Ocean Month is still ongoing, and these travel purveyors have made it their business to make a difference for our Blue Planet.
National Ocean Month, celebrated each June, raises awareness about the vital role oceans play in our ecosystem. It highlights issues like pollution, overfishing and climate change. Established by a presidential proclamation, it encourages actions to protect and conserve ocean resources for future generations.
Audley Travel Launches Guide for World Ocean Day
Bespoke tour operator Audley Travel, a B Corp-certified company, has debuted a Responsible Packing Guide to mark World Ocean Day in June. This guide highlights B Corp businesses that prioritize sustainability alongside profit, helping your clients choose eco-friendly products.
Audley’s research shows that 27 percent of Americans consider the sustainability of travel items essential, with 41 percent finding it quite important. These items include reef-safe sunscreen and responsibly produced clothing. The same survey found that 27 percent of travelers consider the sustainability of their accommodation essential, with 42 percent deeming it quite important.
The guide features products like sunglasses and travel accessories made from recycled marine plastic, clothing made-to-order, reef-safe sunscreen and eco-friendly toothbrushes. It also offers tips on sustainable travel practices such as recycling used batteries, using reusable coffee cups and cutlery and avoiding unnecessary items. This initiative aims to help travelers make environmentally conscious choices.
For more information, visit audleytravel.com.
Beyond Green Properties Advocate for Ocean Conservation
Beyond Green is a network of sustainable accommodations and is emphasizing the importance of protecting marine ecosystems through collaborations with its member properties. By focusing on sustainability, Beyond Green aims to foster a deeper understanding and actionable solutions for ocean preservation worldwide. Below are actions being taken by some of its member properties.
For more information, visit staybeyondgreen.com.
The Brando, Tetiaroa, French Polynesia
The Brando, a private island resort, is leading innovative ocean research. Projects include assessing the impact of rat eradication on reefs, studying lagoon shark populations and monitoring green sea turtle nesting for 17 years. The Cool Reef Project tests cooling reef sections using cold water from the resort’s Seawater Air-Conditioning system. This comprehensive research promotes the health and sustainability of Tetiaroa’s marine ecosystem.
Parkside Hotel & Spa, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Parkside Hotel & Spa collaborates with Veritree to plant one kelp for each reservation, supporting ocean conservation. Guests can earn additional kelp plantings by opting out of housekeeping. This initiative aids in restoring kelp forests in Hotham Sound and Powell River, crucial for marine biodiversity. To date, the project has planted 910 pounds of kelp, restored 1,606 square feet of ocean, and sequestered 20 tons of CO2.
Hotel Las Islas, Cartagena, Colombia
Hotel Las Islas focuses on coral and mangrove restoration. The hotel has planted 70,000 new corals with the help of certified coral gardeners from the Baru community. Since 2018, it has also collaborated with the National Natural Parks of Colombia to restore Baru Island’s mangrove forests. Over 2,000 plants have been seeded, enhancing marine biodiversity and coastal protection.
andBeyond Mnemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania
andBeyond Mnemba Island, reopening in October 2024, is dedicated to sustainable luxury and ocean conservation. The island is a significant nesting site for endangered green sea turtles, with over 20 years of nest monitoring. The coral reef restoration project cultivates micro-colonies in an underwater nursery to restore degraded reefs. These efforts aim to increase marine habitat and provide economic benefits to local communities.
Inn by the Sea, Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Inn by the Sea offers educational programs highlighting the coastal environment and the Atlantic Ocean. Your clients can join lobstermen in Casco Bay, explore tidal pools or participate in beach ecology walks to learn about the Gulf of Maine’s rapid warming. The Bug’s Life program educates children about local ecosystems, while adults learn about diverse native plantings’ role in coastal health. The resort also engages hospitality students in discussions on rewilding and sustainable operations. The Inn’s restaurant, Sea Glass, serves responsibly harvested seafood as part of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute’s Tastemakers program.
The Palms Hotel & Spa, Miami Beach, Florida
For over a decade, The Palms Hotel & Spa in Miami Beach has partnered with organizations like the Surfrider Foundation and Coral Restoration Foundation to protect the ocean. The resort has hosted numerous cleanups and offers your clients the Fill-A-Bucket program, which rewards mini beach cleanups with gelato. In June, The Palms donates $10 to the Blue Scholars Initiative for every participant, thus supporting marine biology education. This nonprofit engages students in marine ecology, fostering environmental stewardship and awareness of human impact on the ocean.
