Adventure Cruises

Cruise ships offer adventure in high doses. From kayaking Alaska’s frosty rivers to shark spotting in the Caribbean, small vessels reach the parts other boats can’t reach. Expedition vessels head to prime wildlife-spotting territory like Alaska or the Galapagos Islands, while active types snorkel, abseil and hike their way around the world.

Fed up with watching the waves? Check out our guide to discover your inner Indiana.

Adventure Cruises Cruiselines

Celebrity Cruises ~ Hurtigruten ~ Ocean Village ~ Voyages of Discovery

All Aboard

While mega-ships offer non-stop entertainment, activities are more low key on small vessels – a big draw for independent travellers. Expedition boats often have specialists on board to give talks and workshops on the region’s wildlife.

Adventure Hotspots

Topping the adventure holiday charts is Alaska for whales and white water, and the remote Galapagos Islands. Mexico is riding the eco-tourism wave, while closer to home the Mediterranean gets active with abseiling, water rafting and cycling. World voyagers venture to Australia’s rugged outback or skydive above Mount Cook in New Zealand.

Shore Excursions

Adventure holidays continue ashore, whether you're lion spotting in Kenya, rock climbing in the Rockies or mountain biking in Malta. Even traditional cruise destinations offer hidden gems, from scuba diving in Mexico’s underground cenotes (cave pools) to horse riding along deserted Caribbean beaches.

Get Active

Take an adventure holiday to swing from the Amazon’s treetops or dive into the waters of the Great Barrier Reef. From Caribbean submarine trips to hiking in Costa Rica’s rainforests, there’s action above and below water. On the up are air-based sports like sky diving in New Zealand.

Wild Side

For rough-around-the-edges nature, take an expedition cruise to remote spots like Antarctica and Africa. Glimpse iguanas and loggerhead turtles on the Galapagos Islands, Cayman alligators in the Amazon and lemurs in Madagascar. Experts in geology, ornithology and botany show you how.