SM: Best Vacation Spots for Eco-Adventures

For many tourists, the idea of a vacation conjures up images of floating down Venetian canals or sunbathing on pristine beaches. But for adventure-seekers, a vacation is a chance to drift among icebergs in the Antarctic and or to step foot on one of the Galapagos Islands, inches away from where exotic birds spread their wings.

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Taking a Walk on the Wildlife Side To preserve the environment tourists flock to see, some eco-destinations are tightening rules and raising prices. Our guide to getting back to nature.

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Ecotourism, travel that promotes environmental understanding, makes up one quarter of all annual trips in an $89 billion adventure-travel industry. And lately, its popularity has been growing rapidly -- an average of 17 percent a year for the past 5 years. The demand is so strong, some destinations have put regulations and restrictions in place to protect wildlife that might be threatened by surging tourist populations. Though some safeguards stand out -- like fees for protected areas -- the ones that remain nearly invisible can sometimes impact trips the most.

Here, we round up a selection of the hottest eco-destinations, and present a breakdown of the new rules and regulations that might affect your next trip.

Costa Rica

With 5 percent of the world's biodiversity, Costa Rica can be an eco-traveler's dream come true. Visitors will return home with photos of volcanoes, three-toed sloths and breathtaking beaches. And since it's such a quick journey from the states, it's also more affordable than many far-flung exotic locales. Conservation is important in the region: 25 percent of the territory is marked as protected land. Travelers interested in learning more about the impact of their specific travel choices can consult the Certification for Sustainable Tourism Program, which lists tours, hotels and car-rental agencies, and rates them on their sustainability.

Source: Costa Rica Tourist Board

Marino Ballena National Park, South Pacific, Costa Rica

Galapagos Islands

The islands that fascinated Charles Darwin continue to enchant ecotourists with coves of sea lions, pools of starfish and hikes along volcanic lava trails. Travelers might notice things like fees at national parks for entering protected areas, but many regulations, like which boats can offer snorkeling and kayaking, aren't as obvious. This year the National Park Service will institute new rules to cut traffic to the 15 most popular sites. Ships will not be allowed to visit the same sites in a 14-day period. Experts say trips are are well-balanced, but if you're interested in a particular island, discuss your itinerary with your operator to make sure you don't miss a site.

Source: Copyright Ann L. Miller / Abercrombie & Kent Picture Library

A young tourist poses with a turtle -- one of the many photo-ops available in the Galapagos.

Antarctica

Antarctica's vast expanses can make travelers less like tourists and more like expeditioners. Such trips are packed with the types of surprises only this region can offer, like the small groups of rarely seen orcas and emperor penguins encountered by one recent tour group from Abercrombie and Kent. To protect these animals and their environment, the International Maritime Association has banned a fuel seen as a possible eco-hazard. While small cruise ships aren't affected, travelers will find that many of the larger lines aren't currently serving the region.

Source: The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators

Small inflatable crafts cruise around unusual iceberg formations.

Alaska

Visitors to our nation's largest state can, of course, get some of the best views of the aurora borealis, or northern lights. But they can also hike deep into Denali National Park to catch glimpses of caribou, moose and bears. National Parks take care with their wildlife, which means guides often vary which trails they take, vehicles are restricted in some parks and overnight use is limited.

Source: Matt Hage for the Alaska Travel Industry Association

A couple enjoys the hot springs at Chena Hot Springs Resort north of Fairbanks in Interior Alaska.

Australia

Australia boasts majestic alps, scorched deserts and miles of lush coastal wilderness. Approximately 6 million international tourists come to this country each year, many to see native kangaroos, bungarras and koalas in their natural habitats. To protect these animals and lands, the Australian government works closely with the country's indigenous peoples -- the original owners of its land -- to manage and protect its resources. Travelers to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, for instance, will notice that hotels and shops have been moved outside the park and that roads have been specially constructed to lead people away from fragile areas.

Source: Australia's Coral Coast, Tourism Australia

Travelers tour Yardie Creek gorge in Cape Range National Park.

Africa

Whether it's scouting for lemurs in Madagascar or bird-watching in Botswana, Africa's continent offers a range of landscapes and wildlife. Africa boasts significant shares of the world's mammal, reptile and insect species, and tours through operators include game-watching from dugout canoes and even sleeping under the stars. Ecotourism is still developing in many regions, but countries are responding to the need to protect wildlife. Recently, for instance, South Africa launched a set of voluntary standards for environmental impact and resource consumption that work alongside existing environmental and fair-trade certifications. Some sites in Botswana, meanwhile, limit hotel bed and vehicle density to help protect natural resource areas. And nearly 50 beaches in South Africa and Morocco are certified as Blue Flag, an international eco-label that promotes sustainable beaches and marinas.

Source: Dana Allen, Wilderness Safaris

A cheetah is spotted on a photographic safari in Botswana.