Wildlife in the Caribbean – Caribbean Trading https://caribbeantrading.com Your Puerto Rico / Caribbean Connection Fri, 10 Jul 2026 19:53:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.5 https://caribbeantrading.com/wp-content/uploads/CTC_Favicon-100x100.png Wildlife in the Caribbean – Caribbean Trading https://caribbeantrading.com 32 32 Breathtaking Caribbean Islands You Have to See https://caribbeantrading.com/breathtaking-caribbean-islands-you-have-to-see/ https://caribbeantrading.com/breathtaking-caribbean-islands-you-have-to-see/#respond Fri, 10 Jul 2026 19:53:02 +0000 https://caribbeantrading.com/?p=539204 The Caribbean has long been associated with crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and breathtaking sunsets. But while photographs often make these islands look almost too perfect to be real, many destinations across the Caribbean genuinely resemble the kind of landscapes you would expect to find on a postcard. From hidden coves and vibrant coral reefs to colorful colonial towns and lush tropical forests, each island offers its own unique version of paradise.

Whether you’re planning your next vacation or simply dreaming about turquoise seas and warm tropical breezes, these Caribbean islands deserve a place on your travel wishlist.

Aruba: Endless Sunshine and Turquoise Waters

Aruba is famous for its consistently sunny weather, making it one of the most reliable beach destinations in the Caribbean. Located outside the main hurricane belt, the island enjoys warm temperatures throughout the year, attracting visitors in every season.

Eagle Beach is often ranked among the world’s most beautiful beaches thanks to its powdery white sand and calm, crystal clear water. The iconic Divi Divi trees, shaped by the constant trade winds, have become one of Aruba’s most recognizable symbols.

Beyond its beaches, Aruba offers fascinating natural attractions such as Arikok National Park, where visitors can discover desert landscapes, hidden caves, rugged coastlines, and impressive rock formations. The colorful capital city of Oranjestad adds a European touch with its Dutch colonial architecture, vibrant shopping districts, and lively waterfront.

Turks and Caicos: Some of the Clearest Water on Earth

If your idea of paradise involves impossibly blue water, Turks and Caicos should be at the top of your list. Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales is consistently recognized as one of the world’s finest beaches, offering miles of soft sand and remarkably calm seas.

The islands are surrounded by one of the largest coral reef systems in the world, making them an outstanding destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Marine life thrives in these protected waters, where visitors can encounter colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, eagle rays, and even humpback whales during migration season.

Luxury resorts blend seamlessly into the natural environment, allowing travelers to enjoy world-class accommodations without overshadowing the island’s pristine beauty.

St. Lucia: A Paradise for Nature Lovers

St. Lucia stands out thanks to its dramatic volcanic scenery. Instead of flat coastlines, visitors are welcomed by the iconic Pitons, two towering volcanic peaks that rise directly from the Caribbean Sea.

The island combines rainforest adventures with relaxing beaches. Travelers can hike through lush jungles, soak in natural hot springs, visit botanical gardens, or explore waterfalls hidden among tropical vegetation.

For couples seeking a romantic getaway, St. Lucia has become one of the Caribbean’s most popular honeymoon destinations. Luxury resorts often feature private plunge pools overlooking the Pitons, creating unforgettable panoramic views.

The Bahamas: Hundreds of Picture-Perfect Islands

The Bahamas is not just one island but an archipelago of more than 700 islands and cays, each offering its own distinctive charm.

Exuma has become world-famous for its swimming pigs, whose playful interactions with visitors have turned the islands into a social media sensation. Meanwhile, Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island surprises travelers with its naturally pink shoreline, created by tiny coral organisms mixed into the sand.

For divers, the Bahamas also offers spectacular blue holes, underwater caves, and vibrant coral reefs that attract marine enthusiasts from around the globe.

Whether you’re looking for luxury resorts, family vacations, sailing adventures, or secluded beaches, the Bahamas provides endless opportunities to experience Caribbean beauty.

Antigua: A Beach for Every Day of the Year

Locals proudly say that Antigua has 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. While the exact number may be symbolic, there’s no shortage of spectacular coastlines waiting to be explored.

