Top 10 Eco Tours for Earth Day Celebration

How are you celebrating Earth Day? Consider venturing into the stunning natural wonders of our planet during your cruise. Here are the 10 finest ways to immerse yourself in nature across destinations like The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, and Hawaii.

1. Experience Zip Lining in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

The rainforests of Puerto Vallarta offer a sprawling wilderness ready for your exploration. One of the most exhilarating ways to take in the stunning landscapes, vibrant flora, and diverse wildlife is by zip lining through the forest canopy. Embark on a thrilling adventure that lets you glide above waterfalls and soar up to 200 feet high over the verdant scenery below.

2. Swim with Dolphins in Tortola, British Virgin Islands

When you arrive in Tortola, you’ll fall in love with the pristine white-sand beaches, lush green mountains, and sparkling turquoise waters. This beautiful island is also home to the Dolphin Discovery Facility. Spend some time there to learn about these amazing creatures, then have a personal encounter with them. You can enjoy interacting with the dolphins in the water under the guidance of a dolphin trainer.

3. Snorkel in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The Sea of Cortez offers fantastic snorkeling experiences in both Santa Maria Bay and Chileno Bay. If diving isn't your thing, snorkeling is the perfect way to explore the vibrant underwater world. With crystal-clear waters in the bays, you can enjoy breathtaking views whether you’re floating on the surface or diving below. You’ll be surrounded by over 50 species of fish, gaining a true appreciation for the marine wonders beneath the waves.

4. Kayaking in Bermuda

Experience the marine environment from a kayak while visiting Bermuda. Glide past over 12 historic islands, often referred to as the apex of the Bermuda Triangle. Additionally, you’ll share your journey with a captivating array of plants, birds, and marine life.

5. Uncover a Hidden River in Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel boasts one of the region's most stunning natural wonders, concealed for millions of years. Now, you can explore a network of caves linked by an underground river. Prepare to walk and swim through these caverns, where you’ll marvel at incredible natural formations, including towering stalactites and stalagmites.

6. Interact with Stingrays at Half Moon Cay, The Bahamas

Half Moon Cay is a private island in the Bahamas, featuring the same stunning beaches and lush vegetation found on other Bahamian islands. However, it also hosts the friendly stingrays at Stingray Cove. Here, you can enjoy an educational experience about the life and habitat of these fascinating creatures. With the guidance of an instructor, you can equip yourself with snorkeling gear to get up close to touch and feed these enchanting animals.

7. Explore a Tropical Botanical Garden in Hilo, Hawaii

While in Hilo, Hawaii, be sure to check out the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, often referred to as the “Garden in a Valley by the Ocean.” This natural valley acts as a greenhouse, attracting visitors from across the globe. The garden is home to over 2,000 species of tropical plants from various regions. You'll find an impressive array of orchids alongside unique plants like the “Lobster Claw” and the intriguing “Bat” plant.

8. Explore Caves in Barbados

Barbados, a beautiful island in the eastern Caribbean, is celebrated for its stunning beaches and lush botanical gardens. One of its natural wonders is Harrison’s Cave. To reach this cave, you'll hike through the rich landscapes of Barbados, where you might encounter a variety of native birds or even a green monkey. Upon arriving at the cave entrance, you'll walk through the cave’s natural passages, marveling at the karsts—naturally occurring ridges, towers, and sinkholes.

9. Participate in Marine Turtle Conservation in Mazatlan, Mexico

No trip to Mazatlan is complete without visiting the “Estrella del Mar” turtle sanctuary. You’ll receive a behind-the-scenes tour where you can learn about the efforts of marine biologists dedicated to saving various endangered sea turtles. They collect turtle eggs and incubate them; what started with 40 nests has now grown to thousands saved each year. You'll even have the opportunity to interact with the turtles in a special holding tank before helping to release a baby turtle into the ocean.

10. Stroll Among the Butterflies on St. Maarten

St. Maarten is a Caribbean island that features a French side and a Dutch side, commonly referred to as Sint Maarten. One of the most delightful eco-friendly activities on the island is a visit to the Butterfly Farm. It's rare to have a close encounter with butterflies in their natural habitat, as they rarely stay in one spot for long. However, at the Butterfly Farm, you'll find exhibition areas filled with hundreds of butterflies fluttering in beautifully landscaped gardens. Don't forget to take a moment to hear the fascinating stories about these creatures from knowledgeable guides.

As you can see, discovering the natural treasures of our world is easy, no matter where your vacation takes you this year. Just choose a destination and create your own Earth Day celebration.