Nature Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trip Packages

Nature Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trips

7,415 Nature trips. Tours from 1,297 tour companies. 10,802 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

330 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Small Ship Cruise
Desolation Sound Tour by Classic Boat - with Discovery Islands
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5/5 Excellent
2 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Explore Toba Inlet and its surrounding beauty
  • Explore Prideaux Haven
  • Discover Strait of Georgia watching for wildlife

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise, Sailing

What travelers are saying

"The trip with Mapleleaf Adventures was incredible, life changing! We saw Orcas, Seals, Sea lions and many more awesome creatures. This area really needs to be protected!! Thanks to our crew Captain Greg, Lynsey, Jess and Dylan. You are all inspiring and awesome people!! Hope to see you all again."

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Amazing Alaska with Holland America Cruise Option
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Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Alaska, Anchorage, Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Glacier National Park, Juneau, Kenai Fjords National Park, Ketchikan, Mt. McKinley, Seward, Vancouver

Highlights

  • Fairbanks – Visit an Athabascan village and meet Native Alaskans; meet champion Iditarod dogs and learn about life on the trail.
  • Denali National Park – Spend two relaxing nights in one of Alaska's most popular destinations;
  • Alaska Railroad – Ride the rails through Alaska's pristine wilderness.
  • Anchorage – Explore Alaska's largest city; stop at an ulu knife factory; learn about Alaska's first people at the Alaska Native Heritage Centre; visit the Alaska Conservation Centre.
  • Kenai Fjords National Park – Cruise this national park filled with dramatic glaciers and abundant wildlife.
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Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

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Wildlife and Photography Cruise, Prince William Sound, Alaska
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Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Alaska, Anchorage

Highlights

  • Experience the beauty of Prince William Sound from a working 65-foot yacht
  • Enjoy photo opportunities while watching for migrating birds, whales, otters, dolphins, and mountain goats
  • Kayak or hike everyday -- the best weather of the year usually happens in May in South Central Alaska

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise, Photography

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Polar Circle
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Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Antarctic Peninsula, Punta Arenas, South Shetland Islands

Highlights

  • Be one of the few adventurous travellers to cross the Antarctic Circle
  • Marvel at the abundant wildlife on the Antarctic Peninsula including sea birds, penguins & seals
  • Cruise past towering icebergs & along Ice-filled fjords
  • Spend time whale spotting
  • Enjoy time at the South Shetland Islands, home to several Antarctic Research stations and abundance of Flora and fauna.

Themes

50 plus, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

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Alaska: Ultimate Bays and Fjords
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Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Alaska, Glacier National Park, Icy Strait, Juneau, Ketchikan, Misty Fjords National Monument, Sitka, Wrangell

Highlights

  • Three exclusive days in Glacier Bay—UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve
  • View stunning glaciers throughout Glacier Bay National Park
  • Wildlife and whalewatching in Icy Strait and Frederick Sound
  • South Marble Island sea lion haulout and spectacular birding
  • Wilderness hikes in Glacier Bay National Park and along Chichagof Island’s waterfall coast
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Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

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Northern Patagonia & Chilean Fjords
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Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Patagonia

Highlights

  • Guaitecas Archipelago, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
  • Native southern beech forest birds as Magellanic Woodpecker, Austral Parakeet and Thorn-tailed Rayadito.
  • Up to 20 patagonian endemic birds, including: Ashy headed Goose, Chucao Tapaculo and Patagonian Sierra-Finch. Specialties like: Pink-footed Shearwater, Red-legged Cormorant, Chilean Flamingo, Flightless Steamer-Duck, Kelp Goose, Andean Condor, Dolphin Gull, Green-backed Firecrown, Des Murs Wiretail, White-throated Treerunner, Black-throated Huet-Huet, Magellanic Tapaculo and Rufous-tailed Plantcutter, among others can also be seen.
  • Mammals like Marine Otter, South American Sea Lion, Leopard Seal, Peale´s and Chilean Dolphin.
  • Magellanic Forest, the southernmost forest in the world, including three species of Nothofagus.
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Themes

Birding, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

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Rocky Mountains of USA & Canada plus Alaska Cruise
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Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Alaska, Alberta, Banff National Park, Calgary, Canadian Rockies, Denver, Glacier National Park, Icy Strait, Jasper, Juneau, Ketchikan, Lake Louise, Vancouver, Yellowstone National Park

Highlights

  • Experience 7 nights Alaska Inside Passage Cruise
  • 13 day fully escorted motorcoach tour
  • Explore Denver
  • Visit Rocky Mountain National Park then continue through to Cheyenne
  • Tour an Unforgettable journey into Yellowstone National Park.
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Themes

