Cruises

Discover the Kimberley

Almost impenetrable, the Kimberley is an explorer’s dream come true; rife with a complex network of gorges, canyons, ridges, cliffs and horizontal falls, not to mention 160-century old rock art and local Aboriginal culture. Best explored via small ship, there are several trip options available.

Inconic - aboard Heritage Adventurer, from AU$12,750pp, departures 11 & 21 August 2024

Maximum 140 guests aboard this luxury expedition ship
Experience King George RiverGorge and Falls
Discover World War II relics and early explorer history
Explore massive tidal movements at Talbot Bay and the islands and pristine beaches at Vansittart Bay
See Hunter River and Collier Bay mangrove systems
Observe the incredible wildlife reserve of the Lacepede Islands and world's largest inshore reef system at Montgomery Reef

Extensive - aboard Coral Adventurer, from AU$12,800pp, multiple departures April to August 2024

Expert guides with you each step of the way
See grandeur of King George River & Montgomery Reef
Walk among natural ancient rock art galleries
Snorkel & dive in the pristine waters of far-flung Scott Reef
Ride on a Zodiac through Horizontal Falls
Cruise through the tumultuous Whirlpool Passage & enjoy a swim at Silica Beach
Birdwatch and encounter marine life at remote Adele Island and Lacepede Island
Optional extra helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls

Luxury - aboard Le Laperouse, from AU$12,020pp, multiple departures April to September 2024

Maximum 32 passengers aboard this luxurious three masted yacht
Fully flexible itineraries & no predetermined destinations
Experience an aerial view of the remarkable Kimberley landscape aboard the unique Grumman Mallard amphibious aircraft
Gain an insight into the remarkable culture of Australia's First Nations Peoples
Discover the pristine beaches and remarkable scenery of the Buccaneer archipelago

Iceland Circumnavigation - book by 30 November 2023

Elves, Sagas & Volcanoes
Explore this mystical land of fire and ice while you see the entirety of Iceland's coast. Experience fascinating nature with waterfalls, volcanoes and glaciers side by side.
Duration: 11 Days
Departures: 9 & 19 May / 1 Aug 2024
Aboard: Fram
Price from: SAVE 25%* 
AU$6,435pp (WAS AU$8,044)

*T&Cs - Offer is only applicable on new bookings made prior to 30 November 2023. Valid across all 2024/2025 departures and destinations. Book early for the best price guaranteed, and also to secure your preferred cabin and optional excursions ahead of others. Each voyage is accompanied by our Expedition Team, equipping you with knowledge through lectures, shore landings and Citizen Science Programs .

Classic River Cruising Asia

Cambodia to Vietnam (or reverse) sailing along the Mekong River

A cruise on the Mekong is like no other river cruise you will experience. The river runs along the border of such varied countries, from the bustling cities of Vietnam to the calm towns of Cambodia. This 7 night cruise begins in either Saigon or Siem Reap. Discover Phnom Penh by cyclo or why not book an extension and set sail to explore the awe-inspiring monuments of Angkor.

Highlights:

• Travel by horse cart through the lush Vietnamese countryside
• Moor in a small canal off Con Phuoc Island and go ashore to explore the island by Xi Loi seeing basket production and visiting a 100-year old Catholic Church as well as local woodworking artisans
• Explore the labyrinthine canal system around Tan Chau to visit a Taoist temple where the monks will read fortunes

Dates: Regular dates between Oct to Mar

Duration: 8 days

Ships: RV Bassac Pandaw, RV Indochina Pandaw

Price from: US$3,393 per person

Save 10%, No Single Supplement & Kids go FREE on selected dates

Scotland, British Isles & Faroes - book by 31 October 2023

Discovery
Whether you're a nature lover, history enthusiast, or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, these cruises offer an unparalleled opportunity to discover the cool and captivating wonders of the this fascinating region.

Landings & Excursions
Experience the perfect fusion of exhilarating zodiac landings and immersive port excursions on this exceptional voyage, showcasing the finest attractions of the remarkable British Isles & the Faroes.

History
Discover the wonders of Neolithic villages, grand cathedrals, and other breathtaking ancient treasures found in these lands. Indulge in an unforgettable experience where you will truly feel transported through various times and epochs.
 
Faroe Islands
Step into a fairytale as you arrive on the remote Faroe Islands. With their charming turf houses and lush green fields, these islands will leave you spellbound at every turn. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this picturesque archipelago, where Viking heritage is deeply rooted.

