Exploration Cruises

Nature, wildlife, and photography focused small ship travel

Exploration cruises aboard small ships reveal the remarkable natural history of the Arctic, Antarctic, Amazon, and Pacific. JOURNEYS is determined to provide the best small ship exploration cruises in the world. The ships of our operators are either luxury class or otherwise certified to meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements. In polar waters, many our exploration cruises are conducted aboard converted polar research vessels. These exploration cruises feature good food, modest comfort, and expert crew. There is typically one or more naturalists aboard devoted to making the cruise a scientific learning experience. These nature cruises always focus on wildlife, scenery and photography. We offer exploration cruises in the Amazon of Brazil, the Ayurwaddy River of Myanmar, Panama Canal cruises, and the Australis cruises in the Straits of Magellan between Chile and Argentina.

EXPLORATION CRUISES

Active Antarctica Adventure
Cost: $4,990-$11,690 • Duration: 12 days

Experience Antarctica beyond the view from your ship’s deck. Each departure will test your endurance and engage your curiosity with an average of two off-ship activities per day while in...

Antarctica: Antarctic Circle Quest
Cost: $7,500-$16,300 • Duration: 15 days

On this exciting itinerary you will have time to really explore the Antarctic Peninsula, to search out its bays and islands, to marvel at its wildlife and wonder at the...

Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia
Cost: $7,900-$23,500 • Duration: 20 days

If your goal is to set foot on Antarctica but also combine the Antarctic Peninsula’s wonders with a fascinating, easy-paced journey via the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, these expeditions...

Arctic Explorer: Canada to Greenland
Cost: $4,890-$8,990 • Duration: 14 days

The High Arctic Explorer is truly a voyage of adventure and discovery. We will sail out and have some fun investigating the area that challenged the famous explorers of the...

Classic Antarctica
Cost: $6,200-$8,500 • Duration: 11 days

This easygoing, compact adventure offers the very best of Antarctica. You'll see Minke Whales, Leopard Seals and other unique wildlife; explore vast penguin rookeries; visit historic research bases; and enjoy...

Antarctica: Emperor Penguins: Snow Hill Island Safari
Cost: $11,500-$20,900 • Duration: 14 days

Have you always wanted to observe animals in the wild, but can’t take the heat of an African safari? This penguin “safari” gives photographers and nature lovers ample time to...

Galapagos Aboard the Alta & Parranda
Cost: $3,950-$4,800 • Duration: 11 days

The Alta and Parranda are ideal for modern-day Galapagos explorers seeking the uniqueness and exclusivity of a small yacht, offering a full range of services with open air spaces to...

Galapagos Aboard the Coral I & II
Cost: $2,635-$3,750 • Duration: 11 days

Explore the most significant spots in the Galapagos aboard the first class motor yachts Coral I and Coral II. The unique experience of exploring the islands is combined with gourmet...

Galapagos Aboard the Eclipse
Cost: $4,000-$4,800 • Duration: 11 days

The Eclipse is a perfect base for any Galapagos experience: a generously proportioned ship with a small yacht atmosphere. Ever since her arrival in 1999, the Eclipse has been considered...

Galapagos Aboard the Eric, Flamingo & Letty
Cost: $2,675-$4,095 • Duration: 11 days

The fleet of three identical first-class motor-yachts, M/Y Eric, Flamingo I, and Letty, were custom-designed for Galapagos excursions, offering tremendous value for superior comfort. Two experienced English-speaking naturalist guides attend...

Galapagos Aboard the Evolution
Cost: $3,850-$4,850 • Duration: 11 days

The Evolution looks as boats did in the 1920s but brings a modern level of comfort and safety to explore the wonders of the Galapagos Islands. Accommodating up to 32...

Ecuador: Galapagos Aboard the M/Y Grace
Cost: $4,200-$5,200 • Duration: 11 days

M/Y Grace has journeyed the waters of this world under many names. Camper & Nicholson in Southampton, England built her during the Great Gatsby era in 1928. After serving as...

Galapagos for Families
Cost: $2,195-$4,495 • Duration: 11 days

There is no place on earth more wondrous than the Galapagos Islands for nature loving families! Your family will be thrilled to encounter marine and land iguanas, colorful birds, lizards, marine...

Brazil: Heart of Amazonia
Cost: $2,990 • Duration: 9 days

The Heart of Amazonia is the most authoritative Amazon cruise available. This exciting and educational trip is, for many passengers, a life-changing experience. Tour the Rio Negro far away from...

Arctic: Northwest Passage
Cost: $5,290-$7,990 • Duration: 15 days

The Northwest Passage – a route almost across the top of the world – was long sought by the traders, explorers, and military strategists of Europe, Russian Asia, and the...

Semi-Circumnavigation: Epic Antarctica 2009
Cost: $22,490-$37,590 • Duration: 31 days • Dec. 4-Jan. 3, 2010

Come aboard the only passenger expedition in 2009 to visit the Phantom Coast! Explorer Richard E. Byrd gave this coast between Palmer Peninsula and Thurston Island its ghostly title because...

Arctic: Spitsbergen Explorer
Cost: $3,990-$7,400 • Duration: 11 days

The remarkable islands of the Svalbard archipelago are part of Norway, lying far to the north of the Norwegian mainland and high above the Arctic Circle. Together, they total an...

The North Pole: 90º North
Cost: $22,900-$31,900 • Duration: 15 days

Here is your chance to add your name to the short list of adventurers who have journeyed to the top of the world! The Arctic’s harsh climate defeated many explorers...

Looking for the Best Ecotravel Tour Company?

JOURNEYS International has specialized in ecotourism since 1978. We offer you the best nature tours, safaris, treks, adventure travel, family and cultural trips on earth. Whether you call it an eco vacation, adventure travel, ecotravel, ecotour, sustainable travel or responsible travel, for nearly 30 years we have been creating ecologically sensitive and culturally responsible travel to exotic destinations around the world. Specialty ecotrips include women's tours, Kilimanjaro climbs, exploration cruises, festival trips, student group trips and cross cultural and wildlife safaris. Read more about JOURNEYS International.