with river tourism

Impacts Of Tourism On Rivers

We travel to new places for many reasons: to meet new people, experience new cultures, and see some of the most beautiful sights in the world.

But have you ever wondered how your travels affect the local environment?

The ocean is one of the biggest recipients of the negative impacts of tourism. Our fun marine-based vacations can have devastating effects on marine life.

In many ways, the attitude towards the ocean is “out of sight, out of mind.” But the sea does not work this way. As an extensive interconnected system, the negative impacts that have been concentrated in hot tourism areas will start to be felt globally and locally.

Travel has gradually become a significant choice for most people on holidays, and the tourism industry has also developed rapidly. One of the purposes of travel is to relax, so the choice of tourist destinations is often those places with a beautiful environment.

Tourism that takes water resources as the development subject. The water environment is more easily affected by human tourism activities; therefore, it is more necessary to control the pollution degree of the water environment to ensure the normal development of tourism. 

Positive Impacts

• HIGH-QUALITY RESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENT

According to the World Tourism Organization Figures, the most significant number of travelers relate to the river tourism sector. The ever-popular beaches and the widespread demand for them, along with the fragile structure of these environments, have made planners more aware of sustainable development in these areas. To achieve sustainable tourism to preserve the economic benefits, promote tourism, and protect environmental resources. River stripes are the spaces that often have unbreakable links with surrounding areas and town centers. These areas are the center of the accumulation of most human activities, including trade, commerce, energy, fishing, housing, and tourism. Tourism has improved the life quality of the citizens. 

• QUALITY OF HEALTH AND LEISURE

The increasing number of tourists is caused by improving people’s living standards, which is hard to inhibit. 

• ECONOMIC BOOM

The growth and development of tourism Activities can Lead to profound changes in many objective and subjective indicators, macroeconomic, social, Cultural, and Environmental characteristics Of the communities.

The number of tourists also brings economic income growth, making the government pay more attention to the economic benefits and ignore environmental protection. 

• CREATING NEW EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES 

The development of tourism in cities will increase job creation and job diversification and create jobs that are highly dependent on tourism.

Negative Impacts

In the tourism industry, to improve the comfort of tourists in the process of tourism, the environment will be transformed to different degrees, and tourists will also produce different levels of pollutants in the process of tourism. The water environment in the natural environment is relatively easier to be affected by human activities. Once the water environment is polluted, the aquatic organisms are the first to be involved. Then, the land environment near the water environment watershed will affect the growth of surface organisms. If not prevented, the unsustainable development of tourist attractions will eventually lead to exhaustion of tourism resources and stagnation of tourism development.

But it doesn’t stop there,

• COASTAL DEVELOPMENT

Thousands of people flock to coastal areas’ warm, sunny beaches every year. It’s only natural…we want to dig our toes into the hot sand and splash in the warm waves.

In Europe, these are essentially areas like Majorca, Ibiza, the south of Spain, coastal Portugal, Croatia, and the Greek Islands.

There are several ways that the coasts of these regions are changed to meet the high demand of tourists that come and visit. Many of these are incredibly detrimental to the local ecosystems.

• FOREST CLEARINGS

In coastal areas, it’s not uncommon for entire  mangrove forests to be cleared away for a resort . This destroys the homes of many kinds of fish and removes the natural protection that the coast has from ocean storms.

Instead of these “inconvenient” trees, golf courses are installed and built artificial coastlines with restaurants and hotels. While they are fun for us to visit, their impact is lasting.

• CORAL REEFS

Coral reefs, like mangrove forests, can also be severely damaged to build coastal tourist attractions.

In Curacao, for example, the construction company Bam is suspected of  dragging anchors  across a protected coral reef to clear a path for the supporting feet of the pier.

Coral reefs are highly fragile and diverse ecosystems. The coral itself is a living animal, and the reefs provide homes for thousands of different kinds of animals. This sort of destruction ultimately leads to significant biodiversity loss in an area.

A significant impact of the human development of coastlines is erosion. Our tourist attractions are worse off for their locations in the long run.

While erosion is a naturally-occurring process, human development speeds it up. For example, without the natural protection of coral reefs and mangrove forests, the land has no protection against eroding forces.

Repercussions Of Tourism On Water Quality Of River Ganga In   Lower Himalayas

Festivals are significant and heartiest to every person in India. During festival seasons, many people come to Ganga Snans to cleanse themselves. After death, the people dump their asthia in the Ganga River; it is a tradition of India because they think that Ganga gives Mukti from the human world.

A large proportion damps the solid and liquid wastes in the Ganga river, like domestic usage (bathing, laundry, and public defecation), Sewage wastes, and unburnt dead bodies through in Ganga river. Patna and Varanasi cities are more responsive to water pollution in Ganga, and 80 % of sewage wastes are responsible for the water pollution of Ganga.

Comparing water quality between pre and post-religious activities during Kanwar Mela shows the higher water pollution in the Ganga River water due to massive gathering of pilgrimages. It is recommended that an appropriate strategy to reduce and control the waste of religious-touristic activities in the Haridwar region and to found Pilgrimage tourism as Eco-Pilgrimage

Cruise Ships

Tourism significantly influences water pollution, but a huge source is from cruise ships.

These ships, which are a popular vacation choice for many, dump a lot of waste into the ocean every year. Often they travel into international waters to do so. In these unregulated areas, they’ll dump the untreated sewage waste of the thousands of people on board.

This adds up quickly. In 2014, that number was around  one BILLION gallons  of sewage. Even the “eco-friendly” cruise ships are failing.  NABU —a German environmental group— ranked European cruise companies in 2017  for their environmental impact…and found that they could not recommend a single company for travel with.

Cruise ships are also significant pollutants in other ways. Many use heavy fuel oils to power their small cities, and very little is being done to offset the effects of burning those oils.  As Andrew McMaster writes for GlobalCitizen.org : “To make matters worse, many of the companies operating the vessels have failed to install soot filters that would at least marginally improve the environmental impact of their massive fuel combustion.

Filters would help capture some of the fine particulates released when the diesel engines burn fuel, preventing them from escaping into the atmosphere. However, none of them is operational of the 23 ships that the industry claimed would be equipped with this technology.”

Now that we’ve established that cruise ships are dumping waste into the oceans, it’s worth exploring what this means for the environment.

• UNTREATED EFFLUENTS FROM CRUISE SHIPS

If you’re researching water pollution, you might run across the word “effluents.”

Effluents are untreated streams of waste that flow into our natural water and airways. Smoke, liquid sewage, and other polluting material are examples of these environmentally-detrimental substances. Cruise ships are significant producers and distributors, but they aren’t the only ones.

Effluents have a lot of negative consequences for local waterways and oceans. They cause pollution, reduce animal life, and damage human and animal communities. They ultimately reduce the beauty of the natural landscape and pollute the local communities.

• EUTROPHICATION

As effluents are dumped into waterways, one of the biggest problems experienced is eutrophication: the ultra-high concentration of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus in a body of water. This results in a massive blooming of algae, covering ponds and streams that used to be clear with a layer of “scum.”

• BLOCKED SUNLIGHT

When algae cover a vast surface area of a body of water, it can lead to devastating effects on the life underneath the surface. Often the first stage of this is blocked sunlight.

Although they are underwater, plant life beneath the surface still requires sunlight to grow and flourish. Vast blooms of algae can effectively cut off the access to sunlight that these plants need, causing them to die.

These plants provide several  essential functions  to the underwater ecosystems, such as:

• Providing shelter for underwater life
• Serving as food for fish and aquatic animals
• Moderating nutrient levels
• Limiting erosion
• Oxygenating the water

Without aquatic plants, there is no filtration system for a body of water. This means that toxic chemicals from sewage are more easily absorbed, and biodiversity begins to disappear quickly.

• OXYGEN DEFICIENCY

Another adverse effect of not having plants in a body of water is oxygen deficiency. This is only exacerbated by the oxygen-sucking algae living on the surface.

As oxygen sources deplete, more and more marine life begins to die. As the fish and other living organisms begin to decompose underwater, they use up even more of the little remaining oxygen! Ultimately, a vicious cycle results in water with no marine life.

• INTRODUCING PATHOGENS

Effluents also introduce pathogens to bodies of water. Pathogens—broadly defined as anything that can cause disease—affect marine life, yes, but they also spread into the human populations of the local areas.

When untreated wastewater is dumped into our oceans, rivers, and streams, it eventually leaks into our drinking water resources. Though not caused by tourism directly,  this Australian region  is suffering the effects of fecal contamination from cattle ranching. Residents have been issued ten boil-water alerts in the last ten years alone! It’s a scenario that is not too far from what we will start experiencing because of tourism in the future.

Cruise ships are one of the most significant contributors to the problem of effluents and waste in the ocean, but other forms of tourism impact this, such as coastal development projects. Regardless of the source, though, all tourism will be affected.

10 Most Visited Rivers Known For Their River Tourism

• The Okavango

The Okavango River originates in the highlands of Angola before flowing 1,000 mi (1,600 km) into the Okavango Delta in Botswana. The Okavango stands out among significant river systems because it does not discharge its waters into the sea. The seasonal river flows work their way into the delta and fan out to create an enormous inland floodplain. The result is a tremendous flourishing of plant and animal life. For travelers looking to experience this natural wonder for themselves, Mahango Game Park, located within Namibia’s Bwabwata National Park, is a good choice, particularly for birdwatchers. Other options include safari tours operating out of Botswana. Given the Okavango Delta’s massive size, it’s best to have a guide when exploring this part of one of the world’s most beautiful rivers.

The Li River in China is famed for its incredible karst mountains. These spectacular formations result from geological processes eating away at the region’s limestone hills to create some of China’s most picturesque natural scenery.  The central river section between Guilin and Yangshuo in northwestern Guangxi Province is the best place to enjoy the Li River. Tour operators abound, and most hotels or accommodations in the area will arrange rafting tours complete with hotel pickups. A popular option is staying in Guilin and traveling by raft downriver to Yangshuo. This section contains marvelous scenery, including the exact spot depicted on the back of the Chinese 20 RMB banknote. 

