On the warm black sand beaches of the Caribbean island of Dominica, hundreds of tiny baby sea turtles emerge from their eggs and crawl to the sea. If you know when to go, you can witness this amazing natural phenomenon for yourself, and some hotels even have sea turtle conservation programs where you can help protect the adorable hatchlings (under the supervision of a trained scientist, of course). It's a spectacular experience all animal and nature lovers should have at least once in their lives.

All sea turtle species are threatened with extinction, often because of humans disturbing or destroying nesting beaches. Rosalie Bay Resort, where this photo was taken, has pioneered sea turtle conservation efforts in Dominica, and offers their guests opportunities to learn about and interact with leatherback, green (pictured), and hawksbill sea turtles.

 

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This entry was posted on January 31, 2014 at 2:25 PM and has received 789 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

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Who doesn't love watching the setting sun after a fun-filled day of travel, disappearing below the horizon and turning the sky into a beautiful canvas of red and orange hues?

Today we want to share some amazing photos of sunsets from the sustainable hotels listed on our website:

Baja California Peninsula, México

Baja California offers a unique contrast between intense ocean-blue water beaches and arid desert landscapes. Photo by RED Sustainable Travel.

Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna, Costa Rica

The Arenal Volcano is well known for providing tourists with magical eruptions in the night. But this photo proves that the views are just as great right before dark. Photo by Catarata Eco Lodge.

Cancún, México

Cancún has amazing beaches and a great weather, but its romantic sunsets may be what has made it one of the top destinations for couples getaways and weddings. Photo by Dreams Riviera Cancún Resort & Spa.

Yacuma Protected Amazon Rainforest Reserve, Napo, Ecuador

Imagine experiencing a sunset right in the heart of the Amazon jungle! Photo by Yacuma Ecolodge.

Lago Atitlán, Guatemala

Lake Atitlán, also known as the "mirror of the sky," has been called the most beautiful lake in the world. So you can expect exceptional views behind its three impressive volcanoes. Photo by Hotel y Centro de Convenciones Jardines del Lago.

Monteverde, Costa Rica

Most of us like to sit, relax, and enjoy a sunset. But zip lining in the amazing cloud forest is another option to enjoy this magic moment! Photo by Hotel El Establo .

This entry was posted on January 21, 2014 at 5:36 PM and has received 720 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

Tropical cocktails, fresh fruit, a couple of beach chairs, and a sea kayak for two. What more could you ask for? A beach vacation like this is sure to cure even the chilliest winter blues.

This photo was taken at Almonds and Corals Resort, a sustainable hotel located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, in the heart of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. Booking with a sustainable business is a great way to ensure your money is supporting the protection of coastal ecosystems!

This entry was posted on January 17, 2014 at 2:50 PM and has received 357 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

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One of the best parts of travel is meeting and sharing experiences with local people. They are the guardians of your destination's and historical treasures; they are the voices of their country's rich culture and folklore; and they are the best dancers, chefs, and tour guides for those who want to experience a place authentically.

Today we want to share with you a series of wonderful photographs of the local people of Port Antonio, Jamaica. Port Antonio, on the northeastern coast, offers beautiful beaches, crystalline turquoise waters surrounded by densely forested mountains, and beautiful waterfalls. Here you'll also find the famous Blue Lagoon where they filmed the classic 1980s film of the same name.

The Mockingbird Hill Hotel invited talented photographer Sam Diephuis to visit attractions in Port Antonio and photograph its people. These are some of the results of that trip:

A beautiful local cook prepares lunch.

Who wants fresh coconut water?

The captain.

Fruits, vegetables, and a big smile.

A man making delicious jerk chicken on Winnifred Beach.

A talented hairdresser wows her client.

Kids making the most of Winnifred Beach.

Other children prefer to play football in the neighborhood square.

An artisan sells local crafts and souvenirs.

A fisherman and his colorful catch of the day.

A big thanks to Mockingbird Hill Hotel and Sam Diephuis for sharing these wonderful images with us so that we can showcase the beauty of the people of Porto Antonio to travelers all over the world!

This entry was posted on October 1, 2013 at 7:56 PM and has received 883 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

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What do you look for when you're choosing a vacation destination? Have you ever noticed that most popular tourism destinations are located near a body of water? Whether it's a vast blue ocean, a serene lake, or a bubbling river teeming with wildlife, water is a huge part of tourism. Not to mention the water that travelers use for drinking, showering, and other basic needs.

