“Green” travel is all the rage right now — but trips to the U.S. aren’t exactly trending. That’s a shame, because Florida in particular is currently positioning itself as a sustainable travel destination. Here’s a look at the eco-friendly initiatives you can discover in the Sunshine State:
According to surveys by Statista, ecological sustainability is an important factor in vacation planning for about half of all respondents. Sure, most of us still hop on a plane — but once we’re there, we want to protect nature as much as possible. Travelers are looking for destinations that embrace eco-friendly concepts and initiatives if they want to stay on the map in the future. Florida is now stepping up as a sustainable travel destination, rolling out a host of new initiatives — not just in time for Earth Day, World Environment Day, and World Oceans Day.
A variety of marine adventures await eco-conscious travelers in St. Andrews Bay. You can experience the vibrant marine ecosystems while snorkeling among seagrass meadows or observing dolphins in their natural habitat. As part of the Emerald & Forgotten Coast Adventures tours, travelers learn all about water quality and local biodiversity. The special geographical location makes it possible to get to know rare coastal dune lakes. Freshwater and saltwater species live side by side here. The gastronomic offer could be summarized as a "sea to table" concept. It couldn't be fresher, because the seafood comes straight from the Gulf.
As a sustainable travel destination, Florida naturally offers a wealth of parks and nature preserves. Among its 70+ protected areas, Punta Gorda and Englewood Beach rank among the most pristine in the state. Here, artificial reefs and species conservation programs help protect delicate marine ecosystems. For a low-impact way to explore them, head out on a paddle tour with SUP Englewood through Don Pedro Island State Park. Florida Master Naturalists offer respectful wildlife observation, and on land, free rental bikes make it easy to explore the area’s natural beauty. A side trip to Babcock Ranch is also worthwhile — it's the first solar-powered town in the United States.
With 22 miles of untouched beaches, more than 100,000 acres of protected land, and the St. Lucie Inlet Lagoon—home to the most biodiverse lagoon ecosystem in the Northern Hemisphere—Martin County is leading the charge in positioning Florida as a sustainable travel destination. Visitors can join eco-tours led by marine biologists and birding experts, explore extensive hiking trails, or head out on kayak adventures. For eco-friendly lodging, options include the Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa and the Phipps Park Campground—the latter offering unforgettable nights under the stars. Those looking to get involved can take part in local beach cleanup efforts.
In Central Florida, Orlando is considered a sustainability pioneer—thanks in part to the successful restoration and revitalization of heavily polluted Lake Apopka in Winter Garden. The local community is deeply involved and welcomes travelers who want to take part in environmental efforts through voluntourism. Visitors can contribute by joining beach cleanup events or lending a hand in community gardens.
Anyone who’s ever visited the ever-flowing Everglades and spotted alligators and countless bird species knows just how special this region is. Voluntourism programs offer guests the chance to take part in conservation projects and discover Florida as a sustainable travel destination from a fresh perspective. Many local accommodations proudly carry the Green Lodging certification, ensuring eco-friendly stays. For unforgettable nature experiences, head to the Naples Botanical Garden, join a guided kayak tour through seemingly enchanted mangrove forests, or take part in workshops focused on sustainable cooking.
