There are many reasons why people choose to visit certain locations on holiday. The weather, the history, the attractions, the food, the locals – these all play a part when it comes to deciding which cruise you want to book. But what about the possibility of seeing exotic wildlife in its natural habitat? These experiences, whether they are planned or spontaneous, can really add to your trip and make it even more memorable. So, here are some fantastic ports where you can look forward to a wild encounter.
Icy Straight Point, Alaska – Bears and Whales
Wildlife is one of the main reasons why travellers choose an Alaska cruise and it is easy to see why. Whether on land or at sea, you can’t fail to see some of the fantastic creatures that live in this part of the world. In truth, many of the ports you are likely to visit will give you the chance to see the animals up close, but Icy Strait Point is definitely one of the best. You can either jump onto a smaller boat and go in search of breaching whales or head inland to look for brown bears. There are even tours that allow you to combine the two.
Galapagos, Ecuador – Blue-footed Boobies and Marine Iguana
The diverse and endemic wildlife of the Galapagos Islands is famous all around the world. Nowhere else will you get to see some of the exotic creatures that live here, such as blue-footed boobies and the marine iguana. Galapagos cruises usually take place on smaller ships so that you get more of an intimate experience that isn’t diluted by large numbers going ashore at the same time.
Bay of Islands, New Zealand – Killer Whales and Tropical Fish
The Bay of Islands might not be as well-known Wellington, Auckland or Akaroa but it does feature on many cruises to New Zealand. Many of the wildlife encounters here take place beneath the waves, with some excellent opportunities to do some scuba diving. Orcas and dolphins can also be seen in the area around June and July. They can be spotted as part of a whale watching trip, from the harbours or whilst enjoying one of the beautiful beaches.
Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen – Polar Bears
Whether you choose a specialised expedition cruise or a trip aboard a standard cruise vessel, Spitsbergen is definitely the best place to see polar bears in their natural habitat. As the majestic king of the Arctic food chain heads out onto the ice in search of food, you can keep your eyes peeled from the decks in the hope of catching one in the act. With the sun not falling below the horizon for weeks in the summer, you will have even more time to experience a sighting.
Kota Kinabalu, Borneo – Orangutans
The island of Borneo is split between the countries of Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. Kota Kinabalu is situated on the Malaysian side and is the perfect place for you to meet some of Borneo’s cutest and most in-demand inhabitants. Many cruise operators can offer shore excursions to the rehabilitation and research centres in the state of Sabah. Here, you can watch the orangutans from a viewing platform and learn about how they are protected and cared for.
If you would like to see any of these fantastic animals in the wild, we have cruises that can take you into their natural habitats. Call us today to find your ideal itinerary.