It's extremely important to consider the impact of your vacation on local water resources. The following tours showcase stunning waterways and ensure a light water footprint, and all of them are led by members of Tour Operators Promoting Sustainability (TOPS), a Rainforest Alliance network of Earth-friendly, local tour operators.

Costa Rica:

Costa Rica Sun Tours has a "Turtles, Whales & Dolphins" tour for marine wildlife lovers.

Nicaragua:

Gray Line offers a "Water & Tourism to Protect Our Future" tour on the legendary Lake Nicaragua.

VaPues Tours offers a "Rainforest Alliance Green Itinerary" that showcases the diverse and beautiful regions of Nicaragua.

DeTour, Viajes y Cultura has a "Land Surrounded by Water" tour that features cloud forests, volcanoes, and environmental education.

Peru:

Condor Travel's "Volunteer Program: Misminay Water Project" gives travelers the opportunity to meet and work with a rural community.

Mexico:

Explora, Ecoturismo y Aventura offers a "Highlands to the Lacandon Jungle" tour that visits indigenous rainforest communities.

This entry was posted on September 24, 2013 at 12:36 PM and has received 1389 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

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Do you want to see the beautiful Mexican Caribbean? Perhaps watch whales in the Pacific near the wonderful Baja California peninsula? Or learn about the rich and varied culture of the country by visiting rural destinations and archaeological sites? Mexico has all this and much more to offer. Better yet, most of these places have sustainable accommodation options to suit the needs of every tourist.

Since 2005, the Rainforest Alliance has been promoting sustainable tourism in Mexico, primarily as an active member of the Mesoamerican Reef Tourism Initiative (MARTI). Also, there are now 81 tourism companies active in the Rainforest Alliance verification program in Mexico, ranging from small hotels to large resorts, mainly in Mexico City and the Mexican Caribbean. These companies recently received the S Distinction awarded by the Mexican Secretariat of Tourism (SECTUR) to companies committed to sustainability practices.

The Rainforest Alliance has been working with the AMResorts hotel chain to improve the sustainability performance of its hotels in Mexico. AMResorts has six luxury hotel brands with 32 properties in Mexico, Jamaica, Curacao, and the Dominican Republic that cater to all kinds of guests, from young families and newlyweds on honeymoons to adventure travelers.

Thanks to this collaboration, AMResorts has made impressive investments in a number of wildlife conservation programs and enterprises designed to benefit local communities. For example, Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa has released more than 300,000 sea turtle hatchlings through its Dreaming of Freedom habitat protection program. Dreams Puerto Aventuras Resort & Spa provides space in its gift shop where the neighboring Maya community sells artisanal products such as jellies and honeys. At Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa, staff are motivated to start their own businesses selling services to the resort, such as car washes, barber shops, and convenience stores.

More than 10,000 of AMResort's employees in Mexico are receiving online training in best management practices for sustainable tourism so that they themselves become agents of change in the hotels, as well as in their homes and communities. This training will be extended to other Mexican companies verified by the Rainforest Alliance.

The Rainforest Alliance is also working with the Mexican government's Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) to promote sustainable tourism practices among small and medium-sized ecotourism businesses, mainly in rural communities, which can apply for certification under their national standard. These small businesses are found throughout the country, from the Vizcaino Reserve in Baja California Sur to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve on the Yucatan Peninsula. All offer varied and invaluable natural and cultural wealth and are key to preserving traditional Mexican cultures and valuable ecosystems. Moreover, these small businesses are the main or only source of income for these communities and families.

To date, the Rainforest Alliance has assessed the sustainable performance of nearly 40 tourism businesses in 11 ecotourism circuits in Mexico, and has trained about 94 people from 35 companies on planning and sustainable management of their businesses and ecosystems. As a result, businesses not only improved their practices, but some of them also became Rainforest Alliance Verified^TM , which means that they met the Rainforest Alliance's standards for sustainable tourism businesses.

The next time you visit Mexico be sure to look for businesses – whether small rural inns, medium-size hotels, or luxury resorts – with the seal of the Mexican Ecotourism Standards, the S Distinction, or the Rainforest Alliance Verified^TM mark. We make it easy for you – you can find a list of them on SustainableTrip.org!

