We’ve searched the world over to offer a collection of the very finest small ships featuring the most intriguing itineraries. These cruises offer an intimate way to explore by sea and river, with active onshore adventures on foot or by bike. Most importantly, they offer amazing off-the-beaten-path destinations and landings by Zodiac crafts that can go virtually anywhere. These are real voyages for real travelers—perfect for Wilderness Travel’s style of adventuring.
Africa
Enjoy a small-ship cruise through the Adriatic's ancient sites and marvelous wonders in Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, and Albania.
Experience three epic Southern Ocean destinations: the wildlife oasis of the Falklands, South Georgia, with its spectacular penguin throngs, and the stunning icebergs and mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula.
An expedition cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula, a breathtaking wildlife paradise. Set out for guided walks among clamorous penguins, explore the South Shetland Islands, and take a dip in the thermal waters at Deception Island!
A dream cruise for citizen scientists! Alongside researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, you’ll have ample opportunities to participate in cutting edge studies on Humpback and Baleen whales.
A spectacular flight to King George Island in Antarctica’s South Shetland Islands begins our expedition cruise into the magnificent iceberg-dotted realm of the Antarctic Peninsula, home to penguins, whales, and elephant seals.
A thrilling adventure cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula! Kayak in polar waters, snowshoe to the Antarctic foothills, and even spend a night on the ice under the Antarctic sky.
Experience seven full days of exploration on the Antarctic Peninsula, then cruise through the scenic Lemaire Channel and continue far south to cross the legendary Antarctic Circle.
Experience three epic Southern Ocean destinations: the wildlife oasis of the Falklands, South Georgia, with its spectacular penguin throngs, and the stunning icebergs and mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula.
An expedition cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula, a breathtaking wildlife paradise. Set out for guided walks among clamorous penguins, explore the South Shetland Islands, and take a dip in the thermal waters at Deception Island!
Experience seven full days of exploration on the Antarctic Peninsula, then cruise through the scenic Lemaire Channel and continue far south to cross the legendary Antarctic Circle.
Retrace the route of explorer Charles Darwin on this expedition cruise from Ushuaia to legendary Cape Horn, and back through the Chilean Fjords. Activities include hikes to imposing glaciers, visits to penguin colonies, and explorations on Cape Horn.
Small ship expedition from Valparaiso, Chile, through Patagonia and the Chilean Fjords, with a visit to Torres del Paine National Park.
This Western Australia expedition aboard a small ship takes you to the Kimberley, one of the most remote and captivating regions on earth.
Trace an arc across Indonesia’s far-flung island archipelagos as you travel on an enchanting voyage of myth and magic. You'll explore such places as Komodo Island and Papua New Guinea's Asmat region, and discover fascinating traditions of remote island cultures.
Journey from Darwin, Australia into lesser-known islands of Indonesia where traditional cultures thrive. Snorkel, dive, and trek while learning about the ancient Makassans.
This expedition cruise is a rare adventure into the wilderness, showcasing the rugged coastal beauty and World Heritage Listed National Parks of Tasmania, Australia’s island state.
Small-ship cruise along Australia's western coast, including snorkeling adventures at Ningaloo, Clerke, and Imperieuse reefs.
Trace an arc across Indonesia’s far-flung island archipelagos as you travel on an enchanting voyage of myth and magic. You'll explore such places as Komodo Island and Papua New Guinea's Asmat region, and discover fascinating traditions of remote island cultures.
Trace a ring around the Black Sea with visits to historic sites and incredible landscapes in Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria.
Explore enchanting port cities in Hungary, Croatia, Romania, Serbia, and Bulgaria on this wonderful river cruise on the Danube.
Explore the Western Arctic on this small-ship expedition cruise through Canada and Greenland; visit rich marine habitats, beautiful bays and inlets, and discover the history and cultures of the arctic.
Navigate the same waters and visit the same sites as early explorer Sir John Franklin on this epic expedition cruise of the Northwest Passage that connects the Canadian Arctic and Greenland.
Cruise through the heart of the Northwest Passage and experience the islands, waterways, and wilds with stops to Beechey Island on this 20 day small ship adventure.
On this small-ship expedition cruise, trace an arc from Iceland to Greenland and across to Newfoundland and Quebec, enjoying a bounty of wildlife and historic sites.
Retrace the route of explorer Charles Darwin on this expedition cruise from Ushuaia to legendary Cape Horn, and back through the Chilean Fjords. Activities include hikes to imposing glaciers, visits to penguin colonies, and explorations on Cape Horn.
Small ship cruise from mysterious Easter Island to Papeete, Tahiti, including stops at the Pitcairn Islands, isles of the Gambier Archipelago, and enchanting Moorea and Bora Bora.
