14 Best Ecotourism Activities to Try in 2024
As the environment becomes increasingly vulnerable and exploited, ecotourism provides a way for travelers to lessen their ecological footprint and reduce their impact on the planet. Better yet, well-run ecotourism has the potential to promote environmental awareness, support conservation efforts, and benefit local populations.
Keep reading for ways to get involved with ecotourism for yourself, thanks to our list of the 14 best ecotourism activities for 2024.
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What is ecotourism?
Ecotourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in the tourism industry, and involves “responsible travel to natural areas” while conserving the environment and sustaining the wellbeing of the local population.
In that way, ecotourism creates added value for tourists (through meaningful and immersive experiences) — but it also protects native biodiversity, empowers local communities, and educates travelers on environmental issues and potential solutions.
Note: For ecotourism to truly be successful, it has to involve local people in the planning, implementation, and management of whatever gets developed. That way, you can ensure ecotourism is done responsibly to support the local infrastructure/economy.
The easiest way to include responsible travel in your itinerary is to take part in ecotourism activities, which help you safely enjoy nature in all its glory.
14 best ecotourism activities to try in 2024
1. Best ecotourism activity for meeting new people: Small group tours
Small group tours are an amazing way to explore the world, and to do so more mindfully. When you partner with a sustainable travel company, you’ll have an opportunity to see some truly breathtaking sites as ethically (and safely) as possible. Plus, group tours give you a chance to meet new people who are just as eager to travel while also protecting the planet.
Slowmad Central recommends: Worldwide ecotourism expeditions with G Adventures
2. Best ecotourism activity for multi-day excursions: Hiking or trekking
The beauty of going for a hike (or multi-day trek) is that it’s just you and nature passing the time together. While you’re on the trail, you can enjoy the scenery, breathe in the fresh air, and let all your day-to-day worries melt away. Not to mention, there’s tons of different options with hiking — from beginner-friendly outings to advanced excursions through the mountains or desert.
Slowmad Central recommends: A hiking holiday through Spain with Sierra & Sol
3. Best ecotourism activity for photoworthy moments: Wildlife watching
Wildlife watching is an incredible nature-based experience that offers a unique glimpse into the habitats and behaviors of different birds, mammals, insects, and more. While safaris are a bucket list item for many people, you can also take part in activities like whale watching, bird watching, and herping — AKA observing reptiles and amphibians out in the wild.
Slowmad Central recommends: An adventure safari in Tanzania with Green Tours Tanzania
4. Best ecotourism activity for an adrenaline rush: Whitewater rafting
If you consider yourself a thrillseeker, you’d probably be a good candidate for whitewater rafting. This activity is a bit more intense than some of the other suggestions on our list — but it’s sure to provide a rush of adrenaline. Not only can whitewater rafting help you develop better teamwork skills, but this natural rollercoaster is a memorable way to take in your surroundings.
Slowmad Central recommends: A rafting trip in Ecuador with Endless River Adventures
5. Best ecotourism activity for an arm workout: Kayaking
Whether you’re paddling around a lake, through an estuary, or along the coastline, kayaking is one of the most peaceful experiences you can have in nature. Kayaking allows you to disconnect from your everyday routine — and reconnect with the beauty of the natural world. Plus, you have a chance to observe rare wildlife you wouldn’t be able to see any other way.
Slowmad Central recommends: A sea kayaking tour in Norway with Nordic Ventures
6. Best ecotourism activity for a leg workout: Cycling
Cycling is ecotourism and exercise all rolled into one, which makes it a great option for travelers who want to stay fit while they’re away from home. Even better, cycling allows you to explore trails, parks, and roads worldwide with very few barriers to entry. And if you’re not traveling with your own bike, you can always rent one locally or team up with a cycling tour company.
Slowmad Central recommends: Hopping on a bike in Palermo, Italy with Sicicla
7. Best ecotourism activity for alternate transportation: Horseback riding
If you’ve done your share of sightseeing on foot, by bike, or by boat, you might want to consider another alternative form of transportation. Enter: horseback riding. By traveling on horseback, you can venture out into pristine areas you wouldn’t have been able to reach otherwise. The best part? You get to commune with nature while leaving little mark on the environment.
