..... ethical and eco-tourism holiday companies and tour operators .....

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Ethical and ecotourism holidays and vacations, listing companies with a declared ethical and ecotourism policy.

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Want environmentally friendly holiday accommodation? – our new green accommodation section has a growing list of environmentally friendly places to stay including hotels, self-catering, guest houses and hostels all with stated ecotourism and environmentally friendly aims like green buildings, use of solar/wind power, use of fairtrade and eco-friendly products, recycling composting etc.).

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ethical / ecotourism

Bison Quest on Wild Echo Bison Reserve
based: Montana, USA
website: www.bisonquest.com
Relax in a log cabin or get a massage in a Sioux tipi surrounded by a bison herd in the Montana wilderness. See Yellowstone Park, visit ghost towns, go whitewater rafting, and study bison and wildlife as the only guests of internationally known biologists. All Inclusive spa/adventure program.
| ecological tours | animals/safari | bird watching | riding | massage | white water rafting | historical tours | canoeing/kayaking | walking/trekking/hiking | family/child friendly | USA |

Earthwatch
based: Oxfordshire, UK
website: www.earthwatch.org/europe
Earthwatch, an international environmental charity, has 120 conservation projects in 50 countries. For 35 years they have been supporting field research to find solutions to the planet's most pressing environmental problems. They do this by providing scientists with funds and volunteers. Projects from 1 to 3 weeks.
| charity expeditions / holidays | expeditions | archaeological digs | whale / dolphin watching | ethical / ecotourism | working / volunteer holidays | animals / safari | Worldwide | UK | Africa | South America | Western Europe |

G.A.P Adventures
based: Canada and Worldwide
website: www.gapadventures.com
Unique and authentic travel experiences for those willing to go beyond the resort hotels and controlled environments of conventional tourism. Whether you're dreaming of trekking in the Andes, traversing the plains of Africa, exploring local markets in China, or embarking on a polar expedition, G.A.P Adventures captures the essence of the real world.
| ethical / ecotourism | animals / safari | expeditions | walking / trekking / hiking | canoeing / kayaking | mountain biking | camping safaris | ecological tours | overlanding | multi-activity | bird watching | Worldwide |

Global Vision International
based: Hertfordshire, UK
website: www.gvi.co.uk
GVI expeditions offer the adventurous individual the chance to work as part of a structured team on pioneering international projects. With projects all over the world you can join expeditions as diverse as Rainforest Expeditions in the Amazon, Wildlife Research Expeditions in Africa and Marine Research Expeditions in Mexico.
| gap year | expeditions | survival courses | marine safaris | ecological tours | ethical and ecotourism | working / volunteer holidays | Africa | Asia | South America | Mexico | South Africa |

International Volunteer HQ
based: Taranaki, New Zealand
website: www.volunteerhq.org
International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) provides safe, quality and extremely affordable volunteering placements in developing countries all over the world. At present they have a wide range of volunteering opportunities in Tanzania, Kenya, Kenya-Maasai, Nepal, Vietnam, Peru, Ecuador and Thailand.
| working/volunteer holidays | gap year | ethical/ecotourism | native peoples | groups | South America | Asia | Africa |

Isicia Ltd
based: Strathclyde, Scotland, UK
website: www.sailaway.eu.com
Explore the Mediterranean on a luxury and eco-friendly sailing yacht, suitable for all experience levels, sailing from Nice, Pisa, Rome, Naples and Sicily. The yacht is fully crewed and you can book a single berth or charter the whole yacht. Scuba diving is available on most trips.
| sailing (small boat / yacht) | diving / snorkelling | ethical / ecotourism | tailor made | weekends / short breaks | Italy | France |

Jane Craggs Yoga Adventures and Retreats
based: Lancashire, UK
website: www.janecraggs.co.uk
Yoga retreats and adventures in the UK and worldwide, committed to working with venues which are ecologically sound and truly sustainable. Yoga is accessible and creative drawing on experience of several yoga styles, strongly influenced by Donna Farhi.
| yoga | meditation | massage | walking / trekking / hiking | ethical / ecotourism | UK | Africa | Asia | Europe |

