7 of the Best Cruise Destinations to See Wildlife

• Safari & Sea Icons: Experience South Africa’s unique "Big Seven," where you can spot lions and leopards in the morning and encounter great white sharks or whales by the afternoon.

• Endemic & Rare Wonders: From the fearless, unique species of the Galápagos Islands to the elusive pink dolphins of the Amazon, discover animals found nowhere else on Earth.

• Polar Powerhouses: Journey to the ends of the Earth in the Arctic or Antarctica to witness the majestic prowl of polar bears or the bustling colonies of thousands of penguins.

A wildlife cruise is a masterclass in nature. It offers the rare privilege of observing animals, birds, and marine life in their natural habitats while enjoying the comfort and perspective only a ship can provide.

From the "Big Five" of the savannah to the unique species of the rainforest, these seven destinations are at the top of the list for any nature enthusiast.

1. South Africa: The Land of the "Big Seven"

South Africa is a destination of staggering topographical variety, where the rugged Atlantic coastline meets the sun-drenched bush of the interior.

It is arguably the only place on Earth where a single holiday allows you to tick off the traditional Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, and Buffalo) alongside the Marine Big Two (Whales and Great White Sharks).

While on a shore excursion to legendary reserves like Kruger or Addo Elephant Park, you can witness prides of lions stalking through the tall grass or herds of elephants gathering at watering holes.

Along the coast, the wildlife is just as dramatic. At Boulders Beach, you can walk amongst a bustling colony of African Penguins, while the waters off Hermanus serve as a nursery for Southern Right Whales, which are often seen breaching just meters from the shore.

Most cruises dock in the iconic hubs of Cape Town, Durban, or Richards Bay. To get the most out of the wildlife here, we highly recommend booking one of our exclusive cruise & stay packages that include a multi-day lodge safari, allowing you to immerse yourself in the African bush before or after your voyage.

Featured Cruise and Stay Holiday: 5* South African Safari With Cape Town, Winelands & Table Mountain

To truly master the "Big Seven," you need a journey that bridges the gap between the bush and the blue. This escorted cruise & stay holiday places you at the heart of the action with a 5-night escorted tour, including a Big 5 Safari at a Private Game Reserve where you can track predators in the golden light of dawn.

Once you’ve had your fill of the savannah, you’ll board a 20-night cruise from Cape Town back to Southampton. It is an epic transition from the rust-red dust of the interior to the deep sapphire of the Atlantic, allowing you to spot a lion one day and watch for whale breaches from your balcony on another.

Click here to explore >

2. The Galápagos Islands: Evolution in Motion

Located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands remain a living laboratory of evolution. This volcanic archipelago is world-renowned for its "fearless" wildlife; because the animals have no natural land predators, they often treat human visitors with a sense of curious indifference.

The islands are home to the Giant Galápagos Tortoise, some of which have survived for over a century, and the prehistoric-looking Marine Iguana, the only lizard in the world that has adapted to swim and forage in the ocean.

You’ll also spot the charming Blue-footed Booby performing its intricate mating dance and the Flightless Cormorant, a bird that famously gave up the sky to become a master of the underwater hunt.

Logistically, this is an expedition-only destination. To protect the environment, ships are strictly limited in size - usually carrying fewer than 100 passengers. These voyages typically depart from Baltra or San Cristobal and include expert-led zodiac landings and snorkelling sessions.

3. Antarctica: The Frozen Kingdom

Antarctica is a world of silent white peaks, deep blue icebergs, and nutrient-rich waters that support a surprisingly dense population of specialists. It is a place where the scale of the landscape is matched only by the hardiness of the creatures that call it home.

The stars of the show are undoubtedly the penguins. You will see tens of thousands of Adélie, Chinstrap, and Gentoo penguins bustling along their "highways" in the snow.

In the water, look for the sleek, reptilian head of the Leopard Seal or the massive Humpback and Minke whales that migrate here to feed. If you are lucky, you may even spot a pod of Orcas (Killer Whales) working together to hunt amongst the ice floes.

Cruises to reach this remote wilderness often depart from Ushuaia, the southernmost city in Argentina. The expedition involves crossing the Drake Passage, a rite of passage for any true explorer, before arriving at the serene bays of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Featured Cruise and Stay Holiday: Ultimate South America

For the true adventurer, this escorted cruise and stay holiday offers a staggering contrast between the lush heights of the Andes and the pristine silence of the Seventh Continent.

Your journey begins with a 13-night escorted tour of South America, where you’ll travel to the legendary "Lost City of the Incas," Machu Picchu.

Here, you can watch charming alpacas grazing against a backdrop of mist-shrouded peaks before heading south to the ice.

The following 14-night sailing through Antarctica and the South Shetland Islands places you directly into the heart of sprawling penguin rookeries.

It is a bucket-list expedition that takes you from the ancient mountain homes of the alpaca to the frozen kingdom of the leopard seal.

Click here to explore >

4. Alaska: The Great Land

Alaska’s "Inside Passage" is a labyrinth of islands, deep-water fjords, and towering glaciers. This is a destination where the wilderness feels truly infinite, and wildlife is frequently visible from the comfort of your ship’s balcony or an observation lounge.

As you navigate the shoreline, keep your binoculars ready for Grizzly and Black bears foraging for salmon at the water's edge. High above on the grey crags, Mountain Goats and Dall Sheep appear as tiny white specks against the stone.

