Top USA Eco Tours - page 5

Discover the ancient cultures and awe-inspiring landscapes of the Grand Canyon, one of the United States' most iconic landmarks. With this full-day tour, visit various viewpoints around the Grand Canyon National Park, learn more about the history and geology of the natural wonder, and admire spectacular views along the South Rim.

Known for its steep granite cliffs, waterfalls, towering sequoia groves, and diversity of wildlife, Yosemite National Park is something you don’t want to miss. On this small group day trip, you can leave the logistics to a tour guide so all you have to do is enjoy the great outdoors. You have both guided sightseeing and free time, ensuring you see the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s major attractions, like Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite Valley, with the chance to explore more of the park however you wish.

Exploring the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge on your own can be intimidating if you don’t know your way around on the water. Book this Thousand Islands 2-person Catamaran Tour to follow a knowledgeable guide who will keep you from getting lost and ensure you enjoy this pristine preserve to the fullest, with great opportunity to view the wildlife and sea life that inhabit the refuge.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Columbia River Gorge on this full-day trip from Portland to Mount Hood! With your small group, take a guided tour of such iconic Oregon destinations as Multnomah Falls and the famous Timberline Lodge, and enjoy lunch in the charming city of Hood River. Your tour also includes pickup from over 60 hotels in Portland and a private or small-group option.

Look for wildlife and experience bioluminescence on this sunset and night kayak and paddleboard tour on the Indian River Lagoon. Paddle out to Horseshoe Crab Island, and look for wildlife such as crabs, manatees, and dolphins. After sunset, enjoy unobstructed views of bioluminescent glow in the water from your clear kayak and paddleboards.

Explore Yellowstone National Park's Lower Loop on this small-group tour without worrying about navigation. Visit highlights like Dragon’s Mouth Springs, Hayden Valley, and Norris Geyser Basin, and observe wildlife using provided binoculars and spotting scopes. Pickups are included from all hotels in West Yellowstone or a central meeting point in Big Sky for convenience. The tour lasts 8 to 10 hours, covering key sights efficiently.

Explore Long Beach Harbor on a boat tour focused on maritime activity, local wildlife, and coastal history. Cruise through an active port with views of the skyline, historic ships, and harbor infrastructure. Along the way, your guide provides context on notable shipping operations, naval history, and the role of the harbor in global trade, offering a practical look at one of the world’s busiest ports.

Escape the city for an afternoon exploring some of greater Portland's most scenic falls. Travel along the Columbia River Gorge, home to the largest concentration of waterfalls in the country, stopping at the epic Latourell Falls and Multnomah Falls. Enjoy panoramic views from the Crown Point Vista House and hear about the local legends and natural history of the area from your guide.

Embark on an unforgettable 5-6 hour adventure with the Sunset and Astronomy Tour to the summit of Haleakalā National Park, guided by an expert. This intimate small-group tour (7 people or less) takes you on a scenic drive into Haleakalā National Park. You will learn about Maui’s rich geological history, along with the unique flora and fauna that thrive in this stunning environment. As you ascend to the summit, prepare to witness a breathtaking sunset from one of the most beautiful vantage points on the island. After the sun dips below the horizon, the real magic begins as you gaze at the night sky through a telescope, marveling at the incredible stars and planets visible from the clearest skies on Maui. Warm outerwear, comfy chairs, and hot drinks are provided to ensure your comfort as you soak in the natural wonders around you. Night photography assistance provided for your phone or camera.

Paddle alongside the wild dolphins of Virginia Beach on a small-group kayak tour from North End Beach. Watch for sea birds and other wildlife as you steer an easy to use, sit-on-top kayak along the coast to the Cape Henry Lighthouses. Learn about the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins that swim past the Virginia coast each summer, and explore the shore with an experienced guide.

Get out on the water and see Tampa Bay from a new perspective with this kayaking tour. Ride in a clear kayak—which has the advantage of greater visibility of the underwater world. Along the way look out for coastal birds, marine life, and the beautiful mangroves. No need to worry about missing out on photo opportunities—the trip includes photo stops and a break at Shell Key to enjoy its beach and sandbars.

Exchange Waikiki for Oahu’s North Shore on a day trip aboard the Surf Bus. Hop off at all the hot spots including the surfing beaches of Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay. Choose from one activity and lunch or two activities like snorkeling, bike riding, a waterfall swim, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), learning to surf, or relaxing on the beach. A guide points out the green sea turtles, and you have time to explore Haleiwa Town.