• The Yangtze

The Yangtze River is Asia’s longest river and the third-longest river globally. The Yangtze is a significant source of hydroelectric power. The Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze is the world’s largest hydroelectric power generating station. Chongqing is a great place to begin a Yangtze River tour as the city boasts arguably the best urban skyline in all of Mainland China. Today, visitors can enjoy some of the world’s most picturesque river scenery. 

• The Zambezi

Africa’s fourth-longest river, the Zambezi, is known for its most famous feature, Victoria Falls. The verdant landscapes along the Zambezi support a wide variety of flora and fauna, including hippopotamuses, monitor lizards, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, elephants, and numerous bird species. This helps make the Zambezi one of the best river destinations for nature exploration and wildlife watching. In addition to Victoria Falls, Mana Pools in Zimbabwe and Lake Kariba are the best places to discover the Zambezi, one of the world’s most beautiful rivers.

• The Caño Cristales

Caño Cristales is located in Central Colombia. It is famed for its bright, multicolored riverbed, normally visible each year from July to November. The deep hewed yellow, green, blue, black, and red colors result from the particular plant life that inhabits the river. These vivid aquatic floral displays lend Caño Cristales its moniker as the “River of Five Colors.” Caño Cristales itself is a tributary of the Guayabero River. The rich natural landscapes along the Caño Cristales are a significant part of what makes the river so unique. Laying at the confluence of three major ecosystems, including the Amazon rainforest, Caño Cristales is home to many plant and animal species, many of which have adapted to thrive in the region’s varying climate conditions. 

• The Colorado

Originating in the Rocky Mountains in the US State of Colorado, the Colorado River flows southwest through Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and California before crossing into Mexico and draining into the Gulf of California. Colorado is the principal water source for much of the Southwestern United States, including major population centers like Los Angeles. It is ideal for boaters, rafters, and anglers. The river is known for its impressive rapids, spectacular natural scenery, and some of the best fishing waters in the entire United States. River rafting is extremely popular along much of the Colorado River, and various white-water tour operators offer package deals on some of the more challenging and exciting rapids. The Desert Southwest ranks among the most picturesque natural landscapes anywhere in the United States, and the Colorado River is critical to the entire ecosystem.

• The Futaleufú

The Futaleufú is a glacial-fed river that originates in Patagonia in Argentina, flows through the Southern Andes, and empties into Yelcho Lake in Chile. The Futaleufú is renowned for its numerous rapids along the Chilean stretches. Several major whitewater events are held on the river each year. Famed for its stunning turquoise waters, the Futaleufú isn’t just a destination for adventure sports; it’s also ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, especially fly-fishers, kayakers, trekkers, and hikers. The river’s headwaters are located in Argentina’s UNESCO-protected Los Alerces National Park. Patagonia is a stunningly beautiful region with lots to offer, including picturesque towns, a welcoming culture, and delicious foods.

The Ganges is one of the most famous rivers in the world. The volume of water that flows through the Ganges makes it a lifeline to millions of people who depend on it for their daily needs. The Hindu faithful consider the Ganges sacred and worship the river as the goddess Ganga. Varanasi is an important place of pilgrimage for Hindus. Each year millions venture there to bathe in the Ganges. The river’s sacred waters are a source of spiritual purification, thought to carry away sin. 

The Rhine is one of Europe’s most important rivers and one of the most beautiful. Originating in the Swiss Alps, the Rhine flows through several major European cities before emptying into the North East. River cruises are a popular way to explore the Rhine, as the Danube. These vivid aquatic floral displays lend Caño Cristales its moniker as the “River of Five Colors.” Caño Cristales itself is a tributary of the Guayabero River. The rich natural landscapes along the Caño Cristales are a significant part of what makes the river so unique. Laying at the confluence of three major ecosystems, including the Amazon rainforest, Caño Cristales is home to many plant and animal species, many of which have adapted to thrive in the region’s varying climate conditions. 

Along with the Rhine, the Danube is arguably continental Europe’s most famous river; the quaint landscapes have a magical quality that perfectly complements a relaxing cruise along with one of the world’s most beautiful rivers. Danube River cruises rank among the most enjoyable European vacation options and are a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the Danube. The Hungarian capital, in particular, offers visitors stunning river views and unique architecture, including the Hungarian Parliament Building, Fisherman’s Bastion, and the famous Chain Bridge. 

HOW WE CAN CHANGE

Often we as consumers don’t see the negative side of how our travels affect marine life and ecological systems. But there are ways that we can change our lifestyle and travel choices for the better. As the need for environmental sustainability grows, public opinion and political decisions are also shifting.

Over the years, the Earth5R team has accomplished several clean-up drives on the banks of rivers.

Clean-up Drive at Mithi River Banks, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC)

This clean-up drive aimed to prevent the plastic waste lying on the river banks from entering the river. The team collected more than 20 kilograms of plastic waste. In the end, the collected waste was donated to the ragpicker Mr. Ravir. The purpose of donating it to him was to break the chain of waste dumping into the landfills. Mr. Ravir would further segregate the waste and sell it to the recyclers generating livelihood for himself.

The healthy development of tourism balances environmental production, material production, and human production. Material production in tourism refers to tourism development based on the use of tourism resources in the natural environment and waste generated in the development process; human production in tourism refers to human tourism activities, economic benefits, and pollutants developed in the process; and environmental production in the tourism industry, especially the tourism with water environment as the selling point, refers to the water environment capacity for pollution and the provision of tourism resources under the natural and human influence.

For more articles like this, please visit  https://earth5r.org/

Sources: 

Investigating the Impacts of River Tourism on the Quality of Life of Citizens (Case study: Gohar rood River of Rasht City, Iran)

Impact of tourism activities on water pollution in the West Lake Basin (Hangzhou, China)

Sea Going Green

Repercussions of tourism on water quality of River Ganga in Lower Himalayas

7 best US river cruises

Whether you're fascinated by American history, culture and cuisine, or you've enjoyed river cruising in Europe but are now looking to explore closer to home, U.S. river cruises are an easy and enjoyable vacation option.

Choose from two main waterways for your U.S. river cruise: the Mississippi River — which flows through nine states from St. Paul, Minnesota, to New Orleans — or the Columbia and Snake rivers in Oregon and Washington. Some cruise lines also venture onto three smaller, lesser-known rivers: the Ohio, the Cumberland and the Tennessee. You can also explore New York's Hudson River on a fall foliage cruise.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Your choice of cruise line is equally limited. Just two companies offer multiple itineraries on U.S. rivers. American Cruise Line sails all the waterways mentioned above, while Viking offers itineraries solely on the Mississippi. Additionally, Lindblad Expeditions has introduced a food-and-wine-centric river cruise on the Columbia and Snake rivers.

Read on for our picks of the seven best U.S. river cruises. They range from seven to 15 nights and visit destinations in 16 states; itineraries take you through the colonial-heritage-rich Northeast, America's agricultural heartland and the pioneer routes of the Pacific Northwest.

American Cruise Lines' 8-night Music Cities Cruise

From Memphis blues and Elvis Presley's "Blue Suede Shoes" to Kentucky bluegrass and New Orleans jazz, American Cruise Lines' eight-night Music Cities Cruise sails you through a chronology of the U.S. music scene. You'll traverse three rivers (the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland) en route from Memphis to Nashville, or vice versa.

In Tennessee's two famous music cities, you'll have a chance to visit Elvis Presley's Graceland, stroll blues club-lined Beale Street and check out the Grand Ole Opry. You'll also visit Paducah, Kentucky, and Dover and Clarksville in Tennessee, where experiences include whiskey and bourbon tasting, tours of landmark art murals and, of course, Civil War history.

While cruising, you'll enjoy nightly entertainment that celebrates the region's musical heritage. American Cruise Lines offers this itinerary on four ships from April to October 2024, 2025 and 2026. Three of the ships — American Melody, American Symphony and American Serenade — are 180-passenger modern river ships launched in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. The fourth, American Splendor, is a 180-passenger paddlewheeler that debuted in 2016.

Related: Booking your first river cruise? Here's what you need to know

Viking's 14-night America's Great River Cruise

Want the total Mississippi experience? You can cruise the entire length of this mighty river as you visit 14 cities in seven U.S. states on Viking's two-week sailing.

Available three times a year (in July, September and October), the America's Great River cruise begins in Minnesota (either St. Paul or Red Wing) and concludes in New Orleans, allowing you to experience an intricate tapestry of American history and culture.

There's eagle spotting in Red Wing and agricultural innovation in Quad Cities, Iowa. You'll enjoy Mark Twain lore in Hannibal, Missouri, and architectural landmarks, such as the soaring Gateway Arch, in St. Louis. As you cruise the lower Mississippi, you'll delve into civil rights history in Memphis; Civil War battles and historic architecture in Mississippi's Vicksburg and Natchez; Cajun and Creole music in Baton Rouge; and the legendary culinary treats and jazz of New Orleans.

All sailings are aboard the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. Launched in 2022, it's currently the largest river ship in the U.S. and features three restaurants and an aft infinity pool.

American Cruise Lines' 8-Night Columbia & Snake River Cruise

If your vacation preferences favor mountain landscapes, wine tasting and pioneer lore, consider American Cruise Lines' eight-night Columbia & Snake River Cruise . You'll explore the Pacific Northwest from Portland, Oregon, to Clarkstown, Washington (or vice versa).

On the Pacific end of your voyage, you'll visit Astoria, Oregon — the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. This coastal city at the mouth of the Columbia River is known for its Victorian homes, wineries, brew pubs, and Lewis and Clark heritage. Next, from Kalama, Washington, you can join an excursion to visit the remnants of the area around Mount St. Helens, which suffered a devastating eruption in 1980.

