Nature & wildlife

Most of the animals above are seen on land. Adventure cruises and expedition voyages plan their days around shore excursions, so a morning might begin with a zodiac landing onto a black-sand beach and end with a guided walk through cactus forest, while the afternoon brings a nesting colony or a rest spot full of sea lions.

This is what separates small-ship travel from a day tour. Your naturalist guides know where animals rest, feed and nest, how close you may stand without disturbing them and which landing sites are open that day, so encounters stay unhurried and close instead of rushed.

For most travellers the wildlife and fauna is the most interesting thing about these exotic places, and the part of the journey they still describe years later. That is why the ships in our fleet are chosen for their excursion programme, guide team and hours ashore, not only for their cabins.

Sightings are never guaranteed, and every landing follows the operator's itinerary, the weather and local protection rules. Tell us which animals you hope to see, then start with the cruise search to compare destinations, seasons and ships where your chances are best.