These days, it seems that the former best of beaches have turned into polluted landscapes. Public beaches often fall victim to this curse. However, there are beaches that are well-maintained and protected whilst offering sanctuary to wildlife and beach-goers alike. The following 5 eco-friendly beach vacations are as beautiful as they are difficult to reach.

1. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Australia

Dubbed the “cleanest beach in Queensland”, this 4.3-mile white sand beach has won many awards for resource recovery and environmental protection. It is part of a 74-island chain, and it is the largest one.  The island is accessible by boat from the mainland ports of Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour and Hamilton Island. Each November, the beach hosts a 2-kilometer open swimming competition.

2. Playa Matapalo, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

Located in the “lungs of the Earth”, the Osa Peninsula holds a lush forest and government that is a stickler about conserving it, making it one of the most biologically diverse areas in Costa Rica. The peninsula contains 500,000 flora and fauna species, and the beach is popular with surfers (and particularly fit for beginners). The beach connects to the Portalon National Wildlife Refuge.

3. Koh Libong, Trang Province, Thailand

Tourits have taken their toll of Thailand’s beaches, but not those in the Trang Province. There, officials are sustainability and eco-tourism minded. With the help of Swedish environmentalists, local officials have been able to protect the Koh Libong island. However, tourists still outnumber locals, and it is apt for those looking for a more isolated getaway. The island also has an impressive jungle environment.

4. Las Islas Cies, Galicia, Spain

Since 1980, Las Islas Cies’s pristine white sands have stayed just that – pristine and white – because it was declared a Nature Reserve. There is a limit to the number of visitors and overnight campers at any given time, which prevents overcrowding.  Underwater fishing is forbidden on the island as well.

5. Sancho Bay, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

The Fernando de Noronha island is a protected marine ecological reserve. Of the island’s beaches, Sancho Bay is among the most unspoiled and secluded spots – it is UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. Only 420 tourists are allowed on the island at one time, and far fewer will make their way to Sancho Bay, so expect a calm, quiet and private paradise. TripAdvisor named Sancho Bay the best beach of 2014 based on reviews.

Related on EcoSalon

3 Gorgeous Secluded Beach Getaways for the Anti-Spring Breaker

No Treasure, Just Trash on British Beaches

Poverty or Poison? Mexico Beaches and the Human Stain

Photo Credit: Mark Scott Johnson, Alquiler de Coches, Hanumann, Jose Antonio Gil Martinez, Roberto Faccenda

The post 5 Eco-Friendly Beach Vacations Off the Beaten Path appeared first on EcoSalon.

Polar vortexes, record snow falls, Arctic conditions … you may be dreaming of a beach getaway right about now. Unfortunately, so too are thousands of spring breakers, who are gearing up to head to beaches from coast to coast (and to our southern Caribbean and Mexico neighbors, as well).

However, that doesn’t mean you have to join them (in the exact same beach locale, that is), or forgo going to the beach at all. So pack your swimsuit and head out: Here are several secluded beach getaways that offer sun, sand, and serenity, without the spring break crowds.

1. Instead of Cancun, try Isla Mujeres

The island of Isla Mujeres, just a 20-minute ferry ride from Cancun, offers a quiet paradise to refresh and recharge. You won’t find mega hotel chains or raging nightclubs here. Instead, picture boutique hotels and beachfront B&Bs, mom-and-pop restaurants offering the catch of the day and umbrella drinks with fresh-squeezed juices, and lazy bicycle or moped rides to explore at your own pace. It’s a place that values a laid-back, restorative lifestyle … and if you want nightlife and crowds, you’re welcome to take the ferry back to Cancun.

At press time, Hotels.com had Isla Mujeres accommodations starting at $72 per night for three-star hotels, and Airbnb.com had studio apartment rentals from $40 per night.

To get inspired, check out the Isla Mujeres travel photos on Trip Advisor, plus read the community postings for trip recommendations that gel with your preferred activities. If I were heading there, I’d plan for a few days of snorkeling – but also a few days just to relax on a hammock with a book and a drink, with my only must-dos being to read and nap.

2. Instead of Daytona Beach, try New Smyrna Beach

Nicknamed “Florida’s Secret Pearl”, New Smyrna Beach offers Florida beaches, great surfing, and a thriving arts community on the north/central Atlantic coast. Located 20 minutes south of Daytona, New Smyrna Beach offers a more family-friendly atmosphere and laid-back small-town vibe compared to its spring-break-famous northern neighbor.

At press time, I found B&B rentals from $94 per night on BedandBreakfast.com, and three-star hotels from $145 per night on Orbitz.

If I were heading here, I’d take a kitesurfing lesson, check out the area’s art galleries for a one-of-a-kind souvenir, and hike the Canaveral Beach Trail (and keep my eye out for wildlife, such as the region’s nesting sea turtles). I might also try to snag a reservation at Norwood’s Restaurant and Wine Shop, a Wine Spectator-award winning restaurant that focuses on fresh, local, and handmade dishes.

3. Instead of Puerto Rico, try St. John, USVI

My friend’s parents visited St. John during a port stop on a cruise and loved it so much they retired here. Such is the lure of this quiet island, the smallest (and least populated) of the U.S. Virgin Islands. In addition to its gorgeous beaches, St. John’s big draw is the Virgin Islands National Park, home to 7,000 acres of unspoiled forest and wildlife. You may not see other hikers, but you may spot hummingbirds, butterflies, wild donkeys, or turtles while out exploring the park.

At press time, I found vacation rentals from $60 per night on HomeAway, and hotel rooms from $195 per night on Tingo.

Accessible via ferry from nearby St. Thomas, St. John is the epitome of mellow. If I were headed here, I’d plan on a few days of hiking and snorkeling – and not much else.

Which beach destination recharges your batteries? Share your favorites by leaving a comment below!

Photo courtesy Navin75 via Flickr Creative Commons

Related on Ecosalon

10 Eco-Cool Towels for the Beach, Bath& Pool

10 Essential Green Items for Beach-Going Kids & Babies

30 Quotes About the Ocean

The post 3 Gorgeous Secluded Beach Getaways for the Anti-Spring Breaker appeared first on EcoSalon.