In The Dalles, you can enjoy a sommelier-led tasting of Columbia Valley wines, visit Multnomah Falls or get adventurous on a river kayak tour. During a call on Richland, Washington, you can admire the scenic beauty around the confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers at Sacajawea State Park. More wine tasting or outdoor adventure awaits on the way to Clarkstown.

American Cruise Line offers this itinerary on five ships from April to October 2024, 2025 and 2026. Three of the ships (American Song, American Jazz and American Harmony) are 180-passenger modern river ships launched from 2018 to 2020. American Pride is a 150-passenger paddlewheeler launched in 2012, and American West is a 110-passenger veteran paddlewheeler launched in 1995.

Related: Best river cruise lines around the world

Viking's 7-night New Orleans & Southern Charms

If you've never visited New Orleans, or it's been a while, take a Mississippi River cruise that sails round-trip from the Big Easy. They offer time before or after the cruise to enjoy the city's food, music and iconic architecture — plus the ease of a round-trip flight booking. Viking's seven-night New Orleans & Southern Charms itinerary focuses solely on ports in Louisiana and Mississippi, with an emphasis on historic architecture, Cajun culture and Civil War landmarks.

From Darrow, Louisiana, you'll stroll beneath canopies of towering live oak trees to visit historic mansions or glide through the bayou. More historic architecture, along with bird-watching, awaits in St. Francisville, Louisiana, and Natchez, Mississippi. Vicksburg, Mississippi, is home to one of the Civil War's most famous battlefields. Baton Rouge, Louisiana's capital, has something to satisfy every interest, from Cajun cuisine to tours of the restored World War II-era USS Kidd.

The cruise, which is available in November and December 2024 and January, November and December 2025, ends with a full day of exploration back in New Orleans before one last night aboard the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi.

American Cruise Lines' 7-night Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise

Not only is the autumnal landscape in New York's Hudson Valley visually captivating, but the small cities and towns that line the river's shores are filled with fascinating early American history dating back more than 400 years.

Cruise the Hudson round-trip from New York City on American Cruise Lines' seven-night Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise . You'll visit Catskill, home to the Hudson River School Art Trail and the Olana Historic Site, or explore more actively at the Hudson River Skywalk and Kaaterskill Falls. In Albany, founded in 1609, you can tour the newly renovated New York State Capitol building, built in the late 1800s; you can also visit the New York State Museum, which dates to 1836. Feel like apple-picking? That's an option here, too.

Next, during a call at Kingston/Hyde Park, you can tour the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, home to the 32nd U.S. president's library and museum. You can also head to the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, featuring an American Beaux-Arts mansion completed in 1899. The United States Military Academy at West Point, founded in 1802, is also on the itinerary, as is Sleepy Hollow. The Sleepy Hollow legend comes to life during a tour of the local cemetery where author Washington Irving is buried. Back in the Big Apple on day seven, you'll have time to explore before saying farewell to your ship.

Sailings are available from late September to early November 2024, 2025 and 2026. Sailings are onboard either the 100-passenger American Eagle, American Liberty, American Glory or American Legend (all built in 2023 or 2024), or the older 90-passenger American Star and American Independence, launched in 2007 and 2010, respectively.

Related: River cruise packing list: What to pack when traveling by riverboat

Lindblad Expeditions' 7-night Columbia & Snake Rivers: Food, Wine and History Cruise

Nature-focused cruise line Lindblad Expeditions has partnered with Food & Wine magazine to offer a new seven-night Columbia & Snake Rivers: Food, Wine and History cruise on multiple dates in April, September and October 2024; there are also sailings in March, April, September and October 2025. The voyages will sail between Portland, Oregon, and Clarkston, Washington.

Complementing the itinerary will be gourmet Pacific Northwest cuisine and more than 40 regional wines curated by an onboard culinary team. All ingredients will be sourced from within 250 miles of the ship's route. A naturalist, historian and geologist will be on hand to guide you on excursions by foot, kayak, Zodiac and jet boat.

Off-ship experiences include sampling local beer and oysters in Astoria, Oregon; visiting Multnomah Falls or hiking Beacon Rock; and having a private vineyard visit and downtown wine walk in Walla Walla, Washington.

These sailings occur on two identical Lindblad ships: the 62-passenger National Geographic Sea Lion and National Geographic Sea Bird.

American Cruise Line's 15-night Grand Ohio River Cruise

Did you know that you can cruise from Pittsburgh to St. Louis? If exploring the central U.S. — Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri — without driving is appealing, consider the 15-night Grand Ohio River Cruise offered by American Cruise Lines. You'll enjoy regionally inspired dining and eclectic landmarks along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers as you sail.

Over two weeks, you'll visit Native American burial grounds and archeological sites in West Virginia and learn about the underground railroad in Ohio. You can taste bourbon and explore the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory or the Kentucky Derby Museum & Horse Park in Louisville. Take time to appreciate American artistry at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky. Rest up from your portside adventures during five days of scenic river cruising.

This itinerary is available from June to August 2024, 2025 and 2026 on the 180-passenger modern river ship American Melody and the 150-passenger paddlewheeler American Heritage.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
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8 Best Destinations in the Connecticut River Valley

Joseph Devenney/Getty Images

The Connecticut River's headwaters are way up near the Canadian border in New Hampshire. Still, the development of towns along New England's longest river began in the south, along the Connecticut's final run to its meeting with Long Island Sound. The fertile Lower Connecticut River Valley remains remarkably rural; its towns delight visitors with their surviving Colonial-era and 19th-century structures and walkable village centers, their green spaces for recreation, their historic inns, and chef-owned restaurants, and their cultural attractions. Plan a day trip or weekend getaway to one of Connecticut's top river towns, or extend your stay and see them all.

Old Saybrook

Barry Winiker/Getty Images

Established as a colonial outpost at the mouth of the tidal Connecticut River in 1635, Old Saybrook is known for its breezy shoreline beaches and bustling Main Street business district: home to restaurant's like Liv's Oyster Bar , where chef-owner John Brescio's menus celebrate local seafood, and casual Jack Rabbits , where you can sample an only-in-Connecticut treat: lobster hot dogs. This is also where you'll find The Kate , a theater named for Katharine Hepburn, the town's most legendary former resident. Non-residents pay a premium for parking, but summer days at Harvey's Beach are worth the investment. For history, head to Saybrook Point, where you can see remnants of Connecticut's first military fortifications and also play a round of mini-golf at a waterside course that features miniature replicas of local landmarks. Saybrook Point Resort & Marina , one of Connecticut's most complete and most eco-conscious lodging properties, is also here, offering River Valley visitors an elegant yet relaxed place to stay, dine, and indulge in spa treatments.

Brad Rickerby/Getty Images

Opposite Old Saybrook, on the east bank of the Connecticut River, the coastal town of Old Lyme came to prominence at the turn of the 20th century, when American Impressionist artists discovered the beauty and hospitality that awaited at Miss Florence Griswold's boarding house. Her art-filled home is now the centerpiece of the multi-building Florence Griswold Museum , where you're encouraged to not only view Lyme Art Colony masterpieces and other exhibited works but to set up an easel or bring a sketchbook to create artwork of your own. You can also picnic on the grounds beside the Lieutenant River. Pick up sandwiches up the road at The Hangry Goose . Head to the Old Lyme Historic District , centered around Lyme Street, to see fine examples of American Colonial architecture, shop, and savor a cone at Old Lyme Ice Cream Shoppe . For nature lovers, the ultimate Old Lyme experience is renting a kayak or SUP from Black Hall Outfitters to paddle out among the eagles, egrets, and osprey that inhabit the 500-acre Great Island salt marsh. Overnighting? Try to score a room at the Old Lyme Inn , known by music lovers for its Side Door Jazz Club.

Moving up the Connecticut River's west bank, lively Essex is one of New England's best-preserved towns from before the Revolutionary War. You'll find nostalgia in abundance, whether you hop aboard the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat for a scenic rail and river ride, visit Main Street shops like Emmy's on Main tucked inside antique buildings, or spend a night at the Griswold Inn , which opened its doors to Connecticut visitors in 1776. The Tap Room at "The Gris" is even older: It was built as a schoolhouse in 1735 and attached to the inn in 1801. It's filled with maritime art, firelight, and live music. Devote some time to visiting the Connecticut River Museum , where you'll learn about the river's natural and human history and can take a boat tour: Eagle Cruises are popular in the winter months. And be sure to allow Chef Colt Taylor and his team to cook you a memorable meal at The Essex , where the emphasis is on seasonal, farm-to-table fare.

Kim Knox Beckius

Community spirit is alive and well in Deep River, just north of Essex on the Connecticut River's west side. Stay at the Riverwind Inn , an 1854 Federal-style home that is now one of the coziest, best-run B&Bs in the state, and you'll not only enjoy blissful slumber and homecooked morning meals, but you'll also be a short walk to restaurants, shops, and craft beer maker High Nine Brewing . The inn building dates to an era when Deep River was a wealthy center of the ivory trade. Deep River Landing is now a pretty park and the spot where Essex Steam Train passengers board the Becky Thatcher riverboat. You'll find a used book store and an old-school hardware store in the heart of town, plus stylish boutiques for women and men: Compass Rose and Anchor & Compass . The town may be best known for the Deep River Ancient Muster, America's longest-running and largest gather of fife and drum corps, held annually on the third Saturday in July.

Killingworth

Venture west from Deep River on Connecticut's Route 80 and discover the open spaces and growing places that make Killingworth a worthy destination. Lavender Pond Farm , New England's largest lavender grower, has really put Killingworth on the map with its fragrant fields of purple flowers, train rides around the pond and over a covered bridge, solar SunFlower, and adorable store filled with lavender gifts galore. Other farm stops include Bitta-Blue Farm for organic produce and goat's milk bath and body products; Parmelee Farm , a 132-acre town-owned property with dog-friendly walking trails; and Chatfield Hollow Farm , where edible and medicinal shiitake mushrooms are grown using small-scale forest mushroom cultivation techniques originated in Japan. Stay at the on-site Chatfield Hollow Inn , with its glammed-up rustic styling, and you'll love visiting the property's black swans and peacocks and savoring a bountiful breakfast spread made with eggs and other farm-harvested ingredients. Adjacent to the farm, 412-acre Chatfield Hollow State Park offers a freshwater swimming beach and miles of trails to hike.

