Where to Find Responsible Wildlife Tourism Around the United States

While wildlife tourism in general often gets a bad rap, there are places around the country where you can experience wildlife tourism in a responsible, sustainable manner.

In Florida, on Sanibel Island, visit Wild Mile, where you can dip into various museums and conservation centers dedicated to preserving the island’s wildlife and ecosystems. Options include J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge and Visitor Center, Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation and Center for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife.

In the Adirondacks, visit The Wild Center and Wild Walk in Tupper Lake, an all-ages attraction featuring a robust visitors’ center with interactive exhibits and resident otters. Outdoors, the center offers accessible trails and outdoor fun, as well as extensive programming.

If “otters” made your ears perk, but you’re closer to the West Coast than the East, visit Monterey Bay Aquarium and its Sea Otter Program, where you can learn more about the aquarium’s conservation efforts.

Also in California, consider a visit to the Whale Heritage Area that is the Santa Barbara Channel. Thanks to Condor Express, you can go whale watching here without worrying about the harms you may cause the marine life. This tourism operator utilizes state-of-the-art vessels with no sharp propellers and that are safe for being around both whales and dolphins.