7 of the best cruise destinations to see penguins in the wild /

Travel industry executives attribute the increase in luxury cruise bookings, which include the chance to see penguins in their natural habitat, to “the Sir David Attenborough effect”. After watching Sir David’s wildlife programs on the BBC, many customers say they hope to see penguins on a vacation to Antarctica, according to luxury cruise reseller Panache Cruises.

Cruising allows nature lovers to access and enjoy remote areas in luxury accommodation from a small cruise ship that has minimal impact on the delicate environment. Now, Panache Cruises has listed its top seven penguin spotting cruise locations where multiple species of the famous flightless bird can be found in the wild.

There are 18 species of penguins in different parts of the world, but the southernmost continent has the largest population of penguins – half of the species can be found on the Antarctic coasts and sub-Antarctic islands. One of the best ways to meet penguins is to take an Antarctic cruise, as some of the most breathtaking places they reside are only accessible by sea.

A luxury Antarctic voyage takes adventurous travelers to see the enchanting scenery and rich wildlife in some of the continent’s most popular destinations, including the Antarctic Peninsula, the South Shetland Islands and South Georgia. James Cole, founder and managing director of Panache Cruises said: “The experience of seeing penguins in zoos or national parks cannot be compared to seeing them waddling happily in the wild.

“The popularity of David Attenborough’s TV shows has brought the wonders of penguins into our living rooms and now thousands of us want to see them in their natural habitat. nature in all its glory while enjoying a hassle-free organized tour. “Instead of going on a beach holiday this year, adventurous travelers can opt for a luxury trip to some of the most remote destinations this year.”

The Panache Cruises team has put together a list of some of the best cruise destinations to see penguins in the wild:

Antarctic Peninsula

The peninsula is one of the most popular and accessible destinations in Antarctica. This northernmost region of the continent is home to the greatest variety of animal species and some of the most breathtaking scenery. One of the main attractions on the peninsula is the abundance of penguins, especially the gentoo penguin, which are very common there.

Antarctic sound

Known as the “Iceberg Alley,” the Antarctic Sound is a channel lined with icebergs located at the northern tip of the peninsula. It’s a great place to see the large Adelie penguins and emperor penguins. Tourists can also spot seals and hear the sound of whales cutting through the eerie silence.

Penguin Island

Penguin Island is one of the smallest South Shetland Islands in Antarctica. This kilometer-long island provides a nesting and breeding ground for Adelie penguins and Chinstrap penguins. At the highest point on the island, visitors can see the inactive volcano Deacon Peak. To avoid disturbing the wildlife, there is a 100 person limit on the coast. Visitors are not allowed to roam freely, although they are welcome to take guided excursions.

Elephant Island

Elephant Island gets its name from the large elephant seals that live there. It is also home to gentoo penguins and nesting chinstrap penguins. This remote island is considered one of the most desolate locations in the world. This place is a must-go for polar enthusiasts as they can learn about the Endurance expedition crew who have been stranded on the island for months.

Deception Island

Deception Island in the middle of the South Shetland Islands is one of the most unique tourist destinations. Amid the captivating scenery, tourists can see a former whaling station and hundreds of thousands of penguins waddling around. In the center of the island is a huge crater formed by a gigantic volcanic eruption. The volcano on the island is still active, meaning the black sand beaches hold hot steam below the surface and visitors can take a warm volcanic bath.

South Georgia

South Georgia is a popular destination on an Antarctica cruise where visitors can step into a nature oasis. It is known as the “Gateway to Antarctica” where tourists can spot petrels, seals, penguins, whales and albatrosses. South Georgia has the highest concentration of marine life in the world.

Drake Passage

The Drake Passage is an iconic part of the Antarctic cruise journey. Arctic travelers will be able to see a wide variety of marine life, including dolphins, humpback whales, killer whales, and penguins, by navigating the Passage’s notoriously rough waters.