Expedition cruises are exciting because they explore some of the most remote and beautiful parts of the planet. You’ve probably heard about voyages that visit Antarctica or the Artic; if you like that kind of exploration but in warmer conditions, there are wonderful expedition cruise destinations in temperate zones, too.
An
expedition river cruise is a terrific way to see the amazing Amazon River Basin,
which spreads across a wide swath of northern South America. The rainforest
canopy shelters a fantastic array of wildlife, from jaguars and macaws to pink
dolphins and piranhas. Itineraries often include visits to small villages,
biological reserves, and islands brimming with indigenous plants and animals.
Some journeys can be combined with a pre- or post-cruise land tour to places
like Machu Picchu, Peru’s 15th-century Inca citadel.
Another
balmy destination for expedition cruising is the Galapagos Islands, about 600 miles
off the Pacific coast of Ecuador. Some of the animals there are found nowhere
else on earth – lava lizards, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and more.
With no large predators on the islands, the animals have little fear of
visitors or cameras. Over time, the animals have adapted to each island’s unique
conditions; that’s why the shells of giant tortoises are shaped differently on
different islands, and finches have different beaks.
In Central
America, Costa Rica and Panama offer gorgeous backdrops for adventure cruises,
which sometimes include a transit of the Panama Canal. These small countries
are rich in biodiversity, with national parks and reserves teeming with hundreds of species of plants and animals, including monkeys, sloths, and macaws. There are
also beautiful beaches, jungle-covered mountains, and both humid and dry tropical
forests. The Pacific coast offers water sports like snorkeling, kayaking, and
surfing.
The South
Pacific – usually defined as Australia and New Zealand plus the islands that
dot Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia – is another place for warm-weather
expedition cruising. This is a vast region with a choice of itineraries, but you’re
likely to encounter stunning beaches, waterfalls, and archaeological relics (think
cave drawings and ruined temples made of coral). Some itineraries also offer opportunities
to learn about local traditions and to try some new water sports.
Expedition
cruises often have expert naturalists, photographers, and/or historians on
board to share their love and knowledge of the destination with you. For expert
advice on which warm-weather expedition cruise destination is for you, talk
with Anita, your professional travel advisor.
