Responsible vacations in the Canary Islands begin and end with responsible tourism. If you choose to protect cultural heritage and preserve wildlife rather than enjoying cetaceans performing tricks in captivity and opting for all-day English breakfasts then right here is how you can be a responsible traveller in The Canary Islands.

Cesar Manrique was a local visionary artist and architect, as well as a hero in Lanzarote. He ceaselessly worked with local authorities during the late 20th century. The purpose was to prevent his homeland from resort ruination. Visit his many architectural classics that are built into lava to understand his dedication and compassion toward his artistry. Manrique’s statue ‘El Diablo’ is the hallmark of Lanzarote, Timanfaya National Park, overlooking all the Canary Islands as if to remind us that we should try to keep the badness at bay.

And because of this, to visit Lanzarote without knowing Manrique is like touring Barcelona without knowing Antoni Gaudí. Also, the vulnerable volcanic masterpieces still have their demons if responsible tourism is at stake.

TAPPING INTO THE WATER ISSUE

Water is a matter of concern on the Canary Islands. When it comes to water-all is not well. Due to their remote nature, volcanic geology, and ecosystems there is a need to monitor the Canary Islands life-giving sources earnestly. The constellation of islands source their water in two ways: the western ones obtain theirs from the ground and the eastern ones from the desalination of the sea water. So, when you stumble across a sign saying to be careful about the water usage, you should be.

One can enjoy all year round gorgeous temperatures in the Canary Islands, but the adverse effects on the water can spoil everything. Then, it may not remain one of the best tourist attractions in Spain.

What to do:

Bring your common sense to the rescue. Don’t shower three times a day. Don’t leave the tap water running. And seek out the places for accommodation that are environmentally friendly. That have smaller pools and ethos that encourages you to dive into the natural pool nearby; the Atlantic.

SAY NO TO DOLPHINARIUM

We do not support keeping whales and dolphins in captivity, and that’s why there are whales & dolphins excursions. In Tenerife, there is one prolific dolphinarium where dolphins, sea lions, and orcas perform and entertain tourists. Despite worldwide appeals from chief conservationists such as the WWF, the most recent orca to be brought to the water park Loro Parque, is Morgan. These mammoth mammals are social creatures that are always on the move. And so, in our opinion, being confined to tanks, off from their mother or social group, to perform tricks for our entertainment is not only cruel but extremely harmful.

What to do:

Take a stand against the captivity of orcas, have a look at what we are doing to address this issue. Catch hilarious reactions of cetaceans, go for whale & dolphin watching excursions in the stunning nature of the Canary Islands.

Know more about cetaceans here, and on where to see these marine mammals in the wild, read on to this guide to whale & dolphin watching.