Herd of elephants walking in a jungle river
Witnessing the wonders of wildlife in its natural habitat is one of travel’s greatest adventures. A journey not to be forgotten, there is something quite amazing about coming face to face with creatures you may never have dreamed of encountering – and adding a layer of luxury only tops off the entire experience.
Luxury cruise lines not only transport you to these incredible places, but do so in a way that respects wildlife’s humble terrain. From the White Continent to Caribbean shores, here are just some of the wildlife encounters that are begging to be discovered across the globe.
If there is one wildlife experience that features on many people’s bucket lists, it’s a safari. And although many countries present their own versions, Africa is certainly the gold standard, presenting opportunity after opportunity for going in search of the Big Five. South Africa in particular is abundant with safari options, whether that is the famed Kruger National Park, or smaller, lesser-known hotspots.
On these shores, you’ll be patiently waiting to see a lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo, with an expert guide critical to enhancing your chances of success. This is why Azamara partners with Micato Safaris, the most awarded safari company in the world. After all, a five-star cruise requires a five-star experience on land, and there is nobody better placed to offer just that, bringing the Big Five closer than you ever thought possible.
Intrepid travellers often have their sights set on Antarctica, the vast white wilderness that remains largely undiscovered. Amongst this immaculate sanctuary, many look forward to the remarkable sight of penguins frolicking on icebergs and nurturing their young – a spectacle that very few have the privilege to witness.
Silversea places this wildlife encounter within reach on its expedition cruises, where intimate, ultra-luxurious ships travel to the ends of the earth in search of true adventure. Its journeys to Antarctica range from six to 20 days, where they will glide past the majestic Cape Horn, unearth the hidden wonders of the Falkland and South Shetland Isles, or transcend conventional travel with Antarctica Bridge sailings. Whichever route you take, rest assured Silversea will place you directly into the heart of this untouched landscape.
The serene waters of Alaska serve as the theatre to one of nature’s grandest spectacles. Watch in awe as the mighty humpback, orca, and blue whales breach the waters in front of you, putting on a show that you’re unlikely to experience anywhere else. Alaska is certainly prime cruising territory, and Seabourn is the perfect luxury host for showcasing all it has to offer.
Juneau is billed as one of the best locations for whale watching, thanks to its crystal-clear waters and conditions where these fascinating creatures quite simply thrive. Embarking on an additional excursion aboard a luxury day yacht, Seabourn will transport you to Juneau’s prime whale watching territory, which humpbacks and orcas call home. The journey to reach your yacht promises to be every bit as intriguing, as you keep a keen eye out for bald eagles, harbour seals, Steller sea lions, and even the occasional brown or black bear.
The native wildlife of Australia is something many are familiar with; from crowd pleasers such as kangaroos and koalas, to the lesser-known wombats and kookaburras, these are species that aren’t easily encountered on our own shores. As you sail around this vast country, you may be fortunate to see them in the wild, but a journey to Featherdale Wildlife Park will ensure the most memorable experience with all these incredible species.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises invites its guests on an included excursion to Sydney’s outskirts, where these antipodean animals are waiting to make your acquaintance. You’ll be welcomed to the park not only as an observer but as an honoured guest, where you are invited to experience the privilege of seeing the creatures that are as iconic as the landscapes they inhabit. You can even enhance your experience with optional extras such as hand-feeding the kangaroos or a photo session with a koala.
The azure seas of the Caribbean are teeming with marine life, but none is perhaps as fascinating as the turtle. These gentle creatures spend day after day gliding through the bluest waters, often viewed by eagle-eyed visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of their graceful form. Various Caribbean islands lend themselves perfectly to spotting sea turtles, but the Cayman Islands are easily among the best.
This is where Oceania Cruises operates its aptly named ‘Turtles, Turtles and More Turtles’ excursion, which provides once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will long live on in your holiday memories. Visiting the Cayman Turtle Centre, you will see more of these hard-shelled creatures than you ever thought possible, with some reaching a weight of 500 pounds in the breeding pond. Thousands of green sea turtles will be right before your very eyes, and there’s a chance to swim alongside them, if you so wish.
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