Park Service. The United States is a great supporter of Caribbean Ecotourism. Guadeloupe Island Guadeloupe's National Park with its mascot, the "Ti-Raccoon", provides about 300 km of marked trails in the mountains of Basse Terre. They lead you into the center of one of the most beautiful rain forests of the Caribbean.
The International Ecotourism Society (TIES As the world's oldest and largest ecotourism organization, TIES is committed to promoting the principles of ecotourism and responsible travel. With the goal of uniting conservation, communities and sustainable travel, TIES serves its members in over 90 countries, as the global source of knowledge and advocacy in Ecotourism.
The parrots of Guadeloupe Island
I recommend the following hotels catering to Caribbean Ecotourism
Great Huts, Port Antonio Jamaica Built upon a 4 plus acre plateau atop the north east point of the Jamaica coast, our intimate vacation village of comfortably furnished dwellings, Wi-Fi communal areas, expansive cliff side views with dining areas, hammocks everywhere, lovely beach and sea pool, offers an Afro-Caribbean "roots" alternative to the traditional hotel or Villa. Activities range from total relaxation and quiet water sports to dramatic day trips such as for valley hiking, river rafting, mountain climbing or Kingston museum, gallery and historic sightseeing. Great Huts is Paradise on the Edge - Aboriginal yet modern, minimalist yet complex, off the beaten path but near the night life and happenings of Boston Bay and Port Antonio. Many a guest has said, "At Great Huts, spirituality, nature, heritage and technology converge!"
Higgins Landing an Eco Resort in Exuma Bahamas
Grand Palladium Riviera Resort & Spa Grand Palladium Riviera Resort & Spa is built on an estate of over 1.220.000 m2, right on the sea front and near a superb access to the beach. Located only 20 minutes from Playa del Carmen and 7 minutes from the village of Akumal. It shares facilities with the Grand Palladium White Sand Resort & Spa, the Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa and the Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa, except for the VIP area “The Royal Suites”. It’s important to point out that Grand Palladium Riviera Resort & Spa was constructed respecting the flora and fauna of the area, with all buildings blending into the surroundings. The design is an example of how the most modern and luxurious facilities can be built in perfect harmony with the natural environment of the Mayan Riviera.
An eco resort on Stocking Island, Exuma, Bahamas, Hotel Higgins Landing is an award winning eco resort located on beautiful and sparsely developed Stocking Island, Exuma, considered a "national treasure" of The Bahamas. The resort is accessed by boat only and is nestled into its pristine sea to lagoon location. On one side of the resort, guests can enjoy the shimmering sands of Silver Palms Beach, with "Higgins Landing Reef" just yards offshore. On the other side of the resort, is Turtle Lagoon. From this shore guests can bonefish or kayak, exploring other adjacent lagoons, "blue holes", underwater caves, mangrove ecosystems, and beaches. Above all, there is privacy. The resort is spread over several acres and is designated "hotel guests only". At any time there will be a maximum of only 12 guests. Each guest cottage has a spacious private deck and has been carefully sited to maximize views, privacy and ocean breezes. The resort also has a central dining building outdoor lounge overlooking Elizabeth Harbor and our Silver Palms Beach. In addition there is a "guests only" honor beach bar, a well stocked library and fitness equipment building. There is also a protected dock area for launching kayaks and docking boats. Truly a great escape, with all the luxuries of home, but absent glitz or pretensions.
Bonaire is a pioneer in Caribbean Ecotourism
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