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For many travellers, seeing wildlife in its natural environment is one of the most rewarding reasons to take an expedition cruise.
A PONANT wildlife cruise takes you beyond conventional sightseeing and into some of the world's most remarkable natural environments. Depending on your destination and itinerary, you could watch penguins along an Antarctic shoreline, search for polar bears in the Arctic, observe whales in remote waters, or encounter crocodiles and abundant birdlife in Australia's Kimberley.
The experience is about more than simply spotting an animal.
It is about being there when wildlife is behaving naturally, surrounded by the landscapes and ecosystems that make each encounter meaningful.
So, which PONANT wildlife cruise should you choose?
The answer depends on the wildlife you most want to see, the destination that interests you, the season you can travel, and the type of expedition experience you want.
This guide will help you compare PONANT wildlife cruises and choose the experience that best matches your interests.
At a Glance
| Factor | Wildlife Cruise Guide |
|---|---|
| Best For | Travellers who want to observe wildlife in natural environments |
| Top Wildlife Destinations | Antarctica, Arctic, Kimberley, Alaska, South Pacific and Subantarctic Islands |
| Wildlife Highlights | Penguins, whales, polar bears, seals, crocodiles, seabirds and native wildlife |
| Best Cruise Style | Expedition cruising |
| Typical Activities | Zodiac excursions, shore landings, wildlife observation, photography, walks and expert-led presentations |
| Best For Photography | Antarctica, Arctic, Alaska, Kimberley and Subantarctic Islands |
| Important Consideration | Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed and depend on season, weather, location and animal behaviour |
| Key Decision | Choose the wildlife you most want to see, then match the destination, season, itinerary and ship |
There is something fundamentally different about seeing an animal in its natural environment.
A wildlife-focused expedition does not take you to a zoo or wildlife park. Instead, you travel into the environment where animals feed, breed, migrate, rest and survive.
That could mean watching penguins move between a colony and the sea in Antarctica, observing a polar bear moving across Arctic sea ice, searching for whales from a Zodiac, or quietly exploring a Kimberley river where saltwater crocodiles and sea eagles live.
The wildlife is not performing for visitors.
You are entering its world.
This is one of the reasons expedition cruising can be such a powerful way to experience nature. PONANT's expedition voyages are accompanied by specialist guides and naturalists, with experiences that can include Zodiac outings, walks, hikes, lectures and wildlife observation.
A wildlife encounter becomes even more memorable when you understand the environment around it.
Seeing a penguin colony against a backdrop of Antarctic mountains and ice is very different from seeing a whale in the Southern Ocean.
Watching a polar bear in the Arctic connects the animal to the sea ice and tundra environment that supports it.
In the Kimberley, a crocodile sighting becomes part of a much bigger wilderness experience involving rivers, mangroves, waterfalls, sandstone cliffs and Aboriginal heritage.
This means you should not choose a wildlife cruise based solely on a single animal.
Think about the entire ecosystem you want to experience.
The easiest way to narrow down your options is to begin with the animals you most want to encounter.
If penguins are at the top of your list, Antarctica is an obvious choice.
If your dream is to see a polar bear in the wild, you should look towards Arctic destinations such as Svalbard and Greenland.
If whales, bears and eagles appeal to you, Alaska may be the better match.
If you want a distinctly Australian wildlife experience featuring saltwater crocodiles, marine life and abundant birdlife, consider the Kimberley.
And if you are fascinated by rare seabirds and isolated ecosystems, the Subantarctic Islands can provide a particularly compelling expedition experience.
| Destination | Wildlife Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Antarctica | Penguins, whales, seals and seabirds | Penguin lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and photographers |
| Arctic | Polar bears, walruses, seals, whales and seabirds | Polar bear enthusiasts and Arctic explorers |
| Kimberley | Saltwater crocodiles, turtles, dolphins, whales and birdlife | Australian wildlife and wilderness lovers |
| Alaska | Whales, orcas, bears, seals, sea lions and eagles | Marine wildlife and bear enthusiasts |
| Greenland | Whales, seals, seabirds and Arctic wildlife | Wildlife combined with dramatic ice and fjords |
| Svalbard | Polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, reindeer and seabirds | Dedicated Arctic wildlife enthusiasts |
| Subantarctic Islands | Rare seabirds, penguins, seals and marine wildlife | Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts |
| South Pacific | Marine life, seabirds and tropical wildlife | Travellers seeking warmer-water wildlife experiences |
For many travellers, Antarctica represents the ultimate wildlife expedition.
The Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding islands are home to large penguin colonies, seals and an extraordinary variety of seabirds. The surrounding Southern Ocean also provides opportunities to encounter whales and other marine life.
The scale of the landscape makes the experience even more spectacular.
You might approach a penguin colony by Zodiac, watch seals resting on the ice, or cruise past enormous icebergs while whales surface nearby.
Depending on the itinerary and conditions, species you may encounter can include:
- Gentoo penguins
- Chinstrap penguins
- Adélie penguins
- Leopard seals
- Weddell seals
- Antarctic fur seals
- Humpback whales
- Minke whales
- Orcas
- Albatrosses and other seabirds
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but Antarctic expedition itineraries are designed around opportunities to experience the region's extraordinary natural environment.
Choose Antarctica if you dream of:
✅ Watching penguins in their natural environment
✅ Photographing enormous icebergs
✅ Seeing whales in Antarctic waters
✅ Exploring remote islands and shorelines
✅ Experiencing a pristine polar wilderness
The Arctic offers a completely different wildlife experience.
For many travellers, the ultimate attraction is the opportunity to see polar bears in their natural environment.
Depending on the region and itinerary, Arctic expeditions can also provide opportunities to encounter walruses, seals, whales, Arctic foxes, reindeer and enormous numbers of seabirds.
Destinations such as Svalbard and Greenland combine wildlife with spectacular glaciers, fjords, islands, tundra and sea ice.
Choose the Arctic if you dream of:
❖ Seeing polar bears in the wild
❖ Watching walruses and seals
❖ Exploring Svalbard
❖ Photographing Arctic landscapes
❖ Combining wildlife with cultural experiences
❖ Exploring remote northern environments
The Kimberley offers a very different wildlife experience from the polar regions.
Instead of icebergs and snow, you encounter a rugged tropical wilderness of red sandstone cliffs, rivers, mangroves, waterfalls and enormous tidal movements.
Wildlife can include:
- Saltwater crocodiles
- Sea turtles
- Dolphins
- Dugongs
- Whales
- Sea eagles
- Wading birds
- Shorebirds
- Other native Australian wildlife
The Kimberley is particularly rewarding for travellers who want wildlife combined with Aboriginal culture, dramatic scenery and active Zodiac exploration.
Choose the Kimberley if you want:
❖ Australian wildlife
❖ Saltwater crocodiles
❖ Marine life
❖ Birdwatching
❖ Tropical wilderness
❖ Aboriginal culture
❖ Zodiac exploration
Alaska combines spectacular scenery with remarkable wildlife.
Its fjords, forests, glaciers and rugged coastline provide habitat for an impressive variety of marine and terrestrial species.
Depending on your itinerary and location, you may encounter:
- Humpback whales
- Orcas
- Sea lions
- Seals
- Bald eagles
- Bears
- Sea otters
- Other coastal and forest wildlife
Alaska can be particularly appealing if you want to combine wildlife viewing with glaciers, forests, fjords and the cultural heritage of Alaska Native communities.
Choose Alaska if you want:
❖ Whales and orcas
❖ Bears
❖ Bald eagles
❖ Glaciers and fjords
❖ Forest and coastal landscapes
❖ Wildlife combined with cultural discovery
For dedicated nature lovers and birdwatchers, the Subantarctic Islands offer a particularly special experience.
These remote islands are important breeding grounds for seabirds and other wildlife and are renowned for their isolation and relatively untouched ecosystems.
PONANT's New Zealand Subantarctic Islands expedition, for example, combines the Fiordland region with remote islands and opportunities to encounter rare bird species and wildlife.
This type of voyage is ideal for travellers who are interested in nature beyond the more familiar polar highlights.
