Discover 7 Eco-Conscious Trips to Explore Our Oceans

Marine tourism presents a dilemma: while ocean encounters can spark a passion for conservation, they can also harm our planet. From coral damage on Egypt’s reefs to pollution affecting Thailand’s coastlines, a 2022 Reef World survey revealed that 95% of respondents believe the diving industry needs to take greater action for reef preservation.

Sustainable and ethical tourism can’t be tackled by a single organization. Instead, it thrives through a network of committed operators dedicated to safeguarding these experiences for future generations. Here are seven exceptional opportunities from around the globe.

Snorkeling Adventures in Indonesia

The Oceanic Society offers over 20 snorkeling expeditions worldwide, including a remarkable 12-day journey through Indonesia’s Raja Ampat islands. Aboard a sailing schooner, up to 10 participants explore Batanta Island, Waigeo Island, and more, diving into waters teeming with over 1,500 species of fish and marine mammals. Naturalist guides educate participants on local conservation efforts, utilizing sighting data to aid the region's preservation initiatives. Starting at $11,700

Join efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef in Australia

Travelers can earn their Open Water Diver certification while participating in a marine conservation tour with Australia’s No Limit Adventures off the coast of Cairns. During this 12-day journey, participants may engage in coral health surveys and species counting as part of the Australian government’s Eye on the Reef coral monitoring initiative. The itinerary also includes beach cleanups and a visit to the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. Starting at $2,454

Kayak in Antarctica

Travelers on Aurora Expeditions’ cruises to Antarctica can enhance their journey with guided sea-kayaking adventures. Designed for lower fuel consumption, the main ships of this Australian company allow guests to navigate smaller bays and iceberg routes that are inaccessible to larger Zodiacs using one- or two-person kayaks. Surcharge from $900

Dive in Iceland

Experience the North Atlantic with a Reykjavík-based tour from Dive.IS, an Icelandic dive center recognized with a Green Star Award by PADI for its dedication to conservation. This three-day adventure invites participants in drysuits to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula and the Golden Circle, encountering flatfish, wolffish, and other marine life. A highlight of the tour is Silfra in Thingvellir National Park—the only place globally where you can dive between two tectonic plates. From $1,069

Engage in citizen science in Mexico

The U.S.-based Vermilion Sea Institute organizes the six-day Stars to Sea trip in the Gulf of California, taking travelers to a field station in Bahía de los Ángeles to assist with whale shark research. Activities include underwater photography and data submission on whale sharks. Starting at $1,300

Dive in Malaysia

Based in Malaysia’s Perhentian Islands, a designated marine park, Sea Voice Divers offers diving experiences ranging from beginner discovery dives to PADI Rescue Diver certifications. From March to October, the scuba season provides excellent visibility, revealing blue-spotted stingrays, blacktip reef sharks, and hawksbill turtles among the vibrant corals. Sea Voice Divers is also certified by the Green Fins initiative, which assesses the environmental impact of marine tourism operators, ranking among the top 10 for low impact out of 116 members evaluated in person. Starting at $40 per person

Swim with dolphins in Portugal

For its two-hour dolphin snorkeling experience, the tour company Lobosonda follows strict regional marine tourism regulations aimed at safeguarding over 25 cetacean species that traverse the waters of Madeira. The tour accommodates up to eight snorkelers on its Zodiac boat, where a buoyed rope helps guide snorkelers as they float alongside species like the Atlantic spotted dolphin and short-beaked common dolphin. Starting at $95