This entry was posted on September 18, 2013 at 3:26 PM and has received 1011 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

There are 5 destinations in Mexico that have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their outstanding ecological importance and natural beauty. Incidentally, these sites represent some of the best ecotourism destinations the country has to offer!

1. The Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino

Comprised of two lagoons on the Baja California Peninsula (Ojo de Liebre Lagoon and San Ignacio Lagoon), this coastal destination is spectacular for wildlife viewing as it is a significant wintering and breeding ground for marine mammals, most notably for gray whales in addition to harbor seals, California sea lions, northern elephant seals and blue whale. A large number of resident and migratory birds also nest in these wetlands.

Gray whales are among the friendliest and most active whale species, often slapping their tail fins, breaching, and surfacing near boats to the delight of whale watchers. To protect these magnificent creatures, the Mexican government has set strict regulations for whale watching vessels, so be sure to book your tour with a company that is up to the national sustainability standards (denoted by an orange flag with a whale image), like the excellent Casa Mexicana de la Ballena Gris and Ecoturismo Kuyimá.

2. Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve

Every fall, millions of monarch butterflies from all across North America migrate to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve to spend the winter and rest up for their northward journey in the spring. The beautiful and delicate butterflies congregate in clusters, weighing down tree branches and carpeting the forest floor. When they take flight, they beat their wings in a soft pitter-patter and fill the skies with brilliant orange, creating a truly exceptional spectacle of nature.

There are trails through the forest leading to the main concentrations of butterflies. Travelers can go on foot or on horseback with a local guide.

3. Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve

Sian Ka'an is located on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, not far from the ever-popular beaches of the Riviera Maya--making some of its more accessible parts convenient for day trips. Its name means "where the sky is born" or "gift from the sky" in the Mayan language.

Sian Ka'an is the largest coastal protected area in Mexico and contains a variety of ecological habitats including coral reefs, tropical forest, mangroves, beaches, and cenotes (sinkholes). Local tour operators offer guided boats tours or kayak expeditions along the Mayan Canal, which winds through the clear waters of the lagoons and mangroves. There are also are 23 Mayan archeological sites in the reserve.

Sustainable hotels in the area include Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa ($76-100), Hotel Fairmont Mayakoba ($200+), and Hotel El Rey del Caribe ($51-75).

4. Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California

This site isn't one destination per se – it comprises 244 islands and coastal areas in the Gulf of California (also known as the Sea of Cortez) and includes the previously mentioned El Vizcaino whale sanctuary. The area has been described by Jacques Cousteau as the "world's aquarium" and the "Galápagos of North America."

Travelers can explore uninhabited islands, snorkel with colorful parrotfish and surgeonfish, spot huge cacti on the beach, and see a wide diversity of bird species, including the Costa's hummingbird. Sea lions, pelicans, great blue herons, and boobies bask in the sun on rocky island coastlines, while dolphins and whales frolic just offshore.

5. El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve

Just south of the Arizona border, this reserve is a fascinating desert landscape that couldn't be more different from the other destinations listed in this article. It was just declared a World Heritage site in July of 2013, making it the most recent Latin American addition to the list.

The reserve contains dormant volcanoes, red and black lava flows, gigantic volcanic craters, and huge dunes that can reach up to 650 feet high. The area is beautiful in the way that the surface of the moon is – dramatic, ancient, and seemingly desolate. But don't be fooled--this subtropical desert is home a large amount of biodiversity, including more than 540 species of vascular plants, 40 species of mammals, 200 birds, and 40 reptiles. As you might imagine, most visitors to this place are hardcore adventurers who are looking for something remote, wild, and unique.

Learn more about all of Mexico's World Heritage Sites on the UNESCO website.

This entry was posted on August 22, 2013 at 1:16 PM and has received 1517 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

We've been posting a lot about adventure tourism activities lately, so we thought we'd slow it down this Friday and get our relaxation on. Enjoying a Costa Rican sunset from the comfort of a woven hammock sounds like a perfect way to wind down a day of adventuring, exploring... or perhaps an entire day of relaxing on the beach? You are on vacation, after all...

This photo was taken on the northern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica at the beautiful Laguna Lodge.

