The best cruise destinations for animal lovers

When travelling the world, there is so much to see. You can experience landscapes like never before, meet people from different cultures, try food you’ve only ever dreamed of eating and experience nature in an entirely new way. From the warm tropics of the Galápagos Islands to the vibrant buzz of Cape Town, here we take a look at some of the best cruise destinations for animal lovers: 

The beachfront city of Puerto Madryn is surrounded by lovely landscapes and thriving wildlife. The city is relatively small, so you’ll be able to stroll along the seafront or the pier. Visit the Natural Science and Oceanographic Museum if you’re interested in learning more about the city’s rich history. There are many places to educate yourself on the marine ecosystem around Puerto Madryn and you can also visit the EcoCentro on the outskirts of the city to view photography, artefacts and exhibits. 

The Valdes Peninsula, across the Golfo Nuevo from Puerto Madryn, is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its geography and wildlife. This headland is a hub of diverse marine life. If you visit from June to December, you can see whales, seals and sea lions. There are also penguins, armadillos, snakes and burrowing owls, amongst many more creatures. 

Best known for being the expedition destination of Charles Darwin’s 1835 voyage, the Galápagos Islands are home to an abundant and unique array of species. Darwin noted the small differences between near-identical species on the various islands and it is here that the theory of evolution was discovered.

Since then, the Galápagos Islands have been revered for their breathtaking scenery and wildlife. There are strict regulations for visitors which enables the continued conservation of this treasured environment. Consisting of 21 islands, the Galápagos Islands are a spectacular and isolated place for adventurers to visit. Explore black sand beaches, come face to face with nonchalant sea lions and experience the vibrant sea iguana up close. This is the ideal destination for someone wanting to experience well-kept tropical wildlife. 

We chatted with Bec from Look The World In The Eye, who spent two weeks in the Galápagos Islands. She told us what makes the islands so spectacular, “The Galápagos Islands give people the ability to get up close to animals that aren’t seen in very many (if any other) places in the world and that alone is pretty incredible. When you pair that with the beautiful scenery, it makes for a very special place. There aren’t many places in the world you can go snorkelling with reef sharks one day, hike a volcano the next, see baby sea lions and then wander around with giant tortoises. It’s an incredible part of the world.” 

Komodo Island is one of 17,000 islands that make up Indonesia. It is famous for its clear waters, steep hills and the 4,000 namesake lizards that dwell on it. Komodo Dragons are the largest living species of lizard on earth, and the main reason people flock to Komodo Island each year. These prehistoric creatures cover the island and at almost three metres long, they are colossal. They can also be dangerous to humans, they have venomous saliva so always stay close to your local guide when on the island.

Once you experience the dragons, it’s time to take to the seas. Indonesia has abundant sea life and coral reef and you can snorkel amongst the coral, fish, turtles and manta rays. The coral reefs in Indonesia have long been popular with snorkelers and divers, so it’s worth bringing a waterproof camera in case you want to document the underwater wonderland you find when you dip your head under the waves. 

Once you’re done snorkelling, spend your time sunbathing on one of only seven pink sand beaches in the world. The red coral from the ocean washes up onto the shoreline turning it pink and making it the perfect place to watch the sunset. 

Read next: The benefits of a guided tour 

Located on the very southerly coast of Africa, Cape Town is a cultural hub filled with great food, amazing experiences and a deep-rooted connection to the natural world around it. Africa is known as a nature lovers’ dream with places like the Serengeti where you can aim to see the big five; African elephants, Cape buffalos, lions, leopards and rhinos. 

Jax from The Jax Blog told us about the wildlife in Cape Town, “We are truly blessed to be surrounded by ocean, great mountains for climbing, winelands for exploring, game parks for admiring the wildlife and bush for adventure. 

“One can do anything from sandboarding to white shark cage diving or spotting the Big 5 on safari or simply languidly enjoying the soothing sounds of summer jazz at Kirstenbosch botanical gardens.”

Jax shared her most memorable wildlife moment, “I’ve had many but I’d say hiking to the top of Table Mountain to watch the sunrise has got to be the best. I may be a bit biased as I am Capetonian but honestly, we have the most breathtaking views from our mountain ranges and the southernmost tip of Africa is found on our shores.”  

If you’re a landscape lover then Cape Town is for you. This vibrant city is nestled between mountains on one side and the beautiful ocean on the other. Table Mountain stands over the city, the perfect place for any hiking-loving cruiser to put on their land legs for a day and climb. 

Large rugged mountains are lined with towering evergreens and filled with awe-inspiring animals in Alaska. From ferocious bears to pods of whales, Alaska doesn’t do animals by half. Hear the shrill of a Golden Eagle fly above you trying to spot its prey or hear the splash of salmon swimming upstream - wildlife surrounds the Alaskan visitor. 

With strong links to its indigenous history, Alaska is very proud of its heritage and its wildlife is a large part of that. As well as the fantastic wildlife in the area, the whole state is one of the most beautiful places in the world. You’ll be greeted by snow-capped mountains and a nip in the air when you arrive. The large evergreen forests spanning the peaks are abuzz with life and even the oceans around Alaska are a feast for the eyes.

During the summer months, the lucky traveller will see pods of whales filling the waters around Alaska. From breaching humpback whales to intelligent orcas these are sights you won’t forget for the rest of your life. If you’re looking to experience nature at its grittiest, Alaska is for you. Witness grey wolves prowling the mountains, caribou spending their days leisurely and even penguins in the very north.