Nature Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trip Packages

Nature Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trips

7,406 Nature trips. Tours from 1,297 tour companies. 10,789 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

329 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Small Ship Cruise
Adriatic Cruise
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3.8/5 Great
18 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Dalmatian Coast, Dubrovnik, Sarajevo, Sibenik, Split

Highlights

  • Opportunity to see the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Mostar, Trogir and Dubrovnik impressive Cities
  • Experience the cruise to Sibenik
  • Explore Hvar, city which is one of the largest and oldest in Dalmatia
  • Enjoy a panoramic city tour of Sarajevo including the Parliament Buildings
  • Discover Frankfurt

Themes

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

What travelers are saying

"I went on a Grand Tour of Italy with my husband and we had the trip of our lives. Senior Discovery Tours took care of everything so we just got to enjoy ourselves. Would highly reccomend!"

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Alaska Cruise and Tour
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3.8/5 Great
18 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Alaska, Denali National Park, Glacier National Park, Juneau, Ketchikan, Mt. McKinley, Vancouver

Highlights

  • Experience cruise and land tour provides unforgettable memories
  • Explore Anchorage
  • Visit impressive Denali National Park and Glacier Bay National Park
  • Discover Juneau

Themes

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

What travelers are saying

"I went on a Grand Tour of Italy with my husband and we had the trip of our lives. Senior Discovery Tours took care of everything so we just got to enjoy ourselves. Would highly reccomend!"

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Glitz & Glamour of the French Riviera
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Barcelona, Cádiz, Cannes, Lisbon

Highlights

  • Visit Lisbon, a delightful mix of palaces, art-nouveau cafés, museums, gardens, ancient castles and splendid bridges
  • Visit beautiful sun-kissed city,“Queen of the Riviera”
  • Discover the many facets of this fascinating principality
  • Enjoy at stunning city of Cannes on the fabulous French Riviera

Themes

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

What travelers are saying

"everything is perfect from start to finish just back from Baltic cruise on Braemar , it was amazing."

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Provence & Spain
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3.7/5 Great
39 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Arles, Avignon, Barcelona, Eiffel Tower, Lyon, Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, Vienne

Highlights

  • Visit Notre Dame Cathedral
  • Visit Fourviere, also know as “Hill of Prayers.”
  • Enjoy wine testing at Beaujolais wine region
  • See ancient Roman temple, the ruins of a Roman theater, and the medieval Abbey Church of St. Pierre
  • Enjoy an excursion to Grignam
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Themes

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

What travelers are saying

"I’ve sailed with AmaWaterways 4 times. They are the best! You become family. I can’t wait to sail with them again!"

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3-6 Nights between Carcassonne and Beziers
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5/5 Excellent
5 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Visit the Oppidum of Enserune
  • Explore the charming village of Le Sommail
  • Tour the fortified village of Minerve
  • See the Palace of the Archbishop in the largely Roman influenced city of Narbonne
  • Travel the narrow streets of the great medieval city, Carcassonne

Themes

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

What travelers are saying

"Everything was fantastic and went off as planned. The Normandy trip was equally exceptional. Enjoyed the guide immensely you set up for us. Thanks for taking care of us, will definitely use you again!"

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Antarctic Peninsula
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4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Ushuaia

Highlights

  • Explore Ushuaia
  • Opportunity to Cruise along beautiful Antarctic Peninsula
  • Visit the Ukrainian Vernadsky Station
  • Enjoy sail through the spectacular Lemaire Channel to Pléneau Island and You will have a chance to encounter Humpback Whales, minke whales and fin whales.
  • Experience the joy of cruising by zodiac between the icebergs in the inner parts of the bay
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Themes

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

What travelers are saying

"We particularly wanted to do this trip because of the abundance of wildlife we expected to encounter and selected this ship because they offered the kayaking experience. Overall, the weather was very good. Most people seemed like minded and were there for the adventurous experience. Accommodations Review They upgraded our cabin and we were very pleased with the amount of space and the amenities in the room. We appreciated the twin windows and being able to see humpbacks diving from our cabin. It was kept very clean and it was a treat to have our bed turned down with chocolates on the pillow each night. Meals Review We liked the variety and the quality of the food. There was always something new to try. The dining room staff was very professional and personable. Crew & Guides Review Solon was our Principal Trip Leader. He was incredibly professional and it seemed like he was constantly working to maximize the encounters with wildlife and scenery, taking advantage of all the weather opportunities and going to places that they don't often go. He worked very closely with the captain who was very accommodating and caring about us having a memorable voyage. Aymie and Andrew were our kayak guides. We went out to kayak 10 different times and were able to get to know both of them well. They worked hard to keep us safe and well informed. They made sure that we didn't miss out on any land excursions. We've had quite a few kayak guides over the years that we've paddled and we loved these two. Marla was the marine biologist aboard the ship. She was very enthusiastic and had a passion for marine mammals that was infectious. We loved listening to her presentations and looked forward to hearing her voice on the PA saying that there was another whale sighting. Colin, the geologist aboard the ship, was very knowledgeable and able to make difficult subjects understandable to the passengers. Itinerary Review The trip far, far, far, far, far, far exceeded our expectations. I had one "far" in the sentence when we left South Georgia Island after seeing 250,000 King Penguins at St. Andrews Point and added the second when we saw blue whales on two different days. The third "far" was added when we saw hundreds of whales for 6 hours along the iceberg, A68a. I added another "far" when we kayaked for over an hour with humpbacks all around and another "far" when minke whales were all around the kayaks the next day. The last "far" was added the day we didn't paddle since a leopard seal was all around the kayaks and then an orca came close. We had so many incredible experiences that we could never experience all of them in the same trip again. The guides told us that the close encounters that we had didn't happen very often and that we were very lucky that they all happened on our trip. The only thing that we didn't like was portions of the Drake Passage when it was a tad rough, but that experience gives us something to talk about. Transportation Review We made our transportation arrangements through another travel agency. Traveler Advice Make sure that you take sea sickness meds. Take advantage of every opportunity to see wildlife."