Just north of Deep River on the Connecticut River's west side, Chester is a town for those with elevated tastes in food and art, where some residents trace their ancestry back to the town's 17th-century settlers, and others are newcomers seeking a quiet retreat from the pace of New York City or Boston. Pattaconk Brook, a Connecticut River tributary, flows right alongside the town's architecturally rich Main Street, where out-of-towners love wandering in and out of upscale shops and art galleries. Don't miss seeing the enormous, vibrant canvases inside Leif Nilsson Spring Street Studio and Gallery and the Chester Gallery's latest exhibition. Visit multi-artist gallery, The Space , too. It's near Lark , a popular gift shop. The Chester Sunday Market adds even more to shop for along Main Street. Foodies make their way to Chester to dine at what many consider to be Connecticut's finest Italian restaurant. At Chef Joel Gargano’s Grano Arso , in an old 1902 bank building, New England-grown grains are milled in-house to make fresh pasta and bread. More down-to-earth eats here have just as many devotees. Try the spicy fried chicken and French bistro fare at Hot French Chix and the wood-fired pizzas at Otto .

East Haddam

Ken Wiedemann/Getty Images

When the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry is operating (typically April through November), there's no more historic and scenic way for you (and your car) to get across the Connecticut River. This ferry route has been operated since 1769, and supplies were ferried at this crossing throughout the Revolutionary War. You'll have East Haddam's most famous attraction in view on your short voyage east. Gillette Castle is a magnificent stone mansion built in 1919 for Hartford-born actor William Gillette. He may have been rather eccentric, but Gillette made an excellent decision to bequeath his riverview estate to the people of Connecticut when he died. It is now one of Connecticut's most popular state parks. While you're in East Haddam, you may also want to see Chapman Falls, a picturesque waterfall just inside Devil's Hopyard State Park . The town is also home to Goodspeed Musicals , a Tony Award-winning musical theater company that stages productions in a riverside Victorian opera house. Dine and perhaps even spend a night at the neighboring Gelston House , which has an elevated patio overlooking the Connecticut River.

Wethersfield

Farther north on the Connecticut River's eastern shore, just minutes south of Hartford , you won't want to miss the opportunity to poke around in Connecticut's oldest town. Main Street in Old Wethersfield is a veritable museum of distinctive homes from the Colonial and Federal periods. There are a few Victorians around town, too, most notably the magnificent Second Empire-style Silas W. Robbins House , built in 1873 and now a bed & breakfast with five guestrooms. If the inn looks familiar, you may have seen it, along with other scenes from Wethersfield, in the 2018 Hallmark Channel movie, "Christmas on Honeysuckle Lane." While you're in Wethersfield, stop into Comstock, Ferre & Co. , America's oldest seed company, not only to purchase heirloom vegetable and flower seeds but to enjoy a light breakfast or lunch handcrafted with local ingredients at the Heirloom Market . Down the street, pop into the Old Wethersfield Country Store for local souvenirs before touring the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum 's three pre-Revolution homes. Travel even farther back in time by driving to Cove Park, where a circa 1690 warehouse looms over a protected cove with direct access to the Connecticut River. Then, you can kick back and enjoy a meal indoors or out at Revolutionary War captain Elijah Wright's home, now The Charles restaurant.

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River Tourism in India: Its Role and Significance

• First Online: 06 November 2022

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• Sanjukta Sattar 7  

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Tourism and river are intricately linked in terms of source of attraction and unique experience. Rivers are found to be major tourism resource offering spectacular settings, recreational opportunities, waterfront landscapes. Various activities like river cruises, water sports like sailing and rafting and the riverbank landscape contributes to the immense potential of river tourism and its role in the development of places along its banks. The local culture and heritage generally being connected with the river makes various places along the river, destination of cultural tourism also. In India, which is the land of many rivers, river tourism holds much potential as a form of sustainable tourism. The places get identified by the river flowing by it, the beautiful natural setting and the various river-based activities attracting tourists, thus branding those places as river tourism destinations. Promotion of river tourism can help in preservation of natural environment and cultural heritage of the region as well as add to the employment opportunities of the local population.

In this context, this paper will attempt to explore the development of river tourism in India and its various contributions in terms of conservation of the river and its surrounding environment as well as creating opportunities for sustainable livelihood of the river-based community. The paper will begin with an introduction to river tourism through a discussion on the relationship between river and tourism, roles of river tourism and the various activities related river tourism. In the following section an overview will be presented about the various river tourism destinations in India. Based on some of the popular river tourism destinations in India, in the third section of the paper an attempt will be made to understand the symbiotic relation between river and tourism by exploring the nature of tourism related activities centered on the river and the riverfront. The paper will end by drawing conclusions about the role and significance of river-based tourism development especially as an endeavour towards the achievement of sustainable development goals.

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Sanjukta Sattar

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Sattar, S. (2022). River Tourism in India: Its Role and Significance. In: Islam, A., Das, P., Ghosh, S., Mukhopadhyay, A., Das Gupta, A., Kumar Singh, A. (eds) Fluvial Systems in the Anthropocene. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-11181-5_25

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Go with the Flow - Enjoying Connecticut’s Rivers and Lakes

last updated: January 2024

By Julie Barker

Where are you on the adventure meter: madcap, somewhat gutsy or along for the ride? No matter! You can have a perfect-10 experience on one of Connecticut’s clear and refreshing rivers and lakes. Check out some choices below. And if you’re not seeking thrills but just want a quiet day in nature, here are some suggestions for you, too. 

Tube the Kingdom

Rolling, shrieking, whooping play! That’s the promise of rivers to tubers. In the heart of Satan’s Kingdom State Recreation Area in New Hartford, you’ll find an always cool, sometimes wild, tubing adventure. A two-and-a-half-mile section of the Farmington River is yours to navigate in brightly colored, highly buoyant inflatables provided by  Farmington River Tubing . No paddles here. Use your hands to guide yourself downstream on mainly broad, gentle waters. Three sets of rapids, where—depending on the seasonal water flow and your tubing skills—you can get dunked or swirled, add a dash of excitement. Minimum age of 10 suggested—50 pounds and four feet tall.

Ride the Rapids

The Housatonic River, beginning a few miles north of a famously picturesque covered bridge at Cornwall , is a favorite spot for river rafting. Clarke Outdoors provides the equipment and van transportation to the start of a 10-mile run that takes about five hours. Navigate around smatterings of boulders and share the river with waterbirds and other wildlife. Note that waters fed by snowmelt and recent rainfall can provide different experiences in the spring and in high summer. In any case, paddle fast as you pass under the historic, red bridge as there’s a short patch of white water and generally an audience at nearby cafes watching you drift by.

Travel By River and Rail

All aboard for a vintage journey featuring two-and-a-half hours of peaceful enjoyment of Connecticut River Valley scenery. The Essex Steam Train and Riverboat connection is the ticket to this time-honored way to see the lower reaches of the state’s longest waterway, named “one of the last great places on Earth” by The Nature Conservancy. You’ll ride in circa 1920s coaches, your 1940s engine trailing a cloud of steam as it chugs down the shoreline. After a 40-minute ride by rail, you will embark on the riverboat Becky Thatcher for a cruise with narration. If you feel lively enough for an uphill hike, it is possible to leave the boat and tour Gillette Castle .

Linger on the Lake

For one of the area’s biggest outdoor surprises, head to Litchfield’s Mount Tom State Park . In addition to swimming and hiking, scuba diving in the 45-foot depths of Mount Tom Pond draws a crowd. Formed by a glacier and spring-fed, the lake is inhabited by perch, sunfish, rock bass and trout. No motorboats are allowed to churn these clear waters, with visibility being typically 13-15 feet. Bring your own diving gear and as you wade in, you’ll notice a quick transition from shallow to deep. Go ahead, take the plunge. 

Paddle and Play

Back on the coast, stand-up paddleboards or sit-atop kayaks are your choice of rentable pleasure craft for tooling about the Branford River, which leads out to Long Island Sound. Take a two- or three-hour guided tour with Branford River Paddlesports to explore the Thimble Islands. The outfitter is within walking distance from the Branford train station and next door to Stony Creek Brewery . Back on dry land, top your day off with a pint of craft beer and a stroll along Branford’s charming riverfront.

Wet and Wildlife

Dip a paddle and pull it through the water. You’re gliding a few inches above the surface of a mix of saltwater and freshwater in a quiet cove near the mouth of the Connecticut River. Some of the “locals” are resting nearby: grey herons, osprey, cormorants, gulls, ducks and swans alertly watching you in your kayak. With a moderate current, the paddling is not challenging. Your outfitter, the Connecticut River Museum in Essex, provides gear and a map, with the help of which you can identify historic buildings and landmarks. But study the shoreline, too. In these wetlands, you may see a muskrat or river otter’s tail as the animal dives for cover. 

Fish the Forest

A successful program to return Atlantic salmon to Connecticut’s Salmon River is a coup for fish and humans. Hold your hooks, though. These salmon are protected. Other species, however, find the Salmon River equally hospitable, and one of the best fishing spots is the Salmon River State Forest  in Colchester. These cold and clear waters are well stocked with brook, rainbow and brown trout. Fly-fishing warrants a special section of the river north of the covered bridge. Anglers with disabilities get access in two designated areas. 

Rent a Canoe for Two

The serene waters of beautiful Lake McDonough , lying just to the south of Barkhamsted Reservoir near New Hartford, are a popular destination on summer days, but in a canoe or kayak, you can quickly escape the swimmers. Paddle toward the west and then south, following the pine-forested shoreline, then move silently through shady coves. You’re in the moment now, hearing only the lapping of waves, the whisper of the paddle slicing through water. Main Stream Canoes & Kayaks in New Hartford will deliver and retrieve a rented canoe or kayak.