Jingando Holidays
based: London, UK
website: www.jingandoholidays.com
Experience the very best of stunning Rio de Janeiro – learn Brazilian dance (Samba, Forró), Salsa and more, participate in local community projects and get straight to the heart of Rio, the place, people and nightlife. Small group sizes on each holiday, come alone, with a partner or group of friends.
| dancing (mixed styles) | charity expeditions / holidays | ethical / ecotourism | working / volunteer | groups | singles holidays | Brazil |

John Muir Trust
based: Hampshire, UK
website: www.jmt.org
The 'Activities Programme' offers adventurous activities and exploration in beautiful wild areas, canoeing and sea kayaking trips, conservation work, story telling, music, wilderness skills, medicinal plants. Also see their 'Conservation Work Parties' where you can volunteer to help carry out conservation work. The John Muir Trust is a registered Scottish charity with the aim of protecting and conserving wild places and increasing awareness and understanding of such places.
| charity expeditions / holidays | working /volunteer holidays | gap year | ethical / eco tourism | survival courses | canoeing / kayaking | sea canoeing / sea kayaking | herbalism | storytelling | UK |

Kalikalos Holidays
based: Magnesia, Greece
website: www.kalikalos.com
Kalikalos Summer School offers a full summer programme of holistic community-based workshops, retreats and workcamps. Offerings include tai chi, yoga, monviolent communication, meditation, advaita, mediation and eco-village trainings. The centre is unique in that it is run as a community.
| holistic holidays | tai chi | yoga | self development | meditation | herbalism | painting/drawing | ethical/ecotourism | writing | Greece |

Motus in Sardinia
based: Sardinia, Italy
website: www.motus.sardinia.it
A Sardinia known by few, tours and sojourns designed around traveller's wishes. Travel ideas also suitable for off-site company events. Genuine cuisine, charming hotels, history, traditions, art and painting. High-quality trips in a marvellous landscape, in a land of a unique culture in the Mediterranean – Sardinia.
| sailing (large boat / sail ship) | cookery | gastronomic | wine appreciation / tasting | country crafts | painting / drawing | festivals / carnivals | historical tours | tailor made | ethical / ecotourism | Sardinia |

Nest Trust (The) – Nicaragua English and Sustainable Tourism
based: Nicaragua and Birmingham. UK
website: www.thenesttrust.org.uk
Voluntary project offering unique opportunities to live and work with rural communities in the coffee growing mountains of Nicaragua. Teach English to young guides and make a valuable contribution to the region's rural tourism programmes, which are vital for environmental conservation and the livelihoods of the small producers. Contact MaggieJo St John (UK Co-ordinator): maggiejo.stjohn [AT] virgin.net (replace [AT] with the @ symbol!)
| working / volunteer holidays | ethical and ecotourism | Nicaragua |

Northern Lights Expeditions
based: British Columbia, Canada
website: www.seakayaking.com
Premium quality sea kayak tours in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. Paddle with orcas and eagles in the fabled waters of the Inside Passage, no experience required. First class gear provided, gourmet meals, hand-trained guide staff. Camping, lodge and yacht-based trips, since 1983.
| sea canoeing / sea kayaking | canoeing / kayaking | whale / dolphin watching | family / child friendly | ethical and ecotourism | weddings / honeymoons | bird watching | native peoples | bear watching | women only | vegetarian | Canada |

Organic Tuscany
based: Florence, Italy
website: www.organictuscany.org
Week-long 'farm to table' organic cooking holidays in the Tuscan hills. Includes visits to local organic farms, cooking classes using organic ingredients, olive oil and wine tastings and tours of Siena, Florence and San Gimignano. Two courses a year are 100% vegetarian.
| cookery | gastronomic | weekends / short breaks | vegetarian | ethical / ecotourism | Italy |

People's Trust for Endangered Species
based: London, UK
website: www.ptes.org
Discover magnificent imperial eagles, track elusive persian leopards or learn first-hand about the conservation of wild dogs! Unique wildlife encounters, specifically tailored to provide an unforgettable experience of the spectacular scenery and wildlife in each country, all accompanied by local experts who devote their lives to conservation.
| animals / safari | walking / trekking safaris | bird watching | ecological tours | charity expeditions / holidays | ethical / ecotourism | Africa | Namibia | Bulgaria | Armenia | Canada |

