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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


Window view of mountain landscape

Luxury Journey through Chile

15 days from £8400 pp

No country in Latin America has managed to perfect the luxury sustainable travel experience quite as well as Chile. On this trip, you will stay at the finest lodges in the Atacama, Patagonia and Lake District, all of which often have sublime service, delicious food, and inclusive guided activities. Bookend the holiday in Chile with a 5-star boutique hotel in Santiago and a relaxed fine-dining wine lodge.

Man hiking in mountain range

Argentina Active Adventure

17 days from £4900 pp

Begin this activity-focused itinerary in the Argentinian Lake District, where horse-riding, hiking and rafting are included at your charming hacienda. Continue to Southern Patagonia, visiting iconic Perito Moreno Glacier by kayak, and spending an exhilarating few days at a luxury inclusive wilderness lodge. End your luxury Argentina holiday by trekking and canoeing through Tierra del Fuego from Ushuaia; The Town at the End of The World.

Two people on horse back

Argentina Wilderness Escape

14 Days from £6300 pp

Looking for adventure holidays to Argentina? Escape the crowds on this unique itinerary, visiting the country’s more tranquil natural wonders. Combine the wildlife hotspots of the Ibera Wetlands where you’ll see caiman, capybaras and howler monkeys, with coastal Patagonia, home to penguins, sea lions and guanacos. Continue south where you will stay at charming estancias, and explore glistening glaciers and snow-capped mountains, with opportunities for horse-riding, trekking, fishing, and enjoying the views with a traditional local barbeque and Argentinian wine.

Traditional Street

Slow Travel: Northern Argentina in-depth

25 days from £7400 pp

Delve into the heart of Argentina on an extraordinary journey through its northern regions. Explore the breathtaking waterfalls and lush jungles of Iguazu and Macona, delve into the rich history of San Ignacio, and immerse yourself in the wildlife haven of Ibera.

Venture further into the high-altitude landscapes surrounding Salta, the cultural gem of Purmamarca, and the charming town of Cachi. Indulge in the flavours of the vineyards in Cafayate and embark on unforgettable drives across the mesmerising and secluded Puna region. This trip promises an adventure of epic proportions! If you’re seeking adventure travel in Argentina, this slow-paced trip ticks all the boxes.

Plantation

Luxury Journey through Argentina

15 days from £8700 pp

Indulge in the ultimate travel experience on our luxury Argentina tours. Expect to be treated to complete comfort and exceptional VIP experiences. Dine behind closed doors and take a private river cruise in Buenos Aires. Stay at the country’s most luxurious eco-lodge at Iguazu Falls. Sample the finest gastronomy amongst the vineyards of Mendoza. Uncover Patagonia’s great outdoors from a unique 5-star wilderness estancia. And finish your Argentina luxury holiday at a plush gaucho retreat.

Alpaca

Deluxe Bolivia Extension

7 days from £2900 pp

Starting from the Peru-Bolivia border at Lake Titicaca, spend a night at a charming lodge on Sun Island, where you can enjoy the peaceful traditional way of life against a beautiful backdrop. Continue via the fascinating capital, La Paz, to the otherworldly landscapes of the Altiplano.

Here you can stay in a hotel made from salt and a luxury dome perched directly on the Salt Flats, as you explore the most remarkable sites in the region. Finish back in La Paz, or continue by land to Chile.

Fishing boats

Cities, Colour, Coffee and Caribbean

11 days from £3500 pp

Our best holiday to Colombia for variety and culture, this ‘Cities, Colour, Coffee and Caribbean’ holiday takes you on an exploration of the colours and vibrancy throughout the country. Explore the legendary coffee region, learning the bean-to-cup journey while sampling some of the world’s finest brews.

Stroll through the vibrant streets of Filandia and explore the bustling city of Medellin, known for its botanical gardens and fascinating recent history. Take in the lush landscapes of El Peñol, travel around via tuk-tuk, and hike through the diverse ecosystems of Tayrona National Park. Finally, enjoy some well-earned downtime on the Caribbean beaches of Rosario Islands for swimming and snorkelling.

Tatacoa desert

Slow Travel: Colombia

28 days from £7500 pp

Slow travel through Colombia on our hidden highlights eco holiday. Explore archaeological monuments and trek the Tatacoa desert to witness incredible starry skies with little to no light pollution.

For food lovers, experience the unique flavours of Popayan, a UNESCO-declared city of gastronomy. Do things differently by taking a street art tour to learn how talented local artists have turned tragedy into vibrant expressions of art and culture. Discover an abundance of landscapes, lagoons, mountains and nature on this unique holiday to Colombia.

Then, veer away from the well-trodden path to experience the more remote spots of this beautiful country. Learn about local traditions and find hidden treasures while staying in our favourite boutique lodges in Colombia.

See the Andean Condor up close, experience the Caribbean coast with no other soul in sight, discover the hidden beaches of Tayrona with your guide and explore Cartagena’s cultural and architectural secrets…all while staying in handpicked properties with 5* service, delicious food and local sustainability in mind. This trip offers one of the finest holidays in Colombia for those seeking culture, cuisine and adventure.

Colourful vibrant Medellin

Colombia Luxury Adventure

14 days from £4800 pp

Combine luxury and adventure on this bespoke holiday to Colombia. Explore the culinary scene of Bogota at the Paloquemao Farmers Market before taking a colonial city tour including a VIP cable car ride. A salsa-lover’s paradise, you can get under the skin of Cali as your guide takes you to see world-famous salsa shows.

Holidays to Colombia are never complete without a visit to the coffee region, where we explore the Cocora Valley and quaint streets of Filandia. Visit colourful vibrant Medellin before experiencing a change of scenery at a renowned private wildlife reserve in Turbaco. Keep an eye out for Howler Monkeys and White-headed Titis.

Then it’s time for some luxury relaxation in Rosario Islands, where you can have a private boat trip and snorkel in clear waters trying the delicious daily catch.

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
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