Expedition cruising is a worldwide phenomenon. For some, the word “expedition” conjures images of vast expanses of windswept ice, but what if we told you that some of the most incredible adventures awaiting you could enjoy in swim trunks and t-shirts? Follow us on a journey through the top tropical expedition destinations.
Galapagos Islands
Welcome to expedition cruising’s gateway drug. A little taste of the bizarre flora and fauna or the craggy island topography will have you wondering what other wonders await. Walk in the footsteps of Charles Darwin as you hunt for flightless cormorants, frigate birds, aquatic iguanas, and of course, the giant tortoise.
The Galapagos Islands are a cauldron of life and rife for exploration. Leading brands like Silversea, Aqua Expeditions, Celebrity Cruises, Hurtigruten, and National Geographic all offer excellent itineraries, giving you every kind of experience from high luxury to multi-generational travelers; the Galapagos Islands will not disappoint.
Komodo National Park
In the heart of the Flores Sea, one of the finest diving destinations in the world lies an island out of place in time. Patrolling this island’s grassy hills and lowlands is the giant Komodo Dragon.
One of the most protected environments globally, Komodo Island has recently begun allowing cruise passengers to visit. This remote Indonesian island (technically three islands) is part of a massive marine sanctuary and gives visitors access to one of the world’s only pink sand beaches. A cruise to Komodo is a Luxury product best experienced with brands like Ponant, Scenic, Aqua Expeditions, or Seabourn.
Raja Ampat
This marine sanctuary is said to be home to the best diving and snorkeling on Earth. The surrounding reefs beneath the emerald waters of these Indonesian Islands are home to vast biodiversity. Of over 1,000 species of fish, 500 species of coral, and 700 species of mollusk.
As if that wasn’t magical enough. Raja Ampat is home to a lake full of jellyfish that don’t sting. Snorkel through a truly alien environment in the middle of a lush paradise. These are the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that await.
Madagascar
Speaking of otherworldly, Madagascar is the world’s second-largest island nation. Off the east coast of Africa lies the land of the lemur. Madagascar’s dominant primate, has been evolving here since the island separated from the mainland, safe from lions and other large predators. As a result, guests visiting will be exposed to many different species.
The flora is just as strange, with ancient baobab trees, coastal rain forests, spiny Madagascar periwinkle, and more bizarre plant species that developed in the same evolutionary petri dish.
Madagascar was a major trading post for the nations of Eastern Africa, making it the first destination on our list that visits urban centers. Enjoy tours of bustling markets, museums, and even some pirate history.
The Kimberley
On Australia’s wild Northwestern Coast is the region known as the Kimberley. This vast and sparsely populated region is home to massive limestone cliffs, rugged terrain, marshy wetlands, and saltwater crocodiles. Guests visiting the Kimberely will see carvings made by the aboriginal peoples of Australia and visit the Twelve Apostles, a towering granite formation rising from the sea.
The options for expeditions are expanding rapidly. As the fastest-growing cruising segment, it can be hard to sort through all of your options. Leading brands like Seabourn, Silversea, Ponant, Aqua Expeditions, Hurtigruten, Quark, and more offer a wide variety of experiences and specialize in certain regions. The sage wisdom of Luxury Cruise Connections’ destination specialists is an excellent asset when planning to visit the world’s most remote destinations.
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