Dickenson Bay attracts visitors with calm waters ideal for swimming, while Half Moon Bay offers a more secluded atmosphere with dramatic ocean views.

Beyond the beaches, Antigua preserves a rich colonial heritage. Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases beautifully restored Georgian architecture and offers insight into the island’s maritime history.

The combination of history, sailing culture, and stunning natural scenery makes Antigua one of the Caribbean’s most versatile destinations.

Barbados: Where Culture Meets Coastal Beauty

Barbados combines spectacular beaches with a vibrant cultural identity. The island’s west coast features calm, turquoise waters perfect for swimming, while the eastern coast faces the Atlantic Ocean, creating impressive waves that attract surfers from around the world.

Bridgetown, the capital, reflects centuries of British influence through its historic buildings and lively streets. Visitors can explore museums, local markets, and traditional rum distilleries that celebrate one of the island’s most famous exports.

Nature lovers can also visit Harrison’s Cave, an underground limestone cave system filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal clear streams.

Curaçao: Colorful Streets and Hidden Beaches

Curaçao immediately captures visitors with the colorful waterfront buildings of Willemstad, whose Dutch colonial architecture has earned UNESCO World Heritage recognition.

Away from the city, the island reveals dozens of small coves surrounded by limestone cliffs. Beaches like Playa Kenepa and Cas Abao offer exceptionally clear water, making them ideal for snorkeling and underwater photography.

Curaçao’s vibrant local culture blends European, Caribbean, African, and Latin American influences, creating a welcoming atmosphere reflected in its cuisine, music, and festivals.

British Virgin Islands: A Sailor’s Dream

The British Virgin Islands have become one of the world’s premier sailing destinations thanks to their calm waters, short sailing distances, and stunning anchorages.

The Baths on Virgin Gorda provide one of the Caribbean’s most unique landscapes. Massive granite boulders create natural pools, tunnels, and hidden beaches that seem almost unreal.

Island hopping is especially popular here, allowing visitors to experience several islands during a single trip while discovering quiet bays, coral reefs, and charming beach bars along the way.

Grenada: The Spice Island

Often called the “Spice Island,” Grenada offers much more than postcard-worthy beaches. Nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and cocoa plantations fill the island with unforgettable aromas and provide visitors with unique agricultural experiences.

Grand Anse Beach stretches for nearly two miles, offering calm waters framed by lush green hills. Inland, waterfalls, rainforest trails, and volcanic lakes create exciting opportunities for eco-tourism and adventure.

Grenada remains slightly less crowded than some of its Caribbean neighbors, making it particularly attractive for travelers seeking a more relaxed atmosphere.

Why These Islands Continue to Inspire Travelers

Although every Caribbean island has its own personality, they all share certain qualities that explain their enduring popularity. Crystal clear waters, warm hospitality, tropical climates, and extraordinary biodiversity combine to create unforgettable travel experiences.

Modern tourism has also evolved beyond traditional beach vacations. Many visitors now seek authentic cultural encounters, wellness retreats, culinary experiences, casino experiences, eco-tourism, water sports, and opportunities to connect with local communities. This broader approach allows travelers to enjoy a richer and more meaningful experience while supporting sustainable tourism initiatives across the region.

Advances in transportation have also made many Caribbean destinations more accessible than ever, with direct international flights and improved infrastructure allowing travelers to explore multiple islands during the same vacation.

Whether you’re snorkeling alongside colorful coral reefs, hiking volcanic mountains, relaxing beneath swaying palm trees, or wandering through charming colonial streets, the Caribbean offers countless landscapes that genuinely look as though they have been lifted from a postcard.

As tourism across these islands continues to evolve, many resorts now complement their natural beauty with more complete guest experiences, combining wellness, gastronomy, cultural activities, and, in some destinations, integrated digital entertainment options that allow visitors to enjoy modern leisure without losing the essence of a tropical escape.

