5 Wildlife Tours in the World to Build a Day Around

1.Island Hopper Day Cruise – sailing to wildlife sanctuary island – 6 hr cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 301 reviews · from $139Our pick

Spend six hours sailing the Bay of Islands with Barefoot Sailing Adventures. Luke and crew take you among the islands, then stop for two hours at a wildlife sanctuary for snorkeling, paddleboarding, swimming, lunch, and bush walks. Groups are limited to 20 people.

“Our ship was diverted because of an incoming weather system, and the Bay of Islands stop was cancelled. We had no way to reach the meeting point for this excursion. The operator chose not to refund the booking even though the port wRead more”

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2.Catamaran Sail, Wildlife Island & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 173 reviews · 6 hours · from $134

Join Luke and the Barefoot Sailing Adventures crew for a six-hour catamaran trip from Paihia. Sail among 144 islands, help at the tiller, then spend two hours on a wildlife sanctuary island with lunch, snorkeling, paddleboarding, swimming, and short bush trails.

“Luke and Mike were super friendly and knowledgeable about the area. Definitely recommend taking the tour!”

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3.Shark and Wildlife Viewing Catamaran Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 150 reviews · 2 hours · from $99

Join Captains Ken, Clay, and Dave Harris aboard the shaded 34-foot Tiger Cat for two hours among Key West’s backcountry wildlife. A special scent brings sharks close for safe viewing, while turtles, stingrays, dolphins, and birds may appear along the way.

“It was really interesting! All Perfect! We saw a Lots of Dolphins and found many seashells.”

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4.Sailing and Wildlife Tour Akaroa Fox II Sailing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 76 reviews · from $89

Spend about 2 hours 45 minutes sailing Akaroa Harbour aboard the Fox II, a wooden ketch built in 1880. Captain Roy and his crew share local history and wildlife facts while you look for Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, little blue penguins, and albatross. The tour carries up to 30 people.

“The dolphins.... Fun and beautiful. Getting out of the harbour, turning off the engine and sailing, with the dolphins. Lovely music. Very informative. Unbelievable value. Could not have asked for a better experience.”

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5.Catamaran Cruises with Wildlife Views

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 32 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $48Best value

Set out on Miss Naples, a 48-foot catamaran carrying up to 48 people, with a narrated afternoon, beach shelling, or sunset cruise. You will see Naples Bay, Port Royal homes, Gulf wildlife, and possibly dolphins, manatees, turtles, eagles, and the rare green flash.

“Captain and first mate were awesome! The only improvement might be a better selection of snacks. Overall, a great experience. Thanks!”

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