The 14 Wildlife Boat Trips to Book This Year

1.Everglades National Park Airboat Tour & Wildlife Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 7,296 reviews · 1 day · from $42Our pick

You’ll take a 35 to 40 minute narrated airboat ride through Everglades National Park, followed by a 30 minute alligator and wildlife presentation. Guides such as Cody, Anthony, Jay, John, and Tom are praised for clear explanations and humor. Bring sun protection, and allow extra time for the park fee, food, and the gift shop.

“Super fun captain! We saw several animals including birds turtles and alligators, even babies! Highly recommend!!”

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2.Manatee Sightseeing and Wildlife Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,590 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $69

Cruise from Port of the Islands Marina in a covered six-passenger boat with a Coast Guard licensed captain. You may see manatees, alligators, birds, sharks, and even a crocodile. Captains such as Paul, Becky, Chris, Andie, and Storm explain the ecosystem and guide you to the best wildlife spots.

“Our captain Andi was perfect for our family group which include a two year-old and a five-year-old. She was fun and involved both the children, as well as being very knowledgeable of the area..,”

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3.Victoria Whale and Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,729 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $146Top rated

Set out from Dallas Road with Eagle Wing Whale Watching Tours for about three and a half hours on the Salish Sea. Your certified naturalist guide helps spot orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, otters, and eagles from an open boat or semi-covered catamaran. Warm clothing is available, and the next tour is free if no whale is found.

“Sierra and Joe were great in ensuring our comfort AND searching for whales. Tour operator offered pants and jackets. Use them. Even on a sunny day in the harbor, it was chilly out on the water.”

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4.Solar Whisper Daintree River Crocodile and Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,663 reviews · from $25

Spend about an hour on the Daintree River aboard the quiet solar-electric Solar Whisper. Your guide points out crocodiles by name, along with birds, frogs, snakes, fish, and mangrove life. Small groups, live commentary, tea, and coffee make this a calm, good-value wildlife outing near the Daintree ferry.

“Great trip, guide is very knowledgeable, saw plenty of crocs. Boat only has one row of seats in each side unlike other larger boats which can be 3x3 so everyone gets a good view and the skipper turns the boat so both sides gets close to each croc!”

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5.Orlando: Everglades Airboat Ride and Wildlife Park Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,459 reviews · 30 minutes - 1 hour · from $36

At Wild Florida, a guide such as Jeff, Lauren, Todd, or Bobby takes you across protected Central Florida wetlands by airboat. The 30-minute ride may reveal alligators, turtles, eagles, and other birds. Your ticket also includes the wildlife park, live alligator demonstration, animal exhibits, and access to shows.

“Capt. Lauren was the BEST! It was way better than expected actually. We had an awesome Air boat ride through the lake and “off road” areas! We saw gators and lots of birds, and even cows - and it was a great experience! 10 stars! ⭐️”

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6.1-Hour Daintree River wildlife cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 947 reviews · from $25

Spend one hour on the Daintree River with guides such as Bruce, Ray, Brad, or Griff, watching for crocodiles, birds, tree snakes, and other wildlife. The cruise travels through a UNESCO-listed region and includes tea, coffee, or children’s slushies. Sightings are not guaranteed, but crocodiles are spotted on most trips.

“Had a great time, started raining half way through but the guide was amazing and made sure we still got to see a few crocs”

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7.Jasper: Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Maligne Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 501 reviews · from $155

Spend six hours exploring Maligne Valley by 21-seat minibus and covered boat. Look for bears, elk, moose, eagles, and other wildlife, stop at Medicine Lake, and cruise Maligne Lake to Spirit Island. Guides such as Sam, Jake, Alan, and Kelli add useful insight into wildlife, geology, and Jasper’s 2024 wildfire.

“I loved seeing all the wildlife, especially the grizzlys. I loved the cruise, Maligne Lake is stunning! And I loved the guide, Sam, who was so knowledgeable and so nice!”

