Popular Activities for Adventure Cruisers

The outstanding advantage of small ship expedition cruising is the small numbers aboard. Consequently activities can be planned using very little or even no infrastructure at all. Visits to native villages or shore excursions on remote islands can be conducted with relative ease and manageable impact.

Here are just some of the exciting activities passengers can enjoy that would be difficult or even impossible to conduct with large ship numbers. Small groups of enthusiastic, like-minded travellers often find their own company as enriching as the excursions as they swap tales and experiences.

Wildlife Viewing

It is common for adventure and expedition operators to employ nature and field guides to interpret the natural history of the visited regions. Birds, plants and animals are often a major attraction or even a primary drawcard for many itineraries. The magnificent polar bears of the arctic and majestic emperor penguins of the south draw inquisitive travellers every year to some of the most otherwise inhospitable regions of the world. If you have a specific wildlife interest, like birdwatching, you’ll find the adventure and expedition cruise market ideally suited to your passion.

History and Culture

Whether you are a dilettante or an academic, adventure cruise passengers often share a consuming interest in history and culture. Many itineraries are finely tuned to cater for these interests and include such topics as the war history of the Pacific islands, or enriching encounters with the inhabitants of remote islands of Melanesia.

Many of the polar itineraries have expert lecturers on these topics and you’ll quickly find your knowledge of the most obscure and swashbuckling explorers and pioneers considerably enhanced. To set foot on some these impossible remote locations, such as Commonwealth Bay in the Antarctic, is humbling, intoxicating experience.

Dramatic Scenery

To be immersed in overwhelmingly beautiful natural surroundings have been described by writers and poets throughout the ages. Some find such exposure overpowering and even quasi-religious. You’ll find plenty of glorious vistas on your adventure cruise, especially in regions like our own Kimberley or the wilds of Alaska. Even the desolate landscapes of Antarctica and Siberia have their own allure, leaving many forever transformed by the experience. It will make you even more determined to preserve these natural wonders and respect the beauty of our world.

Scuba Diving and Snorkelling

An easy and effortless activity on many tropical vessels, snorkelling is a great way to view the magnificent coral and fish inhabiting our precious reefs and waterways. Some operators will carry a divemaster able to introduce you to the exciting sport of SCUBA diving. Providing you meet minimum health requirements and do not suffer from things like epilepsy or diabetes, you need no experience to dive with a qualified professional. Even so, most colourful sealife is close to the surface and easily accessible to snorkellers of all ages and abilities. Some polar operators even offer ice diving for experienced divers.

Hiking, walking and kayaking

There will be plenty of opportunities to get off for an invigorating hike, paddle or leisurely stroll amongst the beautiful scenery you’ve come to enjoy. Some cruise operators will carry kayaks or canoes and a serene paddle in the early hours on a mirror still lake or river is a fantastic experience. Hiking can be as challenging as an icy crossing of South Georgia on foot or a stroll in the noisy jungle of the Amazon or New Guinea. These close encounters with nature with a dash of exercise are a perfect complement to your cruise experience.

Fishing

Although not universal by any means across the range of cruises and operators, several itineraries in our region offer ample time for recreational angling. If you have a penchant for fishing, please check first to make sure your needs will be met. Currently cruises in the Kimberley, the Top End and Papua New Guinea have fishing add-ons for interested guests. Fishing charters for hardcore anglers are handled by charter boat operators not in the adventure cruise sector.