Starfish Ventures
based: Essex, UK
website: www.starfishventures.co.uk
Starfish Ventures specialises in volunteer placements in Thailand. They have a wide cross section of projects, from teaching English through to helping conserve Thailand's turtle population. Whatever you choose these are real grass roots projects that improve people's lives and/or help Thailand sustain its environment.
| charity expeditions/holidays | ethical/ecotourism | gap year | working/volunteer holidays | groups | Thailand |

Sunflower Retreats
based: Leicestershire, UK and Rieti, Italy
website: www.sunflowerretreats.com
Yoga holidays and retreats in the ancient medieval village of Casperia. Join in with our yoga sessions or simply enjoy a retreat from the world at the beautifully restored Casa Latini – choose from a large selection of holistic treatments, explore the mountains and villages or take part in numerous activities.
| yoga | retreats | relaxation | massage | reflexology | aromatherapy | acupuncture / acupressure | ethical / ecotourism | Italy |

Surf-Atlantico – Surf Adventure Holidays
based: Cantabria, Spain
website: www.surf-atlantico.com
Surf adventures which are more than just a surf camp. Surfari your way 1000 km along Spain's Atlantic coast and surf new breaks each day. Suitable for beginner to advanced surfers; transport, accommodation, beach BBQ's, board, wetsuit and tuition included. Discover Spain. Discover surfing. Surf and ski packages also available.
| surfing | skiing (piste) | snowboarding | overlanding | ethical/ecotourism | groups | weekends/short breaks | Spain |

Tethys Research Institute – whales & dolphins conservation
based: Milan, Italy
website: www.tethys.org
Tethys Research Institute is a private non-profit organization specialized in cetacean research and conservation in the Mediterranean. Since 1990 Tethys organizes, every year, weekly whale and dolphin field courses in Italy and Greece dedicated to small groups of non-professionals who are willing to contribute to research and conservation campaigns.
| whale/dolphin watching | ethical/ecotourism | working/volunteer holidays | ecological tours | expeditions | Italy | Greece |

Textile Tours and Trails
based: Inverness-shire, Scotland, UK
website: www.coinachan.com
Spring and autumn, small group tours based out of the Old Shepherd's House in the West Highlands of Scotland. Workshops with local experts on knitting techniques, spinning and dyeing, while seeing some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery including Ben Nevis, Skye, Glenfinnan, the Great Glen, the Ardgour peninsula and much more.
| knitting / crochet | textile tours | weaving | felt making / felt work | small group motor tours | groups | tailor made | ethical / ecotourism | Scotland |

Tikalanka Tours
based: London, UK
website: www.tikalanka.com
Tailor-made travel specialist to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, organising private, escorted holidays to your own specifications. Create your own dream holiday using their online holiday planner. Tropical beaches, wild elephants, ancient Buddhas, historic cities, tea plantations and endless sunny days – now just a click away!
| tailor made | ethical / ecotourism | sightseeing | weddings / honeymoons | historical tours | animals / safari | sacred sites | diving / snorkelling | walking / trekking / hiking | Sri Lanka |

Tillys Tours – Gambia
based: Surrey, UK & Kololi, The Gambia
website: www.tillystours.com
High quality cultural expeditions and 'work-adventures' in The Gambia, including a 'chimpanzee adventure' personally guided by Stella Brewer OBE. Work-adventures combine a 7 night expedition with charity work where contributions make a real difference to some of the world's poorest people. Escorted and supported by an on-site British team.
| gap year | working / volunteer holidays | charity expeditions / holidays | cruises (river / lake) | native peoples | animals / safari | overlanding | ethical / ecotourism | The Gambia | Africa |

