Although the reasons for travel remain largely unchanged, recent trends illustrate a shift in priorities and expectations among travelers, with an increasing focus on sustainability. Surveys indicate that 53% of global travelers are eager to adopt more sustainable practices in their travels. Consequently, 69% of travelers anticipate that the tourism industry—including hotels and restaurants—will provide enhanced sustainable options to meet this demand. As more industry stakeholders implement environmentally friendly initiatives, numerous travel destinations, particularly beaches, have begun adopting sustainable practices as well. Here are five international destinations notable for their eco-friendly beaches. Whitehaven Beach, Australia Positioned on Whitsunday Island, Whitehaven Beach is recognized as the largest beach of Queensland’s Whitsundays.

Renowned for its dazzling white sands and serene blue-green waters, Whitehaven Beach provides an idyllic escape for those looking to unwind from urban life. This beach is notable not only for its beauty but also for its unwavering commitment to sustainable practices, being part of the Whitsundays Islands National Park. The beach has earned accolades from organizations such as CNN with an Eco-Friendly Beach award, along with multiple Australian Cleanest Beach awards.

Playa Matapalo, Costa Rica

Playa Matapalo is a quaint beach village nestled at the tip of the Osa Peninsula. Its diverse flora and fauna make it an attractive destination for eco-conscious travelers, as the local community places a strong emphasis on sustainable living. Many lodges in the area utilize solar energy, while activities designed for guests foster a deep connection with nature. The region proudly flies the Blue Ecological Flag due to its dedicated conservation and preservation efforts. This achievement results from collaborative initiatives with conservation scientists who monitor the ecological integrity of local parks, forests, and resources. Their ongoing efforts ensure the sustainability of the environment, making Playa Matapalo an essential destination for the eco-friendly traveler.

Short Sands Beach, Oregon

Short Sands Beach, located within Oswald West State Park, is famed for its surfing and boogie-boarding opportunities. The park bears the name of former governor Oswald West, a key figure in the campaign to preserve Oregon’s beaches for public enjoyment.

The park is home to a memorial marker honoring journalist Matt Kramer, whose advocacy helped shift public opinion in favor of preserving local beaches. As a result of these preservation efforts, the Cape Falcon Marine Reserve and Marine Protected Area were established, which prohibit fishing and harvesting activities, thus enhancing the ecological integrity of this beach. For eco-conscious surfers, Short Sands Beach is a recommended destination.

Koh Libong, Thailand

Koh Libong is another serene destination featuring stunning beaches in Thailand. This tranquil island offers a chance to immerse in local village life while enjoying breathtaking sunsets and expansive, uncrowded beaches. Due to its relatively low tourist population, it serves as an important habitat for diverse marine life, including endangered species such as dugongs and various types of turtles. Local authorities are committed to sustainability and ecotourism, cooperating with Swedish environmentalists to ensure that practices align with preservation principles. Koh Libong presents a significant opportunity for travelers focused on both enjoyment and the protection of marine ecosystems.

Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, Vancouver Island

Finally, Juan de Fuca Provincial Park on Vancouver Island is a captivating destination with breathtaking landscapes, outstanding hiking opportunities, and impressive wildlife viewing prospects. A previous discussion on discovering the island emphasized its natural beauty.

The park encompasses Botanical Beach, one of the most biologically rich tidal areas on the west coast. Its remarkable shoreline, bordered by shale and quartz ridges, attracts visitors interested in exploring a unique ecosystem. Sustainable travelers will appreciate this site’s dedication to preserving the striking coastline of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The area extends beyond the beaches, as it features hiking trails that offer protected habitats for a variety of west coast mammal species, including cougars, deer, black bears, and wolves.