Join this Wild Earth Escorted Cruise off the beaten path, where nature is still wild and history can be touched...
Aboard: Sea Spirit

Duration: 13 days; Date: 19 to 31 May 2024

Early bird offer: AU$11,676pp* twin share (regular price AU$12,835)

T&Cs: Early bird Scotland, British Isles & Faroes: price from  AU$11,676pp twin share (regular price AU$12,835pp) for bookings made by 31 Oct 2023.

Indonesia Small Ship Cruises

Indonesia has so much to offer - explore the colourful coral gardens, enjoy islands visits, during which you can stroll through local towns and villages and delve into their cultures. Search for Komodo dragons and birds of paradise, trek to hilltops to be rewarded with spectacular views, explore hidden caves and remote islets, go on specialised birding adventures, trek through jungles and savannah, swim with manta rays or whale sharks, kayak and paddle in pristine bays, and laze contentedly under shady coconut palms on white sand beaches.

If you’re after a small ship cruise or an expedition ship cruise to Indonesia Wild Earth Travel can help you find a trip of a lifetime. We are ready to guide you through our range of different options with impartial advice so you can experience the very best of this unique destination. Our team are all passionate expedition & small cruise ship travellers and our knowledge and stories come from our own personal experiences.

Singapore to Bali:  Jungles, Atolls & Wildlife - Luxury Expedition on National Geographic Orioin, 12 days from NZ$19,347pp departing 22Aug23; 22Sep23; 01Aug24; 12Sep24

Wonders of the Western Pacific:  Orangutans, Sun Bears & the Coral Triangle - Luxury Expedition on National Geographic Resolution, 13 days from NZ$20,668pp departing 3Oct23

Exploring Indonesia:  Bali, Raja Ampat & Papa New Guinea - Luxury Expedition on National Geographic Orion, 20 days from NZ$32,301pp departing 8May24 or 22Sep24.

Heritage Expeditions - NZ, Japan, Kimberley, Indonesia, Subantarctica

Every year Heritage Expeditions voyages with small groups of between 18 and 140 intrepid travellers to some of the most unique and remote islands and coasts on earth aboard their expedition ships Heritage Adventurer and Heritage Explorer on voyages ranging from 5 – 29 days. Founded in 1985 by the Russ family in Christchurch, New Zealand, Heritage Expeditions is still proudly family owned and operated.

Contributing to conservation through experiential learning and providing funds for research and management, they are pioneers in environmentally-responsible expedition travel offering intimate group excursions to Antarctica, the Subantarctic Islands, through the Pacific, Japan, around New Zealand and the Kimberley Coast. Each expedition is meticulously planned and led by a team of experts, ensuring passengers have every opportunity to learn, discover and experience as much as possible, while minimising the impact of their visit and returning as ambassadors for these places.

Heritage Adventurer is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree and Heritage Expeditions flagship. Often referred to as the ‘Grande Dame of Polar Exploration’ due to her celebrated history and refined design, she was purpose-built for adventure and exploration. Setting a peerless standard in authentic expedition travel, Heritage Adventurer welcomes just 140 expeditioners ensuring spacious, stylish and comfortable voyages, while a fleet of 14 Zodiacs ensures all guests are able to maximise their expedition adventure.

Heritage Explorer sets a new standard in New Zealand discovery travel combining the ultimate in comfort with unique Kiwi itineraries and personalised experience with a maximum of 18 guests. The 30-metre, New Zealandflagged vessel features a contemporary wood-finished interior, 10 well-appointed cabins, dining room boasting spectacular 180-degree panoramas and theatre capabilities, lounge, bar, a well-stocked local library and two tenders allowing thrilling coastal safaris. Ask about our boutique New Zealand coastal voyages aboard Heritage Explorer.