]]>
https://caribbeantrading.com/breathtaking-caribbean-islands-you-have-to-see/feed/ 0
Scientific Activity and Field Research Opportunities for the Travel Student in the Caribbean https://caribbeantrading.com/scientific-activity-and-field-research-in-the-caribbean/ https://caribbeantrading.com/scientific-activity-and-field-research-in-the-caribbean/#respond Fri, 05 Jun 2026 19:49:59 +0000 https://caribbeantrading.com/?p=539130 Many students imagine travel as a break from academic life. The Caribbean challenges that assumption. For those willing to trade beach chairs for notebooks and snorkeling masks for data collection equipment, the region offers something far more valuable than a vacation. It provides a living laboratory where science unfolds in real time.

What makes the Caribbean particularly fascinating is its complexity. More than 7,000 islands, reefs, cays, and coastal ecosystems create an environment where biological, geological, and environmental processes can be observed up close. Students who participate in Caribbean field research often discover that scientific learning becomes more tangible when the classroom walls disappear.

Why the Caribbean Attracts Student Researchers

The Caribbean is frequently associated with tourism, yet scientists see something different. They see coral reef systems under pressure, volcanic landscapes still shaping islands, endangered species adapting to changing environments, and coastal communities navigating the realities of climate change.

For students pursuing environmental science, ecology, marine biology, geography, or conservation studies, these conditions create exceptional Caribbean field research opportunities.

Field experience offers something traditional lectures cannot replicate. A student reading about reef degradation in a textbook may understand the theory. A student measuring coral bleaching while diving off the coast of Belize experiences the reality firsthand.

During research expeditions, participants often learn skills such as:

  • Environmental data collection
  • Species identification
  • GIS mapping
  • Water quality assessment
  • Ecological surveying
  • Scientific report writing
  • Statistical analysis of field data

The learning process becomes immediate. Mistakes matter. Weather conditions influence results. Unexpected observations often lead to better questions than those initially planned.

Not surprisingly, some students also rely on academic writing support online for students when balancing intensive fieldwork with university assignments and research reports.

The Rise of Student Research Programs in the Caribbean

Universities have increasingly recognized the value of immersive research experiences. Over the last decade, numerous institutions have expanded their study abroad science programs to include substantial field components.

Several organizations and universities maintain long-term research stations throughout the region, including:

InstitutionFocus AreaLocation
Smithsonian InstitutionMarine ecosystems and biodiversityPanama and Caribbean research sites
University of the West IndiesClimate science and environmental researchMultiple Caribbean campuses
Perry Institute for Marine ScienceCoral reef restorationBahamas
Caribbean Coastal Marine Productivity ProgramMarine ecologyCaribbean region

These programs vary significantly in structure. Some focus on short-term summer expeditions lasting two weeks. Others involve semester-long research projects where students develop independent investigations under faculty supervision.

The most successful participants often arrive expecting uncertainty. Field science rarely follows a perfect schedule.

Marine Biology Research in the Caribbean: More Than Coral Reefs

When people think about marine biology research in the Caribbean, coral reefs usually dominate the conversation. The reefs deserve attention. They support roughly 25 percent of marine species despite covering a small fraction of the ocean floor.

Yet the region offers much more.

Mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, deep-water ecosystems, and coastal lagoons each present unique research possibilities. Students may study juvenile fish populations sheltered within mangrove roots or investigate how seagrass habitats contribute to carbon sequestration.

The Caribbean has become particularly important for studying climate-related environmental changes.

Research topics frequently include:

  • Coral bleaching events
  • Ocean acidification
  • Coastal erosion
  • Sea-level rise
  • Fisheries management
  • Marine protected area effectiveness
  • Shark and sea turtle conservation

In some cases, students contribute data to long-term monitoring projects that influence environmental policy decisions years after the expedition concludes.

That realization can be surprisingly motivating. Data collected by an undergraduate researcher may eventually appear in scientific publications or conservation management plans.

Geological and Environmental Research Beyond the Coast

Marine science receives significant attention, but geology students often find the Caribbean equally rewarding.

The region sits near several tectonic boundaries, creating opportunities to study volcanic activity, earthquakes, mountain formation, and coastal geomorphology.

Students visiting islands such as Montserrat can observe landscapes dramatically altered by volcanic eruptions. Others explore limestone cave systems, karst topography, and sedimentary formations that reveal clues about Earth’s environmental history.

