Ask The Experts: The Best Destinations for Eco-Friendly Honeymoons

Eco-friendly honeymoons focus on minimising environmental impact while maximising sustainable practices. These honeymoons often involve staying in eco-friendly lodges, engaging in low-impact activities like hiking or wildlife conservation, supporting local communities, and reducing carbon footprint through eco-friendly transportation options, all while appreciating and preserving natural habitats and resources.

Here are some of the best destinations for eco-friendly honeymoons.

Image by Michelle Raponi

Patagonia, Chile

Patagonia offers couples opportunities to immerse in the breathtaking beauty of its pristine wilderness while minimising environmental impact. As one of the best destinations for eco-friendly honeymoons, Patagonia has several eco-friendly lodges and sustainable hotels that prioritise environmental conservation and minimise their carbon footprint.

Couples should take advantage of Patagonia’s extensive network of hiking trails to explore its stunning landscapes up close. Exploring on foot is a more sustainable way to explore a destination. When sightseeing, choose guided eco-tours that promote responsible tourism practices and support local conservation efforts.

Patagonia is a popular destination for hiking. Thus, one of the best things to do on your honeymoon is to explore one of its trails, such as the Torres del Paine Circuit. The iconic trek offers breathtaking vistas of pristine wilderness and towering peaks. When hiking in Patagonia, respect the natural environment by packing out all waste, minimising campfire impacts, and staying on designated trails to protect fragile ecosystems.

Always bring reusable water bottles when hiking or sightseeing. That way, you can help minimise plastic waste and reduce your environmental footprint. Lastly, consider investing in carbon offset programs to mitigate the environmental impact of your travel and support renewable energy projects in Patagonia.

Image by Felipe Rojas

California, USA

With its diverse landscapes, sustainable accommodations, eco-conscious dining options, and opportunities for outdoor exploration, California is one of the best destinations for eco-friendly honeymoons. Honeymooners will have plenty of places to explore while minimising their environmental impact and celebrating their lives as newlyweds.

California has numerous eco-conscious accommodations, such as LEED-certified hotels and eco-lodges supporting sustainable tourism practices. Renting hybrid or electric vehicles for transportation is another way to reduce carbon emissions while exploring California’s scenic highways and coastal routes.

Couples should engage in outdoor activities like hiking in state and national parks, such as Yosemite, Joshua Tree, or Redwood National Park. It’s the most sustainable way to appreciate California’s natural beauty. When dining or shopping, support local and organic restaurants and farmers’ markets that promote sustainable agriculture and reduce food miles. 

California offers honeymooners plenty of opportunities to enjoy eco-friendly activities like wildlife watching, beach clean-ups, or volunteering for environmental organisations. These activities foster a deeper connection to California’s ecosystems. 

By embracing eco-friendly practices and prioritising sustainability throughout their honeymoon, couples can celebrate their love for each other while helping to save planet Earth.

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Pantanal, Brazil

Pantanal offers a unique and enchanting setting for couples to celebrate romance amidst the vast tropical wetlands. With its diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and stunning natural landscapes, Pantanal provides an unforgettable backdrop for a romantic eco-friendly trip to Brazil for your honeymoon.

To adopt sustainability practices during your honeymoon in Pantanal, choose eco-friendly accommodations that prioritise conservation efforts and support local communities. Opt for lodges or eco-resorts that implement sustainable practices such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction to minimise environmental impact.

As to your itinerary, you will have plenty to keep you and your loved one busy. Exploring Pantanal’s natural wonders through responsible tourism should be at the top of your list of activities. These include wildlife safaris, birdwatching tours, and guided nature walks, allowing you to learn more about the region’s biodiversity while ensuring you respect its delicate ecosystems. 

Consider supporting local guides and tour operators who prioritise conservation and sustainability, as it ensures that tourism benefits both the environment and the local economy. Additionally, participating in community-based initiatives, such as volunteering for wildlife conservation projects or supporting sustainable agriculture practices, allows you to contribute positively towards Pantanal’s environmental preservation efforts while experiencing the region’s cultural richness.

Image by Jose Sabino

Tetiaroa, French Polynesia

Tetiaroa is a uniquely romantic destination, luring couples seeking an unforgettable and eco-friendly honeymoon. Once the private retreat of Tahitian royalty, this pristine atoll has breathtaking scenery, crystal-clear waters, and untouched natural landscapes.

Offering an idyllic setting for romance and relaxation, Tetiaroa offers numerous opportunities for couples to enjoy an eco-friendly honeymoon. You can stay at luxurious resorts like The Brando, an award-winning eco-resort embodying sustainability and conservation principles. Constructed using renewable materials and powered by solar energy, the resort aims to minimise its environmental impact while providing luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities.

You will have numerous options for eco-friendly activities. Depending on your interests, you can go snorkelling, paddleboarding, or take guided nature walks to immerse in the region’s stunning natural beauty while learning about its unique flora and fauna.

When it’s time to eat, indulge in farm-to-table dining experiences featuring locally sourced ingredients and traditional Polynesian cuisine. Additionally, participate in cultural activities like traditional dance performances or artisan workshops to get insight into French Polynesia’s rich heritage and traditions while fostering a deeper connection to the local community. 

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Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula offers the ideal setting for couples seeking an eco-friendly honeymoon while enjoying nature’s wonders. As one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, the Osa Peninsula has pristine rainforests, a rugged coastline, and abundant wildlife. 

Embrace sustainability by staying at eco-lodges and sustainable resorts that prioritise conservation and environmental stewardship. These accommodations offer immersive experiences in nature while minimising their ecological footprint through renewable energy, waste reduction, and community engagement initiatives.

Spend your honeymoon exploring the Osa Peninsula’s protected national parks, including Corcovado National Park and Piedras Blancas National Park, where you can discover a wealth of biodiversity, from rare mammals and colourful birds to vibrant amphibians and lush vegetation. Join guided eco-tours, such as birdwatching excursions, canopy walks, and wildlife hikes, where you can learn about the region’s ecological importance and conservation challenges.

You can also participate in sustainable initiatives, from sea turtle conservation projects to community-based initiatives. It’s the best way to actively contribute to the Osa Peninsula’s preservation of its natural and cultural heritage.

Image by Jose Conejo Saenz

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