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8.Brijuni Islands Dolphin Watching & Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 434 reviews · 3 hours · from $55

Sail from Pula along the coast toward Fažana and Brijuni National Park with a multilingual guide, binoculars, and a route map. You will search for dolphins, hear about the park, watch the sunset, and enjoy unlimited white wine, water, and soft drinks. Dinner is available to order separately before departure.

“The tour was extended, incl. St. Jerolim island visit which was fabulous. The dinner was delicious and the tour guide was really nice and provided a lot of info.”

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9.2-Hour Wildlife & Nature Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 418 reviews · from $85

Set out from Milford Sound Visitor Terminal on a two-hour RealNZ cruise toward the Tasman Sea. Nature guides point out cliffs, waterfalls, seals, dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins. You can move between open decks, indoor lounges, and the Haven vessel’s licensed bar and café.

“Layer up! Wear a beanie so your face don’t freeze up and try & eat before you jump on cruise as there’s not much options to choose from.”

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10.From Svolvaer: Trollfjorden Wildlife RIB Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 355 reviews · 2 hours · from $125

Ride a fast RIB from central Svolvaer through Øyhellsundet to steep Trollfjord, with a local Norwegian or English-speaking guide. You may see white-tailed eagles, seals, and even orcas. Floatation suits, gloves, goggles, and wellies help with the cold, but bring extra rain protection.

“Great safari with knowledgeable guide. The eagles were amazing. We thoroughly enjoyed the outing despite a little rain.”

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11.Daintree Rainforest Wildlife Experience Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 349 reviews · 1 hour · from $24Best value

Spend an hour cruising the Daintree River with an English-speaking guide who points out crocodiles, birds, snakes, fish, and mangroves. Guides such as Charly and Adam have earned praise for sharp wildlife spotting and clear explanations. The $24 cruise includes morning or afternoon tea, but you need your own transport to the Daintree River Cruise Centre.

“It was great, our tour guide was able to spot a number of crocs including hatchlings, and we learned a lot on the tour.”

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12.Daintree: River Rainforest Crocodile & Wildlife Cruise (DV)

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 346 reviews · 14 days · from $27

Join Crocodile Express for a one-hour cruise on the Daintree River, where guides such as Neil and Justin point out crocodiles, birds, snakes and rainforest plants. One pass covers the Upper and Lower Daintree routes, so you can return for another cruise and compare the river near Daintree village with the mangrove-lined lower section.

“Saw two massive crocs on the bank in the river. Tour guide explained the rivers history including some of the indigenous peoples history using the river. The hour flew by! Would recommend”

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13.Mary River Wetlands Wildlife Cruise with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 324 reviews · 8 hours · from $166

Travel from Darwin to Fogg Dam and the Window on the Wetlands, then spend 2.5 hours on an open-air Mary River cruise. Guides such as Cam, Evan, Richard, Luke, and Paul share stories about wildlife, Aboriginal culture, Darwin, and the wetlands. Expect crocodiles, water buffalo, lilies, dozens of bird species, and a generous cold lunch.

“Fantastic day. It was great out on the water of the Mary River Wetlands. We saw the big 5 in a very relaxed atmosphere. Our Guide Paul was extremely knowledgeable on the area, wildlife as well as the history of the NT.”

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14.Orlando: Florida Everglades Wildlife Airboat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 276 reviews · from $89

Spend 90 minutes on a 6 to 12 passenger airboat with a live English-speaking guide from Marsh Landing Adventures. You will glide through marsh and wet prairie, hear about Native American and settler history, and look for American alligators, bald eagles, turtles, cranes, and other wildlife. The stadium seating gives each passenger a clear view.

“Extraordinary! Due to a cancellation of another party, my son and me literally had a private tour with Captain David. Edutainment par excellence. Fun, engaging, interesting. A Great Blue Heron snapped a frog out of the water right in front of us. Tons of different birds. We saw a couple of alligators including babies as well. This comes highly recommended! Best from Berlin!”

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