CANCUN | Some travel trends are fleeting, while others can truly have a lasting effect on the destinations we visit. From voluntourism to capsule hotels and pet influencers to backpacking, it seems like with every refresh of your socials, there’s something new trending in the travel world. This year’s hottest travel trend, which is traveling sustainably where possible, is one of the more noble trends to hit the industry in recent years – and fortunately for travelers, sustainable travel and Cancun go hand in hand.
According to a recent report, sustainable tourism is something that 69% of travelers are actively looking for when it comes to their vacations. Surrounded by some of the most luscious natural surroundings on the planet, Cancun is a place where travelers can truly connect with nature and have the time of their lives – and all while engaging in the types of sustainable practices that would make Greta Thunberg proud. Here’s a look at some of the most sustainability-friendly tours travelers can take part in when visiting Cancun and what makes them so great.
Whale Shark Tour
Thanks to documentaries and raised awareness, many travelers are aware of the plight of most of the planet’s marine life thanks to pollution and overfishing. On this whale shark tour, provided by EcoColors Tours, not only do travelers get to be within inches of majestic whale sharks, but they are also kept well-informed by a biologist who travels on each trip, helping to educate about safely interacting with marine life and sustainable practices with an enthusiasm and passion that will ensure the message resonates. Prices start from $144 per person.
Pantera – The Eco Tour
Who said sustainable travel didn’t have to be fun? The Eco Tour by Pantera begins by taking travelers to a tequileria in Cozumel, where they can enjoy the authentic flavors of locally-made tequila, both supporting local businesses and embracing the local culture considered to be key features of sustainability. Following this, the tour will head to the gorgeous beach of Playa San Martin, which the tour states provides an authentic taste of Cozumel, away from the built-up, over-developed areas.
Next on the tour is a visit to the San Martin Ecological Park. Here, travelers can enjoy watching birds and crocodiles in their natural habitats, serving as a reminder wild animals are better than those in a cage. Finally, travelers will head to the Sky Reef to enjoy colorful reefs and vibrant marine life – but they should note that only biodegradable sun cream is permitted on this tour to prevent the reef from being damaged. Prices start from $83.70 USD per person.
Turtle Hatching at Xpu Há
There are few tours people enjoy on vacation that truly help people feel like they made a difference – but this is one of them. On this tour, travelers will not only get to see the endangered and adorable sea turtles hatching, but simply by being there, their presence will help to protect them from dangerous predators such as birds of prey, helping them make it away from danger and safely into the sea.
Travelers are taken to the village of Xpu Há and given information about sea turtles and what to expect by a passionate local guide before seeing how they nest, lay, cover the nest and return to the sea to start their lives. With the preservation of protected species a key feature of sustainable travel, this tour will both help you to make a difference and a memory you won’t forget.
Sian Ka’an Tour
The Sian Ka’an Tour features some of the best aspects of the entire Riviera Maya rolled up into one neat, sustainable package. Travelers will head to the Sian Kaʼan Biosphere Reserve, exploring the jungle to visit an ancient Mayan temple, where they will learn about the local history of this awe-dropping location. Next up, after learning about the precious ecosystem surrounding them from a knowledgeable guide, travelers can swim freshwater streams surrounded by ecologically-vital mangroves and a wide variety of flora and fauna. Finally, travelers will get to snorkel in a crystal-clear cenote before heading back to their hotel in Cancun by 6:00 PM. Prices start from $890 for 1 to 2 travelers.
Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour
Recently voted as one of the best tours in the world in the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice awards, the Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour provides travelers with an authentic experience as they take in the sights of one of the country’s most culturally-significant temples and enjoy a slice of local life in the Saamal cenote and the quaint town of Valladolid. At just $59 USD, it’s the perfect way to experience the local history and culture of one of the world’s most popular destinations.