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How to Go Wildlife Spotting for the Real Creatures of Loch Ness

Loch Ness, a ribbon of inky water snaking through the rugged Scottish Highlands, beckons not just with whispers of mythical beasts, but with a vibrant tapestry of wildlife. Here, red deer graze on heather-clad slopes and otters play in the cool-water depths.

There may or may not be a monster down there, but one thing is for certain: There’s a whole lot of wildlife in, on, and around Loch Ness. Here’s how to spot it.

How to spot wildlife around Loch Ness

Photo: MarekXcz/Shutterstock

Steven Duncan, senior north regions sectors marketing manager at Visit Scotland, is among the people who know the real story about this ancient loch and its fascinating, if elusive, creatures. The first step in your Loch Ness wildlife-spotting road trip is to compile a list of animals to look for.

“There’s a huge variety of wildlife to spot in and around Loch Ness, such as the majestic red deer, golden eagles, red squirrels, ospreys and ptarmigan,” Duncan says. “It’s also possible to spot pine martens and otters in the area.”

Loch Ness is 22.56 miles in length, but just over 1.5 miles in width in most spots. If coming from the bigger cities down south, you’ll likely head up highway A9 to Inverness, the main entry point to visiting Loch Ness. It may be worth a detour down the A86 to the A82, according to Duncan, because South Loch Ness provides better habitat for wildlife.

“South Loch Ness is perhaps a wilder but more tranquil spot for wildlife watching and the area has a rich and varied birdlife,” Duncan says. “Loch Ruthven RSPB Reserve is a great location for seeing the Slavonian Grebe, one of Britain’s rarest breeding birds. In the UK, they only breed around Inverness, so it makes Loch Ruthven a very special wildlife watching spot.”

In particular, plan to spend some time at Loch Ruthven RSPB Reserve, a major nature reserve near Inverness — especially if you’re into bright, fluttering animals.

“Farigaig Forest and Inverfarigaig are great places to keep an eye out for red squirrels and red deer, with the stunning Falls of Foyers close by, and Loch Bran is one of Scotland’s top locations to see dragonflies and damselflies,” says Duncan.

Spotting wildlife from lake to coast

Photo: Stock1987/Shutterstock

Once you’ve settled into Inverness, set your eyes to the northeast. Here, you can spot the world’s northernmost population of bottlenose dolphins, and do so from a guided tour that (hopefully) takes you right to them. By touring with a local guide, you can avoid having to guess where the animals might be and instead rely upon the expertise of someone who quite literally tracks the dolphins for a living.

“Slightly farther afield at Chanonry Point on the Black Isle, you can search for the bottlenose dolphin, where around 200 reside in the Moray Firth,” Duncan says. “A guided tour is a great way to enjoy wildlife spotting and there are many companies offering this service, including Dolphin Spirit with boat trips departing from Inverness Marina.”

Touring with a reputable outfitter also ensures your trip won’t cause harm to the local wildlife or otherwise negatively impact the destination.

“Wild Scotland, a membership organization representing wildlife, adventure and activity tourism operators across Scotland, requires its members to commit to its Wild Scotland Best Practice guidelines and code of conduct as part of a commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism,” Duncan says.

When to visit Loch Ness for optimal wildlife viewing

Photo: Christopher Chambers/Shutterstock

Duncan recommends visiting in the latter half of the year for the best chances at spotting wildlife around Loch Ness.

“Spotting wildlife at any time of year is never guaranteed, so selecting the best time of year depends on what you would be hoping to see based on the seasonal changes in the area,” he says. “The autumn and winter months are a particularly unique time of year to visit thanks to the rich autumn colors and crisp winter days. Autumn is the season of roaring stags, hunting eagles, and rare migrant birds. Red squirrels can be spotted harvesting their nuts for the winter and fluffy gray seal pups bask in the sunshine by Kessock Bridge in Inverness.”

Beyond spotting wildlife, Duncan notes that autumn is also a great time of year for stargazing. Northern Scotland is largely rural and free of light pollution, and once the summer rains have moved on the skies open up to the wonders of the cosmos.

“Scotland’s dark skies burst to life and limited light pollution in the high moors above Loch Ness makes this an excellent spot for stargazing,” he says.

How long to spend visiting the Loch Ness area

Photo: Chris Hoff/Shutterstock

As is the case with the rest of Scotland, slow travel is the best way to enjoy wildlife watching around Loch Ness. Duncan recommends at least three to five days, and longer if you can.

“The longer you have here, the more you will be able to immerse yourself into the local way of life, discover hidden gems, and spend quality time searching for wildlife,” Duncan says. “Loch Ness has so much to offer, from exploring the Loch Ness 360° Trail by foot or on two wheels and taking in loch views from the Suidhe Viewpoint, the highest point on the trail, to discovering waterfalls like Plodda Falls, which is especially powerful after an autumn downpour.”

If you have time, Duncan recommends rounding out your Loch Ness trip by exploring the ancient mysteries of the region at locations like Corrimony Chambered Cairn. And of course, no matter when you’re in the area, don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for the monster herself.

“In amongst all the wildlife spotting and outdoor adventures, there’s always an elusive monster to keep track of,” Duncan says.

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The 9 Best Outdoor Sunglasses for Summer Adventures

Going outside without a proper pair of shades is like hitting the trail without proper footwear. A good experience depends on your ability to see what’s in front of you, and when it comes to sunglasses, the best are built for an active lifestyle. Your sunglasses need to prevent light flares and minimize eye strain, which will reduce eye fatigue that can lead to headaches after long days in the sun.

These five pairs of unisex sunglasses we’ve recommended below will help protect your eyes (and look good while doing it) during your favorite outdoor pursuits. Oh, and they’re all eco-friendly or come from carbon-neutral brands, so you can feel good about your purchases.

