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.
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.
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.
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.
Integrity is a glamorous Galapagos Island cruise vessel. It stands at an impressive 141 feet and boasts state-of-the-art stabilisers and engine vibration control systems, promising a smooth and relaxing trip for those on board. Integrity’s luxurious cabins boast personal climate control, a flat-screen television and satellite television, while communal areas include a jacuzzi, covered bar, library and dining area.
Cormorant II is often hailed as the best cruise line for Galapagos Island adventures. This luxurious vessel, a brand-new mega-catamaran, has 9 elegant suites, a dedicated “Hotel Manager,” and a crew of 11. Guests staying in a premium suite are even treated to a private balcony and jacuzzi. The Cormorant II prides itself on being carbon neutral, ensuring that your plush stay is guilt-free and doesn’t come at the expense of the environment and the surrounding ecosystems.
A wilderness river cruise offers the most incredible way to discover the exotic creatures and extraordinary landscapes of the Amazon. Traverse the most remote reaches of the world’s largest tropical rainforest, where encounters with pink river dolphins, monkeys, and manatees await you at every turn.
Become one of the lucky few to uncover the world’s most remote continent with a nature cruise through Antarctica. Sail the legendary Drake Passage as you venture deep into the Polar Desert, passing cathedral-sized icebergs and immense glaciers. Throughout your adventure, you’ll have the remarkable opportunity to witness incredible wildlife, including blue whales, gentoo penguins, and fur seals, welcoming you to their wild homeland.
When it comes to the best wildlife cruises, it’s hard to beat one of the most biodiverse places on earth: The Galapagos Islands. This unspoiled archipelago boasts some of the highest levels of endemism on the planet. Step aboard an eco-cruise and soar from island to island, encountering the likes of giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies and colourful sally-foot crabs.
The diversity of Chile is perfectly captured in this highlights itinerary. Tick off the otherworldly landscapes and steaming volcanoes of the Atacama, and the breathtaking lakes and shimmering glaciers of Patagonia, via the vibrant cities of Santiago and Valparaíso. Staying at good quality midrange hotels, not only ensures comfort but also allows you to save money for unforgettable experiences along the way.
Enjoy Chile’s famous landscapes differently on this fully immersive adventure. Trek to your heart’s content around the mountains of Torres del Paine, kayak in glacial lakes, cycle through Vineyards, stomp the streets of Santiago, horse-ride to the Moon Valley, and bathe in Atacama hot springs. Active by day, relaxing by night.
Chile is one of the world’s real wilderness playgrounds, and this itinerary places you at the heart of its natural wonders. After a relaxed introduction at a charming vineyard, enjoy extended stays at sustainable luxury lodges in both the arid Atacama Desert and glistening Torres del Paine. Take your pick from a daily menu of included activities, returning to the lodge each evening for delicious food and sublime Chilean wine.
Discover Chile’s dramatic landscapes and fascinating cultures on this leisurely-paced journey. After a week exploring Santiago, Valparaíso and the Winelands, continue south to discover the Lake District and Chiloe, including visits to local farms and community cooking classes. End with an in-depth six-night Atacama experience, allowing you to go beyond the usual tourist highlights once again in one of South America’s most stunning settings.
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?
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.
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.
Please reach us at info@traveldifferently.co.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question.
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.
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.
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.
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.