50 plus, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

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Stampede, Rocky Rail & Alaska Cruise
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Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Banff National Park, Calgary, Jasper, Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka

Highlights

  • Have an impressive Rocky Mountaineer Rail Tour
  • Opportunity to 7 night 5 star Alaska Cruise
  • Explore Vancouver
  • Visit Ketchikan
  • Discover Calgary and experience the largest outdoor rodeo in the world “The Calgary Stampede

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Safari, Small Ship Cruise

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A Week in Jordan
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Amman, Aqaba, Dead Sea, Jerash, Madaba, Petra, Wadi Rum

Highlights

  • Discover the secrets of Petra with two full days exploring the Red Rose City
  • Experience Bedouin life at our private desert camp in Wadi Rum
  • Stroll through the ancient Roman streets of Jerash
  • Float in the tranquil waters of the Dead Sea, an unmissable experience
  • Visit Mount Nebo, said to be the burial site of Moses

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

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New Zealand: The South Island
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their unique emphasis on immersive cultural experiences combined with active exploration with personalized cycling experiences.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown

Highlights

  • Prepare to be dazzled by the staggering beauty of the South Island’s glittering lakes, lush forests, fertile farmlands, and alpine peaks.
  • Hike up a valley carved by the retreating ice of Franz Josef Glacier.
  • Spend a day at a wilderness resort, enjoying kayaking, canoeing, hiking—and perhaps strolling to a colony of glowworms.
  • Experience life on a working ranch and savor a home-cooked meal during a visit to a sheep and cattle station.
  • Sample local vintages during a wine tasting at a local estate.

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"We just returned from our fifth VBT trip - this time to the Dolomites. It was a great trip and we are adding it to our "best" VBT trip list, along with the Czech Republic and the Tuscan Coast. Our friends at home thought we must be biking maniacs to bike in the Dolomite mountains, but we told them we would be in the flat valleys. Actually, we were wrong - much of the biking is not even flat, it is downhill! One day we started high in the valley above Merano, Italy, at scenic Lake Resia, and biked downhill back to Merano on a beautiful dedicated bike path along the Adige river. Our guides were fantastic. Martin is from Bolzano and is a font of information about the South Tyrol region. Christian, from the south, has a classic cheerful Italian personality and told us many facts (and jokes) about Italian idiosyncrasies. As always, the hotel accommodations (and breakfasts!) were excellent - better than we would sign up for if we on our own vacation."

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Botswana Adventure
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Chobe National Park, Kasane, Makgadikgadi Pans, Okavango Delta, Victoria, Victoria Falls, Windhoek

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in the spectacular Okavango wilderness with two nights on a houseboat. Listen to the melodies of the African wildlife outside your door as the sun sets and night descends each night.
  • Enjoy an unforgettable sunset cruise in Chobe National Park. Spot African elephants and other wildlife while enjoying a sundowner and breathtaking views.
  • Venture out on an exhilarating morning game drive in open 4WDs through Chobe National Park, home to an impressive concentration of African wildlife. You may encounter elephants, buffalo, giraffes, antelope, and many other fascinating animals that thrive here.
  • Explore the Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the largest salt flats in the world, with local Kalahari Bushman and keep your eyes peeled for adorable meerkats and majestic elephants. Enjoy refreshments in the wild while watching the sunset over baobab trees.
  • Experience the awe-inspiring force of Victoria Falls and savour a taste of the local brew after. Take advantage of your free time to participate in a multitude of optional activities.

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Overland Journeys

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Land of Wines in Chile & Argentina
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By Say Hueque
preferred
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Why we love them
They have extensive knowledge of Argentina and the surrounding region and their specialists have visited the destinations they send travelers to.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Andes Mountains, Buenos Aires, Casablanca, Mendoza, Valparaiso

Highlights

  • Stay in Santiago and visit beautiful wineries in Valparaíso and Maipo Valley.
  • Fly to Mendoza and discover the heartland of the famous Malbec in Argentina.
  • Tour magical Buenos Aires and enjoy a traditional tango show.
  • Best time to travel: All year round

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and your team for a fantastic holiday in Argentina! We loved the country and the people. The highlights for us was Iguazu Falls, the wine tour & the little hotel in Mendoza and the Glacier trekking. The Glacier was amazing!!! All flights were on time and your guides were always there to meet and great. Please pass on a special thank you to Carla who looked after us in BA and kept in touch all through our travels. Thanks again to Lujan, who did a fantastic job putting it all together and we will recommend you and your company to all our friends & family."

