With travelers looking for sustainable ways to immerse themselves into the environment while on vacation, I want to introduce you to Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve and a special program aimed at giving guests a truly unique experience. At this Puerto Rican sanctuary, guests are encouraged to be more than observers through Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program.
Led by Camille Arroyo, the Ambassadors of the Environment programs allows guests of all ages to dive into immersive experiences that explore the rich history of Puerto Rico and the natural environment. Inspired by Jean-Michel Cousteau’s mission to advocate for the protection of waters and fragile ecosystems that are integral to the survival of our planet, the program offers guests the chance to expand their knowledge of the area’s history, native culture and environment while learning key sustainability practices to take home with them.
The Ambassadors of the Environment program spotlights topics such as biodiversity, ecology, sustainability, environmental conservation and so much more with both land and sea activities for all ages to enjoy. Popular activities include:
- Reef Adaptations: This snorkeling excursion explores plants, algae and invertebrates to see how they adapted to their environment, how they are ecologically connected to each other and the connections between land and sea.
- Creatures of the Night: Through a nighttime stroll of the Pterocarpus forest, participants will explore the natural surroundings of Puerto Rico at night where they will see local coqui frogs, observe how other species function in the dark and discover how their sensory awareness changes.
- Ambassadors in the Kitchen: Ages 4-12 will discover how organic practices can produce healthy food for us and the planet, decorate their own chef hats and explore Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve’s gardens. After exploring the garden, participants will create snacks using solar ovens to practice chef skills in an eco-friendly kitchen.
- From Junk to Funk: Participants will learn to use recycled materials to create “eco-art” and understand how they can live more eco-friendly on the planet through recycling and reusing. They will explore the impact of our activities on the environment and the benefits from environmentally responsible living.
With connections ranging from person-to-person, creature-to-creature, land to sea and present to future, guests can connect with the world around them and learn how to become true advocates for Mother Earth. A full list of the activities offered throughout the program can be found here