Feed Your Need for Speed

Looking for a little faster-paced action on the water?  Candlewood Lake in the western part of the state is one of the jewels of Connecticut, and experiencing it from behind a speedboat is one of the biggest summertime thrills. Lakeside Watersports provides safe and affordable instruction and equipment for just about every watersport you can imagine including: wakeboarding, waterskiing, tubing, wakesurfing, and kneeboarding.

Paddle Into the Sunset

In the waterways where the Connecticut River meets the Long Island Sound, you’ll find the Connecticut River Estuary, Canoe and Kayak trail, one of the state’s premier spots for paddlesports, fishing, open water touring and family fun. Start your day picking up gear at Black Hall Outfitters in Old Lyme and enjoy a stand-up paddle at sunset. Afterwards, top your visit with a bite at the Hallmark Drive-In or an overnight stay at the Old Lyme Inn .

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Want to know more about cruising the Amazon River? Our destination specialists have compiled the definitive Amazon Rainforest travel guide to help you plan your cruise. Find out when and where to go, what to see and do, where to eat and sleep, and more below.

15 Astonishing Facts About The Amazon River

Where Is The Amazon River & Where Does Is Start And End?

Amazon River Cruise or Lodge Stay?

Exploration Of The Amazon Rainforest: A Brief History

Amazonian River Types: Blackwater, Whitewater & Clearwater

Amazon Rainforest Weather: Seasons & Best Time To Visit

What our customers are saying.

What Is One Thing I Shouldn’t Miss In The Amazon?

Of all the amazing sights in the Amazon, the Meeting of Waters in Brazil shouldn’t be missed. At the confluence between the black waters of the Rio Negro and the sandy whitewater of the Solimões River the two rivers’ waters run side by side without much mixing for over 6 kilometers (3.7 miles).

When Is The Best Time Of Year To Go To The Amazon?

The best time of year to visit the Amazon is during the shoulder season between the wet and dry seasons (varies by country). At this time of year river levels remain high, allowing Amazon river cruises to still navigate deep into the rainforest, and the fine weather draws out much of the wildlife.

If seeing the Amazon rainforest at its lushest and getting up close to lots of birds and mammals (and enjoying slightly cooler temperatures) sounds most attractive, then the wet season with its higher river levels might be your best choice.

If jungle hikes, fishing for piranha and other Amazon River fish species , or spotting exotic migratory birds appeals most to you, while still having the chance to see capuchin monkeys , kinkajou, and other mammals, you might be happier choosing the warmer, dry season when water levels are lower.

Our guests are awed by the Amazon at whatever time of year they visit. If you can’t decide, perhaps the best solution is to choose one season this year and the other in the future!

Is The Amazon A Good Family Destination?

An Amazon vacation is a great option for adventurous families with adaptable kids – after all, where better to inspire and educate them about the natural world! Bear in mind younger children may be affected by the humidity levels, and noisy little ones may reduce the chances of spotting wildlife.

Many of our Amazon guides have children themselves and are skilled in keeping young ones entertained, and are naturally experts in spotting any potential natural dangers you may encounter. It should be noted many Amazon river cruises have minimum age requirements of 7 and above, but jungle lodges and private charters are often more flexible.

Can You Swim In The Amazon River?

Swimming in the main channels of the Amazon river is generally not advised due to strong currents and boat traffic. Swimming in smaller tributaries and lakes is safer (especially the Amazon’s blackwater rivers ), but always follow the safety advice of your guide.

What Activities Can People Do In The Amazon Rainforest?

Most people head to the Amazon to spot wildlife, and this can be done on daytime jungle walks, from canopy walkways and lookout towers, or on nighttime boat safaris. Other common Amazon Rainforest activities include piranha fishing and local community visits.

As previously mentioned, more adventurous travelers may swim in the Amazon (sometimes with pink river dolphins!) or go kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, or even tree climbing. In certain parts of the Amazon, float plane flights can also be arranged to get a real bird’s-eye view of the rainforest.

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Amazon River Cruises

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36 Amazon river cruises with 139 reviews

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Amazon Riverboat Adventure In Depth

As good as it gets. And no cars anywhere.

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The Inca Journey

I enjoyed people and G Adventures Tour Leaders very much. I was pleased how tour changes were skillfully managed.

• Jungle Trekking
• Hiking & Trekking

3 days - Tambopata Amazon Jungle

We got airport transfers which was a great bonus and made the whole trip very easy on our part.

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Highlights of Peru (Amazon, 12 Days, Intra Tour Air Cusco To Lima)

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Sightseeing

Amazon, Incas & Titicaca - 13 days

Peru is a vibrant, exciting, fun and diverse place to visit. Machu Picchu is overwhelming.

Ecuador Treasures Bucket List 8 Days Tour

Alejandro chose unbelievable accommodations that were unique and memorable. He kept us on schedule to maximize our time.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Peruvian Rivers & Rainforest Discovery (2024) (Lima to Lima, 2024)

Amazon Boat Cruise - 4 Days

Machu Picchu by Train - 9 days

Amazon Boat Cruise - 6 Days

Amazon Rainforest Expedition - Premium Adventure

Peru: Lima, the Inca Trail & the Amazon

I would highly recommend G Adventures. They were amazing!

Peru: Inca Trail & the Amazon

Peru & the Amazon: Cusco to Lima

Lima to La Paz - 14 days

Reviews of amazon cruises.

Absolutely loaded with activities, early, late, and in between.

Great tour meeting some awesome people, seeing beautiful sights, great food and unforgettable experiences

This trip was truly the trip of a lifetime. Jesus really submerges you into the Peruvian culture and the three days you’re there, you are nonstop with activities. Our guide was so knowledgeable and he made the trip. His family grew up in the rainforest so he was able to tell you the history about most things there (the families, the foods, the animals etc). We went during rainy season, and still had a wonderful time. If you’re looking for adventure, meeting wonderful people, and being in nature - this trip is for you!

Top operators

"This journey was truly unforgettable, thanks to the incredible experiences, accommodations, and crew. The crew's attentiveness and the expertise of the guides were exceptional. Every aspect of the journey exceeded my expectations, from the refreshing cold towel in the jungle to the meticulous care of our belongings by the crew. I highly recommend this to everyone. Greetings Sebastiaan

G Adventures is an expert in:

"We were met as arranged from the airport and driven to the office and then walked over to the boat launch. Everthing was ready and easy and just simply taken care of well. We loved our stay in the amazon and all the people involved especially Jesus our guide. Thank you so very much for an amazing experience.

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Clean water contributes to the recreation and tourism industry worldwide by accentuating beautiful beaches, white-water rivers, mountain lakes, and aquatic ecosystems such as coral reefs. Water has a powerful attraction for people. When people decide to plan vacations and travel for recreation, instruction, and pleasure, many have a strong tendency to head to the water.

For example, a day at the beach provides recreation, relaxation, and a chance to renew the spirit. A third of all Americans visit coastal areas each year, making a total of 910 million trips while spending about $44 billion. Coastal tourism supports businesses like hotels, resorts, restaurants, outdoor outfitters, chartered fishing services, and travel agencies.

One of the largest service industries in the United States is travel and tourism, two broad categories which involve approximately 17 million jobs. Total travel and tourism expenditures in the United States for the year 2000 reached $582.5 billion, while total revenue was $99.5 billion. In increasing numbers, domestic and foreign travelers are visiting theme parks, natural wonders, and points of interest in major U.S. cities. Worldwide, tourism annually generates over $3.5 trillion dollars, a significant percentage of which involves water-related tourism.

Because of the popularity of tourism worldwide, coastal, lake, and riverfront development has dramatically increased in recent decades. For instance, riverfront developments often include convention centers, hotels, retail and entertainment facilities, housing, and sometimes an aquarium or discovery center. With the emergence of riverfront parks, land near rivers is becoming highly desirable.

Popular Water-Related Activities

Almost all Americans participate in some type of water-based recreation and tourism, and (on average) spend about 10 percent of their disposable income on recreational activities, including water-related tourism. Popular waterrelated vacations may involve cruise ships, ecotourism, sport fishing, underwater diving, and canoeing and kayaking, to name a few.

Cruise Ships.

Cruise ships are elegant vessels featuring swimming pools, theaters, restaurants, and luxurious passenger accommodations. Some vessels built in the 1980s were twice the size of their 1970s predecessors and carried over 1,000 passengers. In the 1990s, these floating entertainment centers became even larger, some carrying nearly 5,000 passengers and crew. One half-billion-dollar ship featured amenities such as a large floating casino, a luxurious 1,350-seat theater, a 9-hole miniature golf course, an ice rink, and a shopping mall.

Some cruise operators also offer small ships for up-close exploration of wilderness waterways. The shallow draft of small vessels can take tourists along shorelines, alongside icebergs and calving glaciers, and through the narrowest navigable channels. * The small vessels offer a more informal and relaxed way to observe difficult-to-reach water passages and landmasses.

Ecotourism.

Sport fishing..

Sport fishing is enjoyed in fresh water or salt water. Freshwater fishing takes place in such places as lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. Game fish in these waters include trout, bass, and many other species. They range in size from 0.25 kilograms (0.5 pounds), such as bluegills, to as large as 45 kilograms (100 pounds), such as king salmon.

Salt-water fishing occurs in oceans, estuaries , and tidal rivers. Game fish found in these waters tend to be larger than average fresh-water fish. They include snappers, bonefish, striped bass, and tuna. Fish can be landed as large as 70 kilograms (150 pounds), such as sailfish and tarpon, and even as much as 225 kilograms (500 pounds), such as marlin.

Fishing expenditures are increasing, and in some areas participation rates outpace rates of population growth. A significant portion of recreational spending is tied to fish and wildlife, both of which require high quality water and habitat for survival.