Environmental science students often work at the intersection of natural and human systems.

Questions frequently explored include:

  • How does tourism affect coastal ecosystems?
  • What strategies improve climate resilience in island communities?
  • How do local conservation policies influence biodiversity outcomes?
  • What role does environmental education play in sustainability efforts?

These questions rarely have simple answers. That complexity is precisely what makes field research valuable.

What Scientific Fieldwork for Students Actually Feels Like

Field research often sounds glamorous when presented in university brochures.

Reality tends to be messier.

Equipment fails. Rain arrives unexpectedly. Boats are delayed. Sampling sites become inaccessible. Researchers spend hours processing data after returning from the field.

Yet those challenges often become the most memorable lessons.

A student might spend an entire morning preparing to collect water samples only to discover a procedural error requiring the work to be repeated. Frustrating? Certainly.

Educational? Absolutely.

Scientific fieldwork for students teaches resilience alongside technical skills. It develops patience, adaptability, and critical thinking in ways that conventional coursework sometimes struggles to achieve.

Faculty members frequently note that students return from field programs with greater confidence and stronger problem-solving abilities.

The transformation is rarely dramatic in the moment.

It becomes visible later, when students approach future research questions with greater independence.

Choosing the Right Study Abroad Science Program

Not every program offers the same level of scientific engagement.

Students evaluating study abroad science programs should consider several factors.

Questions Worth Asking

  1. Is the program research-focused or primarily educational tourism?
  2. Will students collect original data?
  3. Are projects supervised by active researchers?
  4. Is there an opportunity to contribute to ongoing studies?
  5. Are findings presented through reports or presentations?

Programs that emphasize active participation generally provide greater academic and professional benefits.

Students considering graduate school often find these experiences particularly valuable when applying for research positions, fellowships, or advanced degree programs.

The Long-Term Impact of Caribbean Research Experiences

The significance of field research often extends far beyond the duration of the trip itself.

Many students enter programs expecting to strengthen a résumé. Some leave having discovered an entirely different career path.

A future conservation scientist may encounter marine ecology for the first time while surveying reef fish populations. A student interested in policy may become fascinated by climate adaptation strategies within island communities.

Field experiences create moments that are difficult to replicate elsewhere.

The Caribbean, with its ecological diversity and environmental challenges, provides a setting where scientific questions feel immediate rather than abstract.

Perhaps that is the greatest value of student research programs in the Caribbean. They remind students that science is not merely a collection of facts waiting in textbooks. It is an ongoing process of observation, uncertainty, and discovery.

For the travel student willing to engage deeply with the region, the Caribbean becomes more than a destination. It becomes a classroom, a research site, and occasionally, the place where an academic interest transforms into a lifelong pursuit.

]]>
https://caribbeantrading.com/scientific-activity-and-field-research-in-the-caribbean/feed/ 0
Caribbean Environmental Conservation: How Can Companies Contribute? https://caribbeantrading.com/care-for-the-environment-in-the-caribbean-how-can-companies-contribute/ https://caribbeantrading.com/care-for-the-environment-in-the-caribbean-how-can-companies-contribute/#respond Fri, 30 Aug 2024 17:32:36 +0000 https://caribbeantrading.com/?p=536293 Oh, the Caribbean. The region with some of the best beaches, coral reefs and hear this: some of the world’s finest tropical places! What’s not to love about it, right? But there’s something really important to address: it’s under a constant danger: degradation and climate change. It’s ours responsibility to do something if we want to achieve sustainability and avoid more issues.

First of all, we gotta start protecting the environment by adopting green practices. How? Well, this article is gonna give you the best ways to contribute to this care, especially if you want to adopt Caribbean environmental conservation packaging as a main strategy.

The Importance of Environmental Protection in the Caribbean

Lemme tell you something really interesting: did you know the Caribbean is rich to many ecosystems? Coral reefs, mangroves, rainforest, seagrass and many more! They’re really important for a reason: maintaining ecological balance. So, we gotta do what we must to keep them alive! Not only for wildlife, but also because they protect the coast, food and carbon sequestration. Currently, people is actively working to reduce the plastic pollution from the island, as well as facing other issues like overfishing, deforestation and high sea levels. All of them are part of climate change, and must be stopped!