Small ship cruise from Tahiti to the Marquesas, Pitcairn Islands, and the Tuamotu Islands, concluding at mysterious Easter Island.
Small ship expedition from Valparaiso, Chile, through Patagonia and the Chilean Fjords, with a visit to Torres del Paine National Park.
Small ship cruise exploring the wonders of Costa Rica and Panama, with a transit of the Panama Canal. Hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling adventures included.
Explore enchanting port cities in Hungary, Croatia, Romania, Serbia, and Bulgaria on this wonderful river cruise on the Danube.
Enjoy a small-ship cruise through the Adriatic's ancient sites and marvelous wonders in Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, and Albania.
Explore the wonders of the Dalmatian Coast and Montenegro by small ship cruise. Includes optional excursions in Dubrovnik and Split in Croatia, and Kotor, Montenegro.
Discover the fascinating cultural and historical facets of Cuba on this 12-day cruise, departing and returning from Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Aboard the 95-passenger Serenissima, this journey weaves through eight fascinating Baltic countries: Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Denmark, with fantastic cultural discoveries along the way.
Cruise through the heart of the Northwest Passage and experience the islands, waterways, and wilds with stops to Beechey Island on this 20 day small ship adventure.
Delve deep into the world of nature and Scottish and English history as you cruise from Dublin to London. Stops along the way include the Orkney Islands, the Isle of Skye, Aberdeen, and York.
Nature and history adventure on the ancient British Isles aboard a small ship vessel, with stops to explore on land.
Aboard the 95-passenger Serenissima, this journey weaves through eight fascinating Baltic countries: Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Denmark, with fantastic cultural discoveries along the way.
Explore the natural sites and cities steeped in history of the Baltic Sea during this all-new 12-day cruise.
Trip Level:
Aboard the 95-passenger Serenissima, this journey weaves through eight fascinating Baltic countries: Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Denmark, with fantastic cultural discoveries along the way.
Explore the incredible icescapes of the North Pole on the special excursion with expert guides and amazing wildlife viewing.
Cruise along France's romantic Rhône River. Enjoy wine tastings, visit fascinating medieval villages from Lyon to Arles, and embark on optional activities.
This cruise aboard a three-masted sailing vessel brings you from Nice to Corsica, Elba, and the coast of Italy. Along the way, you'll absorb the fascinating history of these storied isles and discover beautiful island realms.
A phenomenal special event that witnesses the total solar eclipse in the South Pacific in 2019. This journey is aboard the luxury Paul Gauguin ship and features renowned guest experts for the ultimate solar eclipse experience.
Witness the partially eclipsed sun rise above the South Pacific ocean, aboard the luxurious Paul Gauguin. With Guest Expert Jean-Michel Cousteau.
Small ship cruise from mysterious Easter Island to Papeete, Tahiti, including stops at the Pitcairn Islands, isles of the Gambier Archipelago, and enchanting Moorea and Bora Bora.
On this South Seas cruise, we explore Fakarava, the beautiful Marquesas, and the Society Islands, including tiny yet spectacular Moorea and Bora Bora.
This South Seas idyll explores the Society Islands of Huahine, Bora Bora, Moorea, and a private island paradise off the coast of Taha’a, along with Tahiti Iti, home to the world famous wave of Teahupo'o.
Trace a ring around the Black Sea with visits to historic sites and incredible landscapes in Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria.
Voyage among the islands of the Mediterranean aboard a small-ship vessel, including stops at Crete and the beautiful Cyclades, Santorini, and Hydra islands.
Voyage among the Aegean Islands aboard a small-ship vessel with stops at beautiful Delos, Mykonos, Pyros, and Santorini islands.
Enjoy a small-ship cruise through the Adriatic's ancient sites and marvelous wonders in Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, and Albania.
Explore the Western Arctic on this small-ship expedition cruise through Canada and Greenland; visit rich marine habitats, beautiful bays and inlets, and discover the history and cultures of the arctic.
Cruise from Dublin and the British Isles to the Faroe Islands and Iceland with stops at World Heritage Sites, visits to monasteries, and walks along volcanic shores.
Join us on a cruise around Southern Greenland's coast; visit Inuit settlements, explore arctic wildlife, and see icebergs, glaciers, fjords, and more.
On this voyage to Greenland, you'll experience one of the last unspoiled wilderness areas on Earth, home to iceberg-choked fjords, towering mountains of rock and snow, valleys rich in iconic wildlife, and the world’s most colorful sky.
Navigate the same waters and visit the same sites as early explorer Sir John Franklin on this epic expedition cruise of the Northwest Passage that connects the Canadian Arctic and Greenland.
Cruise through the heart of the Northwest Passage and experience the islands, waterways, and wilds with stops to Beechey Island on this 20 day small ship adventure.
