Taking a cruise to the remote corners of the earth allows travelers to journey into the heart of nature’s untouched marvels. Here are four itineraries from Quasar Expeditions and Niarra Travel for globetrotters to experience the natural beauty of pristine landscapes and encounter untamed wildlife, all while indulging in comfort and luxury:
Follow in Darwin’s Footsteps in the Galapagos: Located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are known for their crystal-clear waters, year-round warm temperatures, and the vast number of endemic species studied by Charles Darwin. Upon setting foot on the remote islands, guests spend their days getting up close and personal with amazing wildlife, going on hikes, and kayaking, snorkeling, and diving with the area’s fish and docile sharks. For travelers considering a trip to the Galapagos Islands, Quasar Expeditions offers cruises onboard their yachts, the M/V Evolution and the M/Y Grace (a wedding gift from Aristotle Onassis to Prince Rainer and Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco). Unlike larger ships in the Galapagos, Quasar incorporates remote sites and outer islands in their itineraries, such as Tagus Cove and Bartolome Island, providing guests with access to private hiking trails, hidden coves, and beautiful beaches.
Enjoy Unseen Tanzania Beauty via Dhow Cruises: This itinerary is a unique experience for safari enthusiasts who are craving an East African adventure. After exploring Ruaha and Katavi National Parks, guests travel to Tanzania’s remote western frontier to spend four days exploring Lake Tanganyika via traditional dhow boat cruises, known for their long thin hulls and tall sails. During their excursions across the lake, travelers can venture into the mountains, explore and take a dip in natural pools and waterfalls, experience local village life, and even swim in hidden areas of the lake that are safe from crocodiles and hippos.
Go Raja Impact Sailing and Misool Island Diving in Indonesia: This journey takes guests on an enchanting marine adventure that combines a private yacht-based exploration of the Raja Ampat archipelago in Indonesia and time at a remote diving resort surrounded by the most biodiverse coral reefs on the planet. Travelers begin on the western tip of New Guinea to spend their first week hopping between a string an idyllic islands aboard a luxury phinisi, an iconic wooden diving vessel, dropping anchor to hike the jungle interiors, visit local fishing villages, dine on empty beaches, and swim in lagoons. Guests then sail to the small island resort of Misool, which protects one of the richest coral reef ecosystems on earth. While exploring this island, travelers can visit 60 sites, including a manta cleaning station, coral walls, reef flats, gentle sea mounts, drift dives, vast hard-coral gardens, and placid lagoons.
Sail Norway’s Fjords by Private Yacht: This weeklong waterborne adventure is a thrilling way to explore Norway’s famous fjords by sailing lesser-known waterways aboard a private yacht. The journey begins in Ålesund aboard the historic Framstig, a rustic vessel ideal for small groups, for three nights. During their time onboard, guests can explore Norway’s epic coast by discovering the island of Runde’s raucous birdlife, sailing up Hjørundfjord, enjoying kayaking in Sæbø, and going on scenic treks from Trandal. Travelers then spend the night in the quaint village of Øye to hike up Slogen, one of the most impressive peaks in Norway, before sailing back to Ålesund.