UCA Miraflor
based: Miraflor, Nicaragua
website: www.miraflor-uca.com
Community eco-tourism programmes in Miraflor Nature Reserve and San Ramon, Matagalpa, Nicaragua. Programmes are run by a local co-operative with specialist English speaking guides. Local families offer homestays and group cabanas. Visit a coffee-growing co-operative, go bird watching, see orchids, ride or walk through stunning scenery, visit cloudforest, swim in natural pools, make tortillas and help in organic gardens

| ethical and ecotourism | bird watching | botanical | Nicaragua |

Ulpotha
based: Embogama, Sri Lanka
website: www.ulpotha.com
According to the Observer, 'the best yoga retreat in the world', a beautiful private eco-hideaway open to guests for part of the year; a place of total peace, where you can experience the warm, generous and gentle hospitality Sri Lankans love to offer. Ulpotha offers yoga retreats and Ayurveda therapies.
| yoga | retreats | meditation | massage | ethical/ecotourism | vegetarian | ayurveda | Asia |

Upland Escapes
based: Gloucestershire, UK
website: www.uplandescapes.com
Walk independently in Europe's uplands. Base yourself in a traditional village and enjoy life at your own pace. Discover wild-flower meadows, mountain streams, dramatic gorges and breathtaking views. From self-guided to organised walks, half-hour strolls to full day hikes – walk as much or as little as you like, or explore with your carbon-compensated hire car.
| walking / trekking / hiking | unguided walking | ethical / ecotourism | family / child friendly | weekends / short breaks | self drive | Italy | France | Slovenia | Gran Canaria |

Voluntourists Without Borders
based: Chiang Mai Provence, Thailand
website: www.voluntourists-without-borders.com
An initiative aimed at using volunteer tourist (voluntourist) labour and donor funding to alleviate rural poverty, protect forests, and promote sustainable eco-tourism. The initiative puts volunteer labour, and the funding they secure, to work alongside ethnic minority and rural Thai village groups under a programme to establish a world class eco-tourism industry.
| working / volunteer holidays | groups | gap year | ethical / ecotourism | native peoples | school tours | seniors / silver surfers | singles holidays | team building / management courses | Thailand |

Walk Andalucia
based: Middlesex, UK
website: www.walk-andalucia.com
Join Walk Andalucia on one of their friendly walking holidays and discover one of the most fertile and beautiful regions of Spain, with spectacular scenery and fantastic views. Their guided and self guided holidays are designed for all fitness levels and will appeal to singles, couples and groups.
| walking / trekking / hiking | unguided walking | ethical and ecotourism | groups | singles | relaxation | Spain |

Walks Worldwide
based: North Yorkshire, UK
website: www.walksworldwide.com
Walks Worldwide is a unique specialist travel company offering an unusually broad range of walking holidays to suit the needs of virtually anyone of any age through their guided group fixed departures, self-guided trips or tailor-made tours. Gentle day walks to climbing Kilimanjaro and everything in between.
| walking/trekking/hiking | long distance walks | unguided walking | winter walking | trekking with animals | walking/trekking safaris | ethical/ecotourism | Asia | Africa | Western Europe | South America |

Wild and Free Dolphin Swims
based: Red Sea, Egypt
website: www.dolphinswims.co.uk
Eco-holidays swimming with truly wild, free, friendly dolphins in the warm clear waters of the Red Sea. Boat or beachside eco-village based with 3 choices of accommodation, these holidays are ideal for families, small groups and individuals. Scuba diving holidays and courses in the Red Sea and worldwide also offered.
| diving/snorkelling | sailing (small boat/yacht) | swimming | swimming with dolphins | marine safaris | ethical/ecotourism | family/child friendly | tailor made | whale/dolphin watching | Egypt |

Wilderness Journeys
based: Highlands and Islands, Scotland
website: www.wildernessjourneys.com
Wilderness Journeys is an award winning adventure travel and ecotourism company. They offer an inspiring range of small group adventure holidays which take you into the wilderness regions of the most beautiful destinations on earth. They also offer family holidays and a tailor-made service for private groups and clubs.
| walking/trekking/hiking | sea canoeing/sea kayaking | mountain biking | ski mountaineering/touring | skiing (off-piste) | walking/trekking safaris | trekking with animals | camping safaris | ethical/ecotourism | multi-activity | tailor made | Worldwide |

