While travelers tend to focus on national parks, large crowds can easily put off prepared adventurers. Fortunately, there is a wide open option beyond terra firma. Consider marine protected areas (MPAs). While the US claims 85 million acres of national park land, it has over 750 million acres within those MPAs.
Essentially an aquatic version of a national park, these often overlooked conservation areas cover vast tracts of pristine ocean and coastline. And even though there are about 1,000 MPAs in the US, many Americans don’t know about them.
Fortunately, this is beginning to change – and not just among potential visitors to the general public. Nonprofits and outdoor brands alike have stepped up in an effort to protect these places. An example: Costa del Marpartnered with world ocean day To raise awareness about MPAs and clean up the water they contain.
To this end, Costa has replaced pollution-prone plastic in many of its sunglasses with a unique, carbon-positive NetPlus material. NetPlus is a recycled polymer derived from old fishing nets, many of which are recovered from coastal communities in Chile, Argentina and Baja California.
to date, netplus program This has kept nearly 4 metric tons of plastic net out of our oceans – making Costa sunglasses the perfect tool for the conservation-minded marine adventurer.
Ready to do your part? Check out the incredible marine areas we’re fighting for. Experience wild marine life, be inspired and bring that spark home. Here are some of the most stunning stretches of open ocean and coastline that North America has to offer – along with the best adventures in each one.
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Florida
Home to the only coral reef in the Lower 48, the Florida Keys are a global epicenter for dive activity. snorkel with sea turtles, dive with eagle rays, and sea kayak or SUP with playful dolphins in Florida’s own tropical paradise.
Best Trip: Rent gear or book a snorkeling tour in Key Largo, Florida’s own version of the Great Barrier Reef. Although there are a handful of rocks to choose from, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Offers some of the easiest access.
Pro Tip: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park also has on-site camping. Pitch a tent or RV (reserve in advance) to avoid the high prices on traditional Key Largo accommodations.
Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Michigan
Explore nearly 100 shipwrecks in the vast area of Lake Huron underwater protection. Each wreck offers a snapshot of history – from early explorers in the 1800s to modern-day accidents – but it’s not just a place of the past. Now, the ruins provide vital habitat for fish, mollusks and other marine life, making them key to a healthy ecological future.
Best Trip: Shipwreck Alley hosts a range of dives for different skill levels. NordmeerFor example, submerged in relatively shallow water. New Orleans IIHowever, it lies at a depth of 150 feet, making it a better choice for expert divers. Visit from June to September for the best conditions and plan to bring a drysuit; Lake Huron is famously cold.
Pro Tip: Diving not your thing? Scan sea birds at the historic Tawas Point Lighthouse, pictured above (enhance your clarity with Costa’s fitting, modern frame) shipwrecks model, below), and then gaze at the stars on the beach at Negauwegon State Park, or pitch a tent among the towering cedars at Harrisville’s Coastal Campground.
Gulf of California, Mexico
Located at the crossroads between temperate and tropical waters, this vast collection of islands, reefs and protected coastal and marine areas pushes biodiversity to new levels. Its bays and shores are home to thousands of species – more than 100 of which are found nowhere else on Earth – making it a magnet for divers, snorkelers and sea kayakers. (this is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.)
Best Trip: Head to San Pedro Nolasco, a diving hotspot near the town of San Carlos, to swim among sea lions, angelfish and the unique two-spotted octopus.
Pro Tip: Close to the equator, the Sun is extremely bright. Pack lots of sunscreen and good shades. polarized Costa San Carlos Are a great option; Not only do they boost contrast and deflect UV rays, but the NetPlus material they’re made from comes from fishing nets collected right here in the Gulf of California.
Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, California
Dolphins, whales and sea birds dive among the reef-surrounded islands that are iconic Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Although you can camp and hike on all of the islands in the refuge, most people come here to spend time in and on the water. Vast kelp forests and protected bays make it a paradise for fishermen and divers.
Best Trip: Eastern Santa Cruz Island is a labyrinth of stone arches, coves and sea caves. The ideal way to explore them is by boat: rent a kayak from a local outfitter or book a guided tour to swim through the island’s watery maze.
Pro Tip: Conditions can change rapidly around the Channel Islands. Check the weather before you go and do your research Sea cave precautions Before you venture inside.
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
This national park is so remote that most of it can be reached only by boat. Luckily, this isn’t a problem for aquatic adventurers. Rent a sea kayak to dip in and out of the park’s sky-high plains, or book a whale-watching trip to spend the day spotting wildlife among the coastal glaciers.
Best Trip: Kenai’s deep forests provide an ideal nursery habitat for marine mammals, making it an ideal place to see whales up close. a handful whale watching tourism Depart daily from the nearby town of Seward.
Pro Tip: Alaska is notorious for its harsh weather, even in summer. Bring plenty of layers and pack a good pair of polarized sunglasses to protect against rays reflected from the water. Costa’s tangled collection is a good bet; Each model (like the Antill model, pictured below) offers full coverage and sports frames made from recycled fishing nets.
This article is sponsored costa.
