Best destinations for wildlife spotting
Wildlife tours offer travellers the unique opportunity to pause from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and embrace the outdoors to observe sometimes rare and unique species in their natural habitats. From the lush rainforests of Costa Rica and the plains of Africa, to the lesser-known and spotted species that can be found around our British shores, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Guided tours led by knowledgeable experts provide valuable insights and awareness into local conservation efforts to preserve these environments. Take a look at our wildlife tours collection, or read on to learn more about the best destinations for wildlife spotting and the kinds of creatures you could expect to see.
The coldest place on earth, the 'White Continent' as it is known, is a wildlife lover's paradise. Despite its vast frozen, barren landscapes, wildlife absolutely thrives here. Species including emperor penguins, leopard seals, orcas, albatross and blue whales call Antarctica their home, and during the summer months, arrive in their droves - making it unlike anything you'll have ever seen before. A cruise is a fantastic way of getting up close and personal with Antarctica's wildlife, and offer a unique wildlife experience - you could be within several feet of penguins, or even feel the spray from a whale's blow horn. There are six breeds of seal that can only be found in this frozen wilderness, including the Antarctic fur seal and weddell seal. Similarly, seven breeds of penguin are native to Antarctica, including the macaroni penguin, known for its distinctive yellow crest on its forehead.
Visit: on our expedition cruise, discover the pristine ice-capped landscapes and wonderful wildlife of Antarctica and tick this once-in-a-lifetime experience off your bucket list.
With its diverse landscapes that range from the Rocky Mountains and thick forest to vast grasslands and barren tundra, Canada's wildlife is equally as varied and the possibilities are endless when it comes to seeing species in their natural habitats. Its national parks and nature reserves can bring you closer to wildlife spotting opportunities - for example, witnessing grizzly bears, moose and caribou in Banff National Park. Along Hudson Bay, keep your eyes peeled for polar bears, as well as Arctic foxes and hares; take a boat trip to witness humpback whales and orcas in British Colombia; or seek Atlantic puffins alongside a multitude of birdlife in Quebec.
Visit: on our Rocky Mountaineer and Alaska cruise itinerary, you'll have plenty of opportunity to spot wildlife in both the Canadian Rockies and Alaska's inside passage. Or, follow Canada's Maple Leaf Trail from Niagara to Montreal on a wonderful ten-day adventure.
Due to their mild climate and geographical position, between the UK and mainland Europe, the Channel Islands are blessed with a real diversity of wild habitats and native species. The islands are home to designated nature reserves which help to preserve and sustain such wildlife. Each island has their own unique and rare species, for example the Guernsey vole is only native to the Orkneys and the island itself; while Jersey is the only place in Britain where the agile frog can be found, and Alderney is well known for its blonde hedgehog. Wildlife enthusiasts are drawn in by the large bird species, particularly sea birds and birds of prey. The waters surrounding the islands support various species of dolphin and further marine life like the ormer, a type of mollusc that can only be found around the Channel Islands. You can also expect to spot seals and porpoises.
One of the most popular destinations for nature and wildlife tours is the Galápagos Islands, an archipelago that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Visitors can explore its extraordinary landscapes, encounter unique species such as the giant tortoise and partake in water activities such as snorkelling and kayaking. Have the chance to get up close to unique wildlife like iguanas, sea turtles, pelicans, finches, flamingos, sea lions, penguins, reef sharks, and rays. Native species include the iconic blue-footed booby and a type of mockingbird only found on the island of Española. Make sure that you visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, whose work on the theory of natural selection was inspired by the unique species of the Galápagos Islands. There are also 17 species of Darwin's finches, endemic to the Galápagos islands and named after Charles Darwin.
Visit: on our highlights of Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands tour, you'll have ample time to spot the wildlife we've highlighted and visit the Charles Darwin Research Centre.
Due to its biodiversity and wide range of ecosystems, India is home to a variety of wildlife - including some iconic and unique species. In its many national parks, you're likely to spot lions and tigers, including the Bengal tiger and Asiatic lion. High in the Himalayas, amongst the snow-capped peaks, snow leopards are the main attraction. While in the foothills, clouded leopards may be spotted, where the grasslands are dense. On the banks of the Brahmaputra River, you'll find nearly two-thirds of the world's population of greater one-horned rhinoceros - once classed as almost instinct. India is also a bird watchers' paradise, with innumerable species to be spotted. Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan is a vast bird sanctuary and a major wetland for migratory birds.
Visit: Venture into the Ranthambore National Park and hunt for tigers on an 18-day tour; explore India's Golden Triangle and sail the sacred Ganges; or immerse yourself in the culture and heritage of India's southern states.
You don't need to travel far to appreciate nature - the Isles of Scilly are home to many unique species, thank to their beautiful landscapes. The Scillies have been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) for 50 years and as result, wildlife and habitats flourish here. Despite lying less than 30 miles southwest from the Cornish coast, you can expect to see rare species that are native to the Scilly Isles and cannot be found anywhere else in the UK - such as the Scilly shrew (and lesser white-toothed shrew) and the Scilly bee, recognisable due to its unusual brown or orange-brown body. You can also expect to see more common wildlife, such as puffins and Atlantic grey seals, or whales and dolphins may be spotted as you take the Scillonian III ferry from the mainland.
Visit: on our Isles of Scilly Wildlife & Gardens tour, take a wildlife cruise and hear from Julian Branscombe, Chief Executive of the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust.
The breathtaking fjords of Norway offer opportunities for wildlife watching, where travellers can spot majestic whales and the elusive Arctic fox amidst stunning natural scenery characterised by towering cliffs and serene waters. A cruise of Norway's fjords is the perfect way to take in the beautiful coastline, with ample opportunity to spot wildlife in the waters - from beluga whales to harbour seals. Avid bird watchers will relish the bird species that can be spotted along the rugged coastline, including frigates, pelicans and gannets. However, among the more popular are Atlantic puffins. Also popular are reindeer, and it's believed there are over 30,000 wild reindeer that call Norway their home. Reindeer are a huge part of Norwegian heritage and Sami culture and many of them can be found in the north.
Visit: our cruises to Norway offer a chance to spot fascinating wildlife, while also going in search of the elusive Northern Lights. You could even cruise with a Chief Aurora Chaser.
Much like Canada, South Africa's diverse landscapes means it's renowned for its rich wildlife. With national parks and reserves that help to protect wildlife habitats, there's plenty of opportunity for wildlife spotting. There's no better way to explore South Africa's famous species, including the chance to spot the 'Big Five' than on a safari tour. While the 'Big Five' (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) are the focal point of a game drive, there is plenty more to see in the 'Rainbow Nation', including coastal and marine life, as well as unique species like the riverine rabbit, the critically endangered black rhino and of course, South Africa's national animal, the springbok.
Visit: on our South Africa and Mauritius tour, enjoy several game drives while also relaxing on idyllic beaches.