We hope you love the sunglasses we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to buy anything. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Best sunglasses for improved vision outdoors: Bajio Hopedale ReadersPhoto: Tim WengerPhoto courtesy of Tim Wenger

I stare at a computer screen all day for work, and I believe that 14 years of doing so has hastened the progression of my farsightedness. Not severely, but noticeably, particularly when I’m working on tasks outdoors that require the use of my hands. Bajio makes sunglasses for fishing and on-water life, and though that’s not what I most commonly use them for, I’ve found an equally compelling use case: outdoor tasks that require intense focus while exposed to overbearingly bright sunlight. Case in point, last weekend I assembled a foldable kayak on my porch. It was bright and hot outside, and I needed to not only read instructions but be able to complete manual tasks with my hands in a precision manner. When doing such things, I often find myself leaning in so close to the task at hand that I could bump my head on it, but with the Bajio Hopedale Readers, I could sit at a comfortable distance.

The oval-shaped portion of the lens in the bottom-right corner magnifies what’s in front of you, in my case 1.5x. This allowed me to more easily read in bright sunlight as well as put the kayak together. I was better able to focus my eyes on small points a couple feet in front of me when looking into the magnified lens, without sacrificing hand-eye coordination. I’ve also used these sunglasses when working on a bike outside, in this case a task that included the use of a screwdriver and other casual tools. Moving my eyes between the standard lens and the magnified area is nearly seamless, with less than a second needed for my eyes to transition. I tend to lift my head up slightly when using the magnifiers because I’ve found that looking down ever so much provides a broader scope of vision.

The Hopedale Readers fit well across my ears and on my nose with an ergo rubber nose pad. I also appreciate the barrel hinges in particular, as I seem to have a wide head that stretches many pairs of sunglasses. These shades fit my head well, as the hinge allows the arms to stretch out wider than any other pair of sunglasses I’ve owned. For an active guy like me, this greatly improves their lifespan, as the main reason I go through sunglasses quite quickly (other than losing them) is that I break off one of the arms. That isn’t a worry with the Hopedale Readers.

I also love how the rubber nose pads rest on my nose without getting greasy as I sweat. I’ve worn these shades for hours at a time while working outdoors, hiking or biking, or being near to/on the water and they’ve never become uncomfortable either on the nose or the ears. Additionally, I wear a hat most of the time, and have had issues with certain pairs of shades being uncomfortable under a hat, but that’s never been the case with the Hopedale Readers.

Since acquiring the Bajio Hopedale Readers about three months ago, they’ve become my daily driver. I keep them in my key bowl next to the front door and grab them each time I leave the house.  At $229, they’re not cheap, but the dual functionality of magnified vision and the flexible arms means they’re significantly more durable and productive than budget pairs — which means buying fewer pairs over time.

Sustainability

Bajio uses bio-based frames and plastic-free shipping, it’s two most noticeable eco-friendly efforts. The brand’s stated mission is to protect the world’s saltwater flats, known as bajios, and to that end also works with a local producer in Florida to provide cactus leather cases for its sunglasses. The brand’s Italian factory is solar powered and its fleet is comprised of electric vehicles for local factory business. The factory also uses heat pumps, a big step in reducing emissions used for heating and cooling buildings.

Price: $229

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Best sunglasses for travel and everyday use: Roka Rory 2.0Photo: Tim WengerPhoto courtesy of Roka

Admit it: Part of the appeal of a new pair of sunglasses is how you feel when wearing them. I’ve never felt cooler than when wearing a pair of Roka Rory 2.0 shades. I opted for the Matte Black frame with Dark Carbon lenses and found that the sunglasses matched everything in my wardrobe — be that a comfortable outfit for a travel day, a functional setup for tackling a peak, or a t-shirt and hat for happy hour. The polarized shades are light on the nose and ears and never feel uncomfortable under a hat.

The 12 percent light transmission means I can take them on golden hour hikes in the high desert where I live, where sunlight reflects off the shale rock faces to the point of torture at times, without the worry of glare puncturing the lens. Furthermore, the carrying case actually fits comfortably into a small backpack pocket without being bulky or awkward.

As shown in the photo gallery above, I have a young daughter who I frequently load into an Osprey carrier pack and lug along on hikes. She has a tendency to smack my head repeatedly on these hikes, giggling like a possessed clown all the while, and once managed to yank the Roka shades off my head. She proceeded to toss them onto the side of the trail. I credit the lightweight frame and flexibility of the temples for the lack of even a small marking anywhere on the shades after this tumble, and this durability has resulted in the Roka Rory 2.0 shades gaining status as my go-to sunglasses for daily use.

What’s more, Roka specializes in prescription sunglasses. You can submit your prescription when ordering and the company will ship with lenses matching your exact specifications — promptly ending the days of sacrificing both style and functionality for the sake of simply being able to see.

Sustainability

The brand doesn’t boast of green efforts, but the simple fact that you can own one pair of sunglasses that will last for years and match your prescription is an excellent way to cut down on overuse.

Price: $220

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Best overall outdoor sunglasses: Anon AdvocatePhoto: BurtonPhoto: Alisha WengerPhoto: Burton

I rarely feel like I look very good when I return to the parking lot sweaty and panting after a full day of spring splitboarding or backcountry skiing. That changed this spring with the arrival of the Anon Advocate sunglasses. Designed for active mountain adventurers who value style, quality, and performance, these outdoor sunglasses are expensive but worth the cost if you can swing it.

As far as I’m concerned, the Advocate is the best improvement on activewear shades since SPY Optics shifted the market in 1994. The round eyepiece fits well underneath a hat or helmet, the slight curve of the lenses reflects sunlight from three different angles (which spares your eyes), and the side shields reduce reflection from snow or water on the ground around you. They’re also comfortable to wear: the frame widens just enough around the nose to sit comfortably on your face and stay there, helped by a curved temple tips that hug the ears.

I started using the Advocates this year for backcountry touring, in large part because of how easy they are to wear under a beanie and helmet. Admittedly, with the rounded and larger-than-average lenses, I felt a bit like Val Kilmer in “Wonderland” when I first put them on. But I got over that by the top of the first ascent and now they’re my go-to outdoor sunglasses.