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Jewels of the Cyclades
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Athens, Mykonos

Highlights

  • Explore the Aegean Islands
  • Paros and Folegandros
  • Excursions in Santorini and Delos, nighlife in Mykonos
  • Visit old Greece atmosphere in Folegandros and swim stops in some secluded bays to swim from the boat

Themes

Family Friendly, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise, Sailing

What travelers are saying

"We particularly wanted to do this trip because of the abundance of wildlife we expected to encounter and selected this ship because they offered the kayaking experience. Overall, the weather was very good. Most people seemed like minded and were there for the adventurous experience. Accommodations Review They upgraded our cabin and we were very pleased with the amount of space and the amenities in the room. We appreciated the twin windows and being able to see humpbacks diving from our cabin. It was kept very clean and it was a treat to have our bed turned down with chocolates on the pillow each night. Meals Review We liked the variety and the quality of the food. There was always something new to try. The dining room staff was very professional and personable. Crew & Guides Review Solon was our Principal Trip Leader. He was incredibly professional and it seemed like he was constantly working to maximize the encounters with wildlife and scenery, taking advantage of all the weather opportunities and going to places that they don't often go. He worked very closely with the captain who was very accommodating and caring about us having a memorable voyage. Aymie and Andrew were our kayak guides. We went out to kayak 10 different times and were able to get to know both of them well. They worked hard to keep us safe and well informed. They made sure that we didn't miss out on any land excursions. We've had quite a few kayak guides over the years that we've paddled and we loved these two. Marla was the marine biologist aboard the ship. She was very enthusiastic and had a passion for marine mammals that was infectious. We loved listening to her presentations and looked forward to hearing her voice on the PA saying that there was another whale sighting. Colin, the geologist aboard the ship, was very knowledgeable and able to make difficult subjects understandable to the passengers. Itinerary Review The trip far, far, far, far, far, far exceeded our expectations. I had one "far" in the sentence when we left South Georgia Island after seeing 250,000 King Penguins at St. Andrews Point and added the second when we saw blue whales on two different days. The third "far" was added when we saw hundreds of whales for 6 hours along the iceberg, A68a. I added another "far" when we kayaked for over an hour with humpbacks all around and another "far" when minke whales were all around the kayaks the next day. The last "far" was added the day we didn't paddle since a leopard seal was all around the kayaks and then an orca came close. We had so many incredible experiences that we could never experience all of them in the same trip again. The guides told us that the close encounters that we had didn't happen very often and that we were very lucky that they all happened on our trip. The only thing that we didn't like was portions of the Drake Passage when it was a tad rough, but that experience gives us something to talk about. Transportation Review We made our transportation arrangements through another travel agency. Traveler Advice Make sure that you take sea sickness meds. Take advantage of every opportunity to see wildlife."

Trip dates & details
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Essence of the Elbe: Berlin to Prague
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Berlin, Dresden, Meissen, Potsdam, Prague, Wittenberg

Highlights

  • Enjoy twelve days River Cruise vacation
  • Insightful and informative port tour
  • Land tours and shipboard programs

Themes

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

What travelers are saying

"I am a 12 time traveler with Grand Circle and OAT. But maybe no more. They are impossible to reach by phone without waiting for hours. I even tired their emergency phone number and was on hold for hours. What if I had been stranded in a foreign country? They cancelled my Eastern Europe to Black Sea Cruise in Sept 2021 and cited "covid" or "civil unrest" issues. Baloney. They cancelled because they did not sell out the cruise and lied about it to me. I know because I went with Viking during the same month with no excuses like Grand Circle gave me. Add to that they promised me a $1,000 credit on my next trip- which was to Antarctica in December. The invoice they sent me showed the credit- and 1 month later a new invoice arrived with the credit removed. Why? Another lie? Something is really wrong here with the company now and I would suggest be very careful with bookings as they are not the same company I traveled with for the past 12 years."

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

Nature Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
10,789  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

An excellent trip, very full on but really interesting. Although the trip notes state that the trip is 'moderate' I would say it was more energetic than moderate....

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...

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 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 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...

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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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