Helping to protect sea turtles while helping residents to value sea turtles is the mission of the Ocean Conservancy group, SEE Turtles. With a mandate of positive impact (as opposed to low impact), SEE Turtles provide turtle watching guidelines to international communities offering conservation tourism and help travelers to use their vacation dollars to make a difference for sea turtles and for the livelihood of community residents who protect them. The SEE Turtles program provides a positive venue for tourists to learn about sea turtles in their natural habitat while slowly turning communities from hotbeds of turtle poaching to environments supported by sea turtle conservation tourism. Ocean Conservancy is striving to protect the turtles with the money made by viewing them as well as generate income for the local economies.

Currently programs are offered in Baja California Sur, Mexico, Costa Rico, and Trinidad.
More info available at SEE Turtles

This trip starts with visiting historical and cultural sites in Entebbe and Kampala. Then travel to Fort Portal with visits to development projects, schools and farms. Then cycle to Kibale National Park (maybe see monkeys!) and the Rift Valley escarpment, including Queen Elizabeth National Park with more amazing wildlife. Finally cycle through scenic Buhoma-Kabale area, visiting villages, schools and a medical center before returning to Kampala and Entebbe. Suitable for fit Beginner/Intermediate/Expert who are comfortable on dirt roads since this trip consists of paved (40%) & dirt (60%). What a unique approach for going on safari in Africa!
US$1190 for lodging, two meals/day, guide, museum fees and more (airfare is not included). Average out of pocket expenses per program $100 plus or minus $50.
More details at International Bicycle Fund
Schedule: Aug 10-23, 2008.

Ecuadorian President, Rafael Correa has decreed that the Galapagos Islands are “at risk”. If considering a trip to the Galapagos Islands to see this this “living laboratory of evolution” …it is imperative to pick a reputable tour guide. The Galapagos Conservancy are a group that raises more than $2 million annually to fund the conservation work of the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) and the Galapagos National Park Service (GNPS). Check out their website first if you are considering a trip to Galapagos.
Galapagos Conservancy

The Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve, located in the state of Querétaro, is the most ecodiverse Reserve in the country, and has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Sierra Gorda Ecotours, developed by the Grupo Ecológico Sierra Gorda which oversees environmental conservation efforts, provides the opportunity for visitors to enjoy the biosphere while ensuring the conservation of biodiversity and contributing to the livelihoods of communities, who operate the three lodges. Sierra Gorda was the 2006 Destination Award Winner from the World Travel & Tourism Council
More info at SierraGorda.net

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula offers a sample of most of the things that make Iceland so special. It is an area rich in tradition and mystique, faeries and elves are everywhere. From trips on the glacier to whale watching trips, a trip to Iceland is a rewarding and varied experience, and is made more so by the knowledge that everything involved has been carefully considered for social and environmental responsibility.

Hellnar was originally run as a farm retreat. Since then Hellnar has evolved into one of Iceland’s most influential environmental destinations, and gaining international recognition through the Green Globe 21 scheme. Inspired by the eco-community in Findhorn, Scotland, all the buildings at the hotel are built using sustainable materials and techniques, and food is sourced from the local community.

More info available at Travel Roots

Fifteen guest rooms are available across five cottages make this Georgia Beach and Oceanfront the perfect spot. Birding, Bird Watching, Beach Combing, Boating, Horseback Riding, and Hiking are some of the activities available to guests. Guests stay in buildings rich in architectural history enjoy the all included Georgia cuisine and spend days in the company of staff naturalist. This hotel has received the Green Globe award which is the worldwide benchmarking and certification program for the travel and tourism industry.
Little St. Simons Island

If so, Marriott International wants to hear from you! Create a video (under 3 minutes) describing how you are your family and friends are helping to save the planet and upload it to You Tube at http://www.youtube.com/Marriott
and you will have a chance to win a six day, five night stay at the Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort in Costa Rica. The green video contest kicks off Marriot’s month-long support of Environmental Awareness Month and its partnership with “Clean Up the World,” an Australian-based global organization with 35 million volunteers in 120 countries.

For complete contest rules, visit www.marriottnewsroom.com.

[Found via GreenLAGirl]

Spend two weeks playing with crocodiles on the Zambezi River. Spend the morning setting crocodile traps and spend the afternoon measuring and tagging and counting crocodiles. This is a beautiful area and the schedule allows plenty of time for birdwatching and fly-fishing.
14 days for $2849. at Earthwatch

Lapa Rios is a small 14 bungalow resort dedicated to providing protection to over 1,000 acres of rainforest. The lodge employs a local staff of about 50 people and places a big emphasis on educating guests and staff on natural habitat issues. Lapa Rios employs energy conservation through passive design and renewable sources, minimizing use of plastic and non-returnable containers and using solar heated water and initiating the area’s first glass and plastic recycling system.
For more info and reservations, check out the website of Lapa Rios

Cross-Cultural Solutions is an international not-for-profit organization with no political or religious affiliations. It offers international volunteer programs in 12 countries, start dates year-round and programs from 1-12 weeks long. CCS operates in Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Morocco, Peru, Russia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Thailand. CCS volunteers work in the areas of Social Services, Education and Health such as: Caring for infants & children, Teaching children, Teaching English, Assisting teachers, Observing and assisting local health professionals, Working with people affected by HIV/AIDS, Caring for the elderly, Caring for people with disabilities and Assisting teachers of Special Education. See the world while helping people, helps our planet, too.
Get all the info at Cross-Cultural Solutions