While some people go on cruises for wild times, most of the time, wildlife on cruises refers to the animals you'll be able to see.
One of the most spectacular wildlife destinations you can reach best by cruise ship happens to be the Galapagos Islands. Straddling the Equator and located off Ecuador (to whom they actually belong), these isolated and inhospitable islands are home to some unique wildlife. The islands get their name from the Gallapagos tortoise, a large land-based tortoise that roam the islands.
The remarkable thing about Galapagos wildlife is that they lack fear of human "visitors." As the picture shows, visitors can approach birds, reptiles, and other animals in a way that would be impossible just about anywhere else.
Some animal encounters are a little more artificial. Most tropical cruises offer excursions that allow visitors to swim with the dolphins. These dolphins are somewhat tamed and captive in an enclosed area.
Whale watching is a bit more dramatic. Typically, whale watching is offered as an extra excursion. You travel out in a smaller boat to approach known areas where whales are congregating. There is a bit of a gamble in anything that chases fish, but some whale watching ventures actually promise or guarantee that you'll see whales. I don't know how they do that.
If your idea of watching fish includes seeing them in a frying pan, no place on earth is better fishing grounds than Alaska. Most Alaskan cruises offer lots of fishing opportunities. Go with one of the planned excursions. Not only do the providers know the best fishing grounds, they also provide equipment. (Who wants to embark on a cruise with a fishing rod?) You may participate in catch-and-release, but sometimes you'll be allowed to take your fresh-caught fish onboard ship, where it will be prepared for your party. You can also have the fish flash-frozen. Many cruise lines will store fish for you until your journey ends. Believe it or not, most airlines serving Alaska give you not only luggage allowance, but a frozen fish allowance. Your frozen fish should be good for at least 24 hours till you get home.
Alaska is also a good place for bear watching: brown, black, and polar bears.
Penguins more your style? South America, Antarctica and even the Galapagos Islands are good destinations. Yes, there are penguins near the Equator ... but only on the Galapagos Island (I told you those islands were unusual).
If you like parrots, monkeys, and such, South America and Middle America are good choices. Iguanas are common in Costa Rica and some areas of Mexico.
If you're an animal lover, check with cruise companies online to find out excursions that may involve wildlife observation.
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