5 Bucket List Wildlife-Tourism Experiences All Animal-Obsessed People Should Experience Before They Die

The post 5 Bucket List Wildlife-Tourism Experiences All Animal-Obsessed People Should Experience Before They Die appeared first on A-Z Animals.

If you’re an adventurous, animal-obsessed individual, you’ve likely dreamt of embarking on a unique wildlife tourism experience. While it might seem impossible to, say, observe a polar bear’s activity or see a whale up close in the Arctic, these hopes can actually be fulfilled. Countless programs and organizations offer such opportunities — giving back to the planet and its inhabitants in the process.

Here are the five most unbelievable wildlife tourism experiences worldwide.

1. Polar Bear Safaris in Canada

Are you a polar bear lover? Look no further than Polar Bear Safaris by Churchill Wild in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, which is the perfect wildlife tourism experience.

The organization offers 11 tours throughout different months of the year, from the Fall Dual Lodge Safari in October to the Nanuk Emergence Quest in February and March. While each of the Polar Bear Safaris includes — you guessed it — polar bears, some also feature different types of birds, foxes, and even beluga whales. During the tours, you might even witness the breathtaking Northern Lights.

Churchill Wild offers three luxury wilderness ecolodges for room and board: Seal River Heritage Lodge (“The Heart of Polar Bear Territory”), Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge (“Home of the Polar Bear”), and Dymond Lake Ecolodge (“A True Wilderness Oasis”). 

From the lodges, which are located on the Hudson Bay coast in northern Manitoba, you can witness polar bears, as well as other wildlife, in their natural habitats as they travel the coastline. The best time for viewing is during the summer and fall months.

One visitor who stayed at the Seal River Heritage Lodge in August left a five-star review of Churchill Wild. “I will first say that we very would very much recommend this for anyone wanting an adventure, thus the five stars,” he wrote on Google. “We saw polar bears every day, both from the confines of the lodge and on the daily hikes we took in the area. [We] took boat trips on two days down to the mouth of the Seal River and saw dozens (maybe hundreds) of beluga whales that came right up to our three boats. We even saw the Northern Lights on two of the nights—an amazing first-time experience for us.”

He also noted that the lodges operated as an “upscale bed and breakfast” with great cuisine (which is tundra-inspired) and a chef cooking three meals each day. 

Churchill Wild stated that its vision is to provide guests with life-changing wildlife encounters and wilderness adventures.

Learn more at churchillwild.com.

2. Dive Safaris in the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Safari Camp on Santa Cruz Island in Ecuador is a must-do wildlife tourism experience for marine life enthusiasts. It offers a sanctuary for tropical and temperate creatures, many of which are endangered.

While the Galapagos Islands are beautiful year-round, the best time to see abundant marine life is between July and November, as these months often bring cooler waters. However, if you prefer warmer weather and calmer seas, consider booking between December and June.

During your dive safari, you can witness a variety of marine animals, such as manta rays, turtles, sea lions, marine iguanas, sharks, tuna, snapper fish, and more, getting up close and personal with them. 

You can also choose from a few different housing accommodations, including a luxury tented camp, a main lodge with gorgeous views, African-inspired tents, and a family suite. The camp also offers unique dining experiences and skilled chefs, as well as a pool surrounded by moss-laden trees. 

One reviewer stated that their trip was “truly a luxury safari experience.”

“A beautiful setting in a remote quiet location,” the guest wrote. “These people know how to cater to you. Every detail was attended to, and every single person at the camp’s goal is to make sure you are comfortable. After scuba diving for most of the day, we returned to the camp (in a cab that was waiting at the dock), only to have … the hostess, take all of our dive gear that she insisted on washing for me, and handed us each a very cold beer, which we enjoyed on their veranda.”

They also mentioned that the food was excellent, and the tour guide was prompt and courteous.

Learn more at galapagossafaricamp.com.

3. Arctic Whale Tours in Norway

You might be thinking: Whale tours are hit-or-miss. However, the Arctic Whale Tours in Northern Norway offer exceptional opportunities to witness these gorgeous creatures off the breathtaking coast. The organization also dedicates itself to sustainable and responsible operations, aiming to minimize its impact on nature and wildlife while providing a unique wildlife tourism experience.

Arctic Whale Tours offers three year-round tours in three different locations: the spring/summer safari in Andenes from April to September; the summer safari in Stø, Vesterålen from June to August; and the winter safari in Tromsø from November to January. 

During the tours, you might spot pilot whales, orcas, and humpback whales. Additionally, you might also catch other marine animals like the white-sided dolphin or harbor porpoise. During the 6- to 8-hour trip, you’ll be offered drinks, biscuits, soup, lunch made from local ingredients, and other perks. 

While the organization itself does not include housing accommodations, if you’re traveling from afar, you can browse local cabins, apartments, and available rooms in each town.

One satisfied booker of the Stø safari made a note that, despite unfavorable weather, they had an unforgettable experience.

“The crew did not count their hours to allow us to witness the magnificent orca show in the middle of the hunt,” they wrote. “It was magical. We could also see Minke whales, seals, and multiple birds, including puffins. Go without hesitation.”

Learn more at arcticwhaletours.com.

4. Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand

Not only is Thailand an incredibly beautiful place to visit, but it’s also home to countless elephant sanctuaries. Unfortunately, many sanctuaries are not as ethical as they promote themselves to be. 

One sanctuary that’s considered truly safe and ethical by World Animal Protection is the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, which provides its animals with “30 acres of pristine jungle.”

The best time to visit Thailand for this wildlife tourism experience is November to April, when it tends to be warmer and dryer. 

While you can get close enough to observe the elephants, Phuket Elephant Sanctuary only allows limited interactions from a respectful distance. They also offer various programs, including a half-day program, a full-day program, and a volunteer program. Additionally, you can book a picturesque canopy walk tour. 

“If you’re after an unforgettable, ethical, and truly special experience in Phuket, the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is an absolute must,” one reviewer wrote. “This place isn’t just another tourist spot—it’s a safe haven for rescued elephants and an experience that will stay with you long after you leave.”

Food is provided at the sanctuary, but housing accommodations are not. There are, however, many nearby hotels and resorts in Phuket, Thailand.

Learn more at phuketelephantsanctuary.org.

5. Sea Turtle Research and Conservation in Costa Rica

Through the Sea Turtle Conservatory (STC), you can take part in the organization’s Sea Turtle Research and Conservation in Tortuguero, Costa Rica. Keep in mind that this is more of a volunteer opportunity than a tourism activity. However, you will both be helping these vulnerable little creatures and enjoying the paradise of Tortuguero National Park.

This project runs for eight nights at a time, with available dates between June and October. STC covers your first and last night’s hotel accommodations in San José (including breakfast). They also pay for land and boat transport (plus food) to Tortuguero. All meals and accommodations are on the organization while in Tortuguero.

During your stay, you’ll get to help green turtles, leatherback turtles, and hawksbill turtles.

One person shared their experience working with STC in Costa Rica on their Instagram, stating:

“This sea turtle conservation project was one of the most beautiful things I could have ever contributed to. It’s not just for biologists or scientists—it’s for anyone who’s passionate about the ocean and its creatures.”

He explained that the group relocated eggs to a hatchery. Typically, sea turtle eggs are vulnerable to predators as well as humans, who will often steal them. 

“Most of the turtles were hawksbills, leatherbacks, and green sea turtles—all endangered species, with hawksbills being critically endangered,” the volunteer wrote. “If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back while experiencing one of the most incredible places on Earth, THIS IS YOUR SIGN!”

Learn more at conserveturtles.org.

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