Choose a Subantarctic expedition if you want:
❖ Rare seabirds
❖ Penguins
❖ Seals and marine wildlife
❖ Remote island ecosystems
❖ Birdwatching
❖ A less conventional expedition destination
| Wildlife | Antarctica | Arctic | Kimberley | Alaska |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penguins | ★★★★★ | Not native | ★ | ★ |
| Polar Bears | Not found | ★★★★★ | Not found | Possible in some regions |
| Whales | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Seals | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Crocodiles | Not found | Not found | ★★★★★ | Not a primary highlight |
| Seabirds | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Bears | Not a primary highlight | ★★★★★ | Not a primary highlight | ★★★★★ |
| Marine Life | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Best For | Penguins and Antarctic wildlife | Polar bears and Arctic wildlife | Australian wildlife | Marine wildlife and bears |
Important: Wildlife ratings are intended as a general comparison, not a guarantee of sightings. Actual encounters depend on destination, season, weather, sea conditions, animal behaviour and the specific itinerary.
A wildlife cruise is not about spending every day looking through a window from the ship.
Expedition activities can bring you much closer to the environment.
Depending on the destination and itinerary, your experience may include:
❖ Zodiac excursions
❖ Shore landings
❖ Wildlife observation
❖ Guided walks
❖ Hiking
❖ Photography
❖ Expert presentations
❖ Scenic cruising
❖ Kayaking on selected voyages
PONANT's expedition teams can include naturalists and destination specialists who provide insights into wildlife, landscapes and local environments.
Zodiac excursions are one of the defining features of expedition cruising.
These smaller boats allow expedition teams to explore coastlines, bays, rivers and islands that may not be accessible to the main ship.
They can also provide a different perspective for wildlife observation.
You might travel quietly alongside an iceberg, explore a remote Antarctic shoreline, search for wildlife along a Kimberley river or navigate Arctic waters looking for marine mammals.
The objective is not to chase animals.
Responsible wildlife observation means maintaining appropriate distances and following local regulations and expedition guidelines.
Seeing an animal is exciting.
Understanding what you are seeing makes the experience even more rewarding.
PONANT's expedition teams can include naturalists and specialists such as ornithologists, marine mammal experts, glaciologists and ethnologists.
They can help explain:
- Animal behaviour
- Migration patterns
- Breeding colonies
- Feeding habits
- Local ecosystems
- Conservation challenges
- The relationship between wildlife and climate
- The cultural significance of the environment
This educational element is an important part of the wildlife expedition experience.
Wildlife cruises are naturally appealing to photographers.
You may have opportunities to photograph animals, landscapes and interactions that would be difficult to experience on a conventional holiday.
Antarctica offers icebergs, penguins and whales.
The Arctic offers polar bears, walruses, glaciers and tundra.
The Kimberley provides crocodiles, birds, waterfalls and dramatic red-rock landscapes.
Alaska combines whales, bears, eagles, glaciers and forests.
If photography is important to you, consider:
❖ The time of year
❖ Daylight hours
❖ Wildlife activity
❖ Shore excursion opportunities
❖ Zodiac access
❖ The size and style of the ship
❖ Whether photography specialists or guest lecturers are included
There is no single "best" month for every wildlife cruise.
The ideal time depends on the destination and the animals you want to encounter.
For polar regions, the cruise season is determined by ice conditions and seasonal access.
In Antarctica, the expedition season generally runs during the Southern Hemisphere summer.
In the Arctic, cruises generally operate during the Northern Hemisphere's warmer months.
In the Kimberley, the cruise season coincides with the region's more favourable dry-season conditions.
The important point is that wildlife behaviour also changes throughout the season.
For example, breeding, nesting, feeding and migration patterns can influence the wildlife activity you may encounter.
Always check the specific itinerary and departure date when planning a wildlife-focused journey.
WILDLIFE CRUISE SEASONS AT A GLANCE
| Destination | General Cruise Season | Wildlife Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Antarctica | Generally October–March | Penguin colonies, whales, seals and seabirds; conditions vary throughout the season |
| Arctic | Generally May–September | Polar bears, walruses, seals, whales and seabirds; sea ice influences access |
| Kimberley | Generally April–September | Crocodiles, marine life and birdlife; dry-season conditions are generally favourable |
| Alaska | Generally May–September | Whales, bears, eagles and marine wildlife |
| Subantarctic Islands | Seasonal, itinerary dependent | Breeding seabirds, penguins and other wildlife vary by island and season |
Important: Cruise seasons and wildlife activity vary by destination and specific departure. Always check the individual PONANT itinerary before booking.
Many travellers assume that an expedition cruise requires a high level of physical fitness.
