A cruise can be a unique and delightful way to take a birding tour, and as cruises become more popular, more birding tour companies are offering seafaring voyages specifically for birders. These trips must still be chosen with care, however, as a birding cruise is far different than a typical vacation cruise.

Birding Cruise Destinations

A cruise offers birders the opportunity to visit remote, far-flung destinations that are not usually feasible for a land-based itinerary because of lack of accommodations, accessibility or general comfort.

These areas are generally less popular for casual tourists, but can be top choices for wildlife lovers or nature photographers as well as birders. Popular birding cruise destinations include:

• Alaska
• Amazon River
• Antarctica or nearby islands
• Arctic Sea
• Galapagos Islands
• South Pacific islands

While these areas may be relatively isolated, visiting them on a cruise offers not only amazing birding and the chance to see unusual and endemic bird species, but the comfort and convenience that a cruise can provide.

Companies That Offer Dedicated Birding Cruises

A wide range of birding tour companies offer specialized cruises that focus on birding, including:

• Birdquest: Antarctica, Russian far east, Russian Arctic, Galapagos Islands, South Pacific
• Custom Alaska Cruises: Alaska
• Eagle-Eye Tours: Antarctica, Galapagos Islands, Southwest Pacific, Arctic
• National Geographic Expeditions: Indian Ocean, Alaska, Canadian Arctic, Galapagos Islands, Amazon River, Australia, Antarctica, European Arctic
• Rockjumper Birding Tours: Antarctica, Galapagos Islands, Canadian Arctic, Russian Arctic, Maldives, Southwest Pacific

• Tropical Birding: Western Pacific, Galapagos Islands, Russian Arctic, Antarctica
• Victor Emanuel Nature Tours: Antarctica, Indonesia, New Zealand, Amazon River, Polynesia, Russian Arctic, Galapagos Islands
• WINGS Birding Tours Worldwide: South America, Antarctica

Any of these cruises can offer spectacular birding opportunities, but exact itineraries, departure dates and experiences vary and may change from year to year. Prospective passengers should carefully study planned routes and excursions, as well as the focus of the voyage. In addition to birding, many cruises may also include an exploration of other wildlife, local history, art, culture, ecology, photography and more.

In addition to larger companies that offer longer voyages, smaller, local companies often have single day or half-day sailings to regional islands or exploring nearby rivers. These short cruises can offer some of the intimacy and great birding of a larger tour and may be the ideal option to add birding to a larger vacation or getaway when a full birding cruise is not possible, either because of time, interest or budget.

If You've Never Cruised Before

Even the most experienced birders can be uncomfortable on a birding cruise if they've never been on a ship before. Unlike land-based tours, the mode of transportation – relatively small ships – can be disconcerting, particularly in areas where rough water can make cruising more of a challenge. Birders who have never sailed before may want to try a shorter cruise first, even planning a simple popular cruise vacation to see if they are susceptible to seasickness or how they feel about being on the open water. Experienced cruisers, however, are still in for some vast differences on their first birding cruise, such as:

• Much smaller, more intimate ships. While most are comfortably appointed, they often lack the luxury facilities of large passenger liners, such as spas, salons, casinos or other amenities. They carry fewer passengers, and often have a more casual vibe.
   
• Greater susceptibility to rough seas. While birding cruises are generally in more sheltered locations, smaller ships can be rough and birders should be prepared with seasickness remedies if necessary.
   
• Higher prices than typical vacation cruises. These higher costs, however, often already include expert guide services and shore tours at birding hotspots, though cruise line policies vary.
   
• Irregular schedules to maximize birding. Many shore tours will start earlier than typical vacationers may like, in order to see birds and other wildlife during active periods. In the case of rare sightings or unexpected opportunities, schedules may be altered with little advance notice.

A birding cruise can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a phenomenal experience. These types of birding tours aren't necessarily ideal for every birder, however, and understanding the unique settings of these voyages and what to expect on board will help birders choose a birding cruise company that offers an itinerary to maximize both birding and enjoyment.

Photo – Blue-Footed Booby © Nicolas de Camaret