The Best Cruise Destinations in the World for Wildlife Lovers

Cruising is the best way to travel for those who love being immersed in nature. Whether you’ve always wanted to see animals in their natural habitat or are craving a holiday experience like no other, there are so many itineraries available that take you to the world’s best cruise destinations for wildlife.

We know that these trips can be once-in-a-lifetime, and choosing from the best cruises to see wildlife is a considered decision. Our Cruise Experts have first-hand experience with these premium voyages, so in this guide, we’ll use that expertise to highlight the top destinations for wildlife experiences and signpost where cruises from the UK can be booked.

1. Alaska’s Inside Passage

Alaska is without doubt one of the most picturesque and scenic destinations in the world, and it’s no surprise that sensational wildlife can be observed throughout its rich wilderness. With itineraries stopping in Juneau, Icy Strait Point and Glacier Bay National Park, there are plenty of opportunities to spot the brown bears, bald eagles and orcas that call this U.S. state home. In fact, Alaska is home to some of the best places to watch whales across Juneau and Sitka.

Best Time to Visit: Alaskan wildlife is most active between May and September, with July as the peak for both whale activity and sunshine.

Cruise Expert Tip: If you’re looking to get really up-close and personal with nature, luxury lines like Ritz-Carlton feature smaller ships that can access closer, quieter Alaskan anchorages than larger ships.

2. The Norwegian Fjords & Arctic Circle

Sailing along the Norwegian Fjords is a bucket-list experience for many people, but for those keeping their eyes peeled for exotic wildlife, this destination gets even better. Orcas and humpback whales arrive in Tromsø during the winter months, while white-tailed eagles and polar bears can be spotted in the northern territories of the North Cape and Svalbard. 

Best Time to Visit: Orcas following the herring are most likely to be seen between October and January, while the long daylight hours of summer increase the chances of spotting eagles and land mammals like moose and reindeer.

Cruise Expert Tip: UK cruisers can enjoy sailings to the Norwegian Fjords from ports like Newcastle, Southampton and Liverpool, making it the ultimate destination for a wildlife cruise from the UK.

To learn more about what makes this destination special, have a read of our blog on Why a Norway Cruise is the Trip of a Lifetime.

3. The Canary Islands

There’s so much more to the Canary Islands than beach days and cold drinks under the sun (although both of these things are pretty lovely). This destination is also home to one of the few year-round whale populations in Europe in the strait between Tenerife and La Gomera. You can spot many special species in these waters, including short-finned pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and loggerhead turtles.

Best Time to Visit: One of the Canary Islands’ biggest selling points is its year-round wildlife activities. Book the season that suits you and enjoy the same incredible experience.

Cruise Expert Tip: With plenty of UK sailings, the Canary Islands are a premium wildlife destination that the whole family can enjoy.

4. The Caribbean

Across its network of beautiful islands, the Caribbean is home to wildlife as rich and diverse as its cultures. Humpback whales migrate through the Dominican Republic’s waters every winter, and dolphins, sea turtles and tropical birdlife can be seen from the comfort of many Caribbean shores. 

Best Time to Visit: The humpback migration happens every year between January and March. For general wildlife experiences, we recommend checking out our guide: When is the Best Time to Cruise the Caribbean?

Cruise Expert Tip: If you’ve only cruised around the British Isles or Europe so far, the Caribbean can feel like a step up in experience. If you have any questions about fly cruises, long-haul voyages or how the experience might differ from the cruises you’ve enjoyed before, our Cruise Experts are happy to provide the answers.

5. Antarctica & the Arctic

The polar regions are some of the most extreme in the world, but with the comfort and around-the-clock service of a cruise, they become some of the most incredible places to explore. We all know that Antarctica is home to penguins, but across both poles you can discover seals, humpbacks and minke whales in the icy waters.

Best Time to Visit: The Southern Hemisphere’s summer provides the best conditions for sailing and enjoying the Antarctic landscapes (November to March), and the opposite is true for the Arctic (April to September).

Cruise Expert Tip: If you’re looking to make your polar cruise extra special, premium lines such as Cunard, Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises are experts at elevating wildlife cruises into milestone voyages you’ll never forget.

How to Choose a Responsible Wildlife Cruise

When our Cruise Experts weigh the best cruise destination to recommend, they consider many factors, including the responsibility of the voyage. Here are some of the biggest factors to consider when choosing an itinerary that’s fun and safe for the planet:

• Look out for clear wildlife-watching codes of conduct from the cruise line, as this indicates its consideration for leaving nature undisturbed
• Check if itineraries are accompanied by an onboard naturalist or marine biologist who can guide responsible excursions
• Avoid guarantees that promise wildlife sightings (all cruise lines we work with clarify that seeing animals in the wild is never a certainty)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best Time of Year to See Whales on a Cruise?

This will depend on the destination you choose. Summer is the prime window for Alaska and Norway, while February to March is best for Antarctica.

Can You Take a Wildlife-Focused Cruise from the UK Without Flying?

Yes, there are plenty of wildlife itineraries available from the UK. You can choose from a number of top cruise lines, including Fred. Olsen Cruises and Ambassador Cruise Line. 

Are Wildlife Cruises Ethical?

Wildlife cruises can certainly be ethical as long as the operators keep a safe and respectful distance from animals. The cruise lines we recommend consistently demonstrate sensitive, considerate behaviour towards nature, and they often have onboard experts to ensure excursions are ethical.

Discover Your Perfect Cruise Getaway with Bolsover Cruise Club

Get ready to book your next wildlife cruise with one of the incredible cruise lines available here at Bolsover Cruise Club. If you need help booking a cruise, please do not hesitate to contact us. A member of our team will be happy to assist you.