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Set sail on an unforgettable journey to see some of the most magnificent creatures on the planet with a wildlife cruise. Drift along the waters of otherworldly landscapes, exploring untouched corners of the world and encountering remarkable animal inhabitants along the way.

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What is a Wildlife Cruise?


A wildlife cruise is a guided excursion aboard a boat or ship with a carefully curated itinerary, aiming to showcase a diverse array of animals and explore unique landscapes.

These cruises guarantee extraordinary wildlife encounters, such as observing giant tortoises in the Galapagos Islands, spotting river dolphins and monkeys in the Amazon, or marvelling at humpback whales in Antarctica.

Along with up-close encounters with nature’s wonders, wildlife cruises feature experienced naturalists and expedition leaders who provide educational talks. These experts delve into the fascinating local wildlife species, intricate ecosystems, and ongoing conservation efforts in the destinations visited.

Compared to traditional large cruisers, wildlife cruises offer a more intimate and eco-friendly experience. Operating on smaller vessels, they have lower fuel consumption and produce fewer emissions, along with enjoying the flexibility to navigate off the beaten track, reaching lesser-explored areas.

Wildlife Destinations


Antarctica Cruises

Set sail on an Antarctica expedition cruise to discover the wild landscape of the ‘last continent’ in all of its glory. Discover a land of extremes, gliding by immense glaciers and icebergs, while coming across some of the rarest wildlife species on earth.

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Galapagos Island Cruises

Galapagos Island cruises offer the ultimate wildlife adventure. From extraordinary creatures that inspired Darwin, to enchanted lava tunnels and cloud forests, there are many spectacular things to see in this archipelago.

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Example Cruises


Man in cultural clothing

India’s Golden Triangle In-Depth

12 days from £3500 pp

The classic India holiday, where cities meet temples and forts but with our Travel Differently twist. We’ve slowed down the pace and incorporated time in Ranthambore to search for Tigers and journey through rich jungle staying in the best wildlife lodges. Our local guides will take you on amazing daily activities to see the real people and cultures of Rajasthan.

Two girls riding a horse

Active Uganda Adventure

14 days from £7300 pp

Get active beyond the unmissable gorilla trekking to also include a full day chimpanzee habituation experience, exhilarating white water rafting on The Nile, hike end-to-end through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, explore the wild bush by foot and horseback, and enjoy many other outdoor activities around this enchanting country.

Women in community projects

Uganda in Depth – A Slow Travel Journey

21 days from £9500 pp

Embark on an epic 1000-mile road trip across one of Africa’s most beautiful countries, ranging from traditional safari grasslands to thick teaming jungle, via jaw-dropping lakes and mesmerising volcanos. Meet gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys and tree-climbing lions, alongside community projects and cultural initiatives that aim to provide a sustainable future.

Mountain Gorilla

Ugandan Wildlife in Luxury

11 days from £8500 pp

Enjoy the wildlife wonders of Uganda in supreme comfort, staying at three of the country’s most luxurious and stylish lodges. You will have opportunities to track Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Golden Monkeys, as well as embark on game drives and boat trips to find large numbers of elephants, hippos, buffalo and of the course the famous local tree-climbing lions.

Rwanda cuisine

Luxury Extension Into Rwanda

6 days from £4200 pp

If you wanted to add the iconic Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda to your African adventures, this short luxurious extension to any Ugandan, Tanzanian or South African itinerary is a wonderful way to do it. Stay at one of the world famous 5-star eco lodges around Volcanos National Park for your gorilla trekking, where life-affirming experiences meet a world class conservation success story.

Tigers Nest Monastery

Slow Travel: Bhutan Beyond the Highlights

17 days from £6950 pp

If you want to get beneath the skin of this unique country, then this is your itinerary. Spend a little longer in the capital, Thimpu, to explore the markets and local life. Continue to the Punakha, Gangtey and isolated Bumthang, switching between eco lodges, heritage hotels, and even a sustainable farm project. Add in hiking, rafting, and camping, finishing at unmissable Tigers Nest Monastery, and you have truly “done” Bhutan.

White water rafting in Punakha Valley

Bhutan Hiking, Cycling & Rafting Adventure

14 days from £8500 pp

See the greatest sights in Bhutan in a more active way. Try white water rafting in Punakha Valley. Cycle your way through the countryside, with bicycles in your van throughout any road journeys. Hike and camp the four-day Druk Trail. And of course, ascend the walk to Tigers Nest Monastery.

Bhutanese luxury lodges

Pure Bhutanese Luxury

12 days from £9700 pp

Bhutan is Asia’s most exclusive sustainable travel destination, and as a result offers some of the most stunning eco-luxury properties we have ever laid our eyes upon. Explore this mesmerising country in upmost comfort from the sublime Six Senses, Uma, Taj and Aman lodges along the way, taking in all of the highlights of Thimpu, Punakha, Gangtey and Paro.

