When you think of cruise holidays, you probably picture sun-drenched islands and enviably soft sands. However, beach cruises aren’t the only type of cruise on offer. Cruise ships can take you further off the beaten track than ever before and if you’re a nature lover, then a wildlife cruise might just be for you. Awake to the colourful caw of a parrot in the Amazon, the roar of a lion in South Africa or the fin of a whale in Canada. Wildlife sightings abound on a cruise, here are just six reasons cruising is perfect for nature enthusiasts:
Reasons to book a wildlife cruise
You can join the search for the big 5
The big 5 are at the top of every must-see list when on safari. Lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinoceros and leopards make up the big 5 and there’s no better place to see them than in South Africa. Join a Cape Town safari for the opportunity to come face-to-face with these amazing creatures. Plus, you’ll also enjoy lodge stays and guided talks from experts. En route to Cape Town, you’ll get to experience more of South Africa. Richard’s Bay is one such destination that is often paired with Cape Town on a South Africa itinerary - this region is home to the Umlalazi Nature Reserve and more than 300 species of birds.
You can embark on an Amazon adventure
Spanning eight regions, the Amazon is an intriguing and somewhat mysterious place that only an intrepid handful of travellers get to experience. Surrounded by dense rainforest, an Amazon river cruise is a pleasant assault on the senses. Be sure to listen out for the squawking of a thousand tropical birds and keep your eyes peeled for the distinctive call of the howler monkey. The Amazon is like no place on earth, it will delight, enthral and remain in your memory forevermore.
You can experience the natural wonder of the Great Barrier Reef
The jewel in Australia’s crown, the Great Barrier Reef is blessed with the magnificent beauty of the world’s largest coral reef. Larger than the Great Wall of China, this vibrant body of water is home to an abundance of wildlife and comprises over 3,000 individual reef systems - an unforgettable experience for many, especially those who adore nature. As you’ll discover, Australia is flawless and there are incomparable sights and sounds en route to the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns.
You can explore the Great White Continent
There are very few destinations in the world where one becomes humbled upon arriving. Antarctica is one such place. Little can compare to the sheer magnificence of this uninhabited continent’s landscapes - as you witness the endless snow and ice surrounding you, you’ll find it hard to believe that things can exist here without perishing but Antarctica is undoubtedly thriving with life. Penguins, seals and whales are the most iconic of Antarctica’s wildlife and there is no better way to see them than on a cruise. As you cut through the icy waters, you’ll have access to some of the most unforgettable landing sites which include Cuverville Island, Yankee Harbour, Paradise Harbour and Wilhelmina Bay.
You can sail to the Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands are a bucket list destination for nature lovers - and with very good reason! A self-contained ecosystem in which animals thrive and humans merely visit, these islands are home to an abundance of unique and untamed wildlife including sea lions and gigantic tortoises. A lack of natural predators on the islands means that these curious creatures can flourish when they would be in danger elsewhere. There are many exclusive Galápagos cruises perfect for nature lovers.
You can be captivated by Wild West Alaska
Enchanting Alaska is unlike anywhere else in the world and for nature lovers, this destination has it all. Majestic snow-capped mountains, rugged landscapes, jagged Sitka spruce, deep waters, shades of green and blue - this great expanse of wilderness is truly out of this world. Bear witness to flawless landscapes and be astounded by the captivating wildlife. Bald eagles, brown and black bears, caribou, lynx and moose all await. An Alaska cruise is unforgettable and there are some truly unique experiences on offer.