You definitely know the region’s main income is tourism. With many people visiting this people, it’s a given we must protect it. Hotels and shops must help to influence the care of the environment, adopting practices that reduce footprint.

Sustainable Practices for Companies in the Caribbean

Okay, so you know about the importance. Now it’s time to address it. What can be done, and how? Well, luckily there are many strategies that companies in the Caribbean can adopt if they want to make the world a better place. First of all, using less energy. Reducing waste, using less water and supporting the locals are vital too. Check these amazing tips too:

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy 

Did you ever ask yourself how a business reduces carbon footprint? If not, lemme tell you. Investing in energy-efficient tech is a must for companies that want to help the world. For example, taking advantage from the wind and sunlight! Isn’t that smart? This greatly reduces gas emissions, as well as the costs, since you’d be using way less energy. Start installing some solar panels too if you wanna help the world!

Waste Reduction and Recycling

Reducing waste is always complicated, especially in a region like the Caribbean. But why? Because inadequate waste disposal can lead to pollution of the waters, which is a complicated thing to fix. So, what can be done? First of all, we must promote recycling, and the future reduction of waste. After that, we can start reducing pollution, composting organics, implementing new programs and helping both locals and toursits with strategies that are more eco-friendly.

Water Conservation

You have probably heard about the fear of water scarcity. Even when the planet’s almost covered with water, it’s not a renewable resource. We must implement strategies to protect its usage, especially in the Caribbean. Climate change and tourism demands a lot of use, so having tech that helps regulate this (such as low-flow water and recycling) is vital. Educating the locals and tourists alike is another important task to do.

Supporting Conservation and Community Initiatives

Saving water and energy is a must, but the task doesn’t stop there. There’s still plenty of things to do! Take a step further into the right direction by supporting green initiatives. That’s right: sponsor conservation efforts and do your good deed! There are many: marine life, cleaning beaches or restoring habitats. All of them will not only raise your reputation but will build a stronger relationship with locals.

The Role of Healthy Packaging in Environmental Sustainability

Let’s address the “elephant in the room”. Plastic usage is one of the main causes of water pollution and waste, threatening marine life and many lives. So if you wanna make a real impact as a company, start adopting healthy packaging programs ASAP! Kanbol has really interesting options you might want to check! Styrofoam and plastic use must be stopped, so switch for biodegradable or compostable ones.

But why? Because it reduces the environmental impact, having a shorter lifecycle that is made from renewable resources, meaning it can be used again later. Paper, bamboo and plant plastics will break down eventually, not harming anyone.

Benefits:

  • Reduction of Plastic Pollution: This is extremely important! Why? Because eco-friendly packages are vital to reduce plastic waste. Most of it usually ends in the beaches and oceans, harming not only people but the lives that are there. Beaches will also look much better if they’re clean! So, supporting a sustainable destination is great.
  • Lower Carbon Footprint: Reducing the carbon footprint is vital if we wanna emit fewer greenhouse gases. The main reason behind is to have less packaging. Be sure to recyclate!
  • Support for Circular Economy: Eco-friendly packaging aligns with the principles of a circular economy, where materials are reused, recycled, or composted, rather than disposed of in landfills. By adopting healthy packaging, companies can promote a more sustainable and circular approach to resource management.
  • Enhanced Brand Image: Consumers are increasingly aware of environmental issues and are more likely to support companies that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. 

Challenges and Opportunities for Companies

The opportunities to make the world a greener and better place are endless, but it’s also true that challenges are arising. Most of these strategies demand more cost, and the access to such materials are often harder to find. If you don’t have the infrastructure, it can be a huge issue. But thinking about the bright side: the long-term benefits of this are HUGE. You’ll save money, make yourself reputable in the eyes of the community and more!

In case you’re struggling, seek a partnership. There are many local or worldwide organizations that specialize in helping companies transitioning to a greener approach. Suppliers, NGOs and more will provide you these resources and experts if you need ’em. This way, you’ll train your employees and educate customers about an eco-friendly future.