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Highlights of Morocco
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4.3/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Casablanca, Essaouira, Fez, Marrakech, Rabat, Skoura

Highlights

  • Discover all four Imperial Cities: Rabat, Meknes, Fez and Marrakech
  • Explore the Ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis
  • Experience a traditional hammam in the Atlas Mountains
  • Stay in a remote Amazigh community in the High Atlas Mountains
  • Relax in the charming fishing port of Essaouira

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

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330 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Small Ship Cruise

Nature Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
10,802  Reviews
See all Nature tour reviews
Excellent
5,104
Great
1,199
Average
128
Disappointing
25
Terrible
31
A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

A Week in Jordan

Highlight was night in the desert. Trek round Petra also very good. Trip to Aqaba seemed a bit superfluous. Maybe cancel that and have two nights in desert camp in...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

A Week in Petra

A great week with a great bunch of people This was the trip just as I expected it - Petra being the highlight, but Wadi Rum coming a close second. Or maybe Jerash?...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

a week in jordon

full on trip which was very informative and interesting. all sites were good especially Petra, Little Petra and camping in Wadi Rum Eddy was entertaining and engag...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Great holiday, but communication could have been improved

The week was very enjoyable and there was a lot to see and it was a very varied itinerary. Visiting Petra and seeing the Treasury for the first time. Alaa was cle...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Fantastic week, thoroughly recommend

An awe inspiring trip, with something for everyone, and covering all the key sights, sounds and tastes of Jordan. I knew I wanted to see Petra, but didn't really h...

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Nature Tour Selection Trips

Nature Photography Tips

Capturing the beauty of nature through photography requires skill and technique. Here are some valuable tips to enhance your nature photography experience:
Use a Wide-Angle Lens: Opt for a wide-angle lens to capture expansive landscapes and make background features pop. If using a smartphone, crop your photo horizontally to achieve a similar effect.
Long Exposure for Moving Water: When photographing moving water, use a long exposure effect to create a smooth, ethereal effect. Use a tripod to stabilize the camera during the exposure.
Know Your Subjects: Study the behavior of local wildlife before photographing them to anticipate their movements and capture compelling shots. Time your visit to capture specific natural phenomena, such as blooming or changing foliage.
Leverage Water Reflections: Take advantage of water reflections during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset for stunning, ethereal photos with warm, soft lighting.
Edit with Smartphone Tools: Enhance your photos by using the editing tools built into smartphone cameras. Adjust brightness and contrast, and apply filters to achieve desired effects. Explore third-party editing apps for more advanced editing options.
Embrace Natural Lighting: The best filter for nature photography is natural lighting. Capture the soft, golden glow of the golden hour for beautifully illuminated subjects without harsh shadows.
Timing for Wildlife Photography: Plan wildlife photography excursions during the early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active. Avoid midday heat when animals seek shade and are less visible.
Respect Wildlife: When photographing animals on a safari, prioritize their well-being by respecting their natural habitat. Adhere to designated areas for visitors, refrain from disturbing or feeding wildlife, and observe from a respectful distance for the best photo opportunities.
Applying these tips can elevate your nature photography skills and capture stunning images of the natural world around you.

Additional details

Why go on a guided nature tour?

Depending on where you’re traveling, there is a good chance there will be little to no cell reception. Trying to connect to your GPS or internet if you get lost without cell service is a frustrating and nerve wracking experience. If you’re going to a new country, it can be difficult to navigate remote trails or national parks, especially if you don’t speak the language.

This should in no way discourage you from getting out in nature during your travels. Guided nature tours are the perfect option to take the stress out and truly enjoy the experience. The tour guides are out nearly every day, so they know the land, allowing you to just have fun without trying to navigate on your own. 

Tour guides may also know unusual and interesting facts about the area that will help connect your nature experience to the local community, culture, and heritage. And they’ll often know of secret viewing or picnic spots that the average traveler would not know about . A guided nature tour can keep you safe and stress free, allowing for the best experience.

Nature Travel and Ecotourism

When traveling in nature, it’s important to be aware of the environment and try your best to not disturb the landscape. Traveling has become extremely popular in recent years, and with globalization and the ability to travel more affordably than recent years, more and more people are visiting the worlds natural attractions. 

This is awesome! However not everyone is aware of the damage that can be done by some of their actions when they travel. 

Here are some tips for being a respectful traveler

1. Do some research before you go so you’re aware of what’s happening in that particular environment. By being knowledgeable about your destination, you’re not only staying safe, but you’re practicing good tourism etiquette and avoiding doing damage.

2. Consider trips with farm stays, local stays, and/or camping. These options can be eco-friendly and help boost the local economy, supporting the community.

3. Wild animals are not for entertainment. Do some research and look for tours that have high ethical standards. If you’re really keen on seeing animals, look for places that allow viewing of the animals in their natural habitat.



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