What is Sustainable EcoTourism?

Sustainable ecotourism is more than just a trendy phrase that hotels use when giving out reusable water bottles. To us, it’s about curating a mindful way for our visitors to explore the Virgin Islands in ways that protect the environment, respect the local culture, and support the VI economy. When you’re traveling to small Caribbean destinations like the USVI, embracing sustainable ecotourism isn’t just kind—it’s a responsibility we hope you don’t take lightly. 

The US Virgin Islands are home to stunning white sand beaches, miles and miles of coral reefs, and the incomparable Virgin Islands National Park. Unfortunately, the territory faces growing environmental pressures from tourism. Without intentional action on all of our parts, natural resources will continue to become depleted, our ecosystems damaged, and local communities negatively impacted.

Sustainable ecotourism is how we seek to provide low-impact, eco-friendly excursions that benefit both the natural world and all of us as a people. We want to give you reassurance that when you book tours and other island activities with Virgin Islands Ecotours, you are supporting a local tour operator who follows conservation practices, supports & gives back to the community we live in, and respects locals and marine life.

One of our primary initiatives as a company is our Sea Turtle Conservation program. We are proud to be able to support the St. Croix Sea Turtle Project which protects sea turtles and their nesting sites on Virgin Islands beaches. We donate a portion of every tour directly to this incredible organization year-round and give our guests the opportunity to contribute as well, if they feel so inspired. 

In our efforts as stewards of the St. Thomas Mangrove Lagoon, we also regularly host clean-ups of Cas Cay and frequently offer educational tours for local youth groups, helping to inspire the next generation of conservationists. We also partner with those doing important research whenever possible such as GRROE USVI Mangroves and The University of the Virgin Islands’ Marine & Environmental Studies Center.

We are also members of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council to ensure sustainability is front of mind with everything we do. We seek to reduce any negative impact on the environment during our time within it and find ways to positively contribute to the mangroves’ ability to thrive.

The long-term health of the Virgin Islands depends on all of us participating in its protection. Choosing sustainably-minded ecotours like ours helps protect the fragile ecosystems of the USVI. Similarly, investing in locally-owned businesses ensures tourism dollars stay in the community, supporting sustainable livelihoods.

As a visitor to the Virgin Islands, you have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact. By practicing sustainable ecotourism in the U.S. Virgin Islands, you're helping ensure that future generations can enjoy the same turquoise waters, thriving reefs, and vibrant island culture that draws so many visitors to our shores today.

We believe that sustainable ecotourism is the path to keeping the U.S. Virgin Islands beautiful for years to come and we are committed to doing our part in every way we can.