8 Beach Hotels Where Guests Can Participate in Ocean Conservation

08.06.2024 - 11:47 / cntraveler.com

From gusts of sea breeze to the vastness of the sea’s horizon—our oceans stir an incomparable sense of wonder and awe, and beckon to travelers in every corner of the globe. Especially for those seeking solace or mindfulness, the spell cast by a day out on the water is strong—and with it we can fall into a spiritual and meditative state. Beach lovers and cruisers alike travel toward the ocean in search of this magic.

In fact, according to the blue mind theory, a visit to the ocean is proven to release dopamine and oxytocin, our feel-good hormones. The sea’s presence can also decrease our stress hormone, cortisol—and even trigger our “involuntary attention,” which intensifies problem-solving and creativity. Since—well—forever, the deep blue sea has been to thank for early exploration, intercultural exchange, and globalization; and even now we continue to fish its supply, trade across ports, all while pumping greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere.

Today, IUCN scientists predict that global ocean temperatures are predicted to increase by 1-4°C by 2100. To combat these consequences, key stakeholders in the ever-evolving travel industry are leading ocean conservation changes around the world. From Tanzania to Maui, top-notch beach hotels are recognizing their responsibility in the ocean conservation conversation, and offering travelers opportunities to engage in a symbiotic partnership with the ocean through a stay. Here are the grand and global getaways where travelers can learn about, safeguard, and help conserve the world’s oceans.

On a tiny island off the coast of Tanzania sits the white-sanded, other-worldly escape of Thanda Island. Its location makes it a base for Mafia Island’s Marine Park Rangers to patrol the region in the fight against illegal fishing. Partnering with Tanzania Marine Parks and Reserves Unit, the resort leads various educational and research initiatives including the Ropes of Hope restoration of the coral reef, where local conservation partners work in collaboration to restore the Shungi Mbili Island reef. And, given the majestic nature of the sea surrounding, hotel guests have the privilege to dive and snorkel alongside blacktip reef sharks, humpback whales, and whale sharks. Through the hotel’s Whale Shark Citizen Science Program, hotel guests can join marine guides to participate in underwater photography of the species and upload them to research organizations EcoOcean and Sharkbook. These photo identifications are utilized by conservation experts to track their little known feeding, migratory, and breeding habits.

Maui’s Four Seasons Resort at Wailea just launched a monthly reef clean-up initiative, BlueʻĀina (or, “blue land”). As an addition to the oceanfront resort's Mālama