For those with both a serious case of wanderlust and a passion for the environment, there's no ... [+]
As Earth Day draws near, it's time to reflect on the beauty and diversity of our planet's ecosystems. For those with both a serious case of wanderlust and a passion for the environment, there's no better way to celebrate than by immersing yourself in the natural world. Here’s a selection of 4 of the best destinations that offer not just a getaway, but a chance to engage with wildlife and contribute to conservation efforts.
From the historic wild horses of North Carolina's Crystal Coast, to the resilient manatees of Fort Myers, and the marine sanctuaries of Santa Barbara, these locations promise authentic encounters with nature.
Wild Horses on the island of Shackleford Banks North Carolina
Crystal Coast, North Carolina
North Carolina’s Crystal Coast is filled with incredible opportunities to experience wildlife up-close— both on land and under the sea. Often called the "Graveyard of the Atlantic," it has ideal scuba diving conditions with more than 100 feet of visibility, as well as over 2,000 shipwrecks and abundant marine life. Carefully regulated fishing and regional preservation efforts have helped safeguard the richness in marine species.
Ride the ferry to the Shackleford Banks to see the majesty of the island's famed wild horses. They are the ancestors of horses who survived several Spanish shipwrecks off the coast in the 1500s. Or go for a horse-back ride (on a tamed horse, of course) through the Croatan National Forest. The area’s marshes offer lots of opportunity to search for birds and listen to the beautiful songs of numerous species.
You might just meet a manatee in the Fort Myers region of Florida.
Fort Myers - Islands, Beaches & Neighborhoods, Florida
What better what to discover the region’s incredibly rich wildlife diversity with rare encounters with the magical manatee, as well as flamingos, alligators, peacocks and over 240 bird species (including the rare roseate spoonbill). Over 60 percent of Sanibel Island is protected and dedicated to the preservation of wildlife. There’s also over 25 miles of bike trails through the J.N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, one of the area’s nearly 50 nature preserves.
Visit the Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs to see rescued, rehabilitated and non-releasable animals. Animal lovers can combine their love of nature and their thirst for outdoor adventure by renting kayaks or canoes at Manatee Park in Fort Myers. Or head to Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve which has scenic views of the 3,500-acre wetland habitat. You’ll likely enjoy some encounters with sea turtles, dolphins, and numerous bird species.
Famed for its incredible biodiversity and thriving marine ecosystem, Santa Barbara is a sanctuary ... [+]
Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara is renowned as a champion for wildlife and for educating locals and visitors alike on the importance of safeguarding the coast’s diverse ecosystem. The Santa Barbara Channel was recently designated the ninth Whale Heritage Area in the world (making it only one of two Whale Heritage Areas in the US). Famed for its incredible biodiversity and thriving marine ecosystem, Santa Barbara is a sanctuary for more than 25 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises, and visitors can take advantage of year-round wildlife viewing experiences. Go on a whale viewing expedition with Condor Express; they offer excursions in a unique quad-jet setup with no sharp propellers to ensure safe interactions with dolphins and whales.
The California Condor Recovery Program at the Santa Barbara Zoo fights to save the endangered California condor, which is considered the largest land bird in North America. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara offers a family-friendly “Ambassadors of the Environment” program in conjunction with Jean-Michel Cousteau. Enjoy a unique education about the natural environment and indigenous people of the Chumash tribe with free eco-hikes along the Gaviota coastline and beach walks with on-site naturalists.
Perched on wooden posts, five royal terns preen as the waves crash in on Mustang Island State Park ... [+]
Thanks to its diverse habitats that range from sandy beaches to verdant wetlands, there are an impressive number of native marine and land species in Corpus Christi. The Padre Island National Seashore is a sanctuary for over 380 species of birds and a variety of mammals, including coyotes, deer, and the endangered Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles.
The city is located along the Central Flyway and so welcomes a large number of migratory birds like the roseate spoonbill, Kentucky warbler and cinnamon teal. The rich bird life in the region is why the area is lovingly known as “America’s Birdiest City.” Mustang Island State Park is another favorite spot for wildlife watching because you can get close to coastal birds like the aplomado falcon and the reddish egret.