The large frame size and high-performance Perceived Polarization do a great job of controlling bright white light (the type of light reflected off snow). And the unisex design means you can buy yourself or your significant other a pair, and either can be jealous of the person wearing them (or steal them).

I finally have a pair of outdoor sunglasses I want to wear both on the mountain and on the brewery patio afterward. The Advocate is almost too stylish for a brand that largely targets snowboarders, but I’m not complaining. My style has needed a swift kick for some years now, and these shades will play an ample role in making that happen.

Sustainability

Burton, Anon’s parent company, is the role model for how a major snowboarding brand can embrace sustainable business practices. The company aims to be climate positive by 2025 and is actively working to reduce emissions from its supply chain and power all of its facilities with renewable energy.

Price: $229.99

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Best sunglasses for cycling active movement: Ombraz Armless Classic RegularPhoto: Tim WengerPhoto: OmbrazPhoto: Suzie Dundas

Ombraz went back to the drawing board to create a pair of shades that won’t fall off your head when you’re constantly on the go. The Classic Regular sunglasses ditch the traditional temples for a polyester strap that tightens to fit around the head. The armless design prevents helmets or hats from pushing on the armband, and it also keeps the shades on your noggin while in motion. This makes them great for travel days as well as activities like cycling, where you need the shades to hug your face tightly and not slip or slide.

I keep my pair of Ombraz in my mountain biking pack so that I always have them with me when I head out to the trail. They store easily in your pocket or backpack without creating a lump. The strap loosens to allow you to wear them around your neck while not in use — a huge plus if you’re like me and are constantly “forgetting” where you put your sunglasses. As a bonus, the lenses are perfectly polarized and the Classic Regulars look good on both women and men.

The Classic Regulars do take a bit of getting used to. For starters, you can’t rest them on top of your head because there’s no side support, and you need two hands to tighten and loosen the strap each time you put them on — though this takes just a second and the secure fit is worth the effort.

My immediate reaction to them wasn’t overtly positive, but the more I used them, the more I got used to the routine. I took them with me on a week-long trip to sunny Mexico and wore them either on my eyes or around my neck the entire time. I was concerned  I’d look ridiculous wearing shades without temples, but my wife confirmed that was a non-issue and thought they looked “distinctive.” And another huge bonus? They’re nearly impossible to break, which is ideal if you’ve ever sat on a pair of sunglasses.

Sustainability

Ombraz is a 1% for the Planet member and is Carbon Neutral Certified.

Price: $150

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Best sunglasses for the beach and on-water activities: COSTA WaterWoman II Polarized Sunglasses and Del Mar Polarized SunglassesPhoto: CostaPhoto: REI

Being on the water can be extra-taxing on your eyes as they have to constantly readjust between sunlight coming from above and reflections from the surface. COSTA addresses this by polarizing its sunglasses specifically for beach conditions, and it’s noticeable. I prefer to wear COSTA Del Mar shades on river trips and beach days and have noticed I can look at the water and the area directly above it more clearly and with less strain.

The Hydrolite nose stays firmly in place even on choppy water, and with 10 percent light transmission and 100 percent UV protection,  I can capture the scene around me without burning my eyeballs or lids. The lenses are specifically designed to filter yellow light, making them ideal for coastal areas. I found them comfortable and easy to conform to my big noggin thanks to the customizable core wire.

COSTA sunglasses are some of the coolest-looking shades you can buy, and while they aren’t cheap, they’ll last you for several seasons and can go with just about anything you wear. The shades have gained a dedicated following among anglers due to the enhanced color patterns allowed by the polarization of the glass lenses – it’s easier to spy into the water with improved contrast, and if there’s one thing COSTA excels at above other brands, it’s in designing lenses with strong contrast.

If your time is spent on the sea, the river, or the lake, COSTA’s WaterWoman II and Del Mar are your go-to shades.

Sustainability

The COSTA Kick Plastic initiative means the brand uses BioResin (naturally derived) rather than plastic-based resin as the base material for their shades.

Shop COSTA WaterWoman II

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Best outdoor sunglasses for hiking and light mountaineering: Smith LowdownPhoto: Smith Optics/Vimeo ScreengrabPhoto: Smith OpticsPhoto: Suzie Dundas

A good hike includes great views. Smith’s Lowdown Split sunglasses are perfect for alpine vistas and seaside overlooks because the wraparound ear frame stays put no matter where your head moves. I’ve worn Lowdowns on dozens of hikes and appreciate their comfort and simplicity. Matador’s outdoor editor also likes the Lowdown (though she uses the non-split, with a full frame around the lens) for hiking because of its excellent ability to filter light and reduce contrast in sunny, heavily wooded areas.

The ChromaPop polarized lenses curve around my eyes almost perfectly, preventing the sun from sneaking in no matter which direction I’m walking – even at sunset. Crossing large scree fields (piles of small-to-medium-sized jagged rocks) means hikers sometimes have to bend over and use their hands to stabilize themselves, which can cause sunglasses to fall off your face and directly into a pile of jagged rocks. But I find that the Lowdown Split shades remain firmly tucked around my ears even when I’m contorted to near-horizontal postures to move across challenging sections of trail.

Another aspect I love about these shades are the silicone nose pads, which prevent grease from building up on your nose and keep the shades comfortable even if you’re out on the trail all day long. The shades look good on both men and women and come in a variety of colors and options ranging from dark to light. You can also choose a lens color that matches your trail style.

Sustainability

Lowdown frames are built with a bio-based resin and with stainless steel temples, rather than plastic.

Price: $189

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Best affordable outdoor sunglasses: Sunski Puerto Polarized SunglassesPhoto: Tim WengerPhoto: REI

Sunski is an anomaly among outdoor sunglasses manufacturers. Rather than continually pushing up its prices, the brand keeps shades around $50 per pair. Somehow, it manages to hold onto quality and performance at that price point. I’ve had a pair of Sunski Puertos for over a year now and love them for daily use. The shades are comfortable and polarized, reducing glare and the skin-harming squinting that comes with it.

