6 Cruises where wildlife steals the spotlight
3 Minute Read
Imagine cruising through Botswana's waters as elephants wade nearby, or standing on deck to watch penguins waddle across Antarctic ice. These aren't just trips; they're front row seats to incredible wildlife encounters.
Here are some of the best cruises that put wildlife at the center of your next adventure.
See elephants in Botswana
Taking you through Botswana's Chobe National Park—home to Africa's largest elephant population—the AmaWaterways Africa Safari and Wildlife Cruise combines river travel with guided drives into the park. There are multiple itineraries of varying lengths, ranging from nine to 18 nights, where you can experience the incredible wildlife of Chobe National Park as part of broader journeys through Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
You'll see elephants along the Chobe River in massive herds. The guided safari tour offers a glimpse of some of the other animals, such as lions, leopards, zebras, and hyenas, and you may even catch a glimpse of the world's fastest animal, the cheetah.
Encounter llamas and alpacas in Peru
Between the Panama Canal and Costa Rica's wild shores, this 12-day Windstar Cruises itinerary blends ocean adventure with the chance to explore one of the world's most biodiverse regions, featuring stops in Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu.
In Peru's Sacred Valley, llamas and alpacas roam the streets freely, grazing along terraces, wandering near village roads and sometimes appearing against the backdrop of Inca ruins.
Other wildlife watching opportunities can be experienced through an optional shore excursion, such as spotting monkeys swinging overhead, crocodiles along the riverbanks, or a scarlet macaw flashing through the trees.
See sea lions in the Galápagos
Just imagine sea lions sunbathing on rocky shores or swimming alongside you as you snorkel in the Pacific Ocean. Celebrity Cruises' Inner and Outer Loop seven-day itineraries can help bring that vision to life by making the unique biodiversity of the Galapágos Islands a core center of their cruise.
Each landing brings you closer to the iconic wildlife, including marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and the steady giant tortoises. You may also see other animals, such as seabirds, colourful tropical fish, flamingos, penguins, and sea turtles. But it's the playful sea lions sprawled out in the sun that often steal the show at almost every stop.
Explore the remote islands guided by an expert naturalist who points out the unique behaviours of Galapagos sea lions and other animals that inhabit the area.
Photograph penguins in Antarctica
Penguins are the unofficial hosts of Antartica, waddling along icy shores and diving headfirst into frigid waters. On Holland America Line's cruise, the Oosterdam, the 22-day South America & Antarctica Holiday cruise doesn't land on shore, but spends time cruising among icebergs and glaciers, with wildlife spotted from the deck.
From there, you may see different types of penguins diving in groups, seals sprawled on ice, and whales or albatrosses breaking the surface.
Swim with turtles in the Maldives
Silversea Cruises' Africa and Indian Ocean 16-day cruise from Singapore to Mahe brings you up close with tropical reef fish, sea turtles, and other marine life. In Male, you can join an optional coral reef snorkelling excursion that brings you next to surgeon fish, manta rays, and more.
The cruise also includes guided stops in Sri Lanka's Yala and Udawalawe parks for anyone hoping to see elephants on land, making it a route that balances safari time with life under the sea.
Say hi to koalas and kangaroos in Australia
Spend six nights on the Voyager of the Seas with Royal Caribbean and enjoy glimpses of Australia's iconic wildlife, both on land and sea.
Dive into the marine life of Queensland with their excursions, such as snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and spotting green sea turtles, moray eels, and rays. For a deeper connection with Australia's wildlife, join a guided tour through Cairns and the Kuranda Rainforest Village and visit the butterflies at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.
A guided tour at the end of the trip takes you to the outskirts of Brisbane, where you can spot the iconic Australian koalas tucked into eucalyptus trees at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
Each day presents a new opportunity for close-up animal encounters, all while respecting their natural habitats.
Set sail with CAA
Animals can shape an entire trip, and sometimes steal the show entirely, leaving you with memories far wider than any port or postcard.
CAA Travel Consultants can help shape your next cruise journey, from choosing the perfect route to unlocking Member benefits and discounts. Book an appointment online today.