Combine visits to both Snoqualmie Falls and Twin Falls in Washington with this half-day, small-group hiking tour that allows you to go with a guide, so you don’t get lost in a new outdoor space. A morning tour helps you connect with nature and appreciate the natural beauty of the area.

The privately owned Olokele Canyon is inaccessible to most visitors to Kauai but this exclusive, small-group helicopter tour can take you there. Soar over the cliffs of Nāpali and Waimea Canyon, explore the inside of a once-active volcano and stop at Olokele Canyon with the only helicopter operator with landing access.

Get out of the big city and explore the stunning beaches and beautiful towns along Oregon’s northern coast on this full-day, small-group tour from Portland. Visit the charming towns of Manzanita and Cannon Beach—home of the famous Haystack Rock—browse antique shops and art galleries, and stop at several beaches to maximize your time at the Oregon Coast.

Explore New Orleans’ untamed bayou on an airboat tour that includes round-trip transportation and admission to an albino alligator exhibit. Cruise through marshes and swamps as your guide shares stories about the region’s wildlife and history that you won't get in the guidebook. Spot alligators, birds, and other native species, and stop at the remote village of Jean Lafitte, once home to the legendary 19th-century smuggler.

Discover the atmospheric swamps surrounding New Orleans on a fascinating airboat tour, led by a professional guide. In a group of 16 or less, climb aboard an airboat destined for the rich flora and fauna of the swamplands. Enrich your natural knowledge as you listen to intriguing commentary from your guide; scour the scenery for sightings of alligators; and feel your adrenaline levels surge as you accelerate and reach high speeds.

At Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, you’ll find a truly unique experience: swimming with manatees. It’s the only spot in the world where you can hang with the gentle giants in their natural habitat, though you’ll want a guide to make sure you—and the manatees—have the best experience possible. With this tour, you’ll hop aboard a certified vessel with your in-water guide, snorkeling through the “Manatee Capital of the World.”

Navigating the Everglades on your own means dealing with shallow waterways and navigating across a vast wetland. This guided airboat tour covers the route safely with a captain at the helm, taking you across the Everglades' waterways to spot alligators, wading birds, and other native wildlife. A guide explains the ecosystem and points out species along the way.

Experience Louisiana’s wild bayou country on an exciting, family-friendly airboat tour. This tour includes a ride on a small airboat (maximum 13 passengers) that zips through the tree‐lined marshes at speeds up to 45 mph (72 kph). While onboard, enjoy lively commentary from your guide as you view lush scenery and local wildlife, including alligators, nutria, and native birds. Pickup and drop-off from downtown New Orleans and French Quarter hotels included.

Sail along the waterways of Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island aboard this relaxing cruise. Board your catamaran and enjoy a smooth sail along the blue-green waters. Pass by several landmarks including the Sanibel Island Lighthouse and Fort Myers Beach Pier. You also have the opportunity to spot local wildlife like sea turtles, dolphins, and even manatees.

Travel deep into Everglades National Park on a private airboat tour and wildlife encounter at Sawgrass Recreation Park. Experience the unique subtropical ecosystem on your own airboat, going deeper into the Everglades than on typical public rides. Skim across the grassy water at high speeds while looking for alligators, fish, turtles, and wading birds. This tour includes entrance to the park and admission to the Reptile and Glades exhibits.

Discover the tranquil beauty of Tongass National Forest on this 3.5-hour guided tour from Ketchikan. Paddle with a group of up to 20 passengers in a Native American–style canoe across a secluded lake, and then enjoy a nature walk through a rain forest. Gain insight into local Native American history, as well as the wildlife and plants you see along the way. A riverside snack and hotel transport are included.

Witness the stunning sunsets of Maui from the comfort of a luxury sailing catamaran. The Akialoa Sunset Sail offers a two-hour journey through the picturesque inter-island channel, showcasing the beauty of Maui, Lāna‘i, and Kaho‘olawe. Guests can relax on trampolines or in shaded seating while enjoying locally-inspired appetizers and a selection of beverages, including cocktails, beer, and wine. From December to March, keep an eye out for majestic humpback whales as they migrate, often providing unforgettable sightings during the sail. - Enjoy a scenic 2-hour sunset sail aboard the 55-foot Akialoa catamaran. - Indulge in a selection of local appetizers and an open bar of drinks. - Limited to 48 passengers, ensuring a cozy and intimate experience. - Spot migrating humpback whales from December to March for a unique wildlife encounter.