Ecotourism

Virginia Beach is often recognized as one of the best cities on the east coast in which to live. Different organizations use varying criteria to determine the ‘desirability’ of a place, but overall, Virginia Beach often ranks high among the larger east coast cities no matter what the standards are. Our city has decent schools, beaches, a mild climate, lowish crime rates, seafood, things to do. I have seen some of the Virginia Beach commercials that run up north. They promote the beach, the bay and ocean, restaurants, swimming, the boardwalk, shopping, museums…you know, stuff they think tourists are seeking, whomever ‘they’ are. I have seen some quick video clips of charter fishing included in those commercials. And dolphins. Always dolphins.

Ecotourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry but is not addressed in most ads encouraging people to visit the city. Bird watching and nature-based activities are popular and demand is rising. Approximately one-third of all bird species globally rely on wetlands for breeding, feeding, and shelter and, boy, does Virginia Beach have birds and wetlands! The southern half of Virginia Beach - actually 67% - drains south to the Albemarle. The North Landing River, Back Bay and the Northwest River are part of the Chowan drainage basin and ⅓ of Virginia’s rare plants occur in the Chowan River Basin, but this area only covers ca. 8% of Virginia’s landmass. Generically, the southern ⅔ of Virginia Beach is called the Southern Rivers Watershed (SWA) and the VA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation has documented the presence of 19 rare natural communities, 67 rare plants, and 22 rare animals within the SWA.

Why the city does not promote environmental tourism, I do not know. On the other hand, I enjoy having the whole place basically to myself. Oh, and if you’re looking for a private boat ecotour, I know a guy…

Schedule your ecotour to explore this environmental wonderland.