That is not necessarily the case.
The level of activity varies significantly between itineraries.
Some days may involve a Zodiac excursion or shore landing followed by walking or hiking.
Other days may focus on scenic cruising, wildlife observation and presentations aboard the ship.
Before booking, check the specific itinerary's activity requirements and consider your comfort with:
- Zodiac boarding
- Walking on uneven terrain
- Shore landings
- Changing weather conditions
- Outdoor excursions
- Cold-weather environments on polar voyages
If you have questions about the physical requirements of a particular PONANT voyage, speak with a cruise specialist before booking.
Choosing a wildlife cruise involves more than asking, "Where can I see animals?"
Consider the entire expedition experience.
1. What wildlife do you want to see?
Start with your bucket-list animal.
2. Where does that animal live?
This will narrow down your destination options.
3. When is the best time to go?
Consider seasonal wildlife behaviour as well as general cruise availability.
4. How important is photography?
If photography is a priority, look at excursion opportunities, scenery and wildlife activity.
5. How active do you want to be?
Check the itinerary's walking, Zodiac and shore excursion requirements.
6. What type of ship suits the experience?
A ship's expedition capability can be particularly important for remote wildlife destinations.
7. How important is comfort?
PONANT combines expedition experiences with luxury accommodation, dining and onboard facilities, allowing you to explore during the day and return to a comfortable ship afterwards.
| If You Want To... | Consider... |
|---|---|
| See penguins | Antarctica |
| Search for polar bears | Arctic, particularly Svalbard and Greenland |
| Watch whales | Antarctica, Alaska, Arctic and selected other destinations |
| See saltwater crocodiles | Kimberley |
| Photograph icebergs and penguins | Antarctica |
| Photograph polar bears and Arctic landscapes | Arctic |
| See bears and whales | Alaska |
| Combine wildlife with Aboriginal culture | Kimberley |
| See rare seabirds | Subantarctic Islands |
| Combine wildlife with luxury | PONANT Expedition Cruises |
| Combine wildlife with photography | PONANT Wildlife or Photography-focused itineraries |
| Explore remote wilderness | PONANT Expedition Cruises |
Wildlife tourism comes with an important responsibility.
The goal of an expedition is not simply to get as close to animals as possible.
It is to observe wildlife respectfully while minimising disturbance.
Expedition teams operate according to destination regulations and established wildlife-viewing practices. Conditions, landing locations and activities can also be adjusted when necessary.
For travellers, this means following the guidance of the expedition team, maintaining appropriate distances and respecting wildlife and protected environments.
The best wildlife encounter is one where the animals remain completely wild and undisturbed.
💡 BlueSun Insight
Choose the Animal, Then the Adventure
If wildlife is your priority, start with your bucket-list animal, not the ship.
Dreaming of penguins? Choose Antarctica. Want polar bears? Look to the Arctic. Hoping to see whales, bears and eagles? Consider Alaska. For crocodiles, turtles and tropical birdlife, the Kimberley may be the better match.
Then choose the destination, season, itinerary and ship that best fit your wildlife goals.
Wildlife is wild, so leave room for the unexpected.
A PONANT wildlife cruise can take you to some of the most extraordinary natural environments on Earth.
Choose Antarctica if your priority is:
❖ Penguins
❖ Icebergs and glaciers
❖ Whales and seals
❖ Antarctic seabirds
❖ Remote polar wilderness
Choose the Arctic if your priority is:
❖ Polar bears
❖ Walruses and seals
❖ Arctic landscapes
❖ Greenland and Svalbard
❖ Wildlife combined with cultural discovery
Choose the Kimberley if your priority is:
❖ Saltwater crocodiles
❖ Australian birdlife
❖ Marine wildlife
❖ Tropical wilderness
❖ Aboriginal culture and nature
Choose Alaska if your priority is:
❖ Whales and orcas
❖ Bears
❖ Bald eagles
❖ Glaciers and fjords
❖ Northern wilderness
Choose the Subantarctic Islands if your priority is:
❖ Rare seabirds
❖ Penguins
❖ Remote ecosystems
❖ Birdwatching
❖ Less-visited expedition destinations
There is no single "best" wildlife cruise.
The right choice is the voyage that gives you the greatest opportunity to experience the wildlife, environment and adventure that matter most to you.