Underwater Diving.

Scuba divers carry a tank of air that allows them to breathe while diving deep underwater. The Professional Association of Dive Instructors estimates that there are now 6 million active scuba divers worldwide. They engage in many different types of diving, of which wreck, cave, commercial, and military diving are just a few. The most common form of scuba diving is sport diving, or recreational diving, which is practiced at depths of less than 39 meters (130 feet). From these depths, divers can make a straight ascent to the surface. Diving beyond this limit requires advanced training.

In general, divers seek locations where the water is clear, the temperatures warm, and the marine life plentiful. Divers often choose to visit areas with coral reefs because they are colorful and dense with life, and provide shelter for many types of fish. The Caribbean is the most popular destination in the world, with many designated marine parks or sanctuaries. The South Pacific, the Indian Ocean, and the Red Sea are other common dive destinations. Yet cold-water divers may venture into cold waters when fully equipped with proper exposure protection (such as a thick wet or dry suit) in order to endure the harshness of such climates. *

Canoeing and Kayaking.

SEE ALSO Economic Development ; Recreation ; Rivers, Major World ; Sustainable Development.

William Arthur Atkins

Bibliography

Mill, Robert Christie. The Tourism System: An Introductory Text. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1992.

Internet Resources

American Sportfishing Association. American Sportfishing Association. <http://www.asafishing.org/index.cfm> .

Eco-Tourism. Humboldt Water Resources. <http://www.humboldt1.com/~water/info_pages/eco-tourism.html> .

Paddling. Canoe and Kayak Magazine. <http://canoekayak.about.com/> .

PADI Today: News in the World of Diving. Professional Association of Diving Instructors <http://www.padi.com/english.asp> .

Travel Statistics and Trends. tours.com . <http://www.tours.com/travelstats.php> .

* See "Corals and Coral Reefs" for a photograph of a snorkeler.

* See "Glaciers and Ice Sheets" for a photograph of a glacier breaking off (calving) into the sea.

* See "Human Health and the Ocean" for a photograph of a scuba diver in cold water (as evidenced by the insulated dive suit).

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• River tourism

What is river tourism?

river tourism

Written by: Danfluvial

If you are wondering what is the river tourism , you have to know what it is a different and original way of traveling through Europe.

It is Travel by boat , at your leisure and with whoever you want. You make the stops you choose and stay as long as you like.

The only obligation is to pick up and deliver the boat at the reserved time, the rest of the tour you go at your own pace.

More and more people are choosing this type of tourism and the river boat rental through canals and rivers.

The great advantage is that you can take a boat without having a navigation permit , in addition to the excellent quality-price ratio. 

The price that appears on our search page is per boat. Think that when you rent a boat you have everything on board: bed, kitchen and means of transportation.

¿ Travel and sleep on board of a boat that I myself can drive without a license? 

Enjoy at the same time nature, culture and gastronomy from other European countries?

Of course! 

Ideal to do with children, friends or as a couple. River tourism is for everyone!

Rent your river boat

Now, all this is possible with river boats that do not need a license or experience in navigation. 

Browse the rivers and canals in France and the rest of Europe It has never been so easy. 

Relaxation and cultural tourism come together in the river vacation to offer you exclusive landscapes, historical heritage, gastronomy and wine culture.

The rentals adjust to all needs so you can enjoy river tourism.

You can rent your boat for a weekend or, if you prefer, during a vacation 1 week or more .

River tourism offers you the possibility of traveling with all the family and friends , since there are boats without a permit with capacity from 2 to 12 people.

Furthermore, the list of river destinations It is very wide: 

France, Italy, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Italy, Ireland, England, Portugal and Canada.

Advantages of a river cruise in Europe

• Transportation and accommodation, all included. In addition, you can take advantage of the ship's kitchen to make meals on board.
• Enjoy local markets and buy fresh products.
• Extensive list of activities during your river cruise for kids and adults:    kayaking, picnics on the banks of the river, bicycle routes along the canal, hiking, horseback riding or fishing, among others.
• Relaxed and also cultural and educational holidays. Medieval towns, tourist visits; monuments and history.
• The pleasure of sailing through a channel in Europe piloting the boat yourself. The boats do not require a license to drive them. Everyone over the age of 16 will be able to try!
• Discover the river experience together with your partner, family and/or friends at a very good price.
• Get to a big city like Carcassone, Amsterdam or Bruges on your own boat 

Keep in mind that the more you are, the more economical the cruise will be. He Final price is per boat and not by the number of people on board . And, of course, much more fun!

Why do  river tourism with Danfluvial?

Danfluvial is an agency specialized in river tourism and Rocío our reservation manager is expert in the sector with more than 15 years of experience.

We are specialized in renting river boats without a permit.

We have a large list of ports in the most important destinations and tourism in Europe.

You can find out about all the destinations and river boats available in the destinations section or by searching for your reservation. 

I also invite you to read other posts on our blog about river tourism and its multiple alternatives. 

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River and Tourism

Waters have been considered as economic and social asset since long. Beyond its well-known industrial and energy uses, water offers a wide variety of opportunities for recreational and tourist activities. Among various forms of water tourism, river tourism is one having great potential to flourish in Nepal. River constitute a major tourism resource, providing spectacular settings, recreation facilities, a means of transport, a sense of heritage and adventure, and links with the environment and natural world. River tourism accounts for a significant proportion of the world’s tourism consumption, making it an economically important area of tourism.

Nepal with around 6,000 rivers and rivulets, and with the gradient in its topography provides a viable location for river based tourism activities.

Major excitement activities that can be done through the river include water adventure tourism which comprises water-rafting, river-cruise, fishing, river exploration, boating, kayaking and leisure that could be interesting parts to attracts the tourist thus could potentially develop the selected area. Water sports and hikes are also a part of adventure along the riverside. Nepal provides a venue for world-class river based tourism especially rafting.

Many rivers have been explored for the possibilities of rafting. Government has opened sections of 10 rivers for commercial rafting; Bhotekoshi, Trishuli, Marshyangdi, Karnali, Seti and Sunkoshi among the popular one. River sections are graded on the basis of variation in rapids along the rafting sections.  Bhotekoshi river is ranked top 6 in the world in case of rafting.

Kayaking is another adventurous sport done in warm and friendly river. Just with a single boat, and a paddle, a single person can enjoy the excitement of the river flows. Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river are popular destinations for Kayaking.

River tourism offers not just the adventure; it provides some of the most scenic views, and diverse wildlife and flora along the routes.

Tourism gives water resources great potential, combining their protection with respectful use. From an environmental perspective, river tourism provides opportunities to develop and implement new sustainable model of water resource management.

However, current rate of resource exploitation from river, dams and pollution load possesses a great threat for river based tourism in Nepal.

http://www.waterencyclopedia.com/St-Ts/Tourism.html

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Thinking about trying a river cruise start in the u.s..

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American Cruise Lines operates small ship sailing on various waterways around the U.S.

It’s been argued that the U.S. is so diverse and offers so many varying vistas that you could spend a lifetime traveling from coast to coast and still not see it all. From the Rockies to the Smokies, from the desert to the tropics, from skiing to scuba diving, America really does deliver.

And that’s exactly what American Cruise Lines celebrates as it explores the history, heritage, and places behind all that makes America beautiful. The line offers over 50 itineraries ranging from six to 60 days and visits 35 states from Alaska to Florida. It is the only cruise line in the world with a 100 percent American-made fleet—that fleet consists of small ships that hold between 90 and 180 guests, classic paddlewheelers, and a brand new line of coastal catamarans.

American Cruise Lines’ 19 riverboats and small cruise ships make up the largest domestic cruise line in the country, and travelers are flocking to its upscale, all-inclusive experiences.

River Boat Itineraries Keep It Interesting

The popular jet boat ride into Hell's Canyon is one of many excursions available on the Columbia & ... [+] Snake River cruise.

Itineraries within the continental U.S. highlight the Mississippi River, including the Ohio, Cumberland, and Tennessee Rivers; the Columbia and Snake Rivers; the Hudson River; and Florida Rivers (St. John’s and Tolomato). For Americans, ports of call are usually just a short flight away. For those traveling farther, it’s a fully-planned and coordinated way to visit some of the most beautiful parts of the country. And everything is taken care of for you from start to finish.

You might find yourself on a quaint city walking tour, kayaking with a guide who points out the wildlife, touring a fort, flightseeing over majestic landscapes, or exploring a museum.

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‘godzilla minus one’ is coming to netflix this weekend, but there’s a catch, sudden u s dollar collapse fear predicted to trigger a 15 7 trillion etf bitcoin price gold flip as countries go dual currency, american cruise lines’ small ships are all-inclusive.

The all-inclusive experience here is a huge selling point. One of the reasons American Cruise Lines is booked out well in advance is because it makes traveling so easy. Everything, including food, beverages (yes, even the alcoholic kind), entertainment and educational presentations, most excursions, Wi-Fi, port taxes, and even gratuities is included. In fact, domestic flights, pre- and post-cruise hotel stays, and ground transportation are part of your package as well. In other words, you won’t be nickel-and-dimed with this line. Make a phone call to book, answer another call to arrange your flight, and that’s the extent of your effort.

The staterooms on American Cruise Lines' small ships are the largest in the industry, and all new ... [+] ships sport private balconies.

Once you arrive, you’ll be thrilled to see your stateroom. While cruise ships are known for making the most of tiny spaces, American Cruise Lines boasts the largest cabins in the industry and more space per passenger for moving around, securing a lounge chair, or selecting your seat at dinner. One hundred percent of cabins face outward, and all new ships have floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to private balconies. Views are unobstructed in rooms as well as dining areas, so these ships are especially appealing to those who have avoided cruises out of fear of claustrophobia. With so much space and light, those fears will be laid to rest.