The skies are dominated by Bald Eagles, while the water is a playground for Sea Otters, Steller Sea Lions, and the spectacular "bubble-net" feeding displays of Humpback whales.

Cruises to Alaska typically depart from Vancouver or Seattle. It is a perfect destination for those who want to combine rugged wildlife viewing with the amenities of a large, modern cruise ship.

Featured Cruise and Stay Holiday: Rocky Mountaineer & Alaskan Odyssey

Something big is coming! Our brand-new 2027 Cruise & Rail Collection launches soon. Click here to register your interest and get priority access.

Experience the thundering grandeur of the North on a journey that transitions seamlessly from snow-capped peaks to calving glaciers.

This cruise and rail holiday features a 7-day escorted tour through the Canadian Rockies, including a ride on the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer train, and a 7-night all-inclusive cruise around Canada and Alaska.

From the comfort of a glass-domed carriage, you’ll scan the mountain slopes for bighorn sheep and elk, before trading the tracks for the tides.

As your ship glides past the blue-ice walls of Glacier Bay, you’ll witness the spectacular "bubble-net" feeding displays of humpback whales, providing a complete, breathtaking perspective of North America's most iconic wildlife.

Click here to explore >

5. Baja California: The World’s Aquarium

The Sea of Cortez, nestled between the Baja Peninsula and mainland Mexico, was once described by Jacques Cousteau as the "aquarium of the world." Its sheltered lagoons and deep trenches provide a vital sanctuary for an incredible array of marine life.

This is the premier destination for California Grey Whales. Every year, these gentle giants migrate here to calve, and in lagoons like San Ignacio, they are known for their "friendly" behaviour, often approaching small boats to interact with guests.

You may also encounter the Blue Whale - the largest animal to ever live - alongside acrobatic Mobula Rays and playful California Sea Lions that love to join snorkellers in the water.

Logistics for Baja usually involve small-ship or "safari-style" cruises departing from La Paz or Loreto. These smaller vessels are essential for accessing the shallow lagoons where the whales congregate.

6. The Amazon: Secrets of the Canopy

The Amazon isn't just a river; it’s a vast, flooded forest that breathes life into the entire planet. A river cruise is the only way to penetrate the dense jungle and see the shy creatures that live hidden within the emerald canopy.

While meandering through the narrow tributaries, you can spot Howler Monkeys and Three-toed Sloths camouflaged in the trees.

The river itself is home to the mysterious Pink River Dolphin (Boto), which navigates through the submerged roots of the forest.

At night, skiff excursions use spotlights to find the glowing orange eyes of Black Caimans and the emerald reflections of Jaguars prowling the muddy banks.

Wildlife cruises in the Amazon typically depart from Manaus in Brazil or Iquitos in Peru. They range from three to fourteen days and often include visits to local river communities to learn about the human side of the rainforest.

7. The Arctic: Realm of the Polar Bear

The "High Arctic," particularly the Svalbard archipelago north of Norway, is a spectacular, fragile ecosystem. It is a land of the midnight sun, where wildlife has mastered the art of survival in a world of shifting sea ice.

The apex predator here is the Polar Bear, often seen from the ship as they prowl the pack ice in search of seals. You will also see "haul-outs" of massive Walruses huddled on the beaches and the elusive Arctic Fox in its summer or winter coat.

The waters are home to unique species like the Beluga whale and the "unicorn of the sea," the Narwhal, as well as the prehistoric Bowhead whale.

Most Arctic expeditions depart from Longyearbyen in Svalbard or Tromsø in Norway. These are expedition-grade voyages, using reinforced hulls to push through the ice and get you as close to the action as safely possible.

Which Ship is Best for Your Wildlife Adventure?

Choosing the right vessel is as important as the destination itself. Your choice will likely depend on how "hands-on" you want your experience to be and the level of luxury you require while exploring the edges of the map.

Expedition Ships

These smaller, specialised vessels (like those from Silversea, Hurtigruten, or Seabourn) are designed to access remote inlets, narrow tributaries, and shallow bays that large ships simply cannot reach.

They feature reinforced hulls for ice-breaking and a fleet of Zodiacs (heavy-duty inflatable boats) for landing on remote beaches or navigating past icebergs.

These ships are the primary choice for the most extreme wildlife frontiers, including Antarctica, the High Arctic (Svalbard & Greenland), the Galápagos Islands, and the deep Amazon basin.

• Example Ships: MS Roald Amundsen (HX), Silver Endeavour (Silversea), and Seabourn Pursuit (Seabourn).

Large Cruise Ships

The larger vessels from leading lines like Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Cunard offer incredible amenities and world-class observation lounges.

While their size prevents them from docking in tiny, untouched coves, they provide a stable, refined platform for viewing wildlife from the deck.

Furthermore, these lines offer a vast array of expert-led shore excursions, such as guided 4x4 safaris in South Africa or seaplane tours over Alaskan wilderness, ensuring you still get deep into the heart of the action.

These ships are best suited for regions with well-established port infrastructures, such as Alaska, South Africa, Baja California, and the Norwegian Fjords.

• Example Ships: Discovery Princess, Ovation of the Seas, Queen Mary 2, and Celebrity Solstice.

Are you ready to witness the wonders of the natural world? Contact our expert cruise consultants today to find the perfect wildlife itinerary - whether it's a safari in South Africa or a polar expedition.