I take my Puertos with me on road trips because their performance is dependable for just about any activity I might get into. And let’s be honest — items tend to turn up missing on the road, and while losing a $50 pair of shades stings, it stings much less than losing a $200 pair. The Puertos look good on both men and women, and their vibe is versatile enough to wear to summer weddings or outdoor brunches.

Sustainability

The SuperLight frames are built from “scrap plastic” — plastic that would otherwise end up in the trash.

Price: $48

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Best sunglasses for bike-commuting: Tifosi SanctumPhoto courtesy TifosiPhoto courtesy Tifosi

When riding a bike on the side of the road, or anywhere really, you want a full scope of vision. The same is true for most outdoor adventures, but I’ve found it particularly pressing when riding my e-bike into work and elsewhere where I need to keep an eye out for cars, pedestrians, and other bikers. I’ve long been on the hunt for the right pair of sunglasses for this activity, as most have vision that slightly restricts when you turn your head sharply to the right or left due to the frames cutting into the field of vision. Tifosi addressed this issue with its Sanctum sunglasses, which remove the sight-blocking piece of the frame that runs down the middle of the glasses. In essence, the glasses are comprised of one large frame.

The experience of wearing these while commuting by bike is comparable to riding in a car with a large windshield and an extra-large sunroof — like a Tesla or the Chevy Bolt EUV with the double-sunroof — where you are struck immediately by how much your eyes are taking in. Tifosi dubbed it the Thrive Frame, and since acquiring a pair early in 2024, I never pedal off without them. The shades come in a variety of colors to match your cycling setup, like Crystal Red Fade and Aqua Shimmer. I went with Blackout, as I tend to wear a lot of black.

Polycarbonate lenses on the Sanctum shades are shatterproof and scratch-resistant. With Hydrophilic nose pieces that provide a no-slip grip, the brand claims that the more you perspire, the more they grip — and after two months of use, I concur. Tifosi also got the price right — at only $34.95, you don’t have to break the bank to set yourself up for success on this summer’s commutes.

Price: $34.95

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Best sunglasses for apres-ski: Timberland Matte BlackPhoto: Tim WengerPhoto: Tim Wenger

When hanging out on the patio after a spring day on the slopes, I like a pair of shades with big lenses and black frames reflect the sun. I’ve owned multiple pairs of Timberland sunglasses over the years, and the Matte Black shades have been my go-to this winter for days on the mountain. They’re lightweight and flexible, so you can case them in your backpack while on the hill.

The shades look cool and tend to match most of my ski gear without any extra effort. The polarized lenses reflect bright light even when the ground is bright white. I also appreciate how easy the temples curve around my ears — I’ve worn these on the mountain with my helmet on twice when my goggles fogged up, and they never felt like they were about to fog up. As the photo gallery above shows, I took these with me on a Polaris trip in the Turkish backcountry this winter, and was glad I had them because the sun reflected incredibly brightly off open fields of snow. Now that spring is here, I’ve worn them on a couple hikes, as well.

Sustainability

Timberland’s Matte Black shades are made of 65 percent bio-based plastic as part of its Earthkeepers line. The brand is a leader in creating bio-based shades, which makes it easy to feel good about grabbing a pair to keep with your ski gear.

Price: $73.21

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An Impulsive Trip Abroad and Impromptu Concert Resulted Into a 15-Year Romance

Non-flying vehicles have always been my favorite mode of transportation. Not only because I used to have debilitating fear of flying, but also because I am a chatty, curious kind of person and I tend to befriend lots of people when I travel the slow, old-fashioned way. I met my first serious boyfriend on a long train journey and my current partner of 15 years on a 20-hour ferry ride. Public transport really does it for me, apparently.

After purchasing concert tickets from a scalper in 2009 (left). On vacations in the Mediterranean in May 2024 (right). Photos: Jesse Adams

While Jesse and I did meet on an Irish Ferry ship traveling between Ireland, and France, this is not where we started our relationship. After that first encounter, we met once in France, my home country, and then chatted for months online — still as nothing more than friends. The odds of meeting again were slim: Jesse was traveling around Europe on a Eurail Pass and I was completing my Masters Degree in Dublin, but apparently, the old saying is true: When there’s a will, there’s a way. I don’t remember which of the two of us took the leap and said we should see each other again, but in a matter of minutes we decided to meet in Scotland in a week’s time. I had a long break from college and he had three weeks left before his return to North America via England — it was now or never. Some of my friends like to say this was an international booty call, but I have a more romantic vision of things.

In June 2009, three months after the auspicious ferry ride, we met at a hostel in Glasgow, where, I’d like to make clear, we had separate rooms. Beyond the two nights we had booked at the Glasgow Youth Hostel, we had no other plans. We were going to play it by ear. After all, once we spent time alone, what if we did not really like each other that much? We shouldn’t have worried, however. We shared our first kiss two days after our arrival, and from then on decided to make the most of the little time we had by traveling around the UK.

During our meanderings, we got to know each other fast. What we liked and disliked, our families, our plans for the future, our past relationships. On our tour of Glasgow, when stopped at a record store called Monorail Music, I learned that he collected records and loved every kind of music under the sun. In return, he learned that I knew nothing about bands and genres — except for Oasis, the rock band that I listened to throughout all my teenage years. He’d never heard of it but, in an effort to know more about me, he picked up two second-hand Oasis CDs that day.

Life can have a very clear way to let you know you’re on the right path and for Jesse and I, the unequivocal sign was inside a free newspaper.

Only a few days after our visit to Monorail Music, at a café in Edinburgh, Jesse picked up a copy of a paper that was left on a nearby seat. In it, a one-page insert advertized the Oasis Summer Tour 2009, including a concert at Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium that was to take place that very night.

Even though he knew nothing of the band, Jesse could not fathom us defying fate so brazenly. The concert was fully booked, but nothing was going to get in our way.

A few hours before the show was to start, we hung around Murrayfield Stadium with hordes of fans getting drunk on two-litter plastic bottles of Strongbow, in the hopes of finding a scalper. A little bargaining and £90 ($115) later, we were in.