Perhaps one of the most impressive selling points is that American Cruise Lines’ ships meet the highest emissions standards and have tiny carbon footprints. The line incorporates the latest technology, including a bow that opens like a drawbridge from which a powered passenger gangway emerges. This allows for bow landings and ensures the ship can navigate into areas most ships could never traverse.

Small Ship Dining Is Relaxed, Not Hurried Or Crowded

The dinner experience on a small ship in the American Cruise Line is intimate and tailored to your ... [+] dietary restrictions.

While small ships don’t offer casinos and grand productions, what they do have are talented musicians, a cocktail hour with a beautiful array of hors d'oeuvres, and educational speakers. Some of American Cruise Lines’ offerings include Mark Twain and literary experts on the Mississippi River cruise, biologists and ecologists on Florida cruises, and Lewis and Clark experts on the Columbia and Snake River cruises – sometimes the experts even accompany cruisers on excursions to further enhance those experiences. And you can expect dining to be more intimate, more gourmet-leaning, and adaptable for vegans, vegetarians, and so on. This attention to individual needs is one of the many benefits of the small ship experience.

American Cruise Lines is the only line in the U.S. that offers both river and coastal cruises, and the new addition of coastal cats provides adventure opportunities for cruisers who love the idea of getting some wave action. If you’ve only done ocean cruising, it may be a great way to dip your toes into river cruising. But if you’re brave enough to jump all the way in, river cruising can provide a totally different – and totally blissful – experience.

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Water-lovers look no further: These are the best Oklahoma rivers to kayak this summer

For many people, summertime is synonymous with being on the water, and in Oklahoma, there's no shortage of ways to achieve that.

For those seeking to enjoy nature without the addition of noisy boat engines, kayaking is one of the best options.

Check out these Oklahoma rivers for some of the best places to kayak in the state.

More: Looking forward to warmer days? Here's your ultimate OKC summer bucket list

Illinois River

Winding through northeast Oklahoma is the Illinois River, a popular float destination northeast of Tahlequah.

Many visitors choose to leisurely float the river on a raft, ideal for families with some able to hold up to nine passengers, but kayaks and canoes are also available at the many floating outfitters along the river.

The Class II river is "a gently-flowing waterway with a moderate current and few hazards," according to Travel OK.

More: Scientists say the next La Niña is on its way. What it means for Oklahoma weather

While many of the river outfitters are open year-round, the period from Memorial Day to Labor Day is the busiest. This river isn't the best option if you're hoping for a totally peaceful trip, as families and groups flock there to cool off in the summer.

Mountain Fork River

Miles of scenic river abound in southeast Oklahoma. The lower Mountain Fork River is a scenic destination for water-lovers, especially those visiting Beavers Bend State Park which the river runs through below Broken Bow Lake.

Park visitors can explore 2.5 miles of the river in one-or-two-person kayaks, or canoes that will hold two adults and two small children.

Outside the state park, there are other river outfitters and public access points for river enthusiasts.

Eagle Fork Creek

For the more experience kayakers, specifically those experienced in whitewater paddling, the Eagle Fork Creek in southeast Oklahoma is an attractive location.

A scenic place offering solitude and fishing, the "small, winding stream near Octavia" can turn "into a raging river" after heavy rain, Travel OK warns.

2024 cicadas: Where will cicadas emerge in Oklahoma? What to know about periodical cicadas

Hazards include whitewater, ledges, waterfalls and the dams at the low-water bridge off U.S. Highway 259. The dams should be avoided by getting out of the water and going around them thanks to the heavy currents they produce.

According to americanwhitewater.org, Eagle Fork Creek "is a first-class stream reminiscent of Colorado or other places out west. Many have said 'It's hard to believe this is Oklahoma.'"

North Canadian River

If you live in the Oklahoma City metro area, you don't have to travel far for this kayaking haven in northwest OKC .

The North Canadian River runs right through the Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge , offering a place to escape the city and explore the area known for its bird-watching, ancient trees and some sandy beaches.

You can rent kayaks from the Riversport Lake Overholser boathouse south of the historic Route 66 bridge and access the river from there.

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6 Wild Swimming Spots in California, Beyond the Coast

The beach may beckon, but these freshwater swimming holes and hot springs show another side of the state: Granite canyons, emerald pools and ancient redwood groves.

By Dillon Seitchik-Reardon

The best of California is not its famous cities or coastline. The most authentic version of the state is its freshwater, in its many wild forms. At least, for my family.

My partner Caroline Clements and I write about water and wilderness and have spent much of the last 10 years documenting swimming around the world. Most recently, we returned to California to explore the state more deeply, piling into an old motor home with our toddler, and spending six months traversing the state in search of the best places to swim.

The variety of California’s environments continue to amaze us. Mountain lakes and redwood groves. Granite canyons and emerald pools. Volcanic peaks and thermal springs. The many long, slow river miles that nourish the state. It’s these wild, inland swims that stir us the most.

Below are six freshwater places that exemplify the best of the state. It’s by no means comprehensive but a starting point for your own adventures. Be safe and use good judgment. Drink them in with joy and share them with the people you love. Most importantly, treat them with respect so that others may enjoy them in the future.

Budd Lake, Yosemite National Park

Budd Lake embodies the best of Yosemite’s High Sierra, the vast granite sea of high-elevation mountains, meadows and lakes that is bisected by Tioga Road , a continuation of Highway 120. This little blue jewel is nestled in the Cathedral Range, a tiny sub-range of the Sierra Nevada entirely contained within Yosemite National Park . It’s a pocket-size playground of water and stone with endless combinations of backcountry hikes, swims and climbs. While many first-time visitors are rightfully drawn to the spectacular Yosemite Valley, the High Sierra still feels mercifully untouched by the modern world.

This is a backcountry hike, so stop at Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center to pick up a map and discuss the route. It is around five miles round trip to Budd Lake, starting from Cathedral Lakes Trailhead in Tuolumne Meadows. After about a mile, turn left onto an unmaintained backcountry trail used by climbers to reach Cathedral Peak, marked by a signpost with an illustration of a carabiner clip. Follow the rough trail along Budd Creek. As long as you keep following Budd Creek upstream you will get there.

Budd Lake sits in a perfect glacial cirque at the base of Echo Peaks and Cockscomb, two nearby summits. Polished granite slabs form gently sloping beaches into the clear, cold water. It’s easy to spend a whole day lounging in the sun with a book, lost in the elastic permanence of geologic time. It would have been exactly the same here 5,000 years ago (20,000 years ago, however, you would have been under 1,000 feet of ice). The only sign of the outside world is carried on the breeze from Cathedral Peak — the indistinct voices of climbers. It’s the perfect Yosemite experience, without the crowds (standard vehicle fee is $35 and a park entry reservation is required during summer months).

Gualala River, Mendocino County

The Gualala River pronounced (“wa-LAL-la”) marks the border between Sonoma and Mendocino counties in Northern California. Its sinuous form cuts a lazy path through ancient redwood groves to ultimately form an estuary beneath windswept coastal bluffs. Just inland, the river is breathlessly still, wrapping itself around Gualala River Redwood Park to form one of the best campground and swimming hole combinations in the state. A lacquered boom gate divides this sleepy campground from the outside world. There is no day use allowed, so you must be a registered camper or their guest to enter. Beneath the dense canopy, much of the property sits in a permanent twilight. The forest trails are dusted with soft redwood branchlets and needles, campsites are divided by wild sorrel and ferns. The silence here is so complete that it becomes addictive. It spreads across the forest like freshly fallen snow, distorting our sense of time. For once, my wife and I sleep like two people who are not living in an RV with a toddler.

The most coveted spots overlook the river, whose current carves deep green pools as it arcs around the pebble beach (a river-view campsite is $90 a night). As the fog retreats, sunlight pierces the impossibly clear water and warms the dark sand below. People dive in with whoops of delight. Native coho salmon and steelhead trout glide in the shadowy depths, seemingly unfazed by the commotion. Lost among the trees, Gualala feels like an outlier, setting its own rhythms and casting a spell on all who visit.

Purdon Crossing, Yuba River South Fork

The South Fork of the Yuba River carves a deep canyon from the crest of the Sierra Nevada to the Sacramento Valley. For much of the year it roils with white water, surging across the bedrock and cartwheeling into gorges. By late June or July, just as the summer heat becomes unbearable and cicadas reach their electric crescendo, the river drops to reveal placid, emerald pools and sandy beaches. Smooth granite slabs sparkle in the sun. It’s worth the wait.

For the nearby towns of Nevada City and Grass Valley, the South Yuba is the de facto public pool. People swim in almost every beautiful inch of this river, but Purdon Crossing, a historic steel bridge, has become our preferred access point. The bridge sits squarely in our swimming Goldilocks zone — just far enough from major roads to reduce would-be visitors, yet beaches are abundant and easily accessible from the parking area .

The South Yuba Trail traces the riverbank upstream. After about a quarter mile, a path drops down to Mother’s Beach. This wide, slow-moving section of the river has a gentle, sandy entrance, and is where families often gather. There’s plenty of space and you could happily spend the entire day here. But we like to go farther upstream one mile to China Dam, where the remnants of a mining diversion dam mark an exquisite pool flanked by high rocks. The cold, clear water is irresistible. Swims like this are the epitome of summer in California’s Gold Country. We immediately strip down and leap from the rocks. Clothing is optional here, but swimming is not.

Red Rock Pools, Santa Ynez River

The best wild swimming holes are a perfect expression of the environment and, by extension, the local culture. In the case of the Santa Ynez Valley, just north of Santa Barbara, the same conditions that make it an excellent wine region are what define it as a great place to swim. It’s hot and sunny, yet there is far more water than you would expect. Down in the valley, along the Santa Ynez River, is where the best swimming can be found.

To get there, drive along Paradise Road until it crosses the Santa Ynez River at First Crossing Kiosk ($10 day use fee). When water levels get high, in spring and early summer, rangers are quick to close the road to vehicles but still allow access on foot and bicycle. Over the next five miles the canyon walls grow higher and the swimming holes get deeper until the road dead ends at Red Rock Trailhead .

