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American oystercatcher walks on top of an oyster reef at Coffee Island in Mobile Bay, Alabama.
American oystercatcher American oystercatcher at Coffee Island in Mobile Bay, Alabama. © Carlton Ward Jr.

Discover with Nature

A Coastal Tour through the Gulf

Your journey from Pensacola to New Orleans is not merely a passage along the Gulf Coast; it is a pilgrimage through a multicultural landscape of fishing villages, cities and communities, where the land and sea embrace in a timeless dance. As you embark, you will traverse a landscape steeped in history, culture and natural beauty, each mile revealing the delicate balance between human endeavor and the wild, untamed spirit of the coast.

From the sugar-white sands of Pensacola to the vibrant, jazz-infused streets of New Orleans, this itinerary will guide you through a tapestry of ecosystems and communities. As you stop in Alabama and Mississippi, you will witness the resilience of the coast and the communities that rely on it, the serenity of estuaries teeming with life and the haunting beauty of wetlands that stand as sentinels against the rising tides.

This journey is a call to stewardship, a reminder that the treasures of the Gulf Coast are not merely to be admired but to be protected and cherished. As you move from the iridescent waters of Florida to the bayous of Louisiana, you will encounter the stories of those who have dedicated themselves to preserving this fragile paradise. Their passion and commitment will inspire you to become a guardian of the coast, ensuring that its wonders endure for generations to come.

Dates: April 25-May 1, 2025

Price: $6,760 per person based on double occupancy, $7,730 for single occupancy

For Questions and To Register, Email Us at travel@tnc.org

Man holding an oyster at Pensacola Bay.
Oyster The goal of TNC's oyster reef efforts is to restore this important species to Pensacola Bay. © Anne Birch

Program Highlights

  • OYSTER TASTING — Enjoy a dock-side oyster tasting in Florida as a local waterman offers freshly shucked oysters and insight into the local culture and community. Learn how TNC is using proactive restoration and sustainable management to benefit oyster habitat. 
  • GULF COAST BY BOAT — Explore the waterways and coastlines of the Gulf Coast on foot, boat and kayak. Watch for native birds, dolphins, and other coastal wildlife as you take in the scenic views.
  • BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR — Take a behind-the-scenes tour of TNC oyster and grassland restoration projects and hear first-hand accounts of the work TNC and partners are doing to protect critical coastal habitats and landscapes for future generations.

Lodging Highlights

  • Hilton Garden Inn Pensacola Downtown — New as of the summer of 2023, this hotel is located downtown, close to restaurants, historic Pensacola Village and Pensacola Beach. 
  • The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa — After a full day of exploring the surrounding landscape, enjoy the elegant and sprawling downtown hotel. Built in 1852, The Battle House was revitalized in 2007 and is considered a ”must-stay” along the Gulf Coast. 
Louisiana Forest
Louisiana Forest Longleaf pine forest at The Nature Consevancy's Abita Creek Flatwoods Preserve. © The Nature Conservancy
Tony Trapani Oyster Reef Restoration Project (3:52) An oyster reef of approximately 35 acres is being constructed by The Nature Conservancy in Mississippi in the Bay of St. Louis to restore oysters to the Gulf Coast following natural and man-made disasters that have decimated local oyster populations.
The True Cost Of Losing America's Wild Oysters (10:03) Oyster reefs have nearly vanished, thanks to overharvesting, increasingly powerful storms and oil spills. But conservationists are trying to bring back America's wild oysters, not just for eating, but for the benefits they bring to receding coastlines.
Lightning Point Shoreline Restoration Project (2:21) Lightning Point is a climate-smart shoreline restoration project with benefits for people and nature, led by The Nature Conservancy.