Wildland Tours
based: Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
website: www.wildlands.com
Newfoundland and Labrador hosts the world's largest gathering of humpback whales plus puffins, icebergs, moose, caribou, and some of Earth's largest seabird gatherings. Whales, dolphins, and a 9000 year history are featured in fun, small-group, week-long, gentle adventures. Comfortable hotels, great seafood, fun hosts. Direct flight from Heathrow.
| whale / dolphin watching | bird watching | photographic safaris | small group motor tours | ethical and ecotourism | botanical | ecological tours | geological | archaeological tours | historical tours | Canada |

Wildlife Worldwide
based: Hampshire, UK
website: www.wildlifeworldwide.com
Tailor-made journeys using hand-picked lodges, cruise vessels and guides. Wildlife Worldwide is committed to offering a safe, enjoyable and educational natural history adventure; from tiger watching and bear viewing to wildlife cruises, African safaris, giant pandas, whale and dolphin watching. Visit the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon rainforest and Festivals of Wildlife.
| animals/safari | bear watching | photographic safaris | elephant back safaris | whale/dolphin watching | tailor made | ethical/ecotourism | walking/trekking safaris | bird watching | theme cruises | Africa | Antarctic |

World Expeditions
based: London, UK (offices in Australia, USA, Canada & New Zealand)
website: www.worldexpeditions.com
Originating in 1975, World Expeditions are specialists in trekking and small group adventure holidays. From trekking in Nepal, cycling in Tuscany, cruising in Antarctica, making sushi in Japan, family safaris in Tanzania, walking in Patagonia or climbing to the top of Kilimanjaro, holidays to suit all ages and fitness levels.
| walking / trekking / hiking | unguided walking | cycle touring | mountaineering | animals / safari | family / child friendly | charity expeditions / holidays | cruises (ocean) | cookery | tailor made | ethical / ecotourism | Worldwide |

Alaska Timberwolf Journeys & Tours
based: Alaska, USA
website: www.alaskatimberwolftours.com
Alaska Timberwolf Journeys customized luxury tours with Alaska native tour guide Kenny Timberwolf.
| bus / coach holidays | native peoples | sightseeing | ethical and ecotourism | dog sledding | North America |

Discovery Initiatives
based: East Sussex, UK
website: www.discoveryinitiatives.co.uk
Specialists in responsible travel and ecotourism to many destinations throughout the world.
| ethical / ecotourism | animals / safari | Worldwide |

Midnight Sun Adventure Travel
based: British Colombia, Canada
website: www.midnightsuntravel.com
Small group camping tours of Alaska, Yukon Territory, Canadian Rocky Mountains and Vancouver Island.
| walking / trekking / hiking | multi-activity | walking / trekking safaris | small group motor tours | ethical and ecotourism | groups | North America |

Ragmans Lane Farm
based: Gloucestershire, UK
website: www.ragmans.co.uk
Short holiday courses in cider-making and willow craft in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.
| country crafts | cider tours / making | ethical / ecotourism | UK |

Thai-Experience.org
based: Isaan / Nongkhai, Thailand
website: www.thai-experience.org
Teach English or computer skills as volunteer for reasonable fees in Thailand.
| working / volunteer holidays | gap year | ethical and ecotourism | native people | Thailand |

Yachana Gourmet
based: Quito, Ecuador
website: www.yachanagourmet.com
Stay at Yachana Lodge during the cacao harvest season (March–July) and watch the making of chocolate first hand. Yachana Lodge is on the banks of the Napo River deep in the Ecuadorian rainforest and is a great ecotourism destination.
| chocolate | ethical and ecotourism | Ecuador |

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DEFINITIONS FOR TOUR OPERATORS WISHING TO BE LISTED:
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Travel-quest's ethical / ecotourism section is for listing travel companies that operate an ethical and/or ecotourism policy (this must be stated on the site). This might include working with and providing employment for local people; measures to minimise the impact of tourism – such as the use of green transport, building with local materials in traditional styles; energy saving measures and environmentally friendly practices designed to help preserve resources – such as the use of solar and wind power, use of organic foods etc.; direct contribution (either financial or practical) to conservation, cultural awareness etc. It might also include working with, or membership of, relevant organisations such as Tourism Concern, Conservation International, Climate Care Trust etc. Companies offering dedicated ecological tours are catered for in a separate category.