The Virginia CZM Program has helped develop and fund several Ecotour Guide certification courses over the years on Virginia's Eastern Shore.

In 1992, through the Northampton County Special Area Management Plan, an initial ecotourism course was developed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation's Natural Heritage Program.

In 2003 the Virginia Institute of Marine Science completed the curriculum and offered the course for the first time.

In 2005, VIMS conducted the first Eastern Shore Eco-Tour Instructors Training Course.

During 2007-2009 ecotour guide certification and trainers courses were created for use on an ongoing basis at the Eastern Shore Community College. 

In the spring of 2014, the Virginia Certified Ecotour Course curriculum was expanded to include all of coastal Virginia and made available in an online format, enabling the Virginia CZM Program and its partners to educate and collaborate with tour operators and outdoor enthusiasts not only from the Eastern Shore, but from the Middle Peninsula, Virginia Peninsula, and even overseas. 

The program continues to grow in collaboration with the Virginia Tourism Corporation, local coastal planners, community colleges, State Park interpreters, and private stakeholders.

The Nature Conservancy’s (NC) License Agreement to allow guides to conduct commercial tours on their barrier islands now states “Licensee must have….a valid Virginia Ecotour Guide Certification and provide TNC with a copy of such certification.”

For a list of currently certified Virginia Ecotour Guides, visit https://virginiawatertrails.org/virginia-eco-tour-guides/.