CRUISE FOCUS
THE GREEN QUESTION
Costa Rica is rapidly being ‘discovered’ and is home to more than 500,000 spe- cies, which represents 4 per cent of the total known species worldwide, making it one of 20 countries with the highest biodiversity in the world. Chile and Patagonia have 50 per cent of
the known whale species in their waters, with rich populations of small endemic dolphins. Best time to visit is November to February. If you are considering Central America, the “dry” season from December to April is the favoured period. Adventure cruise line: Lindblad Expedi- tions, Seabourn, Noble Caledonia, Aqua Expeditions, Zegrahm, Voyages of Discovery, Nomads of the Seas, Star Clippers, Silversea.
GALAPAGOS: Iguanas and Tortoises This is just about the ultimate in wildlife watching, with a long visitor season. Each month brings climate changes and wildlife viewing opportunities, so it’s best to decide what you want to see before you book. These islands are so isolated more than 1,900 of its creatures can be found nowhere else.
Whale sharks visit between July and October but fairly constant are the giant tortoises, flightless cormorants and black
Is responsible tourism an important consideration for you? If going to Antarctica, ask if your chosen cruise line is a member of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO), which promotes safe and environmentally responsible travel to the region. Cruise North Expeditions off cruises in the Canadian Arctic and Greenland and are an Inuit owned and operated company, so have access and knowledge like no-one else in the region.
Also ask if operation techniques comply with the strict observation standards suggested and required by such institutions as the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society and the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
marine iguanas, while watching the Pacific green turtles pull themselves ashore is not to be missed.
One aspect of a visit here that is rarely considered is the snorkelling, where you can experience a multitude of colourful fish among the rocks and reefs as well as the iguanas grazing below you. The options to explore the islands include ships with 48-plus visitors, and luxury catamarans and small yachts hold- ing a maximum of 20. The choice is wide and is what really makes trips to these magical islands so memorable. December to May is when the seas are calmest and the temperature warmest, while the animals are most active in the summer. Adventure cruise lines: Seabourn, Haugan Cruises, Lindblad Expeditions, Ecoventura, Celebrity Cruises, Zegrahm, Noble Caledonia.
THE ARCTIC: Polar Bears and Walrus As with the Antarctic, what we now refer to as the Arctic has expanded greatly and, in cruise terms, now includes Iceland, Greenland, Canada and – the jewel in the
38 WORLD OF CRUISING I Spring 2011
crown – Spitsbergen. In the short summer season, the wildlife positively teems here. Polar bears and walrus are the two big
draws, although white-beaked dolphin, minke whales, blue phase fulmar, musk ox, reindeer, seals, Arctic hares and foxes are also popular. Iceland is renowned for its whale-
watching, with both Blue and Humpbacks often seen. Just north-west of Andenes, Norway, is Bleik Canyon, part of the Con- tinental Shelf and home to a rich supply of deep-water squid, cuttlefish and plankton – the staple diet of the sperm whale. The best time to travel is from June to
August. Adventure cruise lines: Hurtigruten, Cruise North Expeditions, Zegrahm, OceanWide Expeditions, Hapag-Lloyd, Silversea, Lind- blad Expeditions, Noble Caledonia.
THE CARIBBEAN: Parrots and Stingrays Most people think Caribbean wildlife can be found only beneath the waves but, with more than 7,000 islands, there is just as much on land. Conditions vary greatly but the region is typified by forests at different altitude levels, ranging from dry deciduous forest to mountain cloud forest. You’ll find amazing bird life such as parrots, boobys, pelicans and frigate birds but most people are drawn to the snorkel- ling and diving in magical places such as the Tobago Cays. The coral life here is stunning and the chance to swim with turtles and shoals of fish in their thousands is unforgettable. Perhaps the ultimate wildlife experi- ence, though, is interacting with the giant stingrays off Grand Cayman. Best time to visit is November to April.
Adventure cruise lines: Voyages of Discovery, Star Clippers, Royal Caribbean, SeaDream Yacht Club, Sea Cloud, Seabourn, Silversea, Ponant Cruises.
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