Top Ethical Wildlife Tourism Destinations for 2026: Travel That Protects Animals and Communities

At World Animal Protection, travel isn’t just about seeing beautiful landscapes—it’s about doing good. In 2025, ethical wildlife tourism will be a powerful opportunity to witness nature without harm.

That’s why, in just the past few years, we’ve helped transform the travel industry by creating ethical wildlife experiences and true wildlife sanctuaries, where people can connect with animals while letting them be their wild selves.

As you plan your vacations for 2026, keep these incredible destinations in mind:

Wildlife Heritage Areas: Soulful Journeys Rooted in Compassion

Wildlife Heritage Areas, a collaboration between World Animal Protection and the World Cetacean Alliance, transform wildlife tourism by centering animal well-being, community stewardship, and conservation-led travel.

These aren’t just beautiful places—they’re thriving ecosystems where local communities elegantly steward wildlife, cultural heritage, and visitor experiences. Here are six Wildlife Heritage Areas that exemplify this vision:

1. Algoa Bay Whale Heritage Area—South Africa

This coastal gem is known as the “Bottlenose Dolphin Capital of the World,” hosting more than 600 dolphins and serving as a nursery for migrating humpbacks. A place where conservation and community have replaced captivity with freedom.

2. Apennines Marsican Bear Heritage Area—Italy

A warm-hearted model of coexistence. Here, locals are working together to protect the critically endangered Marsican brown bear (only about 60 remain). It’s a story of mutual respect—between humans, bears, and the mountains that unite them.

3. Dana Point Whale Heritage Area—California, USA

America’s first Whale Heritage Area—and a spectacular one. With more dolphins per square mile than anywhere else, migrants like blue, humpback, and fin whales grace its waters… and a beautiful coastal trail invites visitors to explore thoughtfully.

4. Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area—California, USA

Known as the “Whale Superhighway,” this is a marine migration corridor for more than 27 species of cetaceans—including majestic blue whales. Conservation efforts thrive alongside tourism, honoring these giants and the people protecting them.

5. Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Heritage Area—Rwanda

A sanctuary for mountain gorillas—one of our planet’s most vulnerable species. With fewer than 1,100 left, this place is a testament to hands-on conservation, balance, and hope.

6. Amazon Night Monkey and Amazon Uakari Heritage Areas—Peru and Brazil

Deep in vibrant Amazonian forests, these sanctuaries honor enigmatic primates and the guardians who protect them. Local traditions, deep habitat knowledge, and ethical tourism merge beautifully here.

ChangChill, Following Giants, and Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary: Compassion in Action

• ChangChill underwent a remarkable transformation—a Thai elephant venue that has replaced cruelty with dignity. Elephants now enjoy sanctuary living and compassionate visitor interaction (from a distance!).
• Following Giants shares the moving journey of elephants rescued into new lives through sanctuary and care.
• Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary highlights Grandma Sangdao’s journey and shows how compassion and sanctuary can restore an elephant’s spirit.

Why Travel Here Matters—Now More Than Ever

When you visit a Wildlife Heritage Area or a sanctuary like ChangChill or Sappraiwan, you’re doing more than seeing wildlife. You’re supporting:

• Animals, first and always, with distance, respect, and non-exploitative experiences.
• Community well-being, where local people benefit from and guide tourism.
• Conservation and biodiversity, powered by travel that protects, not disturbs.
• Your own role as a wildlife advocate, returning home inspired to protect animals.

How You Can Travel Responsibly

• Choose Wildlife Heritage Areas—certified, vetted, and designed for the future of ethical wildlife tourism.
• Steer clear of direct-contact activities, performances, or captivity.
• Support sanctuaries and community-led conservation.
• Learn before you go—get to know the place, the wildlife, and the people.

Let Your Travel Create Change

When you choose places that protect animals and uplift communities, your journey becomes more than beautiful—it becomes meaningful. At World Animal Protection, we’re proud to champion Wildlife Heritage Areas and compassionate sanctuaries as beacons of change.

Want more tips on how to be an ethical traveler? Visit our Wildlife-Friendly Travel Guide for more information!