Conclusion

So, keep this in mind when you ask yourself: what can American tourists do to help improve the caribbean’s environmental concerns? The answer is: We must take care of our world! Environment in the Caribbean is something everyone must protect, not only the locals. Businesses, governments and even tourists must do their part. Example is vital to preservate the region’s beauty. Sustainable practices is what will keep the world green and safe!

So, what can you do? First of all, embrace energy efficience. Reduce the wastes and save water if possible. Healthy packaging solutions is also a must if you work with gifts and stuff like that. All of this ensures a safer world for the upcmoing generations. Luckily, tourism is going sustainable and eco-friendly products keep growing, which makes everyone hopeful!

We do our part, and companies in the Caribbean must do theirs too. It’s our job to safeguard the environment, to protect this paradise forever!

FAQs

What are the shipping options?

Caribbean Trading offers Priority for USPS services. Upon request of the user, it can also be shipped via UPS, FedEx or DHL, although you must consider that shipping platforms count Puerto Rico as an international destination, while USPS considers it domestic for United States. Currently, our shipping is only for USA.

Can I return my products?

Most new and unopened products have 30 days after delivery to refund. In case you received the incorrect item or a failed product, Caribbean Trading will cover the shipping costs. If you can see that the package is damaged when received, refuse it immediately.

Do Caribbean Trading accept corporate orders?

Yes! We specialize on corporate and group gifts. We have worked with a variety of companies of all size. Our warehouse and production facility allows us to handle orders of any size you might have!

What are the payment methods?

You can either buy with credit card or via phone. We value your online privacy and security! If you don’t want to fill your credit data on the web, call us: 787-888-2762.

]]>
https://caribbeantrading.com/care-for-the-environment-in-the-caribbean-how-can-companies-contribute/feed/ 0
How Does Ecotourism Affect the Environment? https://caribbeantrading.com/how-does-ecotourism-affect-the-environment/ https://caribbeantrading.com/how-does-ecotourism-affect-the-environment/#respond Tue, 11 Feb 2020 13:56:04 +0000 https://caribbeantrading.com/?p=12641 Does Ecotourism Affect the Environment?  Yes- sometimes positively, sometimes negatively. Mass tourism over the last few decades has led to the destruction of many natural habitats, erosion of previously unspoiled landscapes and harm to local communities. It has also caused a surge in carbon emissions which contribute to climate change.

Thankfully, eco-tourism is fighting back.

Providing a greener, cleaner and more ethically minded alternative, it can help give back to local communities and protect the environment whilst allowing you to enjoy an unforgettable trip.

Here’s a short guide that explains how Ecotourism Affect the Environment, what ecotourism actually is, what its benefits are, and what types of eco- holidays you can enjoy. 

What is ecotourism?

Unlike mass tourism that provides one-size-fits-all holidays and focuses on generating profit for the business owners, ecotourism offers a unique experience that can have a deeply positive effect on the world.

This might involve any of the following:

  • Ensuring your method of transport is as low impact as possible
  • Taking active steps to protect the local environment
  • Minimizing the overall impact of travel on the local community
  • Building environmental and cultural awareness and respect
  • Staying in accommodation with a low environmental impact

What are the benefits of ecotourism?

1. It helps protect the environment

Eco-friendly tourism helps protect the beauty, natural biodiversity and habitats of the natural world by making more sustainable choices.

It’s the opposite of mass tourism which often leads to the destruction of many natural areas, reduces habitats for wildlife and causes those horrible high-rise hotels to be built which dominate the local landscape.

Many destinations and hostels can provide eco-friendly accommodation too that use renewable energy, have a recycling policy and are as energy efficient as possible.

2. It benefits the local economy

Photo by Aa Dil from Pexels

Ecotourism can also help ensure that the money generated by the travel industry ends up in the hands of those who deserve it the most, the locals.

By employing locals and providing an income for tour guides, translators, entertainers and more it helps support families, provides opportunities for education and helps to build strong, positive relationships. Shopping local and supporting small businesses is a great way to ensure that there is a positive impact of  Ecotourism Affect the Environment,

3. It’s an educational experience

When you aren’t shielded from the local community by mass tourism and resorts, you can connect with the local environment, learn more about the culture, develop a hands-on awareness and develop true respect for the locals.