Oasis performing at Murrayfield Stadium in 2009. Photo: Jesse AdamsPhoto: Jesse AdamsPhotos: Jesse Adams

That night, after Jesse discouraged me from leaving my seat to join the madness in the pit, I sang the band’s hits alongside the crowd of 60,000 and he listened. We held hands and watched while Noel Gallagher sang “Don’t look back in Anger” and his brother Liam, ever the showman, gave it all on “Rock ‘N’ Roll Star.” When we looked at each other at the end of the concert, we both knew we’d sealed the deal somehow. This was the beginning of something special.

Spontaneity and our willingness to take a chance is what started our now 15-year-old relationship and it’s what allowed it to flourish. While I said no to following him to North America right away after our travels around the UK, just a few weeks after Jesse went back home and I settled back in Dublin, I applied for a job and a Canadian work visa, both of hich I got almost instantly. In September, after I completed my thesis, I flew to Canada and started my new life.

As luck would have it, Oasis’ Murrayfield Stadium concert in June 2009, is one of the very last shows the band did. In August of that year, the band broke up permanently and they have never played together since then. For Jesse and I, however, it was only the start. 15 years later, we’re still going strong.

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Waikīkī Fights to Keep Beaches Public; Threatens $5K Fine to Luxe Hotels

With roughly a dozen beachfront resorts on Waikīkī Beach in Hawaiʻi offering perks like sun umbrellas, beachfront mai tai service, and cushy lounge chairs, it’d be easy to think those spaces are only for hotel guests.

But when it comes to Waikīkī Beach on O‘ahu, as well as any beach in the state of Hawaiʻi, there’s no such thing as a private beach. All beaches from the water up to the high tide line are open to the public, even though resorts may make it look like the stretch in front of their resorts are for guests only. That can lead to public beachgoers having trouble finding a space to sit for the day, assuming they’re not allowed to relax in the sand in front of resort hotels.

But Hawaiʻi is stepping in to ensure beaches are for everyone, and making the public have just as much right to sandy space as anyone else. On August 2, 2024, the state’s Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) within the Department of Land and Natural Resources issued cease-and-desist letters to four Waikīkī oceanfront resorts and five Waikīkī Beach activity operators.

DOBOR delivered cease-and-desist letters in person to resorts and operators for which it had photo evidence of violations. Photo: Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources

The letters warned the hotels and businesses that they were violating a law against “pre-setting” beach supplies. Essentially, it means businesses aren’t allowed to set up beach items like chairs and umbrellas in the morning. While that’s certainly easier from a staffing perspective, the law alleges that it effectively takes space away from public beach-goers and makes it seem like the section of beach in front of that resort is just for resort guests. Instead, hotels and rental companies are supposed to only set up items like chairs and umbrellas when a guest want to use them, and should remove them from the beach when the customer leaves.

A photo showing pre-set chairs taken by the state’s DOBOR in July 2024. Photo: Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources

In July of 2023, DOBOR sent notices to many properties on Waikīkī Beach to inform them of the law. The nine properties that just received the formal cease-and-desist letters were observed disregarding that instruction during site visits between July 2023 and July 2024. The DOBOR release includes photo and video evidence of violations at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, the Moana Surfrider Hotel, the Outrigger Waikīkī Hotel, and the Sheraton Waikīkī Beach Resort. The five activity operators that received similar letters include Waikīkī Beach Services at the Royal, Waikīkī Beach Beachboys at the Sheraton Waikīkī, Faith Hawaiʻi Surf School, Aloha Beach Services, and Aqualani.

The cease-and-desist letters were delivered in person, and while it may seem contentious, no penalties or fines have been issued to any businesses. If DOBOR did decide to penalize businesses, fines range from $5,000 for the first offense to $15,000 for three or more offenses, plus the potential to rescind the properties’ beach or event permits.

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5 Places You Can Bike to Stay Cool and Enjoy Summer in New York

This summer has been one of the hottest on record, with New York City facing recurring heat waves that fry the pavement and make many second-guess even their plans to hit the beach. NYC subway stations can reach up to 98 degrees – making it difficult to find an escape. Fortunately, there’s more to the city than the burning-hot concrete jungle – and all you need to reach them is a bike. If you’re in New York this summer, check out these new ways to get around and stay cool.

I got the new 4130 Road Bob Marley Bike from State Bicycle Co. to keep up with summer vibes. It is one of the smoothest and fastest bikes I’ve enjoyed riding, and the price point ($599) makes it far more affordable than high-end commuter bikes without having to sacrifice quality. Having the wind and sun on my face instead of sweating on a 98-degree platform was a more enjoyable and proactive way of traveling – with the bonus of getting tan and working out while I commute. In New York, with its unexpected hills, I find it easier to get around switching gears with this eight-speed bike rather than the single-speeds I see so often. It also feels tight to bike around with chrome wheels and a hemp saddle.

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4130 Road Bob Marley Bike. Photo: Alex Halky4130 Road Bob Marley Bike. Photo: Alex HalkyBring your bike onto the Wall Street Ferry to Rockaway Beach

The first place I biked to was the Wall Street Ferry, which allows bikes, and I took the ferry to Rockaway Beach. Having the ease of walking the bike on the ferry and knowing I have an alternate route back beside the subway, which on the weekends can have delays, was a relief. The bike 4130 Road bike is nice a light, though, if I need to carry it on. The ferry was great, with the breeze of the ocean and the added benefit of the ability to purchase drinks on board. Rockaway Beach is a 5.5-mile boardwalk with a great bike trail, as well. There are pickleball courts and lots of different food bites. Bringing my bike out makes it easier to pick less crowded spots to jump in the ocean. Cruising the boardwalk on my bike, I got compliments on the chrome wheels, which really shined in the sunlight.

