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


Horseback riding

‘Encanto’ Colombia Family holiday

14 days from £4,200 pp

Our 16-day family adventure holiday to Colombia is inspired by the Disney film Encanto, which means lots of colour and charm. Visit small towns, try delicious local food featured in the film and explore the magical Rainbow River Cano Cristales; a must-see in Colombia.

Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Amazon jungle, connecting with nature and learning about Colombian culture. Explore the coffee region and uncover the breathtaking landscapes and colourful houses of El Penol and Guatape.

Visit UNESCO-protected Cartagena and sample the exquisite street food, ‘Arepitas’, as in the movie, and even dance to local music. To finish your family adventure holiday, head to the crystal waters of the Caribbean Coast of Rosario Islands. And yes, on this holiday, we definitely talk about Bruno!

If you’re looking for Colombia family holidays that offer a wonderful experience for both parents and kids, it’s hard to beat an Encanto adventure to this South American gem.

People sitting on top of a rock

Rio and Green Coast Beach Adventure

14 days from £2900 pp

World-renowned for its stunning coastline, this is the ideal trip for those interested in luxury Brazil beach holidays. It seamlessly blends relaxation with adventure, all the while completely avoiding internal flights.

Kayak to pristine bays and mangrove forests. Hike to dramatic lookouts and untouched beaches. Visit waterfalls and clifftops. And of course, relax! Immerse yourself in the beauty of the shores of the “Land of the Palm Trees” with a beach holiday to Brazil.

Swimming in the mangroves of Ilha

Brazil Wildlife, Waterfalls & Beach

16 days from £3950 pp

For those seeking adventure travel in Brazil, explore everywhere from the wildlife wonderland of the Pantanal to the breathtaking Iguazu Falls, all the way to iconic Rio de Janeiro via the Green Coast on this itinerary.

Kayak through mangroves, hike into the Atlantic Rainforest and discover dozens of hidden beaches, accompanied by mouth-watering cuisine and hidden communities. If you’re seeking wildlife holidays to Brazil that also tick off cascading waterfalls and breathtaking coastlines, this is the adventure for you.

Lilly Pads

Pantanal, Amazon & Rio Luxury Adventure

15 days from £6500 pp

Combine the wildlife wonderlands of the Pantanal wetlands and Amazon rainforest on this luxury holiday to Brazil, staying at strategically located first-class wilderness lodges with expert naturalist guides. In between you will visit the lesser-known but equally dramatic Chapada dos Guimarães, a land of waterfalls, caves and rock formations waiting to be explored. Finish with days of relaxation and iconic sightseeing in the incomparable Rio de Janeiro.

People looking at giant tortoise

Ecuador & Galapagos Active Adventure

17 days from £4300 pp

Hike, bike, swim and kayak your way around Ecuador’s multitude of natural wonders. From snow-capped volcanoes and mountain valleys, to the remarkable Galapagos archipelago via the steamy cloud forest, this example trip is one for the outdoor enthusiasts.

Intricate work of a Master Weaver

Slow Travel: Ecuador in-depth

23 days from £6400 pp

Go deep on this journey through a remarkably diverse little country. Explore indigenous markets, steamy cloud forests, volcanoes, lakes, the Amazon basin, Inca ruins, colonial cities, working farms, and the Galapagos Islands. Designed at a leisurely pace to immerse yourself in the true spirit of Ecuador.

Ecuador & Galapagos in Luxury

Ecuador & Galapagos in Luxury

14 days from £9550 pp

Explore Ecuador in supreme comfort. Stay at a historic hacienda amongst Otavalo’s lakes and volcanoes, enjoy the cloud forest from the iconic Mashpi Lodge, and explore colonial Quito with a cacao-infused twist. Complete your Galapagos Island holiday with a choice of deluxe boutique cruise or safari-style.

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