Transparency & Ecotourism Research Funding
SwimmingWithTurtles.com is committed to 100% transparency with our readers. To maintain our independent marine sanctuary database, fund on-site field research, and keep our 44 global destination guides freely accessible to the public without paywalls or intrusive banner ads, we participate in vetted travel affiliate programs.
HOW OUR PARTNERSHIP MODEL WORKS
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│ 1. Reader browses audited destination or gear guide │
│ 2. Clicks vetted booking link (Viator or GetYourGuide) │
│ 3. Books tour or gear at standard retail price ($0 extra) │
│ 4. Platform pays modest affiliate commission to our research │
│ 5. Funds maintain free public sanctuary data & field audits │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
How Our Affiliate Links Work
When you click on certain outbound links to reserve guided snorkeling tours, book small-group boat charters, or purchase eco-certified snorkel gear on partner platforms, we may receive a modest commission at no additional cost to you. The price you pay is identical to booking directly on the platform or finding the operator independently.
Our primary partner integrations include:
- Viator (TripAdvisor Group): Outbound excursion links utilize verified tracking parameters (
campaign=swimmingwithturtlescom). - GetYourGuide: Partner tour links carry certified publisher parameters (
partner_id=FY0PT2P&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=swimmingwithturtles). - Eco-Gear Providers: Recommended gear links connect to trusted outdoor retailers offering non-nano zinc sunscreens, rashguards, and CE-certified masks.
Editorial Independence Guarantee
Our research team recommends excursions, operators, and gear purely based on merit, safety certifications, and adherence to wildlife protection standards:
OUR 5-POINT EDITORIAL CODE
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• No Paid Inclusions: Operators cannot pay to be listed or ranked.
• Mandatory Eco-Auditing: We verify PADI, NOAA, and CONANP licensing.
• Distance Enforcement: Unethical operators are delisted immediately.
• Gear Lab Rigor: We test masks, rashguards, and sunscreens on-site.
• Unbiased Pricing: We display transparent local prices and public fees.
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