Cruise stress-free through Governors Island

Photo: quiggyt4/Shutterstock

Governors Island is another great place I love to bike. It offers seven miles of car-free biking with incredible views of the city. There are many food trucks and places to get delicious drinks and ice cream. Not to mention, there is QC NY Spa in case you want to enjoy a nice spa day and enjoy the pools with skyline views. There is also an Urban Farm that offers tours. This summer, until September 2nd, there are even sheep you can visit from Friends of Tivoli Lake Pre­serve and Farm in Albany. There are also delightful hammocks that I used to lay back and relax while enjoying the island. As well as an amazing exhibit by artist Jenny Kendler called Other of Pearl. It is a powerful exhibit that con­fronts cli­mate change,chem­i­cal pol­lu­tion, and other con­tem­po­rary envi­ron­men­tal issues . It was beautiful and really made me think about sustainability and how I strive to live more sustainably. Happily, I’ve got a good start with my bike and its saddle made from eco-friendly hemp.

Cruise through Riverside Park

Riverbank Park. Photo courtesy New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Riverbank State Park Outdoor Pool has a 25-yard lap pool with an adjacent wading pool. It also has a roller skating rink, tennis court, and carousel. The area offers great views of the Hudson River, which provides epic sunsets. There are many great bites in the area, but my favorite summertime spot is The Baylander, a Vietnam-era warship converted into an outdoor, airy food and drink spot. I enjoyed some fish tacos and a steel beach margarita while watching the sunset.

Get a new view in Central Park

Photo: Mr. Ned Klezmer/Shutterstock

Central Park has a 7-mile loop that is great for biking in the shade, though there are many hills, I put the eight-speed gears to the test and had a smooth ride. Unfortunately, the outdoor pool is closed this summer, but there is still tons of shade to enjoy a lovely picnic. There are also the 40 acres of North Woods, a forest in the middle of Manhattan with a long, narrow watercourse called the Loch, known for its three waterfalls. It is one of the most peaceful spots in the city. Soaring trees block out the surrounding cityscape, and the sounds of small waterfalls might make you forget that you’re in the city. It is also a great spot for birdwatching. SummerStage also has great free outdoor concerts, which is great for any music fan.

Hit Smorgasburg at Prospect Park

Photo: lazyllama/Shutterstock

Prospect Park has a great 3-mile bike loop. Each Sunday on Breeze Hill is Smorgasburg, an open-air food market with some of the best culinary bites in NYC. Another great picnic spot with BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn outdoor music, concerts, and movies. There’s also the Splash Pad, the park’s largest water play feature at the LeFrak Center at the Lakeside, and free Yoga classes on the Long Meadow every Thursday from 7 PM to 8 PM.

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Spirit Airlines’ New Flight Bundles: Free Drinks, Checked Bags, and Luxe Perks

Spirit Airlines is probably the US’s most well-known budget airline, but it just introduced a big change that will allows customers who want it to have a more luxurious flying experience.

Currently, Spirit has standard seats, premium seats, and “Big Front Seats;” the latter are akin to business class on most other airlines. But starting on August 27 (and bookable starting on August 16), flyers will have to choose one of four Spirit Airlines bundles, rather than just booking a ticket. The airline plans to offer four tiers, three of which will have premium amenities not usually associated with the budget airline.

The four new package options include “Go Big,” “Go Comfy,” “Go Savvy,” and just plain “Go.”

The “Big Front Seat” is the most luxurious option on Spirit flights. Photo: Spirit Airlines

Go Big is the highest and most expensive service tier, and will include snacks and alcoholic drinks, priority check-in and boarding, free Wi-Fi, and both a checked bag and a carry-on bag. Buyers also get to choose a “Big Front Seat,” the widest and most well-spaced seats, with two per row, rather than three. Go Comfy includes a standard seat with a guaranteed middle seat empty, a carry-on and checked bag, and priority boarding.

The lowest two tiers are Go Savvy, which includes seat selection and either a checked or carry-on bag, and Go, which includes absolutely nothing other than the seat — but travelers can pay extra for seat selection, Wi-Fi, and more. The airline also announced it’ll be switching to five boarding groups, rather than the current four, to accommodate the new classes of service.

 

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The announcement noted that the changing in buying models was spurred by guest demand, though it could be financially motivated, too. In the second quarter of 2024, Spirit reported a second consecutive quarter of losses, writing “significant industry capacity increases together with ancillary pricing changes in the competitive environment have made it difficult to increase yields, resulting in disappointing revenue results for the second quarter of 2024.” Translated in non-rose-colored terms, it means the airline hasn’t been able to compete with other airlines, resulting in a net loss of $191 million.

One question that wasn’t addressed in the announcement was whether flyers will be able to buy a Big Front Seat without selecting the most expensive Spirit Airlines bundle. And while the release announced that the new tiers will “provide unparalleled value,” it hasn’t yet announced the cost of each tier, so it’s possible they will almost exactly parallel the value of similar offerings from other airlines. As of early August of 2024, booking a Big Front Seat cost anywhere from $12 to $900 extra (the longer the flight, the higher the cost), and checked and carry-on bags can be between $50 and $100 per bag.

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Flights Are Now so Turbulent That One Airline Will Stop Serving Noodles

There’s bad news out there for flyers who get alarmed by airplane turbulence: Flights have been more turbulent in recent years than ever before, and it’s a trend expected to continue. And summer is generally the most turbulent season for flying in any year, since summer thunderstorms and rising pockets of warm air (caused by ground-level temperatures) can increase the bumps, jolts, and drops you feel at 30,000 feet.

Airlines, pilots, and air traffic controllers always attempt to minimize turbulence, but one airline is going one step further and making what some will consider a drastic change due to the risk of turbulence. As of August 15, economy-class travelers on Korean Air will no longer be able to order ramen during flights. The change applies only to economy class, Korean Air told the BBC, as the narrow aisles and closeness with which passengers are packed together can increase the risks of burns if the noodles spill mid-air. The Airline also shared that reports of turbulence on flights had doubled since 2019.

Business- and first-class customers can still order the salty snack. Photo: Jina Ihm/Shutterstock

Korean Air is the flagship carrier of South Korea, and flies from major airports in the US including LAX, JFK, Dulles (near DC), Seattle, Dallas, and more. It flies to 13 destinations in Korea. The removal of ramen from the menu is likely to disappoint many customers between the two countries, as the World Instant Noodles Association estimates that Americans and South Koreans eat 5.1 million and 4.1 million servings of ramen annually, respectively. Responses to the news on social media were a mixed bag, with some users supporting the decision and others .