Enquire today regarding these expeditions:

Beyond Fiordland - New Zealand's Wildest Islands:  Explore New Zealand’s Subantarctic Auckland, Snares and Campbell Islands along with the untamed wilderness of Fiordland’s ice-carved mountains, forests and fiords with special guest, acclaimed author, scientist and explorer Professor Tim Flannery. Encounter threatened native species flourishing on Stewart Island’s Ulva Island on this iconic, 12-day expedition cruise of remote New Zealand.
Onboard: Heritage Adventurer
Dates: 28 Dec 2022 - 8 Jan 2023, 20 - 31 Dec 2023
Price from: US$9,995 pp based on Deck 4 Superior twin share

Best of New Zealand - Queenstown to Auckland:  Discover the best of Aotearoa/New Zealand exploring its three main islands (North Island, South Island and Stewart Island) on this unforgettable 15-day New Zealand cruise. From the ‘World’s Coolest Little Capital (Wellington)’ to Dunedin’s avant garde fashion, the unrestrained beauty of Fiordland and Stewart Island, Art Deco glamour of Napier and the golden beaches of the upper North Island, this voyage has it all!
Onboard: Heritage Adventurer
Dates: 6 - 20 Mar 2023, 7 - 21 Mar 2024
Price from: US$7,475 pp based on Deck 4 Superior twin share

Beyond Japan's National Parks - Kanazawa to Otaru:  Join us on the ultimate exploration of Japan’s wilderness, beyond its national parks and last frontier – Hokkaido. Translating in English to ‘Northern Sea Circuit’, Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost and least developed island, and a world away from the country’s more traditional and contemporary cities.
Onboard: Heritage Adventurer
Dates: 18 May - 2 June 2023
Price from: US$12,475 pp based on Deck 4 Superior twin share

Kimberley Explorer - Cruising Australia's Iconic Kimberley Coast:  Marvel at ancient landscapes as we spend 11 days aboard Heritage Adventurer navigating the Kimberley Coast visiting well-known highlights including King George Falls, the Hunter River, the Horizontal Falls, and the Lacepede Islands. We will also delve deep into the cultural heritage of the region visiting areas of Aboriginal rock art.
Onboard: Heritage Adventurer
Dates: 11 - 21, 21 - 31 July, 31 July - 10 August, 10 - 20, 20 - 30 August 2023
Price from: AU$11,950 pp based on Deck 4 Superior twin share

Indonesia Explorer - Raja Ampat to Papua New Guinea:  Discover paradise on an authentic expedition through Indonesia’s remote and little known tropical islands. Swim with the Whale Sharks in Kwatisore Bay, visit Komodo National Park, home to the famed Komodo Dragon, discover Jacques Cousteau’s “underwater nirvana” Wakatobi National Park and explore the turquoise waters and rainbow corals of Raja Ampat as we traverse powdery white sand beaches and untamed jungles.
Onboard: Heritage Adventurer
Dates: 7 - 24 Oct 2023
Price from: US$10,495 pp based on Deck 4 Superior twin share

Alaska Expedition Cruise

Some Alaskan Small Ship Cruise Highlights may include:

• Sailing along the Inside Passage for an unforgettable journey surrounded by ice, islets, fjords and snow-capped mountains.

• Encountering iconic and abundant wildlife. Brown bears, Humpback whales, Orcas, Steller sea lions, Bald eagles and Sure-footed mountain goats clutching to steep cliffs. The wildlife of Alaska is truly legendary and you will see it in abundance.

• Discovering Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. It is home to dozens of glaciers, including 7 tidewater glaciers, and a great range of wildlife, and forms part of the largest international protected area on the planet. Surrounded by a host towering peaks between 10-15000 meters it is surely one of the most photogenic places on Earth. 

• Navigating winding Wrangell Narrows and Behm Canal or immersing yourself in the scenic beauty of Tracy Arm Fjord and witnessing the hundreds of waterfalls cascading down its vertical cliffs.

Cruise Highlights:

Glacier Bay National Park Adventure Cruise aboard Wilderness Discoverer: 8 days from NZ$6,431pp - TWO full days in Glacier Bay National Park; Tidewater glaciers: Margerie, Grand Pacific, and the twin Sawyer Glaciers; Explore the shores and fjords of Tongass National Forest and Tracy Arm; Bushwhack and hike in old-growth forest and glacial outwash fields; Whale watching in Frederick Sound, Stephens Passage & Icy Straits; Search for wildlife—bears, sea lions, seals, porpoises, eagles; Birding at South Marble Island—puffins, oystercatchers, cormorants, and kittiwakes; Natural history narration from expert onboard guides; More exploring at Hobart Bay

Alaska 7 Night Cruise - Fjords & Glaciers:  8 days from NZ$6,431pp - Dawes Glacier and ice-rich Endicott Arm; Whale watching in Frederick Sound; Adventure exploration in Misty Fjords National Monument; Tongass backcountry by kayak, paddle board, skiff, and hike; Search for wildlife - bears, Sitka deer, sea lions, Eagles, mink, porpoises, and mountain goats; Navigate winding Wrangell Narrows and Behm Canal.