Choosing a wildlife cruise can be difficult when there are so many extraordinary destinations to consider. Here are some of the questions we hear most often from travellers planning a PONANT wildlife expedition.
Have a read of some of these FAQs, but reach out to us any time: 1300 799 758.
There is no single best wildlife cruise. The right choice depends on the wildlife you want to see. Antarctica is particularly suited to penguin and Antarctic wildlife enthusiasts, while the Arctic is ideal for travellers interested in polar bears and Arctic wildlife. The Kimberley and Alaska offer very different wildlife experiences.
Antarctica is the clear choice for travellers whose priority is seeing penguins in their natural environment. Depending on the itinerary and season, you may encounter several penguin species and large breeding colonies.
The Arctic is the destination to consider if polar bears are at the top of your wildlife list. Svalbard and Greenland can offer opportunities to search for polar bears, although sightings are never guaranteed.
Yes. Whales can be encountered on a range of PONANT expedition itineraries, including voyages in Antarctica, Alaska and Arctic regions. The likelihood and species vary according to destination, season and conditions.
The Kimberley is particularly well known for saltwater crocodiles. Depending on the itinerary and local conditions, wildlife-focused excursions can provide opportunities to observe crocodiles in their natural environment.
No. Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. Animals are wild, and encounters depend on weather, sea conditions, season, location and animal behaviour.
It depends on the destination and wildlife you want to see. Polar cruises operate during their respective warmer seasons, while the Kimberley and Alaska also have defined cruising seasons. Always check the specific itinerary and departure date.
Age alone does not determine suitability. However, some expedition activities involve Zodiac boarding, walking, shore landings and changing weather conditions. Review the physical requirements of your chosen itinerary before booking.
Yes. Wildlife cruises can provide exceptional opportunities for landscape and wildlife photography. Antarctica, the Arctic, Alaska, the Kimberley and Subantarctic Islands all offer distinctive photographic opportunities.
A wildlife cruise focuses particularly on observing animals and natural environments. An expedition cruise is a broader style of travel centred on exploration, nature, culture and remote destinations. Many PONANT expedition cruises are also excellent wildlife experiences.
It depends on the animals you want to see. Choose Antarctica for penguins, Antarctic seals and dramatic polar landscapes. Choose the Arctic if polar bears, walruses and Arctic wildlife are your priority.
Start with the wildlife you most want to see. Then compare destinations, seasons, itineraries, expedition activities and ships. If you are unsure, speak with the BlueSun Travel team for help comparing available PONANT wildlife voyages.
Wildlife may be your starting point, but there are several other experiences that can shape your ideal PONANT voyage.
Photography Cruises
Combine wildlife encounters with spectacular landscapes and opportunities to capture extraordinary moments.
Expedition Cruises
Travel beyond conventional tourism and explore remote environments with expert expedition teams.
Adventure Cruises
Add more active exploration to your luxury small-ship experience.
Cultural Cruises
Combine wildlife and nature with local communities, heritage and history.
Polar Cruises
Discover Antarctica, the Arctic, Greenland and other extraordinary high-latitude destinations.
Luxury Expedition Cruises
Experience remote wilderness while enjoying the comfort, service and refinement of a luxury small ship.
Antarctica Cruises
Encounter penguins, whales, seals and spectacular ice-covered landscapes.
Arctic Cruises
Search for polar bears while exploring Greenland, Svalbard and other northern destinations.
Kimberley Cruises
Discover crocodiles, marine life and abundant birdlife among Australia's dramatic northwest wilderness.
Alaska Cruises
Look for whales, orcas, bears, eagles and other wildlife among glaciers, forests and fjords.
New Zealand Subantarctic Islands Cruises
Explore remote island ecosystems renowned for rare bird species and wildlife.
Choosing a wildlife cruise starts with one simple question:
What do you most want to see?
Whether your dream is to watch penguins in Antarctica, search for polar bears in the Arctic, photograph whales in Alaska or encounter crocodiles in the Kimberley, BlueSun Travel can help you compare the destinations, seasons, ships and itineraries that match your priorities.
You don't need to know which ship or itinerary you want before you contact us.
Tell us about your ideal wildlife experience, preferred travel dates and budget, and we'll help you find the PONANT voyage that best matches your plans.
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