Why is in-flight turbulence up in 2024?

Photo: razzel/Shutterstock

Flights around the world have become increasingly more turbulent in the last decade or so, likely for several contributing reasons.

Climate change and an increase in greenhouse gasses are often cited as the primary culprits. As the planet warms, the jet stream (a high-atmosphere, constant stream of high wind that circles the earth) is becoming increasingly unstable. That leads to more frequent and more intense wind shifts and changes, which are challenging to predict and avoid. The overall increase in air traffic over the last decade or so also means there are more planes in the air to encounter turbulent air masses, contributing to a higher incidence of turbulence reports.

If you must have ramen as your mid-air snack, there’s nothing to stop you from bringing your own Cup Noodles or Nongshim Noodles on the flight, and ordering a cup of hot water. But there’s nothing to stop the flight attendants from telling you it’s not allowed, either.

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Duck Farts at Ernie’s: Finding the ‘King of Alaskan Drinks’ in Sitka

My bar crawl through Sitka, Alaska, began with one question: Do you want to start your night with a duck fart, or end it with a duck fart?

I was in town for a few days for a family vacation to visit my wife’s cousin, Cara Crain. She served as our local guide over a long weekend for hikes, restaurants, wildlife tours, and buying live dungeness crab from the dock. One night was dedicated to a Sitka bar crawl — admittedly a short loop in a town of just over 8,000.

There were some obvious follow up questions about duck farts before we left our Airbnb. First and foremost, what is a duck fart? Simple answer: a layered shot with Kahlua coffee liqueur, Baileys Irish cream, and Crown Royal Canadian whisky. The answer to why it was a required part of a Sitka bar crawl was similarly simple. The shot is an Alaska classic, and Ernie’s Old Time Saloon (or simply Ernie’s Bar) claims to serve the best in the whole state. The claim is even engraved on the bar’s front door.

Photo: Nickolaus Hines

And the taste? Crain swore that a milkshake was the only appropriate description.

Despite the name, even some of the typical cruise ship crowd appears to have duck farts on their Sitka to-do list. Reviews of Ernie’s on TripAdvisor include the straightforward “I highly recommend it,” to “They were delicious!!!! When in Sitka come to Ernies for a Duck Fart!”

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We opted to start with a duck fart at Ernie’s. At 9 PM, the sun still bright in the sky, we walked to Ernie’s and took three seats at the bar. People were just starting to trickle in to join the regulars who had already warmed their seats. Our trip luckily missed any mass influx of cruise ship tourists (multiple ships more than doubled the population the day we flew out), so the crowd was mostly locals playing pool and getting their weekend started.

The bartender didn’t blink twice when Crain ordered a round of duck farts. The bottles were all close at hand. As she poured, she talked about the classic Alaskan duck fart and all its joys. Apparently a few people had tried out other liquor brands for a “premium” duck fart. That was a waste. This is a shot perfected.

The backbar decor at Ernie’s. Photo: Nickolaus Hines

We made a toast shortly after admiring the three clean layers, then threw them down the hatch. First came the slight burn of the whisky on top, followed by a mellowing from the fat in the Irish cream, and finally the lingering coffee flavor. Milkshake is indeed an appropriate description. Particularly a blended Starbucks “coffee drink” that’s closer to a milkshake than a pure caffeine kick.

I don’t take as many shots as I used to when my job was covering spirits, cocktails, and other vices for various publications. Still, if my memory serves me right, duck farts fall squarely on the higher end of enjoyable shooters.

Our Sitka bar crawl continued after we depleted a fair amount of our cash at Ernie’s (the bar is cash only, and like most things in Alaska, drinks aren’t exactly cheap). There were boilermakers followed by more beer at Pioneer Bar, then margaritas and martinis at Mean Queen.

Duck farts didn’t make it for another round, and I haven’t been elsewhere in Alaska to judge whether it’s truly the state’s best as the door claims. Yet there’s no denying that it’s worth a stop for duck farts at Ernie’s, whether you’re quickly passing through on a cruise or staying for a longer adventure.

Ernie’s Old Time Saloon: 130 Lincoln St, Sitka, AK 99835

The history of Alaska’s famous duck fart

My first duck fart sparked an interest in learning more about this Alaska-famous drink. I’ve spent nearly a decade writing about alcoholic beverages of all kinds for various publications. In that time, coming across a drink born and cherished in Alaska was as rare as meeting someone born and raised in Alaska.

I’m not alone here. Searches for cocktails invented in Alaska come up with dubious claims. Not so with the duck fart. A story by RJ Johnson in the Anchorage Press put it most eloquently: “Love it or hate it, there is no denying that the Duck Fart is the reigning king of Alaskan drinks.”

Johnson goes on to describe how the drink was created at the Peanut Farm bar in Anchorage on a snowy December night in 1987. A 70-year-old woman asked bartender Dave Schmidt for a shot of tequila, a B-52 shot, and then a grasshopper shot. Apparently Alaskans drink different than us normals in the contiguous United States regardless of age. With the snow going outside, the two started to experiment with layered shots. Instead of the Grand Marnier on top of Kahlua and Baileys like in a B-52, the woman suggested Crown Royal. History was made.

As for the name, the story has a few more twists. The one that is too good to fact check is that the woman made a noise after taking the shot that “sounded like someone had stepped on the web-footed fowl,” Johnson writes. Other stories mention that Schmidt was wearing a duck bill that night, or that he was inspired by his home state of Oregon.

How to make a duck fart shot

A duck fart is a relatively straightforward drink in terms of ingredients, and uses bottles you can find just about anywhere. That doesn’t mean it’s easy to make, however.

