Eco Exploration
Part of what makes the Sunshine State so attractive to visit is its natural beauty, like emerald waters and white sand beaches to lush tropical forests and intriguing mangroves. If you want to get to know the ‘Real Florida,’ you must delve into its nature secrets — which you can do thanks to the hard work of people who are here to preserve, protect, and educate about it with eco tours! You can also reach a new level of relaxation when you know you’re helping the environment by staying at a certified Green accommodation. Here’s how to eco-explore Florida.
In the Florida Panhandle
Play and Stay in Nature
Coffeen Nature Preserve in South Walton, Florida, is a special experience - 200 acres of sand pine trails, rare coastal dune lakes, diverse animal communities, four hiking trails, and a military history presentation combine to make for a must-visit preserve. The military aspect is what interests mosts visitors; chosen by the military for the testing site of a top-secret mission, the preserve became home of one of the most powerful bombs in its time. This is a shock when learned while standing in the peaceful calm of the preserve, creating a mystifying contrast. Tours here are a must, but you must register for a tour online with Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance at basinalliance.org. After the military returned the property to its owners, the land changed hands until it came under the care of Susan and Bruce Paladini. They administer both the Preserve and the Four-Mile Village rental program. Four-Mile Village is a perfect accompaniment to the preserve, creating accommodations that live in harmony with the surrounding nature. These beautiful coastal cottages are chicly decorated, with private beach access and gorgeous natural views.
basinalliance.org
four-mile-village.com
Plan Your Own Tour
Backwater Tours in Blue Mountain Beach takes you exploring through the historic Choctawhatchee Bay and River Basin. Each trip is tailored to be as active or relaxing as you want, letting you chill in the shallow draft 26' 6" 'perfect dream’ boat, Teche; or, you can get your workout on while touring on a paddleboard. There are several adventures to choose from, ranging from two to six hours, with sunrise views, wildlife encounters, and local stories that give you the most personal view of living in this beautiful place. Have a specific idea in mind? You can make your own custom tour, as well.
backwater-tours.com
Stay in This Hideaway
Indulge in the comfort of Choctaw Lodge Bed & Breakfast, located on the banks of the Choctawhatchee River in Bruce. Though secluded, guests are only a short drive away from Panama City Beach, Destin, Seaside, and Grayton Beach. This riverfront property includes three accommodations nestled among an array of indigenous trees including cypress, cedar and hard woods. Many species of flowers, birds, and animals can be viewed on the beautiful river. Through guided tours, you will discover hidden natural springs and lakes only the locals know about, or you may venture out on your own, exploring in canoes and kayaks. Your days end with sunsets around the fire pits or a sunset cruise in one of the lodge’s tour boats. Choose between the Lodge, Guest House, or Boat House, each with their own unique views. With advance notice, Choctaw Lodge also offers yoga and massages!
choctawlodgeretreat.com
On the Atlantic Coast
Ride This Veggie Oil-Powered Boat
Ripple Effect Outfitters in St. Augustine takes you to some of the most beautiful natural areas in Florida, with a variety of eco-tours to choose from, including their new Eco-Explorer Boat Tours on the "Ripple Effect 1,” an ingenious eco-friendly boat that actually runs on recycled vegetable oil gathered from local restaurants! Imagine floating through lush, unadulterated nature and learning about the many different plants and animals that call Florida home.
rippleeffectecotours.com
A Nature Tour for Everyone
Sunshine Wildlife Tours in Stuart (near Palm City and Port St. Lucie) take you on personalized ecology tours aboard the “Sirenia,” a 35' pontoon boat with a full roof and restroom. The boat trolls with a plankton and zoo plankton net to view the microscopic life of the nursery in the ocean using their discovery scopes. See the mangrove and sea grass beds that are responsible for sustaining life in the estuary and understand the importance of maintaining the fragile balance of this ecosystem. See dolphins, manatees, and birds — they visit every bird island on the tour. Every family member will enjoy this tour, and be sure to bring some binoculars and a good camera!
sunshinewildlifetours.com
Escape to This Nature Destination
Removing you from the typical cares of landlubber life, Escape From Land Nature Tours near Cocoa Beach takes you out on the water to see bottlenose dolphins, manatees, a variety of Florida birds, and native wildlife in their natural habitats. They will also take you on for an up-close look at the natural side of Merritt Island, which is home to quite a variety of attractions - and while most are familiar with the space-related spots to visit, most do not take advantage of the beautiful Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is home to all kinds of wildlife including exotic birds, alligators, and even manatee! In fact, their visitor complex has a manatee observation deck for you to get the best view. Not far from Merritt Island, in Cocoa Beach, are several hotels that are a part of the Florida Green Lodging Program mentioned above. Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront is not only a beautiful hotel right on the beach, but is also eco-friendly! Their 10,000 square feet oceanfront deck features Longboards Tiki Beach Grille, fire pits, kids splash pad and heated pool. All of their spacious suites have ultra-comfy bedding, and fantastic views. They also offer beach rentals to take your stay out on the water.
escapefromlandnaturetours.com
hiltoncocoabeachoceanfront.com
In the Florida Keys
Volunteer and Vacation At the Same Time
The Florida Keys have celebrated a heritage of conservation and protection of their resources for more than 100 years, demonstrating the region’s commitment to responsible tourism, environmental stewardship and the future of the island chain. Visitors from around the world are drawn to the Florida Keys to experience the island chain’s priceless natural resources, and the therapy they provide the mind, body and soul. A rising trend among younger travelers especially is the act of voluntourism, or volunteering while on vacation — consider it rejuvenation for your soul and an invitation to good karma! KeysVoluntourism.com is the perfect resource to find Keys destinations where you can volunteer and connect with the incredible wildlife and nature that abounds here. Share popular knowledge and skills while giving back to the community at Key West Tropical Forest, help rehabilitate feathered friends at Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center, and give back to plenty of more organizations! Visit the site to learn more.
keysvoluntourism.com
Eco Tours in the Everglades
Islamorada Fishing Guides and Charters keeps it as straightforward as their name when it comes to your fishing experience, offering you the best of the best in professional guides for inshore backcountry, reef and offshore, and night fishing. If you want to add a personal touch to your fishing trip, they’re more than willing to customize a trip for you. And, it isn’t just fishing trips they offer — it’s also Everglades eco tours and enviro tours, since Islamorada is actually closer to Everglades National Park than you may know!
islamoradafishingguidesandcharters.com
Stay Green, Stay Relaxed
In addition to volunteerism, the Keys are also included in the Florida Green Lodging Program, which established environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources by implementing water-saving measures, executing energy-saving techniques, helping reduce solid waste and taking steps to prevent pollution. The Gardens Hotel is part of the program, and is the perfect choice for those who want to be surrounded by nature in an Old Florida tropical style. This boutique resort has unique cottages and suites settled amongst the lush tropical foliage of the island, as well as impressive amenities such as a self-serve wine bar and outdoor heated pool — all just minutes from the best attractions in Key West. And, they have pet-friendly options! Relax on the front porch or wander amongst the blooms. Casa Marina is also part of the Florida Green Lodging Program. They focus on the luxury lifestyle of Key West, with hints of quintessential island getaway thanks to historic beginning back in 1920. Enjoy a luxury escape where lush green lawns meet the Atlantic surf on Key West’s largest private beach. Lounge or enjoy a massage by the oceanfront pool. Relax in your airy guest room or suite, surrounded by unmatched beauty.
gardenshotel.com
casamarinaresort.com
