Sustainable Travel in Southwest Florida

Not only do visitors love our shell-strewn beaches, natural islands, parks and preserves – but they can also join us in making environmentally responsible efforts to keep our beauty around for generations to come.

Eco-friendly Resources

From kayaking past manatees on protected waterways to visiting wildlife conservation organizations, there’s no shortage of sustainable ways to explore Southwest Florida. And the links below can offer great ideas on how to best enjoy our environment.

Local Resources

Artificial Reefs for Lee County – 239-533-8109

Audubon of Southwest Florida – 239-339-8046

Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program – 239-338-2556

Calusa Blueway – 239-533-7275

Calusa Blueway Smart Phone Application

Calusa Land Trust

Lee County Bird Patrol

Lee County Boater’s Guide – 239-533-8109

Lee County Florida Sea Grant – 239-533-4327

Lee County Office of Sustainability – 239-533-2737

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) – 239-472-2329

Sierra Club, Calusa Group – 239-694-5513

Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism – 239-432-2163

State Resources

Audubon of Florida – 305-371-6399

Florida Clean Marinas Program – 850-245-2100

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission – 863-648-3200

Florida Green Lodging Program – 850-245-2116

Florida Greenways & Trails Program – 850-245-2052

Florida Healthy Beaches Program – 850-245-4240

Florida Paddling Trails Association

Florida’s Safe Beaches – 850-245-4250

Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association – 850-906-9227

Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism – 239-432-2163

Great Florida Birding Trail – 850-488-8755

Mote Marine Laboratory – 941-388-4441

Office of Greenways and Trails / Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail Solutions to Avoid Red Tide (START) – 941-953-4545

National Resources

American Canoe Association – 540-907-4460

American Shore & Beach Preservation Association – 239-418-1157

American Trails Association

National Audubon Society – 212-979-3000

Sierra Club – 415-977-5500

Green Properties

Recognized for their commitment to conserving and protecting Florida’s natural resources, 36 local accommodations have been named to the Florida Green Lodging Program. And the area’s first LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) “green building” is situated on Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve.

With this many acclaimed options, it’s certainly easy to plan an eco-conscious stay. Learn more about these locations below.

Area Certified "Green" Accommodations

Fort Myers

Best Western Fort Myers Inn & Suites

Crowne Plaza, Fort Myers

Comfort Inn & Suites Airport, Fort Myers

Courtyard by Marriott Fort Myers at I-75 and Gulf Coast Town Center, Fort Myers

Hilton Garden Inn, Fort Myers

Holiday Inn, Fort Myers Airport @ Town Center

Holiday Inn Downtown Historic District, Fort Myers

Homewood Suites by Hilton Fort Myers

Hotel Indigo