Ingredients:

½ ounce Kahlua coffee liqueur½ ounce Baileys Irish Cream½ ounce Crown Royal Canadian Whisky

How to make a duck fart: A shot glass works best for ease of drinking (definitely don’t sip this one), though really any glass will suffice. Pour Kahlua into your glass of choice. Then take a bar spoon and slowly pour the Baileys down the spoon and into the glass. Don’t rush the pour, as you want the weight of each liqueur to naturally keep them separate. Use the same technique for the Crown Royal to make the third distinct layer.

Layered pours take some practice, but it’s worth the effort. Sure, the ingredients will all mix in your mouth when you shoot it, and the taste will be similar if not the same. But appearance is a big part of a duck fart, or any layered shot for that matter. I’m not sure I want to venture a guess here as to what names locals use for a mixed up duck fart.

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This National Park Has Finally Been Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

On July 26, 2024, UNESCO announced the addition of 24 new properties to its long list of World Heritage sites, making for a total of 1223 properties world wide. The UNESCO World Heritage list covers three types of sites: cultural, natural, and mixed, and include Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, France’s Mont-Saint-Michel, Italy’s Appian Way, and Yellowstone National Park in the US, which are some of the most famous. One site that was only listed this year is Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, a 380,000-acre natural site located in northeastern Brazil.

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is predominantly a white-sand dune field that gets flooded every year during the rainy season (from February to May). After the rainy season, the spaces between the sand dunes are filled with rainwater to form beautiful turquoise lagoons of varying size and depths. While some the lagoons are ephemeral, others are permanent. Although the park is open year-round, to see Lençóis Maranhenses National Park at its most scenic, when the lagoons are full, visit between May and August.

A perfect day in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is one that includes walks among the dunes and swim sessions in the freshwater lagoons. Some watersports like wakeboarding and kitesurfing are allowed in the park’s lagoon when conditions allow, and off-road rides in accredited 4×4 vehicles is also possible.

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is the 24th Brazilian site to be recognized by UNESCO. Others include the historic town of Oura Preto, Iguaçu National Park, and the Pantanal Conservation Area.

While the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park was already protected in Brazil since 1981, its addition to the UNESCO World Heritage list will ensure and reinforced the conservation of the natural site for the future.

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Pair Wine With Horseback Rides at These Central California Wineries

Santa Barbara County just may be California’s most authentic wine region, and it’s not just the grapes that help the area stand out from the state’s larger and more well-known regions. Wineries here are known for their personable approach to hosting guesets, and that often lends itself to unique experiences – like pairing wine tasting with horseback riding.

On a trip here, you can trot through rolling hills, surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking views of vineyards, orchards, and mesas, paired with a thorough wine tasting experience.

“I think Santa Barbara County is truly stunning, geographically, “ says Greer Shull, Marketing Director for Fess Parker Winery in Los Olivos. “One thing that’s neat about here is that it’s really approachable still. You can do really neat experiences in Santa Barbara County and it’s not going to be priced through the roof, and wines are absolutely beautiful.”

She should know – Shull’s grandfather started the winery and ranch, and she’s spent much of her life around it. As the Santa Ynez Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA), Santa Maria Valley AVA, and the region’s five other AVAs gain increased recognition as a more affordable and laid back place to taste wine than the bigger wine regions further north, the varietals and grapes on offer continue to expand. The region now has some 200 wineries. But some of the long-time staples continue to offer unique experiences to complement their wines, one of which is the ability to pair a tasting with a horseback ride about 45 minutes from Santa Barbara.

Photo courtesy Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard

The experience was pioneered by Fess Parker Winery, which in addition to its 110 acres of vineyard that specializes in Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as well as an estate-grown Rhône varietal, offers guests the chance to dive further into the vineyard and ranch experience on horseback via Fess Parker Ranch Horseback Adventures.

“Most winery visitors are only down at the winery on the lower level of the property,” says Shull. “On the horseback ride you actually get to go up to the upper mesa of our ranch so you’ll see the top of Rodney’s Vineyard and 360-degree views of the Santa Ynez Valley.”

Guests arrive at the winery and check in before being shuttled over to the barn on the backside of the ranch. Here, they’re saddled up for a 75-minute ride through the 714-acre ranch. Of that, 110 acres are planted to vineyard, meaning guests not only get to experience the vines but view the rest of the working ranch. If they’re lucky, Katie Parker, the mastermind behind the horseback tours, will be running the ride.

After getting unsaddled from the ride, guests are shuttled back to the winery for a seated wine tasting on the terrace. The experience is, obviously, geared towards adults, though kids old enough to ride a horse can partake in the horseback ride.

Pairing local food with wine and a horseback ride in the Santa Maria Valley

Photo courtesy Presqu’ile Winery

30 minutes north on the 101, Presqu’ile Winery (pronoucned press-KEEL) in the Santa Maria Valley also offers horseback rides paired with wine, and this tour adds a gourmet meal to its Estate Horseback Riding & Tasting Experience.

“The Estate Horseback Riding & Tasting Experience begins with a horseback trail ride through our world-class 500-acre estate featuring breathtaking views of our vineyards, San Rafael Mountains, Solomon Hills, Santa Maria Valley, and on a clear day, all the way out to the Pacific Ocean,” says Shannon Gotsick, Presqu’ile’s Hospitality and Tasting Room Manager.

Following the ride through the estate, guests partake in a food and wine experience atop the winery’s terrace. The meal is prepared by Estate Chef Julie Simon, primarily using ingredients grown in the establishment’s garden and from other local purveyors.The experience costs $250 per person, with kids 12 and up able to join in all but the wine tasting, with groups between two and six people accommodated.

Photo courtesy Presqu’ile Winery

“F​​lanked by the San Rafael Mountains and Los Padres National Forest, the Santa Maria Valley is famous for savory and bright Pinot Noir, strawberries and its eponymous style of oak-smoked barbecue,” Gotsick says.

The Murphy family, who owns the winery, chose the Santa Maria Valley over the larger wine regions in northern California as well as Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Gotsick says, because of the “welcoming, unfailingly gracious and supportive,” community. This community spirit, along with unique experiences like pairing horseback rides with wine tastings, is what drives central California’s wine regions.

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