If you thought expedition cruising was all about polar destinations, think again. The newest ships and itineraries will have you swapping the thermal gear for swimsuits, basking in bright sunshine and slipping into the warm crystal waters in some of the more remote tropics around the world, including wild frontiers without the bone-chilling cold.
Expedition cruising has traditionally been associated with icy polar regions, where travelers brave the elements to witness the beauty of glaciers, penguins, and other wildlife. However, a new trend is emerging in the world of expedition cruising, with a focus on warm-weather destinations that offer a different kind of adventure.
From the rugged wilderness of Australia’s Kimberley region to the lush rainforests of Costa Rica and the pristine waters of Raja Ampat in Indonesia, there are plenty of warm-weather expedition itineraries to choose from. These cruises offer a unique opportunity to explore remote and exotic destinations, while still enjoying the comforts and amenities of a luxury cruise ship.
Here are seven of the best warm-weather expedition itineraries to explore:
1. Seabourn in the Kimberley
The Kimberley is Australia’s hottest destination right now, and Seabourn’s ultra-luxe Seabourn Pursuit is the best way to see it in style. The 10-night Waterfalls and Wandjinas tour from Broome to Darwin winds through a wilderness that is almost the size of California but home to fewer than 40,000 people. Natural wonders abound in this wild frontier etched with rivers, waterfalls, tidal creeks, reefs, and white sand beaches – many only accessible by boat.
On board the 264-passenger Seabourn Pursuit, guests can enjoy a wellness spa, 24-hour room service, and the Bow Lounge, which features interactive navigation maps and front-row seats to saltwater crocodiles and the magnificent red sandstone gorges. Expeditions are equally mind-blowing, as the Zodiac boats thread through the narrow gap of Horizontal Falls or zip out as the tide turns so guests can see Montgomery Reef surface magically from the sea.
2. UnCruise Adventures in Hawaii
UnCruise Adventures’ seven-night Hawaiian Seascapes expedition is one for nature lovers, with opportunities to snorkel with manta rays, swim with sea turtles, float above a coral garden bright with neon fish, or peer into the crater of an active volcano. Hawaiian culture is also in the spotlight, with stops at four islands – Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii (the Big Island) – providing ample time to explore.
On board Safari Explorer are kayaks, paddleboards, and a skiff to explore the dramatic coastline up close. Lounging on the ship’s three decks offers guests a chance to spot cavorting dolphins or humpback whales popping out of the sea to wave a fin hello.
3. Lindblad Expeditions in Baja Mexico
Cruise the Sea of Cortez with Lindblad Expeditions, and you’ll discover the magic of Baja Mexico from a team with over 30 years of experience sailing this dazzling 2,500-mile coastline. Itineraries of six to 15 days dive into this biodiverse landscape, described by Jacques Cousteau as nature’s aquarium. Get up close to sea lions, rays, big fish, and dolphins, with shore landings offering hikes through desert arroyos and islands clamorous with sea lions and seabirds.
Whale watching is one of Baja’s biggest draws, with the sparkling waters filled with the spray and song of humpbacks, orcas, and the rare blue whale. Lindblad goes one step further, with expeditions in local panga boats for up-close encounters with gentle whales and their calves.
4. Silversea Cruises in the Galapagos
The Galapagos is the ultimate in adventure travel, with an archipelago of 19 islands carpeted with an astonishing 9,000 species of flora and fauna. Silversea Cruises’ Silver Origin offers a luxe experience with butler service, Ecuadorian-inspired cuisine, expert guides, and excursions. Off-ship expeditions include hiking ancient lava flows, snorkeling with huge fish, and island hopping through landscapes flush with wildlife.
Drama is everywhere in the Galapagos, with 13 of the 21 volcanoes in the archipelago active. Guests may have the chance to witness a volcano’s billowing peak during their wilderness outings.
5. Aqua Expeditions in Raja Ampat
Spend a week sailing Indonesia’s Raja Ampat with Aqua Expeditions, and you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve found paradise. The archipelago of 1,500 islands offers incredible diving and snorkeling opportunities, with coral reefs alive with marine life. Aqua Blu, a 30-passenger superyacht, offers a no-shoes policy and a range of amenities, including a Jacuzzi, outdoor barbeque, and Balinese spa.
On board are diving and snorkeling gear, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards, allowing guests to explore the pristine archipelago at their own pace. Island visits offer the chance to discover hidden lagoons and beaches and search for the rare crimson bird of paradise.
6. Aurora Expeditions in Costa Rica and the Panama Canal
Aurora Expeditions’ newest cruise explores Costa Rica’s Pacific coastline and Panama’s highlights, including the Pearl Islands and the Indigenous Indian tribes of Embera. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the region’s greenest parks and wildlife reserves, with stops in the small but popular Manuel Antonio National Park.
The highlight of the itinerary is a daylight crossing of the Panama Canal, with expeditions in Gatun Lake providing a warmup for the main event. The 51-mile engineering marvel connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, offering guests a unique perspective on this iconic waterway.
7. Captain Cook Cruises in Fiji
Fiji’s MS Caledonian Sky offers a friendly expedition cruise experience in the Southern Lau archipelago, far from the high-end island resorts of more popular destinations. The seven-night itinerary includes visits to local villages and schools, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and glass-bottomed boat tours. Island visits celebrate Fiji’s vibrant culture with traditional dances and lovo feasts.
For those looking for a longer itinerary, Captain Cook Cruises offers a two-week expedition to trace the migratory path of the Tongan Tribe, providing a rare opportunity to witness humpback whales in their natural habitat.
In conclusion, warm-weather expedition cruising offers a unique and luxurious way to explore remote and exotic destinations around the world. Whether you’re snorkeling with marine life in Raja Ampat, hiking ancient lava flows in the Galapagos, or crossing the Panama Canal in Costa Rica, these itineraries promise unforgettable experiences and breathtaking scenery. So, if you’re looking for a different kind of adventure, consider swapping your thermal gear for swimsuits and embarking on a warm-weather expedition cruise to some of the most beautiful and remote tropical destinations on Earth.