Tropical Wildlife Cruises in 2025/26

There is something very special about joining a small ship wildlife cruise, and our tropical cruises are on board vessels of fewer than 18 guests, allowing for plenty of camaraderie and, importantly, access to areas that large boats cannot reach. This autumn and winter, we offer cruises to three fantastic tropical destinations – Indonesia, the Solomon Islands and the Maldives – perfect for both winter sun and tropical wildlife.

Each cruise has a similar daily structure, although the destinations have their own unique landscapes, culture and charm. On arrival, we typically have an overnight (or two) at a local hotel to adjust to the time zone and recover from the flight. The following day, we board our privately-chartered boat with our Naturetrek naturalist guide, and set off to explore the islands.

Our exact route will vary somewhat with the weather and wildlife sightings, but as we travel, we’ll be scanning the waves for a dorsal fin or blow, as well as looking out for any passing birds. Each morning, we typically offer a snorkel session or island visit for birdwatching, spending the middle part of the day back out in deeper water in search of cetaceans (or relaxing on deck with a book if you prefer, for the guides will always be on the look out for you!), followed by returning to shallower waters for another snorkel or island visit in the afternoon. Most evenings offer the opportunity to learn more about the region and the wildlife with a lecture from your tour leader, or to wonder at the clarity of the night sky.

Tropical Snorkelling

Many of the snorkelling sites that we visit have amazing coral structures, some have a range of colourful soft corals in vivid pinks and oranges, whilst others may be rockier in areas, hiding such creatures as octopus or cuttlefish, perhaps with a sea grass bed nearby which attracts turtles. On first putting your head under water, there is a kaleidoscope of colour and movement as fish dart around, making it difficult to know where to look first! However, once you ‘get your eye in’ and take time to absorb the surroundings, individual behaviours of species are revealed, making each visit to a reef a fascinating experience! Frequently in the Maldives (and occasionally on our Bali to Komodo cruise) Manta Rays will be on one of the reefs, providing a magical snorkelling experience as they effortlessly glide through the water around us.

Whale- and dolphin-watching

In Indonesia, we can usually expect to find ‘mid-sized’ baleen whales, such as Bryde’s and Omura’s, members of the ‘blackfish’ family such as Short-finned Pilot Whales, Melon-headed Whales or False Killer Whales, and a selection of dolphins, many of which will come to bow ride around the boat. Sightings in the Maldives will often include Blackfish and dolphins, including Risso’s Dolphin. In both the Maldives and Indonesia we often see Whale Sharks, and can occasionally snorkel with them too! The Solomon Islands are likely to give us sightings of over 10 species of cetacean, and possibly up to 16, ranging from smaller dolphins through blackfish to mid-sized baleen whales, with a reasonable chance of beaked whales. 

Birdwatching

Our Undiscovered Indonesia cruise offers the opportunity to see birds-of-paradise, particularly the brightly plumaged Wilson’s Bird-of-paradise. Red Bird-of-paradise is also sometimes possible, as is Papuan Pitta. Island birds will often include colourful pigeons, forest kingfishers and perhaps the occasional island endemic as well! Overnighting in Manado prior to the cruise, Black Crested Macaques and tarsiers are also possible in Tangkoko National Park. An extension to Bali Barat National Park  after our Bali to Komodo cruise provides the opportunity to see Javan Banded Pitta and the critically endangered Bali Myna.

Whilst cruising through The Solomon Islands, possible seabirds include Heinroth’s Shearwater and Beck’s Petrel as well as island species including Solomon Island Sea-eagle, Solomon Cockatoo, Claret-breasted Dove and Pied Goshawk. There is also the option of a few days in Lamington National Park before the cruise for some Australian birding. Species here might include Satin and Regent Bowerbirds, Albert’s Lyrebird, Paradise Riflebird and the colourful Crimson Rosella, as well as such mammals as Whiptail Wallabies and Sugar Gliders.

Please refer to the webpages for detailed itineraries and tour reports, or call the office on 01962 733051 to chat with one of our friendly experts to discuss which tour might suit you best!