The 6 Best Island Wildlife Trips Worldwide

1.Island Hopper Day Cruise – sailing to wildlife sanctuary island – 6 hr cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 301 reviews · from $139Our pick

Spend six hours aboard a small catamaran with Barefoot Sailing Adventures, sailing among the Bay of Islands’ 144 islands. Luke and his crew provide live commentary, morning tea, lunch, snorkel gear, paddleboards, and a two-hour stop at a wildlife sanctuary island for swimming, walking, or relaxing.

“We spent an excellent day discovering the bay of isilands. Luke gave many information about sailing, nature and history. During the 2 h lunch break we were walking on an island discovering the birds, swimming, snorkelling and stand up paddeling. I recommend this trip”

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2.Bay of Islands Cruise & Island Tour – Snorkel, Hike,Swim,Wildlife

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 177 reviews · from $104

Spend 4.5 hours cruising the Bay of Islands with guides such as Adam, Cass, Hamish, or Nick. Walk to Roberton Island’s twin-lagoon lookout, watch for dolphins, penguins, seals, and seabirds, visit the Hole in the Rock when conditions allow, then snorkel, swim, or relax at a second island.

“Adam and Cass were great! The hike on Robinson Island, seeing 1 dolphin swim around the boat, and boating thru the hole in rock was special! Great location for lunch with our prepaid yummy lunches. The boat provided fins, mask, snorkel but disappointed the visibility at snorkeling location was not so good. Highly recommend this trip!”

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3.Bay of Islands: Catamaran Sail, Wildlife Island & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 173 reviews · 6 hours · from $134

Spend six hours sailing from Paihia through the Bay of Islands with Barefoot Sailing Adventures. Help sail the catamaran or stretch out on beanbags, then spend two hours on a wildlife sanctuary island with lunch, snorkeling, paddleboarding, swimming, and short walks. Luke and his crew add local stories and practical help.

“Skipper Luke and assistant Michelle made the day sail very enjoyable. Luke is an excellent skipper with good local knowledge. both were very hospitable, and the lunch excellent quality for a genuine sailing experience.”

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4.Rockingham: 3 Island Wildlife Snorkeling Cruise with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 47 reviews · 3h 30m · from $176

Join Perth Wildlife Encounters from Penguin Island Visitor Center for a 3.5-hour cruise through Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. Snorkel near Penguin, Seal, and Bird Islands, watch dolphins and Australian sea lions, and enjoy lunch onboard. Guides including Grace, Georgia, John, and Courtney bring a friendly, safety-first approach.

“From start to finish the trip was amazing, the girls were so helpful and informative highly recommended! 5 stars”

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5.Lima: Sea Lion Swim and Wildlife Palomino Islands Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 20 reviews · 4 hours · from $76Best value

From La Punta, cruise to San Lorenzo and the Palomino Islands with a bilingual guide, then swim near wild sea lions in wetsuits and life jackets. You may spot Humboldt penguins, boobies, pelicans, guano birds, and migratory seabirds. Hotel pickup is available from Miraflores and San Isidro, or meet the boat yourself.

“Flexibler Umgang mit einem Buchungsproblem, zuverlässig, freundlich und kompetent.”

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6.3 Island Wildlife Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 11 reviews · from $142

Join a small group of up to 18 people for a 3.5-hour boat trip through Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. Your crew helps with equipment and snorkeling basics before you explore limestone reefs and look for sea lions, dolphins, fish, pelicans, and birds of prey. Lunch, upper-deck views, and complimentary photos are included.

“Incredible tour! The snorkeling was beautiful, the guides we’re friendly and passionate, and the gear was high quality. Highly recommend.”

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