Pyramid in Mexico

Classic Mexico In-Depth

22 days from £3900 pp

This slow travel Mexico culture holiday gives you time to soak it all up and experience your own version of Mexico. Journey from the sprawling metropolis of Mexico City down through the quaint colonial cities of Puebla and Oaxaca. Discover the real cultures of Mexico. See volcanoes in the distance, sail through vast canyons, walk amongst local villages and scale temples at sunrise in the jungle. Travelling overland you’ll reach lesser visited areas such as Palenque and Campeche where the way of life hasn’t changed for centuries. Head towards the coast via Chichen Itza (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), before ending on the stunning Caribbean Coast for some relaxation.

Top Wildlife Cruise Experiences


Penguins in Antarctica

Penguins in Antarctica

Witness the iconic Antarctic Penguin both from your boat, and when you step onto land for your daily adventures and exploration. There are 7 types of Penguin found in Antarctica; The Adelie, Chinstrap, Gentoo, King, Macaroni, Rockhopper and of course Emperor Penguin. How many will you tick off the list on your wildlife cruise to Antarctica?

Amazon River dolphins

Amazon River dolphins

Found only in the Amazon, the ‘boto’ or Pink Dolphin is a must-see on your wildlife cruise. In south American culture this amazing creature holds almost mythical status, its distinct colour making for incredible sightings. A full Dolphin can grow up to 9 feet long and they are famously secretive, so spotting one on your wildlife adventure will be a real highlight.

Galapagos Giant Tortoise

Galapagos Giant Tortoise

Guests often tell us that seeing a Giant Tortoise is top of their wish-list on a Galapagos wildlife holiday. The Galapagos Giant Tortoise is the largest living species of its kind, living up to 177 years in some cases. These magnificent creatures have come to symbolise the conservation efforts of the Galapagos, and we ensure all our holidays benefit the ongoing work to protect this incredible species.

Eco-friendly wildlife cruises: Frequently Asked Questions


Please reach us at info@traveldifferently.co.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question.

A green cruise has been carefully designed to minimise its environmental impact. Eco-friendly cruise vessels often feature advanced technologies like efficient waste management and onboard recycling systems.

Shore excursions tend to centre on conservation and cultural preservation, providing passengers with sustainable activities to engage in during their journey.

Whether it’s a nature river cruise through the Amazon or a wilderness cruise through Antarctica, these are high-demand adventures and you are best booking several months, sometimes a year, in advance.

This will give you enough time to not only secure your preferred cruise but also the best-suited flights and accommodations for your trip.

Those of all ages are usually welcome aboard a wildlife cruise with Travel Differently, but we will double check individual cruises.

Our customisable trips can be tailored to accommodate adults and children alike, ensuring everyone can join in and enjoy the adventure together.

Wilderness cruises along a river are rarely choppy and the chances of seasickness are much lower compared to ocean cruises. This is because the waters are often more sheltered than open seas, making them less affected by strong winds or rough waves. What’s more, river cruises tend to hug closer to the land and navigate within narrower channels, reducing exposure to open waters and minimising the effects of ocean swells and currents.

Why Book a Wilderness Cruise With Travel Differently?


Drawing of a tree

Cruise Greener

At Travel Differently, we are firm believers in the importance of taking a greener approach to travel in order to safeguard the very ecosystems and landscapes that we travel so far to see, especially amidst the climate emergency. Our eco cruises invite travellers to discover these spectacular corners of the world responsibly.

We exclusively collaborate with destinations, properties, and activities that prioritise protecting their local environment and ensure that all our trips are carbon offset at 150% of their calculated emissions to provide net-positive holidays.

Drawing of a compass

Cruise Slower

We ensure each nature cruise takes an environmentally conscious approach by travelling slower. Reducing the speed in this way reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves the fuel efficiency of our vessels. Going slower also gives passengers more opportunity to soak up the unique wildlife and landscapes they encounter during their trip.

In fact, we are committed to offering trips lasting at least 12 days when flights are involved, and we actively encourage longer stays whenever feasible. By advocating for less frequent but more extensive explorations, we reduce emissions from air travel, alleviate the strain on tourist hotspots and distribute the economic benefits of tourism across a broader spectrum of society within the countries we visit.

Drawing of 2 hikers

Cruise Fairer

Travel Differently prioritises fairer cruising by using carbon offset schemes that not only benefit the environment but those living in the destination as well. Through these campaigns, we support local communities to reduce poverty, inequality, and reliance on fossil fuels.

Drawing of a bag

Cruise Better

Through environmental policies and dedication to social responsibility, Travel Differently encourages its clients to take a better approach to cruising.

As a 100% independent boutique tour operator, we prioritise personalised service and craft each trip to meet the unique needs, preferences and interests of our guests. With direct access to our founder, every traveller receives top-quality attention and is promised an adventure that is perfectly tailored to them.

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