Even if it looks dry at the trailhead, there is always a place to swim at Red Rock Pools, which are fed by perennial springs. It’s an easy half-mile walk along the Gibraltar Trail to the largest and most reliable swimming hole. The singular Red Rock looms high over the water, with deep, cool pools at its base. It’s the kind of place you can spend all day luxuriating.

Big Sur River Gorge, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

For about 90 miles along the Pacific Coast, California’s Highway 1 bravely navigates the steep slopes of the Santa Lucia Range. People are often so preoccupied with driving the famed Big Sur region that they forget about stopping. But hiding among the many inland ridges and creeks are trails, campgrounds and swimming holes — the best of them is Big Sur River Gorge in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park ($10 day use fee). It’s not a secret spot, yet many people drive past.

The park’s 11-acre campground sits under a canopy of redwood trees as it straddles the Big Sur River in a sunny, alluvial valley. Day use visitors can park at lot No. 3 to reach the Gorge Trail, which starts between campsites 111 and 112; an unmaintained path follows the river upstream for about a mile of wading and rock-hopping.

On our first visit, we asked a park ranger for directions. He said, “keep hiking until you get to the most beautiful pool you’ve ever seen.” He wasn’t far-off. The river abruptly spills into a huge, natural amphitheater where the water is shockingly clear and deceptively deep. One after another, people arrive and stand for a moment of stunned reverence before huge smiles bloom across their faces. Like much of Big Sur, the phone service is thankfully terrible, so there is nothing to do but jump in and enjoy the day. (Portions of Highway 1 have been closed because of rock slides; access to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park from the north is currently unaffected.)

Tecopa Hot Springs

Our search for natural hot springs took us to luxury spas, silent meditation centers, nudist colonies and, of course, pristine wilderness areas. California has it all. And yet, Tecopa, an unassuming township near the Nevada border, just south of Death Valley National Park, remains one of the most memorable places we’ve ever visited. This, unlike the others, is one to bookmark for winter, as summer temperatures regularly exceed 112 degrees.

Set in the badlands of the Mojave Desert, the town has a surprising bounty of hot springs along with scattered palms, rusted cars and sun-bleached ranch homes.

Mineral-rich hot water bursts from the ground to create a ribbon of natural wetlands and supply four (at last count) small resorts and bathhouses. Delights Hot Spring Resort ($25 day pass) has the best views of the Nopah mountain range from its large communal outdoor pool, while Tecopa’s austere public bathhouse ($10 day pass) has the hottest water in town. The latter is single-sex nude bathing only, like a Japanese communal bathhouse.

For a town of 100 or so, there is a surprisingly varied culinary offering — barbecue, breweries, a five-seater steakhouse (reservations required), a cafe and the nearby China Ranch Date Farm — all operating different hours to avoid too much competition. We even heard a rumor about a nightclub. It’s the kind of place that will keep surprising you, which is what always brings us back.

Dillon Seitchik-Reardon is the photographer and co-author with Caroline Clements of “Places We Swim California” published by Hardie Grant USA.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

The Alaska Highway:  On an epic road trip, a family plots a course from Alaska to the Lower 48, passing through some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery .

Minorca:  Spend 36 hours on this slow-paced Spanish island , which offers a quieter and wilder retreat than its more touristy neighbors.

Japan:  A new high-speed train stop unlocks Kaga, a destination for hot springs, nourishing food and traditional crafts , as an easy-to-reach getaway from Tokyo.

London:  The Victoria and Albert Museum is a treasure trove of art and design. Here’s one besotted visitor’s plan for taking it all in .

Two new BLM travel management plans for the Henry Mountains/Fremont Gorge and Dolores River threaten public lands access for users of all ages and abilities 

Utahns encouraged to engage in the BLM planning process and voice concerns

SALT LAKE CITY (June 4, 2024)  — In the past few weeks, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has initiated public comment periods for two more travel management plans (TMP). Utahns are encouraged to engage in the BLM planning process by submitting formal comments and concerns to ensure the final TMPs reflect the needs of Utah and residents of both Utah and Colorado. 

A travel management plan is like a rulebook, established by the BLM that outlines where people can and can’t use vehicles like cars, trucks or ATVs on public lands. While TMPs are designed to manage access, promote economic benefits and ensure responsible stewardship, there is a growing concern that recent plans — these plans included — could harm Utah as they limit management and detrimentally restrict access to public lands for people of all ages and abilities. 

“The current direction the BLM is taking in these travel management plans risks excluding many people who depend on vehicle access to experience or manage these public lands. We urge the public to engage in this process — your feedback is indispensable in helping us craft a plan that genuinely reflects the needs of Utah,” said Redge Johnson, Director of the Utah Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office.

Henry Mountains and Fremont Gorge TMP: How to Participate in the Public Comment Period for 1.7 million acres of BLM managed land across Garfield and Wayne counties. 

• Review the Plan: Access the preliminary alternatives and associated documents on the BLM National NEPA Register to understand the proposed changes and their implications. Visit BLM NEPA Register .
• Submit Your Comment: Voice your concerns by June 10, 2024. Comments can be submitted online through the “ Participate Now ” button on the NEPA Register site or mailed to:

Attn: Henry Mountain Fremont Gorge TMP

Bureau of Land Management

150 East 900 North

Richfield, UT 84701

Dolores River Travel Management Area (TMA): How to Participate in the Public Comment Period for approximately 127,000 acres of BLM managed land in portions of Grand County, Utah

• Review the Area: Access maps of the inventoried routes in the Travel Management Area on the BLM National NEPA Register to understand potential changes to access and their implications. Visit BLM NEPA Register for more information .
• Attend the public scoping meeting scheduled for June 5, 2024, at 4:30 p.m . in Moab (Grand Center 182 North 500 West). This meeting is an opportunity to learn more about the TMA and how the BLM would designate a comprehensive travel network of motorized routes and trails, and to provide your comments. 
• Submit Your Comment: Voice your concerns by June 21, 2024. Comments can be submitted online through the “ Participate Now ” button on the NEPA Register site or mailed to:

Attn: Dolores River TMP

82 Dogwood Ave 

Moab, UT 84532

Why Your Input Matters: A travel management plan is essentially a rulebook established by the BLM for traveling on public lands. These rules include defining where vehicles like cars, trucks, motorcycles, and ATVs may or may not go. Recent TMPs in the Labyrinth Rims and San Rafael Swell areas have increased restrictions, converting vast areas to foot-only access. Such measures can drastically reduce public access, contrary to state efforts aimed at ensuring lasting opportunities for users of all ages and abilities.

Potential closures have been identified for the Henry Mountains and Fremont Gorge, sharing what these roads are used for, how you use them, and why they matter to you is important at this stage of the BLM’s process, before the final travel management plan is issued.

Public scoping allows the BLM to gather data and better understand what elements and issues it should consider when drafting the travel plan. Participating in the scoping comment period for the Dolores River TMA is a critical time when public input can help shape the development of the alternatives the BLM will consider.

“Every comment counts. By participating, you help ensure a TMP does not unnecessarily restrict access or hinder proper management efforts. Together we can stand for our lands to see management plans reflect a balanced approach that ensures best management and access for all,” Johnson said.

MEDIA CONTACT: Laura Ault [email protected] 801-550-7754

From butterflies to boat tours, the Lost River Cave is a family friendly summer destination

If you're looking for something fun to do this summer in Kentucky, the Lost River Cave in Bowling Green may be a great family friendly option.

From cave boat tours to the butterfly habitat, there's something for everyone. Here's everything you need to know about Lost River Cave.

Things to do: It's Pride Month! Here are 14 ways to celebrate with events in the Louisville area

What tours does Lost River Cave offer?

Lost River Cave offers a Cave Boat Tour . On the boat tour, you ride on a boat and explore the history of the caves on a guided tour.

Cave Boat Tour pricing is as detailed below:

• Adult (Ages 13 to 65):  $23.95
• Youth (Ages 4 to 12):  $16.95
• Child (Ages 3 and under):  $5.95

While walk-ins are welcome, it is highly recommended you schedule a reservation. Book your tour at lostrivercave.org/tours .

Hike along the trails at Lost River Cave

Lost River Cave has several trails you can follow to encounter wildlife and even participate in Geocaching , the popular large form scavenger hunt.

The trails are open every day from sunrise to sunset.

The Charlie Miller Butterfly Habitat is free and open for the 2024 season

You can meet some butterflies up close and personally, learn what flowers they like best and take your picture in front of a large butterfly mural at the Lost River Cove this summer.

The Charlie Miller Butterfly Habitat opened up Memorial Weekend and is free to the public thanks to generous donations.

It takes about $20,000 in donations to maintain and provide the habitat free of charge to the public. To learn more about how to donate, you can check the butterfly habitat donation page .

It is open until Labor Day.

Lost River Cave calendar of upcoming events

If you're not sure when to plan your trip, you can take a look at the event calendar to see what events are upcoming.

There are events almost every week throughout the summer. View the calendar of events at lostrivercave.org/events .

Mine for gems with your kids

Lost River Cave offers a gem mining experience where your kids can pan for gemstones and fossils. They may find Rose Quartz, Amethyst, Pyrite, Amber or even Horn Coral.

You can also pick up a gem mining package in the gift shop to take the fun home.

Lost River Gift Shop

The gift shop is a boutique-style experience with all proceeds from purchases going toward the upkeep of the park.

You can pick up a Jr. Tour Guide booklet for activities to do throughout the park with your kids aged 6-10. By completing them all, they receive a Jr. Tour Guide badge and certificate.

The Lost River Gift Shop is open Monday through Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and it is only closed on a few holidays. Find the full details at lostrivercave.org/giftshop/#hours .

Where is Lost River Cave?

Lost River Cave's address: 2818 Nashville Road, Bowling Green, KY 42101

Katie Wiseman is a trending news intern at IndyStar. Contact her at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @itskatiewiseman .