The best spots beyond safari for wildlife lovers

In celebration of National Wildlife Day, we’re looking at the natural beauty of our blue planet and which destinations stand out for animal spotting.    

Whether you're an armchair conservationist or an avid animal enthusiast, there's no denying some of the most memorable sights in life come from seeing the untamed beauty of the natural world. While safari escapes are undoubtedly popular across our escorted tours, there are also a number of animal-spotting hotspots which are more than worth a visit. With that in mind, our team has been thinking about the very best wildlife-spotting destinations beyond the safari trails. 

From the reefs and rainforests across the Pacific Ocean to the Arctic Circle’s dramatic glacial landscapes, there’s no shortage of wish-list-worthy hotspots. As people celebrate National Wildlife Day, what better way to mark the occasion than to go beyond the screens and witness the wildlife in their natural habitat? 

When it comes to wildlife-spotting destinations, there aren’t many that are as historic and recognisable as the magnificent Galápagos Islands. Though they’re best known for their giant tortoises, of which there are more than 12 subspecies, this archipelago is much more biodiverse than many give it credit for.  

From the world’s only seafaring lizards, marine iguanas, to the sole penguin species residing north of the equator, there are hundreds of unique animals to spot off the Ecuadorian coast. Those in search of the islands’ most impressive wildlife-spotting opportunities should look no further than Isla Fernandina. Elsewhere, Isla Española is a bird-watcher’s paradise and the largest of the islands, Isla Isabela, is perfect for wildlife encounters with the Galápagos’ famous tortoises. 

Of Southeast Asia’s wildlife-rich havens, few are as memorable as Borneo, and despite being the world’s third-largest island, more than 50% of its total land area falls is covered by rainforest. Split between three neighbouring nations – Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei – this spectacular island is perfect for a range of animal encounters. Having said this, it’s best known for its native orangutans.  

These brightly coloured great apes, which can often be found climbing across the dense rainforests of Sabah, can only be found in the wild in Borneo and neighbouring Sumatra. While you’re scanning the canopy, you might also catch a glimpse of the island’s other native species, from diminutive pygmy elephants and inquisitive sun bears to the nocturnal pangolin. For the best chance to spot them all, though, there’s no better choice than Sabah.

Though it’s perhaps best known for its spiders, snakes and sharks, Australia is one of the most diverse wildlife-spotting havens on earth. From the Northern Territory's crocodile country to the South Coast’s native ‘fairy penguins’, there’s more to the Land Down Under than just the creepy crawlies.  

Those in search of a more varied animal-spotting experience won’t want to miss out on breathtaking Queensland. Home to the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef, this northeastern region is a must-see for animal enthusiasts and offers some of the world’s best water safaris as well as a number of impressive sights back ashore. No trip to Queensland would be complete without also visiting Daintree, the world’s oldest tropical rainforest. Here, amongst the dense jungle canopy, you’ll have a chance to see colourful cassowaries, peculiar tree-kangaroos and an impressive array of bird species.  

It’s no secret that Canada boasts some of the most impressive landscapes across North America, but it’s not just the scenery that makes it worth a visit. Amongst its varied landscapes is an even wider range of native species that are just as memorable. What’s more, with the Rockies’ vast national parks and wildlife-rich coastlines, there’s plenty of choice no matter what species interest you. 

One of the best spots for a more varied animal-spotting experience is Vancouver Island. Exploring by land introduces the island’s resident black bears, wolves and cougars, while a short sailing on the nearby Salish Sea offers opportunities to spot the orcas, porpoises and humpback whales that dwell beneath the surface. Whether you’re after wildlife sightings on the water or thrilling encounters on dry land, Vancouver Island is never short of memorable animal-spotting opportunities.  

While Romania is a standout destination for wildlife in its own right, the vast Danube Delta, which is Europe’s youngest, largest and most biodiverse wetland area, is a must-visit for casual birdwatchers and animal enthusiasts alike. Spanning more than 1,500 miles, this vast reserve is home to over 300 types of birds and a further 60 fish species. It’s not just the wildlife that will impress here, with a wide variety of unspoilt landscapes also on offer.  

Though the Danube stands out, it’s not the only spot in Romania which is worth a wildlife-spotting visit. The Carpathian Mountains, which inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, are also home to a wide array of bears, wolves and wild game, making the region perfect for a safari with a distinctly European twist.  

Whether you’re keen to embrace the best of the world’s wild spaces or simply want to see each species up close, we’ve got a range of award-winning wildlife-spotting holidays that are perfect for any occasion.  

To get the ball rolling on your own animal encounters, or for more information on each wish-list itinerary, give one of our friendly holiday planners a call today. If you’ve got your eye on somewhere else across the globe, you can also browse our full escorted tour collection on our dedicated destinations page.