Ecotourism, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL

Ecotourism, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL

Going “green” is a big deal now days…as well it should be! Eco-tourism (as it’s now called) isn’t just for the “tree-hugger” anymore…it’s for us all.

{Ecotourism = environmentally responsible travel that benefits nature and communities.}

What does that mean exactly? I’m not sure that you’ll find my definition in Webster’s, but I’ll tell you what it means in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach…it means you’ve got a lot to do! It means exploring the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail and hiking through the Hugh Branyon Backcountry Trail in Orange Beach, or taking a peaceful bike ride through the trails of our tranquil Alabama Gulf State Park and stopping for a picnic when the mood strikes. It means taking a Back Country Trail Eco Tour. On this two-hour guided golf cart ride through Pleasure Island, you’ll learn about the local wildlife such as the American Alligator or the Great Horned Owl and vegetation such as the Scarlet Hibiscus and the sea oats that inhabit the area. For reservations and more information click www.obparksandrec.com.

It means navigating a kayak or a stand-up paddle board from Alabama Paddle Sports (www.alabamapaddlesports.com) on the abundant back bays and inshore waters. Discover our wildlife in its natural habitat as you glide serenely across the smooth bays and bayous.

It means making a visit to Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1980 by Congress to preserve the coastal dune ecosystem. These 7,000 acres of wildlife habitat are a haven for nesting sea turtles, migratory birds and the endangered Alabama beach mouse.

If you find yourself on Alabama’s Gulf Coast in September of this year, ecotourism means joining in the 24^th Annual Coastal Cleanup effort (www.alabamacoastalcleanup.com ). If you are lucky enough to live here, then it means joining the Share the Beach team that monitors sea turtle nesting (www.alabamaseaturtles.com ).

And after a full day of going and doing…then my original definition of ecotourism means a relaxing moment at the end of the day… a stroll on the beach, kicking back in your lounge chair, watching the sun go down, soaking in the beauty of the unspoiled sugar-white sands and blue waters of our coastline.

Yes, ecotourism and the Gulf Coast are natural partners.  I’ve just touched on a few of the nature-based ways to enjoy beautiful Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Remember, when you leave…take the smile with you and leave nothing behind but your footprints!