Slowmad Central recommends: An equitrekking trip in Mongolia with Stone Horse Mongolia
8. Best ecotourism activity for a bird’s eye view: Hot air ballooning
Few experiences are quite as magical as looking down on the world from a hot air balloon. Not only does hot air ballooning provide stunning views, but it can also be an ecologically responsible activity that lets you enjoy yourself without harming the planet. Depending on where you travel to, you might observe rolling hills, blooming meadows, or even mountain peaks.
Slowmad Central recommends: A carbon neutral ride in England with Fly Away Ballooning
9. Best ecotourism activity for ocean lovers: Diving or snorkeling
For some travelers, watching fish from the surface of the water doesn’t quite cut it. If that’s the case for you, then you might be interested in a more *in-depth* diving or snorkeling expedition. That said, you should look for a reputable tour company who can help you get face-to-face with marine life in an ethical way (i.e. without disturbing the fragile underwater ecosystem).
Slowmad Central recommends: A guided dive in New Zealand with Goat Island Dive & Snorkel
10. Best ecotourism activity for sleeping under the stars: Camping
These days, countries around the world have sites specifically designated for camping. That way, travelers can take advantage of these assigned spots and lessen their negative impact on the environment. And if camping isn’t really your thing, you can always opt for a glamping experience in an eco-hotel or lodge (which provides more comfort than being in a tent).
Slowmad Central recommends: A one-of-a-kind getaway in France with Domaine de l’Oiselière
11. Best ecotourism activity for a relaxed day out: Cruising
No, we’re not suggesting you jump aboard a ship with 3,000 other passengers (which is notoriously bad for the environment). We’re talking about smaller, eco-friendly cruises with a focus on sustainability initiatives. And while cruising is definitely a more laid-back ecotourism activity, it still provides an opportunity to witness incredible scenery and native marine life.
Slowmad Central recommends: A journey around the Galápagos Islands with Ecoventura
12. Best ecotourism activity for feeling like you’re flying: Ziplining
Ziplining is another high-intensity ecotourism activity that’s great for travelers who want a little extra thrill. Once you pop on a helmet and harness and get clipped into the trolley, you’re ready for a totally unique way to enjoy the view. Your job is simply to let go, and zip along. Just be sure to wear close-toed shoes (like sneakers or boots) so you don’t wind up losing a sandal.
Slowmad Central recommends: A zipline adventure on Maui with Skyline Hawaii
13. Best ecotourism activity for floating on air: Canopy walks
A canopy walk provides travelers with direct access to a forest canopy. This activity takes place on a raised walkway, high up in the trees (think: a hanging bridge that connects one side of the forest to the other). For those who don’t mind the height, a canopy walk is a wonderful way to experience the forest from a new perspective and spot wildlife you can’t see from the ground.
Slowmad Central recommends: Going for a canopy walk in Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park
14. Best ecotourism activity for making a difference: Volunteering
When done well, volunteering can be an educational and fulfilling way to approach ecotourism that leaves a positive impact on wherever you’re visiting. Volunteering activities might include things like tree planting, beach cleanups, or protecting endangered or threatened species.
That said, voluntourism can sometimes oversimplify complex issues. Or worse yet, it can create dependency on foreign volunteers — and trigger a lack of self-sufficiency for local communities. That’s why it’s so important to properly vet the company you’re volunteering with, and ensure you’re not exploiting vulnerable populations (and causing more harm than good).
Slowmad Central recommends: Volunteering at the Jaguar Rescue Center in Costa Rica
Ecotourism activities FAQs
Learn more about ecotourism activities with the help of our FAQ section.
What are the basic principles of ecotourism?
Ecotourism is rooted in 3 basic principles: (1) conservation, (2) community, and (3) education. Meaning, ecotourism is focused on preserving native wildlife and biodiversity, increasing employment opportunities for local communities, and raising awareness for environmental issues (and potential solutions).
What are the activities of ecotourism?
The easiest way to include responsible travel in your itinerary is to take part in ecotourism activities, which help you safely enjoy nature in all its glory. Some of the best ecotourism activities include things like: hiking, camping, kayaking, ziplining, and wildlife watching.
What is a popular ecotourism destination?
Today, the most popular ecotourism destinations include Costa Rica, New Zealand, Norway, and Tanzania. Each of these destinations offer all sorts of ecotourism activities for you to enjoy, from going on a diving expedition in New Zealand to going on an adventure safari in Tanzania.