Why Your Next Holiday Should be a Marine Ecotourism Trip

In recent years, tourism has been a significant cause of environmental damage. 

As the world's population increases, more people want to take vacations to far-off locations. Tourism has always been a double-edge sword, bringing economic gain to the destination, however often at the expense of the natural environment. Environments surrounding tourist sites are being degraded by littering, pollution from cruise ships, over-development on fragile coastal habitats, and construction of new resorts in ecologically sensitive areas. 

This is having a devastating effect on wildlife, both on land and in the ocean. 

With the environment in mind, there is a way to have your holiday fun while contributing to conservation.

And that is by turning to ecotourism.

What is Ecotourism?

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) defines ecotourism as having five main characteristics. 

This is how we approach each of them in our work:

1. Tourism where the primary attraction is observing and appreciating nature and/or local traditional cultures. 

By sharing the richness of the marine life we have in Baja California, we try to ensure that our guests have magical wildlife encounters. 

We hope that what our guests experience with us inspires them to strive to protect the marine ecosystems wherever they go.

2. Ecotourism has an educational aspect. 

That is why scientific research is at the core of our adventures. We collaborate with local marine biologists to collect data to support their conservation efforts. 

We also take pride in educating participants about the species they're encountering, conservation issues, and the marine ecosystem.

3. Generally, ecotourism activities are organized by small, locally owned, specialized tour operators. 

By going out in small groups, we can get closer to the marine wildlife while also ensuring that our interactions prioritize their well-being at all times.

Respect is one of our core values, and we never chase animals or force them to interact. By being mindful of their space and needs, we ensure safe, memorable experiences without negatively impacting the wildlife.

4. It minimizes the negative impact that tourism tends to have on the local culture and environment.

The ocean is our livelihood and our home, and we do everything we can to protect it. From avoiding single-use plastic, to taking part in beach or ocean cleanups, we try to be as sustainable as possible and set an example for our guests.

5. It helps preserve the natural environment by i) generating income for the conservation organizations, ii) providing sources of income and employment for local communities, and iii) increasing awareness about nature conservation.

As well as collaborating with local marine biologists in their research, we participate in local conservation activities. 

We also employ the local community as our guides or boat captains. We benefit from their expert knowledge and create job opportunities that help to preserve the ocean's natural resources.

We founded Latitude Encounters around the principles of ecotourism. 

We invite our clients to explore the incredible biodiversity of our ocean with us while also helping to protect our planet. 

Through our work in the water and by educating and inspiring our guests, we want to contribute to the conservation of Baja California's marine species and natural environment. 

We invite you to join us on one of our expeditions next time you're looking for a new adventure that won't cost the planet!