The first thing people often think about when they hear the term "expedition cruising" is trips to the Arctic and Antarctica. And while those feauture prominently in our offering of small-ship cruises, there are plenty of adventure cruises to be had in warmer climes.
Here are ten of the best adventure cruises to warmer climes - expeditions in western Canada, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Australia
Cruise the Aegean Sea in style on a small ship which will take you to the well-known spots like vibrant Mykonos and stunning Santorini, but also into smaller ports. The Cyclades islands have lots of those - gems like Delos, Amorgos, Poliegos and Folegandros. Using a small ship allows us to more in places the larger ships cannot go - like Greece's stunning secluded beaches where you perhaps walk to a taverna or rock hewn monastery. This cruise also includes a day in Turkey's most famous spot, the Roman city of Ephesus.
Endless Roman ruins, romantic Venetian towns and Byzantine churches. Sun-bleached hills descending to cobalt blue seas, which in turn straddle a coast dotted with picturesque isles. Cruising Croatia's Dalmatian Coast between Dubrovnik and Split on a small cruise boat allows you to get to places larger ships cannot go - like the glorious old town of Korčula on the island by the same name. Small sandy beaches, hidden coves, wineries that make world-class white wines, olive groves and sleepy villages await you in Croatia, along with trips inland to the gorgeous waterfalls of Krka National Park and a river trip to Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Coral reefs with amazing snorkelling, mangroves, stunning beaches, fantastic birdlife and giant tortoises - all this and more awaits you on this adventure cruise in the Seychelles.
Discover the incredible red-rock landscapes of Australia's hidden north-west in the Kimberley. Witness the highest single drop at Twin Falls on the King George River, see saltwater crocodiles in their natural habitat, cruise by zodiac through mangroves, gorges, savanna and still waters. See billions of years-old landscapes, discover ancient Aboriginal rock art and listen to stories of the dreamtime from the oldest culture on Earth as you explore the north-west coast of this remote land.
This expedition cruise through the Central American countries of Costa Rica and Panama hits some famous parks like Manuel Antonio National Park as well as some lesser known spots like Darien National Park and Curú Wildlife Refuge. Discover paradise in the San Blas islands and learn about the history of the Panama Canal. Remarkable flora and fauna as well as golden sands, crystal-clear waters and stunning coral islets await you during outings and shore visits in Zodiacs with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
Beautiful gardens, the sacred shrine of Miyajima, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, welcoming people, bustling cities, traditional villages and the lavish homes and castles of the samurai. All this and more awaits you on this expedition cruise to Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun.
Raja Anpat, the fabled spice islands, is a natural and cultural melting pot and a marine biodiversity hotspot. Here you will find 75 per cent of the world’s coral species and over 1,500 species of tropical fish. And while truly a paradise for divers and snorkellers, lovers of history, culture and birding will also have their share as we explore the rainforests of the Arfak Mountains looking for Birds-of-Paradise, discover remnants of WW2 and visit an old Dutch fort in Banda Neira.
Formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, the archipelago of Haida Gwaii lies 130 kilometres off Canada's west coast. The island group is also knows as the 'Galapagos of the North' for its endemic and rare species.
On this adventure by land and by sea you will cruise into Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve at the southern tip of the islands, where you visit ancient village sites and see the remains of long-abandoned big houses and memorial poles. It is here you will listen to the stories of the Haida Guardian Watchmen who will share their culture and heritage with you.
As you cruise along the pristine beaches and remote coves of this rugged coast you get to experience rich intertidal life and old growth temperate rainforest. You may see Stellar Sea Lions, at low tide you may spot black bear feeding along the shore while out in the ocean you may spot humpback whales. Meanwhile there are millions of birds to be seen, including puffins and bald eagle.
Throughout the cruise you will take rides in zodiacs, make frequent shore excursions, go kayaking or fishing and learn from naturalists encountered along the way.
Sail on an expedition cruise into world’s largest intact temperate rainforest on Canada's west coast. This is a world of steep-sided fjords, tranquil coves and inlets, islands and great river estuaries and above all: wildlife. Grizzly bears, Spirit bears, Black bears and wolf packs have thrived here for millennia. Whales, sea lions, bald eagles, and other marine mammals and birds abound, and as we cruise this beautiful coastline, you get to explore by zodiac and kayak and walk in rainforest and wildflower meadows with our on-board naturalist. We will also stop in some of the remote First Nation villages where we will be welcomed and learn about local history and culture.
Ecuador's undisputed highlight is the Galapagos Archipelago, with it's otherworldly volcanic landscapes and stunning array of wildlife. Snorkel with sea lions and penguins, come close to boobies and albatrosses, iguanas and tortoises and watch whales. This is nature in its primordial state, nature as it used to be.
This ten-day cruise package will give you 7 nights in the Galapagos Islands, the ideal length for anyone wishing to get a good idea of the variety of wildlife and natural history.