What makes us who we are? 

Why do we do what we do? 

What sets us apart?

These are some of the questions 

that we are routinely asked, 

and are happy to answer! 

The quick answer is: 

We do what we do because who we are sets us apart!

What does that mean? Ethical Ecotourism is more than just a catchy phrase... its the

way we run our tours, our business model, and the difference between other kayak 

tours and ourselves. Examples of this go from our virtually paperless "back office",

to the responsible fishing practices in our kayak fishing tours. As we know that 

each decision we make will cast "ripples" through the environment, we make sure we

can ethically stand behind everything we do. Here is our interpretation and standard 

of Ethical Ecotourism:  

Respect 

In order for any organization to make a difference in the green   movement, it is 

essential that they appreciate and respect the efforts already   taken by others and

not try to dismantle any such progress with political meanderings. Creativity and 

constant positive forward thinking are the keys! Human power is the only responsible

platform for any sustainable, natural exploration!  

Integrity 

Principles and morals are the only way to measure any progress. Monetary gain can 

never conflict with moral higher-ground. The best thing about a small organization

is the ability to measure these. Constant analysis is critical with the growth of 

an organization to maintain it's original code of ethics and to not fall victim to 

the easy opportunity to rely on mediocrity to shape the events that we are solely 

responsible for. At Ripple Effect, we hold ourselves responsible for every ripple 

and every wave that we set in motion!

People 

Who is behind the ideology set forth by the company? What is the motivation? Is it 

to just maintain a certain level of mediocrity- to just put in enough effort to just

stay afloat- job security? Or, could it be that we at Ripple Effect are entirely 

motivated to bring our cause to as many people as possible to spread our message 

far and wide using knowledgeable enthusiasm, sustainably. No cynics here! We will 

continue to work as diligently as possible to make sure that we get to continue the 

work that we love all while respecting the ideas already set forth by others and 

forging new ones. Otherwise, this would just be a job!  

Paper

Yes, no business can be green without taking great strides to reduce, reuse, and

recycle. At Ripple Effect, we utilize technology to maintain much of our 

administrative system. Our fully automated website allows for our virtually 

"paperless" back office with online reservations. All of our brochures and even 

our business cards are printed on recycled paper printed with vegetable inks to 

reduce those pesky VOC's. Our e-gift certificates are totally paperless and make 

it easy to send someone "the ultimate green holiday surprise". You won't find us 

frivolously advertising in printed tourist pamphlets that are irresponsibly 

distributed and inevitably end up in the land fill.  

Life

Let's not forget that life, as we know it, is confined to the biosphere only on this

wondrous "blue planet", one in a billion! In the biosphere, 90% of all life lives 

within 10 miles of the coast. That accounts for the fish in the sea living on the 

continental shelf which comprises only   2% of the oceans! Or, more importantly, this

also accounts for humans wanting to be at the beach. So whether your lucky enough 

to live here, or you are on vacation in this coastal paradise, it is all too 

important that you consider your own impact and help to counter act the environmental

pressures brought on by our own recreation!  

Education

 As naturalist guides, our purpose is to interpret the natural beauty that abounds 

in Northeast Florida so that our patrons take home an experience, a sense of place, 

that will stay with them for a long time and, hopefully, be passed along to the other

important peoples in

their lives. We call this the "Ripple Effect"! We are only interpretive guides and 

put no emphasis on the importance of ourselves. The message that we convey comes 

from the diligent biologists, archeologists, and educators in our community that have

dedicated their lives to the knowledge that we put forth. This is the very reason 

that we have developed partnerships with the finest environmental educational 

organizations in the area including the GTM NERR (National Estuarine  Reserve),

Marineland Dolphin Conservation Center, and the University of Florida's Whitney 

Laboratory for Marine Bioscience. For years we have been active supporters of the 

CSO's (citizen support organizations) that help to fund many of the educational 

outreach programs in the Florida State Parks including Washington Oaks and 

Faver-Dykes State Parks.  

What can you do to help? A percentage of all of our proceeds go to funding the 

research, education, and stewardship of the GTM NERR!