Eco-tourism is taking off in a big way in the Caribbean in recent years. Travel to the sun-drenched islands used to be focused on the beaches, sunbathing, swimming and water sports that the all-inclusive beach front resorts offered. Guests rarely left the resorts to venture into the country side to get a taste of the Caribbean way of life. Not any more, since these days, travelers prefer to explore the islands on their own and go with guides on the hiking or trekking trails in the hills or take guided walking tours. Travel has made people more environmentally conscious and has made them aware of the need to protect the fragile eco-systems on land and in the sea. Tourism authorities on various islands encourage visitors to help conserve the natural beauty of the islands and request them to take nothing but photos and leave nothing behind but their footprints.
Eco-tourists travel responsibly and appreciate the conservation efforts by the locals by adhering to simple rules and contributing to the resources needed for conservation. National parks and forest reserves charge a fee for the walking or hiking trails and diving in the protected reefs to help maintain these natural treasures. The US Forest Service Tours in El Yunque charges a minimal fee for guided walking tours. Similarly, the fees for camping in the US Virgin lslands camping grounds in Cinnamon Bay go towards maintaining the Park.
Deep-sea fishing is a popular pastime in the Caribbean, whether it is in the Bahamas or in the Cayman Islands. Anglers are sensitized towards the need for conservation and encouraged not to waste the resources of the ocean just for a trophy on the wall or a picture to show off. Catch and release is the current mantra that guides deep-sea fishing,.
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