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sustainable travel

The Double-Edged Sword of Ecotourism... Are We Loving Wildlife to Death?

Over the past decade, social media has transformed the way we connect with wildlife.

Stunning photos and videos of humpback whales breaching, polar bears roaming the tundra, or tigers stalking through the forest inspire millions to explore these wild places.

This surge in interest has fueled a massive growth in ecotourism, bringing much-needed attention and funding to local communities and conservation efforts.

But as more people flock to wildlife hotspots, it raises an important question:

Can we love an animal to death?

Grey Whale watching off Magdalena Bay, Mexico.

There’s no denying the power of witnessing wildlife up close.

These experiences foster deep connections and inspire a sense of responsibility for protecting our planet’s most vulnerable species.

Ecotourism provides vital economic support for local communities, often funding anti-poaching initiatives, habitat restoration, and education programs.

In my opinion, ecotourism is the key to the survival of many species.

The sad reality is that governments often don’t care about wildlife unless there’s money involved. They collect revenue either from ecotourism operators or from industries like fishing or hunting—and they don’t care which one it is… as long as the money flows their way.

This means that when wildlife has economic value tied to tourism, it’s more likely to be protected.

Ecotourism not only funds conservation efforts but also creates incentives for governments and communities to prioritize wildlife over exploitation.

Yet, there’s a darker side.

Increased human presence can disrupt natural behaviors. Animals may become stressed, altering their feeding, migration, or mating patterns. Some even become habituated to humans, which can put them at risk of harm or conflict.

The truth is, most animals don’t want us there.

Whether it’s a whale avoid boats, a fox fleeing at the sight of humans, or a bird scared off its nest, these are clear signs that our presence isn’t always welcome.

And I’m the first to admit—I’ve been guilty of this. I’ve wanted to see an animal and capture their beauty through a lens, even when they’ve shown signs of wanting to be left alone.

What I’ve learned over time, however, is that the true magic of wildlife encounters happens when an animal chooses to be in our presence… or tolerates it.

Grey whale asking for a face rub.

Through patience and respect, these moments are far more rewarding and meaningful. Watching an orca glide alongside our boat without fear or seeing a bear go about its life undisturbed—that’s when you truly feel a connection to the wild.

Despite the challenges, I firmly believe ecotourism is the only way to save wildlife.

It gives animals an economic value tied to their survival, creating incentives for protection rather than exploitation.

With respect and care, we can still visit our favorite wild places and create positive experiences for both people and wildlife.

As travelers, we hold the power to ensure that our adventures leave a positive impact:

  • Choose responsible operators who prioritize animal welfare and conservation.

  • Be respectful with wildlife, avoiding behaviors that may stress or scare them.

  • Use social media thoughtfully—avoid tagging/sharing fragile locations to prevent overcrowding.

By treading lightly and embracing responsible tourism, we can preserve the species we love while fostering deep connections that inspire conservation.

Ecotourism has the potential to be a powerful force for good… but only if it’s done right.

With patience, respect, and a focus on responsible travel, we can continue to explore the wild places we love while ensuring wildlife thrives for generations to come.

Thank you for reading.

A Month and a half of Adventures... From Anacondas to Right Whales!

We are gearing up for the next month and a half of epic adventures.

We’re about to embark on back-to-back trips that promise incredible wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable moments.

It’s going to be so good, and I can’t wait to share this journey with you all.

Week 1: Swimming with Anacondas in Brazil

We kick off our adventure in Brazil diving with anacondas. For the first week, we'll be diving in the clear waters of the Formoso River in the heart of the Brazilian Pantanal.

Here, we'll search for the elusive green anaconda, the largest snake in the world. There's something truly thrilling about being in the water with these massive ancient predators.

It’s an experience that challenges our perceptions of snakes and allows us to see them in a whole new light.

We'll also be on the lookout for other fascinating creatures, like giant anteaters, dwarf caimans, capybaras, and a plethora of bird species that make this region so unique.

Week 2: Jaguars and Maned Wolves in the Northern Pantanal

From the water to the dense, lush forests of the Northern Pantanal, our second week will be all about big cats and other iconic wildlife.

This region is one of the best places in the world to photograph jaguars in their natural habitat, and we’re hoping for some spectacular encounters.

There's nothing quite like the thrill of spotting a jaguar stalking through the underbrush or lounging by the riverbanks.

But jaguars aren't the only stars of the show. We’re also on the lookout for giant river otters, caiman, capybaras, tapirs, and the elusive manned wolf, with its long legs and striking red fur.

Week 3 and 4: Exploring the Amazon River with Botos

Our adventures continue as we head deeper into Brazil, this time to the Amazon River. For our third week, we will be immersed in the dense, vibrant rainforests of the Amazon, home to some of the most diverse wildlife on the planet.

Our primary focus will be the Amazon river dolphins, or botos, known for their playful behavior and distinctive pink color.

We have back-to-back trips planned, which gives us ample opportunity to photograph and interact with these incredible dolphins in their natural environment.

Alongside the botos, the Amazon offers an array of wildlife encounters, from colorful macaws, caiman, curious monkeys that are seen regularly at our eco-lodge.

A big goal for me while in the area is to see and photograph a sloth. There are three different species that can be found in the area we will be visiting. I really dont care what species we find. I just really want to photograph one.

Weeks 5: Right Whales in Argentina

After four weeks in the wilds of Brazil, we are flying to Argentina for one of the highlights of our season: spending time diving with right whales in Patagonia.

This part of the journey is truly a dream come true for me. There's a particular magic in observing these gentle giants up close, watching them breach, slap their tails, and with our special government permits, swimming alongside these gentle giants.

We will be based in the Peninsula Valdés, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where these whales come to breed and give birth. It’s a unique opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in a protected environment, and it always leaves me in awe of the beauty and complexity of the natural world.

Magellanic penguin in Patagonia

These trips are more than just a chance to see incredible wildlife; they’re an opportunity to connect with nature, to learn from it, and to help protect these wild places and the wildlife that inhabits them.

As much as we are here to enjoy and photograph the wildlife, we also have a responsibility to protect it.

Ecotourism plays a vital role in conservation efforts, providing financial support for the communities and the protection of habitats and wildlife.

My hope is that these adventures inspire you to appreciate the beauty of our planet and to consider how you, too, can contribute to preserving what remains of our wild places.

Stay tuned for a lot of photos, blogs and videos from our adventures, and thank you for reading and joining us on this journey!