Loading page...
Back to the top of the page
Enquire now

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.

For a fully bespoke Peru holiday – Enquire Now

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.

Find out more

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.

Find out more

Example Cruises


People rafting

Costa Rica Active Adventure

14 days from £2900 pp

If you want to get active in nature, you have chosen the right country! Start your adventure by rafting-in to your first lodge, continue with hikes, hanging bridges, canopy walks and zip lines whilst visiting the Arenal Volcano and Monteverde Cloud Forest, and finish with sea kayaking, snorkelling, and surfing lessons on the Pacific Coast. There’s even plenty of hot springs and beach time, to relax and recover.

Sloth climbing

Slow Travel: Costa Rica in-depth

24 days from £3950 pp

Discover this incredible country beyond the highlights by exploring hidden gems such as Selva Verde Rainforest, Maquenque Wildlife Reserve, the Celeste River, and the surfing towns of the Nicoya Peninsula, as well as unmissable Tortuguero, Arenal and Monteverde. Visit chocolate plantations and agro-sustainable farms, kayak through mangroves, hike to waterfalls, bathe in hot springs, and fall in love with sunsets over black sand beaches.

Eco lodges from Arenal to the Osa Peninsula

Pure Luxury in Costa Rica

15 days from £8900 pp

Discover the ultimate in Costa Rican hospitality, staying in a selection of award-winning luxury eco lodges from Arenal to the Osa Peninsula, and ending with a stunning coastal villa. This itinerary is all about the most stunning views, finest food, and handpicked private activities throughout.

Shores of the Pacific Baja California

Mexico: From the Pacific to the Caribbean

22 days from £4950 pp

This bespoke Mexico holiday stretches from the cacti lined shores of the Pacific Baja California to the tropical Caribbean. Swim with whale sharks in the Sea of Cortez and eat cerviche on the uninhabited island of Espiritu Santo, before exploring the highlands of Central Mexico with its authentic food, culture, and archaeological sites around Mexico City, Puebla and Merida. End with some time relaxing in the Yucatan Peninsula, swim in under water caves and cenotes near Tulum, scale the temples of Coba and snorkel with Turtles in Ackumal. An ethical Mexico holiday.

Guatemala's dramatic landscapes

Guatemala: Culture and Scenery

11 days from £3000 pp

Take in Guatemala’s dramatic landscapes and discover its fascinating history, from Mayan ruins to modern day traditions, whilst making the most of the great outdoors in this amazing holiday to Guatemala. Sample delicious street food and explore the volcanoes and coffee plantations nearby. Continue to Lake Atitlan and learn about traditions spanning centuries which are still very much a way of life today in rural Guatemala. Finish in the north in the dense virgin jungle at the ancient citadel of Tikal. The best active adventure holiday to Guatemala.

Beaches of Belize’s coastline

Mexico, Belize & Guatemala Adventure

28 days from £8200 pp

Embark on an epic overland journey across three remarkable countries. Explore welcoming Mexican culture in Oaxaca, San Cristobal and Merida, the imposing ruins of Palenque, Chichen Itza and Tikal, the stunning beaches of Belize’s coastline, and the rainforests, lakes and volcanoes of mysterious Guatemala. Slow travel through Central America staying in the best sustainable lodges and top luxury lodges in each location. Our best Central America adventure.

Grenada, Nicaragua

Nicaragua Active Adventure

12 days from £3200 pp

Embark on an exciting and active Nicaragua holiday, as you conquer zip-lining, hiking and surfing amongst pristine nature. Immerse yourself in enchanting cloud forests. Experience the raw power of volcanoes, before relaxing amidst lush coffee plantations. Explore ancient traditions and local customs. End your adventure basking on the paradise beaches of the Pacific coast.

Tucan

Panama: History, Culture & Caribbean

8 days from £1900 pp

Dive into breathtaking beauty with an eco adventure holiday to Panama. Embark on a journey through misty cloud forests, where lush greenery and exotic flora await your arrival. Perfect for those looking for a cultural holiday to Panama, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Panamanian culture, as you connect with vibrant traditions and warm-hearted indigenous locals. Let’s not forget about the awe-inspiring Panama Canal, a true engineering marvel that has shaped history. On your own tailor-made Panama holiday, every day is an opportunity for discovery and wonder.

Woman taking in the views of Quilotoa Crater

Epic Peru, Ecuador & Galapagos Holiday

23 days from £5950 pp

Explore Latin America’s most spectacular countries in-depth on this amazing eco-luxury holiday to Peru Ecuador and Galapagos. Combine the unmissable highlights of Machu Picchu, the Amazon and the Galapagos, with less visited but equally rewarding experiences in the Sacred Valley, Cloud Forest, and Ecuadorian Andes. Take a slower, deeper pace and really experience the best of these countries.

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.

Latin American Travel Association
Tourism declares Climate Emergency
We support the future of tourism
Inspire positive impact tourism
Atol protected