Wildlife Cruises

From the Galapagos Islands to the Arctic Circle

Wildlife Cruises

Cruise the Amazon River in search of caiman and tropical birdlife, discover the wondrous wildlife of the Galapagos Islands by catamaran, track big game on the banks of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers in a dugout canoe... wildlife cruises are many and varied but always offer a unique perspective on the natural world.

Namibia is the most spectacular place, with a raw beauty that is hard to describe.
Rosie and David

Taking to the water is sometimes the best way to discover wildlife. It’s also a uniquely enjoyable way to travel – with the passing scenery changing every day, you’re never quite sure what you will see next!

Our wildlife cruise holidays range from multi-day expedition cruises to languid river safaris. Particular highlights include the Galapagos, the rivers of central Africa, and the Polar regions.

The Galapagos Islands need no introduction. Blue-footed boobies, marine and land iguanas, nine species of finch, albatross, frigate birds, penguins, rays, sharks, turtles, tortoises… the list is endless! You can visit the Galapagos archipelago all year-round. A broad variety of cruise boats, ranging from tiny yachts to larger vessels visit the many different islands, ensuring there’s a choice of itinerary to suit most every interest.

In the safari parks of Africa, the waterways are the lifeline for game big and small. African fish eagles watch over the water from the tree tops, while kingfishers flit between reeds and marabou storks wade at the river’s edge. Herds of elephant, buffalo and antelope gather on the banks to quench their thirst, as lion, hyena and leopard stalk nearby. Rivers such as the Chobe and Zambezi can be explored on day-trip boat safaris, with an overnight stay on a houseboat, or by mokoro – a traditional dugout canoe that quietly punts along the river. This is a lovely, relaxing way to see wildlife along the water’s edge, and the only way to really delve deep into waterlogged environments such as Botswana’s Okavango Delta.

At the very opposite end of the spectrum, the harsh landscapes of the remote Arctic and Antarctic regions play host to a surprising diversity of wildlife – and there’s no better way to discover it than on a Polar cruise. On a cruise to the Arctic Circle, you can hope to see polar bear, arctic fox, huge colonies of sea birds and, with luck, even orca and humpback whale. The Antarctic is perhaps most famous for its fantastic birdlife – on a typical cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula, you may see gentoo, king, magellanic and rockhopper penguins, as well as the stunning albatross and petrel, to name but a few species.

You’ll find a small selection of our wildlife cruise itineraries in the menu below. For more ideas, or to discuss your particular wildlife interests, get in touch with our team on 01822 600 600.

Itineraries

Amazon River Cruise (Pacaya Samiria)

This 5-day cruise itinerary takes you deep into the Peruvian Amazon, as you explore the labyrinthine waterways of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, named after the two tributaries of the Amazon River that flow through the area – the Pacaya and the Samiria. The cruise takes place on the Amazon Star, a mid-sized deluxe cruise boat with 31 cabins.

Destination

Peru

Experience

Cruise Holidays

Prices from £2055 pp

Antarctic Peninsula

The Antarctic Peninsula consists of an 800 kilometre (500 mile) long mountain chain, the highest peaks rising to approximately 2,800 metres, and numerous off-lying islands. This region offers the most dramatic scenery and the biggest variety of wildlife in Antarctica. Visitors are overcome by the stunning landscapes of glaciers, icebergs, Antarctic mountains, and the abundant and tame wildlife. This thrilling cruise itinerary follows a classic Antarctic route.

Destination

Antarctic Cruises
Antarctica

Experience

Cruise Holidays
Polar Travel

Prices from £5300 pp

North Spitsbergen Arctic Wildlife Cruise

2020/21 Departures Available | Sail to the northern coast of Spitsbergen and discover the immense glaciers of Raudfjorden and Liefdefjorden, as well the stunningly beautiful Seven Islands, on this 8-day Arctic voyage. Sailing along the pack-ice of northern Spitsbergen, you may also have an encounter with the king of the Arctic, the Polar Bear!

Destination

Arctic Cruises
Spitsbergen
Arctic Circle

Experience

Cruise Holidays
Polar Travel

Prices from £2045 pp

The Northern Isles (Galapagos Cruise)

5 days / 4 nights’ exploration of the Northern Galapagos Islands on the M/V Santa Cruz

Destination

Ecuador

Experience

Safari and Wildlife Holidays
Cruise Holidays

Prices from £3475 pp

The Western Isles (Galapagos Cruise)

This 9 day itinerary includes 6 nights exploring the western Galapagos Islands onboard the M/Y La Pinta

Destination

Ecuador

Experience

Cruise Holidays
Safari and Wildlife Holidays

Prices from £5385 pp

Weddell Sea Voyage

Explore the Weddell Sea and the Antarctic Peninsula in this 11-day cruise organised by Oceanwide Expeditions and sold by Gane and Marshall. During the course of the voyage, you will have the chance to land on the Antarctic Continent and visit an Emperor Penguin colony by helicopter.

Destination

Antarctic Cruises
Antarctica

Experience

Cruise Holidays
Polar Travel

Prices from £7695 pp

Botswana Focus

Visiting the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe and Victoria Falls over the course of 9 days, this comprehensive safari itinerary takes in northern Botswana’s most spectacular wilderness areas. On what is one of our best-value private safaris, you will stay in mid to high-range safari camps and lodges, and can expect excellent service and fabulous game-viewing throughout.

Destination

Botswana

Experience

Safari and Wildlife Holidays

Prices from £2695 pp

Falklands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula

This comprehensive 3-week Antarctic cruise itinerary will give you the chance to explore the fjords, glaciers and snow-capped mountains of South Georgia, hike the rugged terrain of the Falkland Islands, and discover the spectacular scenery and Polar wildlife of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Destination

Antarctic Cruises
Antarctica

Experience

Cruise Holidays
Polar Travel

Prices from £7575 pp

North Norway Whale Safari

2020/21 Departures Available | Explore the northern Norwegian coastline in search of humpback whales, orcas and the Aurora Borealis on this seven-night Arctic winter cruise. You will sail aboard an historic schooner that is perfectly suited for sailing among the islands and narrow fjords of northern Norway. Available Nov-Mar.

Destination

Arctic Cruises
Arctic Circle

Experience

Cruise Holidays
Polar Travel

Prices from £1645 pp