3 Wildlife Cruises Worth Flying For

1.Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 172 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $59Our pick

Paddle from Santa Barbara Harbor past Stearns Wharf, under the pier, and along the beach while watching for seals, sea lions, pelicans, seabirds, and sea stars. You receive a kayak, paddle, PFD, protective gear, and a safety lesson. Guides such as Paco, Nora, Spencer, and Dario are known for calm instruction and local stories.

“Great for guests at various skill levels! I have zero experience and am not super comfortable with water sports but our guide Dario was able to make adjustments to make it work for our family (two adults plus an 8yo). We saw starfish, crabs, sea lions, harbor seals, etc. Super fun!”

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2.Bridgetown: Wildlife Reserve Tour and Carlisle Bay Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 21 reviews · 6h 30m · from $141

Spend 390 minutes exploring Barbados by air-conditioned vehicle and boat. Watch green monkeys feed at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, stop at Cherry Tree Hill, Morgan Lewis, and Bathsheba, eat lunch, then snorkel with turtles and visit a shipwreck in Carlisle Bay. Hotel pickup and equipment are included. Cruise ship guests cannot join.

“Winston was our driver and he was excellent. He made sure to get everyone's name and introduce us all to each other as we boarded the bus. He was very knowledgeable about the island as we made our way to the wildlife sanctuary. Now that was awesome. Peacocks, deer, tortoises, snakes etc. The monkey feeding was spectacular, up close and very personal. He took us to the most beautiful locations so we can take pictures, even took our pictures for us. Got lunch. Food was delicious and the rum punch was yummy. Next made our way down to snorkel and the guys on tranquility were hilarious. Mario and the crew…”

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3.Anacortes: Full Day Whale/Wildlife Tour; Friday Harbor Stop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 6h 30m · from $279

From Anacortes, Captain Tyler guides a small group of up to six through the San Juan Islands aboard a heated, semi-covered boat. You will search for orcas, humpbacks, gray and minke whales, then enjoy two hours in Friday Harbor for lunch and shopping. Bring layers, snacks, and a camera.

“This was a great (and successful) small group whale watching experience. We went out in a semi covered boat which allowed us to move easily. Tyler, our guide, was very interactive and knowledgeable. We were out for ~6/7 hours, including a stop in Friday Harbor. We were able to see sea lions, seals, minke whales and followed a small pod of orcas, as they split up, came back together and had a little “bite for lunch” (our “National Geographic” moment). I would highly recommend this tour.”

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