Dolphins, whales, bears… these are the best cruises for seeing wildlife | Travel News
The Top Wildlife Watching Cruises
Traveling on the water is unlike any experience because the not only do you sail the high seas, but you are among extraordinary scenery and unique species. Whether it is whales in Iceland, bears in Alaska, or dolphins in Mexico; there are numerous choices, for any nature lover itinerary.
Whales in Iceland
When summer hits, the waters that flow around, and fill the fjords of Iceland, have some of the highest numbers of whales and orcas in the world, and the nutrient-rich waters help in building up stamina, and energy. Travelers on board the expedition cruise Spirit of Discovery will be involved with whale-watching scientific surveys. This cruise departs Dover, goes through the Orkney Islands to Iceland, stops at glaciers in Iceland, volcanoes, fjords, and mostly Viking locations. The return trip is by way of Shetland.
Giant Tortoises in the Galápagos
Travelers can view giant tortoises in the wild (some over 100 years old), in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, and at the breeding center in Isabela Island along with the iguanas, sea lions, flamingos, penguins, boobies, and sea turtles from the 16-passenger yacht Eden.
Bears in Alaska
The Queen Elizabeth sails comfortably from Seattle, through the Inside Passage to Alaska. Bears are always traveling the filled streams trying to grab hold of all the salmon in Ketchikan, and in Juneau, reliable excursions by kayak or guided hikes are good for bear viewing. Sitka has a sanctuary for orphaned cubs at the Fortress of the Bear. Travelers will have scenic back deck views of wandering beach forest, glaciers, and mountains along the way.
Penguins in Antarctica
The Fridtjof Nansen has an 11-night expedition cruise from Ushuaia to Antarctica through the Drake Passage. In the month of December, travelers are able to see gentoo, Adélie and chinstrap, and macaroni penguins with chicks in the South Shetland Islands. Travel frequently encounters whales, Weddell seals, fur seals, and large elephant seals, as an added bonus.
Polar Bears in Svalbard
On the Ultramarine travelers will traverse Norway's remote Arctic archipelago where approximately 300 resident polar bears abide. Other travelers could have a better chance of viewing bears as they hunt for food, or swim with mothers and cubs in the cold icy Barents Sea. Additionally, travelers will encounter glaciers, tundra landscapes, walruses, and a variety of seabirds in the dramatic, yet beautiful cold ice Arctic.
Elephants on the Chobe River, Botswana
This journey involves both land, and river safari activities. All travelers stay on land at a safari lodge, and all boaters, get see game's view from the river on board the 16-passenger RV Zimbabwean Dream on Lake Kariba. Elephant herd excitement begins to unfold at sunset on the famous Chobe River, elephant herd congregate mostly wet and drained while drinking bathing and swimming with hippos, lions and the culmination of having the great experience of seeing the climax of all counter nature visit Victoria Falls.
Dolphins in the Sea of Cortez, Mexico
The African country, Costa Rica is known for many unique hot spots, National Parks, villages, waterfalls, mountains, rivers, culture parks, and wildlife. The itinerary Whales and Sealife on the Expedition leaves out of La Paz, sailing the famous waters of Jacques Cousteau world aquarium describe, the whales seen can include grey, pilot, and blue whales or mantas, pelicans, boobies. However, main highlight revolves around dolphins, you will have dolphins out of 21 possible dolphin species, often guests find the fantastic super pod with dozens or sometimes hundreds of dolphins swimming all around the ship!