Alaska and British Columbia - Inside Passage, Bears and Aleutian Islands:  19 days from NZ$13,627pp - Expedition cruise from Nome, Alaska, through Canada’s Inside Passage and onto the Aleutian Islands and the islands of the Bering Sea; Experience spectacular scenery, scout for bears and enjoy some of the best birdwatching in Alaska on the islands of St. Paul and St. Matthew; Discover the history of gold prospectors and explorers as we encounter indigenous Tlingit and Aleut cultures on this epic North American adventure.

Alaska and British Columbia - Wilderness Glaciers and Culture:  15 days from NZ$8,510pp - Expedition cruise from Vancouver to Seward or vice versa; See unspoiled wilderness, primeval forest and authentic frontier towns, taking in incredible wildlife like whales, eagles and bears; Explore Alaska's rugged fjords, awe-inspiring mountains, monumental glaciers and vast forests on this trip of a lifetime.

Alaska's Inside Passage Sojourn aboard Baranof Dream:  9 days from NZ$8,896pp on Alaskan Dream Cruise - Search for humpback whales, orcas, coastal brown bears, mountain goats and more as we venture through the region’s most abundant wildlife areas; Experience Alaskan culture in remote Native villages and charming towns – from the state capital to rural fishing communities; Explore stunning glacial fjords, including Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and the Tracy-Arm Ford’s Terror Wilderness Area; Savor Alaska’s unparalleled serenity at our exclusive Orca Point Lodge on the shores of Colt Island, with king crab and a beach bonfire for s’mores.

Antarctica Peninsula Cruises

Antarctic Peninsula Highlights may include:

Danco Island. Activities here may focus on the gentoo penguins nesting on the island, in addition to the Weddell and crabeater seals that can be found nearby.
Neko Harbour. Enjoy an epic landscape of mammoth glaciers and endless wind-carved snow. Neko Harbour offers opportunities for a Zodiac cruising and landings that afford the closest views of the surrounding alpine peaks.
Paradise Bay. Take a Zodiac cruise in these sprawling, ice-flecked waters, where there’s a good chance to encounter humpback and minke whales.
Pléneau & Petermann Islands. If the ice allows it, sail through the Lemaire Channel in search of Adélie penguins and blue-eyed shags. There is also a possibility you’ll encounter humpback and minke whales here, as well as leopard seals.
Wilhelmina Bay & Guvernøren. This is a great place to spot humpback whales. Embark on a Zodiac cruise ending at the ghostly wreck of the Guvernøren, a whaling vessel that caught fire here in 1915. 
Port Lockroy. After sailing through the Neumayer Channel, get a chance to visit the former British research station – now a museum and post office – of Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. Partake in activities around Jougla Point, meeting gentoo penguins and blue-eyed shags. Enjoy great opportunities for kayaking and camping, and if conditions are right, you can even snowshoe around the shore.

Cruise Highlights:

Antarctica Peninsula - Basecamp Plancius:  12 days from $14,594pp - This expedition allows you to hike, snowshoe, kayak, go mountaineering, and even camp out under the Southern Polar skies.  During our “Basecamp” departures, all offered activities (including camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering, photo workshop) as well as our standard included shore excursions and zodiac cruises) are free of charge.

Antarctica aboard Janssonius - Discovery and Learning Voyage:  10 days from $10,389pp - This cruise delivers you to wondrous landscapes found in one of the harshest environments on Earth. The great star-actors of Antarctica are the penguins and in total seven species could appear before your very own eyes.

Antarctica - Beyond the Polar Circle - Wilkins Ice Shelf:  16 days from $17,150pp - This voyage is a true expedition, exploring the rarely visited region of the Bellingshausen Sea, Marguerite Bay, and Alexander Island. We explore many of the places discovered by Adrien de Gerlache on his Belgian Antarctic Expedition (1897 – 1899) aboard the Belgica. This voyage leaves Ushuaia and heads straight beyond Antarctic Circle, where we aim to spend the rest of the trip. The variety of landings and wilderness in this region are rivalled by few other places on Earth.