
Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations in Tampa, United States
1. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Adventure park with over 300 acres of wildlife and roller coasters, committed to conservation efforts.
- Animal Welfare: Home to several endangered species under protection programs.
- Energy Efficiency: Implemented solar energy systems and LED lighting throughout the park.
- Sustainable Food: Serves locally-sourced, sustainable food options.
2. Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo
Zoo dedicated to conservation and education with over 1,800 animals from around the world.
- Wildlife Rehabilitation: Offers veterinary care for injured wildlife.
- Sustainable Practices: Uses energy-efficient lighting and water-saving measures.
- Community Engagement: Hosts educational programs to promote wildlife conservation.
3. Big Cat Rescue
Sanctuary providing rescue and rehabilitation services for big cats.
- Rescue and Rehabilitation: Provides lifelong care to abandoned, abused, and neglected big cats.
- Education: Raises awareness about big cat abuse and extinction in the wild.
- Sustainability: Maintains a carbon-neutral facility through solar panels and recycling programs.
4. Adventure Island
Water park with various slides, wave pools, and attractions, focusing on water conservation.
- Water Conservation: Employs drought-resistant landscaping and recycles water.
- Energy Efficiency: Uses energy-efficient lighting and building insulation.
- Sustainable Food: Serves locally-sourced, sustainable food options.
5. Tampa Bay Area River Cruise
Eco-friendly boat tours exploring Tampa's waterways and wildlife.
- Wildlife Viewing: Offers opportunities to observe dolphins, manatees, and birds.
- Eco-Friendly Boats: Uses electric boats with low emissions.
- Sustainable Practices: Promotes clean water initiatives and responsible boating habits.
6. Tampa Electric's Manatee Viewing Center
A sanctuary for injured manatees and a popular viewing site for observing these gentle giants.
- Manatee Rescue: Rehabilitates injured manatees before releasing them back into the wild.
- Education: Raises awareness about manatee conservation and protection.
- Sustainability: Uses energy-efficient lighting, solar power, and water-saving measures.
7. Weedon Island Preserve
Nature preserve offering kayak tours, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing.
- Wildlife Viewing: Home to a variety of birds, alligators, and other native wildlife.
- Eco-Friendly Trails: Maintains boardwalks to minimize impact on the ecosystem.
- Environmental Education: Offers programs about coastal habitat preservation and restoration.
8. Tampa Bay Fishing Charters
Sustainable fishing tours focusing on catch-and-release practices.
- Sustainable Fishing: Promotes catch-and-release fishing and uses selective gear.
- Education: Teaches anglers about the importance of conservation and responsible fishing practices.
- Wildlife Viewing: Offers opportunities to observe dolphins, sea turtles, and various bird species.
9. Florida Aquarium
Ocean and freshwater wildlife exhibits dedicated to conservation and education.
- Conservation Efforts: Supports various conservation projects globally.
- Education: Provides educational programs about aquatic ecosystems and conservation efforts.
- Sustainability: Employs energy-efficient lighting, recycling programs, and water-saving measures.
10. Tampa Bay History Center
Museum showcasing the region's history with an emphasis on sustainable practices.
- Education: Provides insight into Tampa Bay's rich cultural and natural history.
- Sustainability: Uses energy-efficient lighting, water conservation measures, and recycling programs.
- Community Engagement: Hosts events and programs about local history and environmental issues.
11. Pinewood Cultural Park
A cultural center showcasing the Seminole tribe's history and sustainable practices.
- Cultural Preservation: Provides insight into the Seminole tribe's history, traditions, and daily life.
- Sustainability: Employs eco-friendly building materials and sustainable landscaping techniques.
- Community Engagement: Hosts events and workshops about Seminole culture, crafts, and natural resources.
12. Tampa's Urban Kai
Stand-up paddleboarding and kayak tours focusing on urban wildlife viewing.
- Urban Wildlife Viewing: Offers opportunities to observe local wildlife such as manatees, dolphins, and birds.
- Sustainable Practices: Promotes eco-friendly equipment usage and responsible paddling habits.
- Community Engagement: Offers educational programs about local ecosystems and wildlife conservation.
13. Tampa Bay Brewing Company
Eco-friendly brewery offering locally-sourced food and beverages.
- Local Sourcing: Uses locally-sourced ingredients for their menu.
- Sustainability: Employs energy-efficient equipment, water conservation measures, and recycling programs.
- Community Engagement: Supports local artists, musicians, and events.
14. Tampa Bay Bicycle Coalition
Advocacy group promoting sustainable transportation through cycling.
- Sustainable Transportation: Promotes bicycling as an eco-friendly mode of transportation.
- Community Engagement: Advocates for improved bike infrastructure and safer cycling conditions.
- Environmental Stewardship: Encourages responsible use of Tampa's green spaces and natural resources.