5 Amazing Vacation Destinations for Animal Lovers!
We are blessed with such incredible wildlife all over the world. From beautiful hummingbirds to majestic golden eagles, elephants, pandas, and even cute little creepy-crawlies, they’re absolutely everywhere. Wildlife vacations have been gaining popularity ever since the eighteenth century, and they’re still growing. If you’re a friend to the animals, consider some of these destinations for your upcoming vacations.
Vancouver Island
Canada is a stunning destination, rich in cultural history, and beautiful landscapes. The icing on the cake is the ease of access to the wilderness, and the incredible array of wildlife that comes with it. Whale watching boat tours are an amazing way to get up close and personal with killer whales, humpbacks, and gray whales. You might even be lucky enough to spot some grizzly bears and beautiful birds of prey lurking around the coast looking for their next meal.
South Africa
South Africa is such a diverse country, with many different terrains, and a combination of cultures from all over the world. Their wildlife is so abundant and varied that you could spend a year there and still not have experienced everything it has to offer. In South Africa safari holidays are an excellent way to get a sneak preview. With rhinos, big cats, hundreds of species of birds, impala, zebra, and much more, you’re guaranteed lots of excitement, and if you choose a conservation company to travel with, you’re helping these animals to repopulate and grow.
Antarctica
If you’re not afraid of a bit of cold, Antarctica has so much to offer animal lovers. A cruise around the waters surrounding the continent will allow your to spot animals who love the colder climate. Fur seals, leopard seals, 18 different species of penguin, including the incredible Emperor penguin, and many different species of whales can all be seen, as well as over 45 different species of seabird.
Australia
If you’re a bit more fond of warmer climates, you might enjoy diving off the coasts of Australia. The country is surrounded by incredible reefs, cliffs, and open water, and such a huge array of wildlife that much of it is still unknown to scientists. The adrenaline junkies among you can cage dive with great white sharks. Everyone else might enjoy the serenity of diving with stunning tropical fish around the Great Barrier Reef, which is accessed most easily by boat from the city of Cairns.
India
If you’re a fan of elephants, you can trek them in the wild in the rainforests of India. It’s best to choose a respected conservation travel agency to go with if this is something you’re interested in, as they are heavily threatened by loss of habitat and poachers. Elephant conservation is a great cause in which to get involved, and something that is thankfully gaining popularity.
If you think that a vacation with an animal or conservation focus is something that would interest you, consider some of these locations for your next vacation.
Amber Myers says
I’d enjoy going to these places. My daughter especially loves animals. Maybe one day!
Dana says
Definitely add to the bucket list Amber! 😉
Nellwyn says
I haven’t been to South Africa but I’ve been to Kenya and Tanzania and saw so many incredible animals there! I’d love to check out Antartica some day but I really hate the cold!
patricia @ grab a plate says
What a great list of destinations! India and South Africa are both on my “to get to” list!
Dana says
Thanks Patricia! I’m so intrigued by each of these destinations, I don’t know which one to go to first!
The Travel Ninjas says
All of these vacations sound fun and adventurous. Wildlife encounters often provide the best moments of our travels. Antartica is still on our bucket list. We can’t wait to see all those penguins.
Dana says
The penguins would be the highlight for me too!
Tasheena @ SimplyTasheena.com says
This is such a wonderful list. I would love to visit all of the places listed. I think Australia is at the top of the list.
Briana says
Yay! Animal lover right here! I would so love to visit all of these places. My bucket list is getting wayyy too long. Lol.
Dana says
LOL I hear you Briana!!
Chante Burkett says
Great Read! I promise you all of these places are on my list of travel spots.
Dana says
Awesome Chante!
Krystal // The Krystal Diaries says
What a great list of places to see. I am for sure an animal lover so I think I should visit one of these countries one day, hopefully.
Dana says
Thanks Krystal!
Precious Leyva says
These sound like awesome places to go! I’ve been wanting to take a vacation somewhere to take photographs of the wildlife. Vancouver Island sounds like a lot of fun. That is so cool that whale sightings happen and even up close. I could take some cool pictures up close to a humpback whale!