Dominica, known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” is a haven for eco-tourists and adventure seekers. Nestled between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, this lush island boasts a remarkable landscape of volcanic mountains, dense rainforests, and stunning waterfalls. Dominica’s most iconic natural wonder is the Boiling Lake, the second-largest hot spring in the world.
Channel Islands National Park protects five islands and the surrounding waters off the coast of Southern California: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara Island. Separated from the mainland by the Santa Barbara Channel, the islands contain steep cliffs, sea caves, beaches, grasslands, and rugged hills shaped by wind and ocean conditions.
Connemara National Park lies in County Galway in western Ireland, near the village of Letterfrack. The park protects a broad landscape of mountains, western blanket bog, heath, grassland, woodland, and lakes, covering more than 2,000 hectares. Several of its peaks form part of the Twelve Bens range, including Benbaun, the highest mountain in County Galway.
Cannon Beach, Oregon, offers an enchanting coastal escape along the Pacific Ocean. Known for its iconic Haystack Rock, a towering sea stack that rises 235 feet above the sand, this charming town is a visual feast for visitors. This natural landmark, surrounded by tide pools, is a prime spot for bird watching and marine life observation. The beach's scenic beauty, combined with its dramatic rock formations and golden sands, makes it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Western Sahara, (formerly Spanish Sahara), northwestern Africa, former overseas province of Spain partitioned in 1976 between Mauritania and Morocco, and since 1979, occupied entirely by Morocco.
On South Plaza Island, sea lions breed all along the low lying northern coast. These sheer cliffs are home for swallow-tail gulls and the beautiful red billed tropic birds. The landscape is dominated by optunia cactus trees. A look under each tree reveals a land iguana patiently waiting for a succulent cactus pad to fall.
Other Popular Destinations in Ecuador
Galapagos Islands
Off the coast of Ecuador, the iconic and biodiverse Galápagos Islands, made famous by Charles Darwin’s nineteenth-century research expeditions on HMS Beagle, beckon you. This glittering archipelago, surrounded by vivid turquoise waves, abounds with stunning beaches and spectacular wildlife, perfect for the adventurous traveler.
Guayaquil
Guayaquil, Ecuador, is a vibrant port city and a frequent starting point for cruises to the Galapagos Islands.