This helps open your eyes to brand new ideas and philosophies, teaches you about the world and builds wonderful travel memories that will last a lifetime.

How to find the right eco-friendly holiday for you

Description: A group of people on a beach

Description automatically generated

Photo by Oliver Sjöström from Pexels

Good news is that you can choose from a huge range of eco-friendly travel options available. There’s something that can suit every budget, travel dream or interest.  Here are some ideas to help make your trip more eco-friendly.

1. Rethink your method of transport

Instead of choosing to travel by plane, why not consider using more sustainable forms of transport?

Nowadays, tourists are opting for more eco-friendly holiday travel options such as travelling by coach or train. These methods of travel are much better for the environment as they significantly reduce your carbon footprint and help protect the environment from the damage that mass travel can cause.

They’re also comfortable, luxurious ways to travel that won’t have you crammed into a small space and allow you to experience the pleasures of slow travel such as enjoying the journey itself, making new friends and enjoying the scenery around you.

2. Consider a staycation

‘Staycations’ are also a great way to make a more sustainable holiday choice.

They can also minimise the hassle and planning needed to have a well-needed break. You won’t need to figure out new currencies or languages and you get there much faster too. This means more time to enjoy your break and more time to relax.

These greener holiday choices have exploded in popularity over the last few years as more and more millennials choose to explore the culture, beauty and history of places closer to home in England, Scotland and Wales.

According to a study by Barclays Corporate Banking called The Great British Staycation, around 31% of British holidaymakers would prefer to visit places like Lake District, Cornwall and Scotland in 2020 than places further afield.

3. Join an ecotourism project

Sea Turtle Ecotourism Affect the EnvironmentPhoto by LUIS DIAZ from Pexels

If you’d prefer to take a more hands-on approach to eco-tourism and contribute positively to the area you’re visiting, consider taking part in a sustainable activity instead. Numerous charities, organisations and travel operators offer trips to Europe, Mexico, USA, Costa Rica, Asia, Australasia and the Caribbean that allow you to give back.

Why not help release baby turtles into the ocean in Costa Rica? Learn about energy efficiency and sustainability on the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico Or perhaps plant coral in Southeast Asia?

The choice is yours. Eco-holidays and sustainable travel help minimise the impact that our holidays can have on the world.

It’s true- ecotourism affect the environment.  But it doesn’t have to be negative!  Helping to give back to the local community, protecting natural habits, reducing our carbon footprint and providing a wonderful educational experience, it’s the sensible choice for anyone who cares about our planet.

]]>
https://caribbeantrading.com/how-does-ecotourism-affect-the-environment/feed/ 0
Sea Turtles of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean https://caribbeantrading.com/sea-turtles-puerto-rico-and-the-caribbean/ https://caribbeantrading.com/sea-turtles-puerto-rico-and-the-caribbean/#respond Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:09:58 +0000 https://caribbeantrading.com/?p=2359 One of our favorite events in April is the Tinglar Festival in Luquillo, Puerto Rico.  This is its’ 8th year and will be held April 13th this year in the town  Plaza.  The Tinglar (Sea Turtle) Festival is in honor of the importance of the beaches in Luquillo as breeding grounds for the Sea Turtles of the Caribbean.  Offering food, music, and art, this festival aslo offers excellent children’s and informational activities on the environment, sea turtles and the Northeast Ecological Corridor.

At least four of the seven species of sea turtles can be found in Puerto Rico, or nest on the beaches during breeding season – primarily along the North coast and in Culebra and Vieques.  Those turtle species are: the Leatherback, the Hawksbill, the Green Turtle, and the Loggerhead. The Hawksbill turtle and the Leatherback sea turtle, are critically endangered. All coastal waters surrounding Culebra and Mona Island in Puerto Rico are designated as critical habitats by the federal government.