This entry was posted on August 16, 2013 at 11:03 PM and has received 461 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

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The Galapagos Islands, an archipelago of volcanic islands located 656 miles off the coast of Ecuador, are famous for their stunning and well preserved natural beauty, including a large number of endemic species that are some of the world's most exotic animals.

Today we present five of the most famous animals that are unique to the Galapagos:

1. Giant tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra)

These are the largest turtles in the world and among the longest living. The largest Galapagos giant tortoise measured almost 6 feet and weight over 880 lbs. They can live over 100 years in the wild while captive individuals have been known to reach 170 years. Today there are only 11 kinds of giant tortoise in the Galapagos, down from 15 when Darwin arrived, and about 15,000 individuals total. All are threatened with extinction. One interesting fact: these huge, peaceful creatures can rest for up to 16 hours per day.

2. Marine iguanas (Amblyrhynchus cristatus)

The Galapagos is home to the only marine iguana in the world! These curious animals live on land but feed on a wide variety of algae on rocks in the sea, either skimming near the surface or diving more than 30 feet (9 m) deep. They can remain underwater for up to 45 minutes, until their body can no longer withstand the cold temperature. It is said that these animals are an excellent example of adaptation. When algae are scarce, they have been seen eating crustaceans, grasshopers, and even terrestrial plants. When even those foods are hard to find, like during severe weather events associated with El Niño, the marine iguanas become thinner and shorter. Marine iguanas have an exotic Jurassic appearance. Males are about 4-5 feet long and females about 2 feet. According to the IUCN, the population of Galapagos marine iguanas consists of approximately 50,000 individuals and is threatened by pollution and predation by exotic species on the islands.

3. Galapagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus)

These penguins are the only wild endemic species that live north of the Equator in the Galapagos. They are descendants of a small group of extinct Humboldt penguins that scientists believe were carried to the Islands by the Humboldt Current, which originates in Antarctica and flows north along the west coast of South America from the southern tip of Chile to northern Peru. Unlike other penguins, they can have up to three breeding periods per year, thanks to abundant food (fish and crustaceans) in the islands. They usually lay two eggs and incubate them for about 40 days. Approximately 1,000 individuals of this species live on the islands and they are classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List. The Galapagos penguin is the world's third smallest penguin at only 20 inches tall approximately. In Spanish, they are called pájaro bobo, which means "silly bird."

4. Flightless cormorant (Phalacrocorax harrisi)

Also called the flightless cormorant of the Galapagos, this large endemic bird is unique because it is the only cormorant that has lost the ability to fly. These birds evolved in an isolated island environment that was free of predators. By gradual evolution, they felt no need to fly and eventually lost their flight. Their wings became greatly reduced, measuring only one-third of the area that would be necessary for a bird of its size to fly. These birds live on the rocky shores of the volcanic islands they inhabit, where they fish for eels, small octopuses, fish, and other aquatic creatures. Their population is estimated at around 900 individuals.

5. Galapagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaecki)

These sea lions are among the largest animals of the Galapagos. They can weigh up to 550 lbs! They are a favorite among tourists, who see them lying on rocks, piers, and even benches near the beaches. Galapagos sea lions are very friendly, and it is safe to dive and swim near them as long as you don't disturb them. However, it is common for groups of sea lions to fight each other over territory. Females give birth to one pup per year and care for them until they are two or three years old. Females live longer than males--up to 20 years. The Galapagos is home to about 50,000 sea lions.

The unique wildlife of the Galapagos is part of what makes this destination so special--and fragile as well. To protect these and other important species, tourists are only allowed to visit the Islands with a licensed tour company. Check out these sustainable tourism business in the Galapagos and plan the trip you'll never forget!

This entry was posted on July 23, 2013 at 3:38 PM and has received 1258 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

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Did you know that Los Cabos, located on the Baja California Peninsula in northwestern Mexico, is known as a dual destination? Los Cabos is famous for combining the authentic Spanish-colonial Mexican charm of quiet San Jose with the modern and glamorous hotels, restaurants, and nightlife of San Lucas.

Los Cabos is also famous for its magnificent and diverse beaches. The ocean, the desert, and the mountains meet in this photo from Secrets Marquis Los Cabos, a fabulous Rainforest Alliance Verified hotel located in San José del Cabo.

This entry was posted on July 12, 2013 at 3:56 PM and has received 665 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.