3 Wildlife Cruises to Explore Nature

1. • Many people take wildlife cruises to observe the world's vast species of animals in their natural environments. Wildlife cruises generally consist of small groups of people aboard yachts and charters that are small enough to maneuver into waters where large cruise ships can't go. Wildlife cruises are offered in both salt and freshwater, along narrow ocean passageways and through rainforests.

   All Aboard Yacht Charters: Alaska Wildlife Cruises

   • Alaska Charters Wildlife Cruises feature three main voyages: from Seattle, Washington to Ketchikan; from Ketchikan to Juneau; and a cruise that travels the Juneau area. The cruises offer tourists the chance to see whales, bears and glaciers. Fishing, kayaking and hiking are also some day excursions offered on the tours. The cruises take places on small yachts, which are able to meander through narrow passages between glaciers.

     All Aboard Yacht Charters

     P.O. Box 436

     Union, WA 98592

     800-767-1024

     alaskacharters.com

   Solar Whisper Australia Wildlife Cruises

   • Tourists can get close to nature onboard an electric powerboat, the Solar Whisper. The silent motor allows the boat to get close to animals such as crocodiles, snakes, birds and frogs in the Daintree Rainforest without scaring them away. All tours are accompanied by a guide who gives an interpretative narration of the cruise highlights. A digital video camera is linked to monitors on the ship so that guests can see hard-to-view wildlife. The monitors also offer an instant replay feature for anything that might have been missed. There are two different cruise options available: one is hourlong and other runs close to 1 1/2 hours. Child discounts are available.

     Solar Whisper Electric Wildlife Cruise

     61-7-4098-7131

     solarwhisper.com

   Amazon River Cruise

   • The Heart of the Amazon, from REI Adventures, is a seven-day excursion that takes guests into remote areas along the Amazon River. Guests are taken for their Amazonian voyage aboard the 18-person Tucano, where they sleep in air-conditioned cozy cabins at night and are guided during the day by naturalists. Pink river dolphins, exotic birds, striking toucans and a night walk to view nocturnal wildlife are all part of the experience that guests can expect on this trip.

     REI Adventures

     PO Box 1938

     Sumner WA 98390

     800-622-2236

     rei.com