Protecting The Planet

Combine conservation and travel to help save animals and their habitats.

- Susan B. Barnes

EVEN BEFORE WE SLIPPED our wet-suited bodies into the 72-degree waters of spring-fed Crystal River on Florida’s west coast, a curious West Indian manatee revealed its snout when it approached the platform of our pontoon boat to see what was happening. Our group squealed in delight, and we knew it was going to be a good morning of snorkeling with the manatees that gather in the natural springs in Florida to keep warm during the winter months. According to the Save the Manatee Club, federal law protects West Indian manatees in the United States under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 as well as the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978. In essence, it is illegal to harass, hunt, capture or kill any marine mammal, including manatees.

How, then, could we snorkel with the manatees in Crystal River? The Federal Government allows passive, in-water observation between manatees and people in Kings Bay, within Crystal River; this is the only area throughout Florida where it is legal to have face-to face interaction with manatees. Prior to boarding the pontoon boat, our tour with the Plantation Adventure Center at the Plantation on Crystal River began with a short lesson and video on how to practice passive observation, with a set of rules to follow once we were in the water. In addition to providing incredible experiences for their guests, the staff at Plantation Adventure Center is just as intent on protecting the manatees and their habitats.

Plantation Adventure Center is not alone in its conservation efforts. This July, Boulder, Colorado-based Natural Habitat Adventures will debut the world’s first zero-waste adventure during its Safari America: Yellowstone Country. The goal of this adventure is to divert 99 percent or more of all on-trip waste; at the end of the trip, the eco-conscious travelers should be able to fit all waste produced into a single small container.