The four-part series will focus on various species in hotspots around the world, including whales in Baja California, turtles on the Great Barrier Reef and sharks in the Bahamas, and will feature the conservation efforts in place to protect them.
Take inspiration from the series to explore the world’s wildlife by boat on an expert-led, natural world cruise. Travelling by sea enables wildlife enthusiasts to visit some of the most inaccessible regions of the planet, enjoying freedom from crowds and unparalleled sightings.
Discover some of the destinations featuring in Blue Planet Live or choose from spectacular wildlife hot spots around the world such as the remote Raja Ampat islands in Indonesia, the fjords of coastal British Columbia or the High Arctic, in 2019 and beyond.
Turtles and stingrays on the Great Barrier Reef
Discover the world’s largest expanse of coral reef – home to 15,000 species of fish, 400 types of hard and soft coral, 400 mollusc species and six kinds of turtle – on this tour of tropical Queensland. Don a snorkel and fins in the National Park of Green Island to witness Parrot Fish and Blue-Spotted Stingrays, go on a full-day catamaran tour of Michaelmas Cay to see the large numbers of breeding and resting seabirds, explore the Daintree Rainforest & River by boat, and more.
Cetaceans of Baja California and the Sea of Cortez
Known as the Mexican Galapagos, Baja California is considered one of the world’s best whale-watching destinations. Witness a wide array of whale and dolphin species, from huge Blue Whales to the diminutive Harbour Porpoise. Other highlights include ‘eye-to-eye’ encounters with Grey Whales and thousands of dolphins in the Sea of Cortez.
Spitsbergen – the High Arctic realm of the Polar Bear
Take an exhilarating wildlife cruise around the spectacular High Arctic island of Spitsbergen; this dramatic land of jagged mountains, awe-inspiring glaciers and deep fjords lies just 600 miles south of the North Pole and is home to an exciting range of polar wildlife. Pack-ice lingers offshore throughout the summer; it is the hunting ground for the magnificent Polar Bear and home to Walrus, Harp Seal, Beluga Whale and the rare Bowhead Whale.
Galápagos Islands by small ship
Take a once-in-a-lifetime trip to this natural history paradise on a cruise of the central and eastern islands of this volcanic archipelago, led by expert naturalist guides born and based in the Galápagos. Witness Giant Tortoise, Blue-footed Boobies, and Galápagos Snakes, snorkel in crystal-clear, fish-filled waters, and spot seabirds and cetaceans while cruising between islands.
Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest
Search for Humpbacks, Orcas, Grey Whales, Bald Eagles, Spirit Bears, and congregations of Grizzly Bears fishing for salmon in the Canadian wilderness. The best way to explore this remote region of towering moss-draped forests and dramatic fjords is by water and witness the annual migration of millions of Pacific Salmon.
A winter Arctic cruise in Norway: Orcas, Humpbacks & Northern Lights
In the winter months, the precipitous fjords of northern Norway are stage to the magnificent wildlife spectacle of pods of Orcas (Killer Whales), Humpback Whales and, overhead, White-tailed Eagles shadowing the vast shoals of Herring congregating in the area.
Indonesia’s remote Raja Ampat islands
Lying off the western tip of Papua, Raja Ampat is a stunning archipelago of 1,500 very steeply-sloped, jungle-clad islands dotted with powdery white-sand beaches and secret lagoons. Explore them on a charter cruise, spotting whales (including the possibility of rarer species such as Bryde’s and Omura’s Whales), dolphins, flying fish and seabirds, as well snorkelling in the luminous turquoise, coral-rich waters that are home to more than 3,500 species of fish.
For more information on check out Naturetrek’s wildlife itineraries.