Coulibri Ridge, Soufriere, Dominica
Coulibri Ridge, an off-grid resort in southern Dominica, supports marine conservation through unique underwater experiences. Your clients can join the exclusive 5-night Sperm Whale Encounter led by Amos Nachoum, which offers snorkeling with sperm whales from Nov. 30 to Dec. 9, 2024. The year-round 5-night Dive Package includes world-class dives, gourmet meals and a donation to the Soufriere Marine Reserve Coral Restoration project. Coulibri Ridge’s REZDM organization also supports coral restoration in the Soufriere-Scott’s Head Marine Reserve with dedicated staff and resources.
Atlantis Paradise Island: Ocean Month Year Round
Founded in 2005, the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation (ABPF) focuses on preserving coral reefs, sea turtles, sharks, manatees, and cetaceans in the Bahamas. ABPF is funded through guest participation in marine interactions at Atlantis Paradise Island. To date, ABPF has invested over $5 million in coral reef research and restoration, established 25 coral nurseries, and planted thousands of corals. The foundation has also launched coral reef education programs in Bahamian schools, produced the country’s first coral reef report card, and trained 27 Bahamians in reef health assessment. Additionally, ABPF has contributed to the designation of 17 marine protected areas and created the Bahamas Coral Gene Bank, housing up to 600 coral colonies for conservation.
Vakkaru Maldives, The Maldives
Located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Vakkaru Maldives offers your clients the chance to engage in environmental protection activities. Your clients can participate in coral planting and reef cleanups. The resort provides marine biologist-led excursions and courses on Baa Atoll’s biodiversity, including manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. Excursions include visits to two blue holes near the resort, showcasing calm waters, rich ecosystems and ancient fossils. Clients can easily reach these unique marine habitats by kayak from the resort’s beach.
Six Senses, The Maldives
The Hello Hallu Program at Six Senses Laamu educates school students about environmental issues and encourages them to develop solutions. The program promotes gender equality and practical skills like swimming and snorkeling, fostering a direct connection with the marine environment.
Six Senses Kanahura, meanwhile, engages in sea turtle conservation by monitoring and protecting green sea turtle nests on the resort and nearby islands. The Laamaseelu Masveriya program, developed by the Blue Marine Foundation, promotes sustainable fishing practices. This initiative supports local fishermen who use sustainable methods, ensuring economic and social safeguards while adhering to marine protected area regulations.
For more information, visit sixsenses.com.
Thompson Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Thompson Zihuatanejo, located on tranquil Playa La Ropa, emphasizes ocean conservation by offering its guests fresh, sustainably caught seafood, thereby supporting local fishermen. During turtle season, your clients can observe sea turtles laying eggs on the beachfront; Playa La Ropa also has a turtle preservation program so the egg clutches can mature in a predator-free environment.
For more information, visit hyatt.com.
Sustainable Travel and Ocean Conservation With Aurora Expeditions
Aurora Expeditions, a Certified B Corporation, emphasizes sustainable travel and ocean conservation while exploring remote areas like Antarctica and the Arctic. Their purpose-built, small expedition ships—Sylvia Earle, Greg Mortimer and the upcoming Douglas Mawson—feature state-of-the-art technology to minimize environmental impact.
Their ships are fuel efficient, using advanced technology to reduce emissions and conserve energy. They have waste management system protocols in place to ensure minimal environmental impact. And their operations are eco-friendly, prioritizing sustainable sourcing and onboard recycling.
Each expedition also serves as a research platform where expert naturalists and scientists conduct marine studies. Your clients can participate in these efforts through citizen science programs and educational workshops, transforming travel into a journey of discovery and stewardship.
For more information, visit aurora-expeditions.com.
Celebrity Cruises Celebrates World Oceans Day with Onboard Activities
Celebrity Cruises is celebrating the deep blue… ocean by inviting your clients to join the crew in various onboard activities under the theme “awakening new depths.” The aim is to celebrate oceans, understand human’s evolving relationship with them and promote ocean protection.
Your clients on itineraries coinciding with World Oceans Day will receive a reusable plastic-free TONTOTON bag. For each bag distributed, 65 metric tons of non-recyclable ocean-bound plastic will be collected from Cambodia and Vietnam. The Celebrity Cruises app will feature the Ocean Scope data collection program, supported by Royal Caribbean Group for over 20 years. Guests can learn about the program and book-related activities.
Celebrity’s Oceans Ahead Environmental Officers will present on ship operations and carbon footprint reduction. Other activities include Tai Chi, ocean-themed trivia and Camp at Sea activities for children, such as a sea life watercolor exhibit and the WWF sea turtles and oceans activities book.
Under the SEA the Future initiative, Celebrity Cruises aims to sustain the planet, energize communities, and accelerate innovation. Partnering with NASA and NOAA, Royal Caribbean Group has supported ocean and marine life research, including ocean acidification verification, for over 20 years.
For more information, visit celebritycruises.com.