Recently in late 2012, the reefs in Isla Verde were also given protection and the beaches are watched and protected.  The coastal area from Ocean Park to Isla Verde, lined by condominium towers and hotels, has the most popular beach spots for tourists and locals in San Juan, Puerto Rico, bringing thousands of visitors on a daily basis. Despite the crowds and development, this sandy stretch remains a prime nesting ground for sea turtles. Beach goers in Puerto Rico, have been able to witness first hand the birth of Leatherback turtles. An example of this happened along a crowded stretch of beach in Ocean Park, in the San Juan area in 2012. Dozens of endangered sea turtles were born, emerging from their sandy nest after two months of incubation and headed straight to sea, to the delight of people on hand to see the spectacle. The crowd of people at the beach helped the newborn turtles to the water, as they welcomed them to the world. Most hatches take place at night, to protect the turtles from predators, so this was quite an experience for the crowd.  You can help support the protection efforts by purchasing their fundraiser coloring book HERE.

In Culebra, from April to early June, the sea turtles spend the evenings trudging up the beach at Playa Resaca and Playa Brava to dig holes and lay eggs before returning to the sea in grand displays of sand-tossing to cover their tracks.  The non-profit organization Coralations accepts volunteers to catalog the turtles when they nest.

Many organizations are also looking to protect the Northeast beaches as well.  The area under consideration is called the Northeast Ecological Corridor.  Its 3,200 acres include forests, wetlands, beaches, coral communities, a bioluminescent lagoon and one of the hottest surfing spots on Puerto Rico’s east coast: “La Selva” (the jungle). It would also connect with the Rainforest’s protected areas, providing a safe haven for animals to travel naturally from mountain to ocean along the many rivers in the Corridor.  The Tinglar Festival celebrates not only the beauty and majesty of these endangered sea turtles, but also works to increase protection of the Northeast Ecologoical Corridor.

Celebrate Sea Turtles Puerto Rico with one of these products from our Online Shop:

Puerto Rico Turtles Mermaid T-Shirt

Mermaid and Turtles – Puerto Rico Ornament

Liked this article? Join the Crew and Start the Journey! Connect with Us for News, Events, Lifestyle, and all things Caribbean by joining our Newsletter – Click Here to Join or find us on Facebook or Instagram.

]]>
https://caribbeantrading.com/sea-turtles-puerto-rico-and-the-caribbean/feed/ 0
Caribbean Sunsets https://caribbeantrading.com/caribbean-sunsets/ https://caribbeantrading.com/caribbean-sunsets/#respond Mon, 24 Jan 2011 03:35:45 +0000 https://caribbeantrading.com/?p=90

The Caribbean islands are famous for their sunshine—and rightly so. Is there anything more daydream-worthy, more symbolic of languor and ease, than those ubiquitous images of sugary white beaches, dappled palms, and turquoise lagoons sparkling in the sun?

Sunsets in the Caribbean don’t get nearly as much attention. But they should. Those gorgeous stretches of sand and sea (well, at least the western-facing ones) are every bit as spectacular in the light of the setting sun, with Easter egg–colored clouds floating overhead. Especially when you have someone to share them with.

For centuries, sunsets—particularly sunsets over the sea—have inspired romantic musings. In his epic poem Evangeline (published in 1847) Henry Wadsworth Longfellow put it like this:

Softly the evening came. The sun from the western horizon Like a magician extended his golden want o’er the landscape; Trinkling vapors arose; and sky and water and forest Seemed all on fire at the touch, and melted and mingled together.

In Puerto Rico, one of the best places to watch Caribbean Sunsets is in Rincon.  So grab a cocktail and a good chair and spend some time taking a look at the sky as the sun goes down….. and be sure to visit our Rincon store for all of your Caribbean sunset souvenirs!

Rincón

Looking to add a bit of Caribbean flair to your life? Check out our online shop  for gourmet hot sauces, seasonings and other Caribbean treats and Caribbean bath and body items.

Liked this article? Join the Crew and Start the Journey! Connect with Us for News, Events, Lifestyle, and all things Caribbean by joining our Newsletter – Click Here to Join or find us on Facebook or Instagram.

]]>
https://caribbeantrading.com/caribbean-sunsets/feed/ 0