On this small-ship expedition cruise, trace an arc from Iceland to Greenland and across to Newfoundland and Quebec, enjoying a bounty of wildlife and historic sites.
A thrilling journey across the Arctic to the land of Vikings, fjords, and magnificent landscapes. Explore Greenland, Iceland, and Spitsbergen.
Explore enchanting port cities in Hungary, Croatia, Romania, Serbia, and Bulgaria on this wonderful river cruise on the Danube.
Explore the Western Arctic on this small-ship expedition cruise through Canada and Greenland; visit rich marine habitats, beautiful bays and inlets, and discover the history and cultures of the arctic.
Cruise around Iceland's remote coastal landscapes while exploring waterfalls, lagoons, icebergs, and volcanoes; visit cultural centers and fishing settlements, and watch for humpback and orca aboard Le Bellot.
Cruise from Dublin and the British Isles to the Faroe Islands and Iceland with stops at World Heritage Sites, visits to monasteries, and walks along volcanic shores.
Join us on a cruise around Southern Greenland's coast; visit Inuit settlements, explore arctic wildlife, and see icebergs, glaciers, fjords, and more.
Explore Iceland’s fabled realm of soaring volcanoes, bubbling hot springs, and glittering glaciers on this exciting circumnavigation.
Cruise from Tromso, Norway to Svalbard Island and Scoresby Sund, Greenland, in search of polar bears, walruses, and ancient settlements.
On this small-ship expedition cruise, trace an arc from Iceland to Greenland and across to Newfoundland and Quebec, enjoying a bounty of wildlife and historic sites.
A thrilling journey across the Arctic to the land of Vikings, fjords, and magnificent landscapes. Explore Greenland, Iceland, and Spitsbergen.
Trace an arc across Indonesia’s far-flung island archipelagos as you travel on an enchanting voyage of myth and magic. You'll explore such places as Komodo Island and Papua New Guinea's Asmat region, and discover fascinating traditions of remote island cultures.
Journey from Darwin, Australia into lesser-known islands of Indonesia where traditional cultures thrive. Snorkel, dive, and trek while learning about the ancient Makassans.
Delve deep into the world of nature and Scottish and English history as you cruise from Dublin to London. Stops along the way include the Orkney Islands, the Isle of Skye, Aberdeen, and York.
Cruise from Dublin and the British Isles to the Faroe Islands and Iceland with stops at World Heritage Sites, visits to monasteries, and walks along volcanic shores.
Cruise from Dublin to Glasgow along Scotland's western coast and the Inner Hebrides with visits to Belfast, the Isle of Skye, Tobermory, Douglas, and Liverpool.
Nature and history adventure on the ancient British Isles aboard a small ship vessel, with stops to explore on land.
Circumnavigation of the island of Sicily, visiting historical sites of antiquity and discovering its artistic and architectural treasures. Includes explorations of Valletta, Malta.
Explore the geothermal wonderland of volcanoes and hot springs of Japan and the islands of Russia on this 18 day cruise expedition.
Journey around the southern tip of Japan, across to Busan, South Korea, then up north to Hokkaido aboard the Silver Explorer. Visit castles, temples, shrines, memorials, gardens, port towns, modern cities, and traditional villages in this cultural mecca.
This small-ship expedition aboard the 132-guest Silver Explorer brings you from Otaru, Japan, through the Kuril and Aleutian islands to Seward, Alaska.
17-day small ship cruise and cultural adventure in Japan, with a side trip to South Korea. Explore shrines and temples, castles and fortresses, parks and gardens, and elegant pagodas.
Journey from Sapporo, Japan to Russia's Russkaya Bay and explore the culture and landscapes of Sakhalin Island, the Kuril Islands, and Kamchatka Peninsula.
Aboard the 95-passenger Serenissima, this journey weaves through eight fascinating Baltic countries: Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Denmark, with fantastic cultural discoveries along the way.
Explore the natural sites and cities steeped in history of the Baltic Sea during this all-new 12-day cruise.
Trip Level:
Aboard the 95-passenger Serenissima, this journey weaves through eight fascinating Baltic countries: Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Denmark, with fantastic cultural discoveries along the way.
Explore the natural sites and cities steeped in history of the Baltic Sea during this all-new 12-day cruise.
Trip Level:
Circumnavigation of the island of Sicily, visiting historical sites of antiquity and discovering its artistic and architectural treasures. Includes explorations of Valletta, Malta.
Sea kayak and snorkel in the Sea of Cortez, watch breaching whales from the comfort of your small ship cruise on this adventure to Baja Sur.
Explore from Papua New Guinea to Micronesia aboard an expedition vessel, visiting remote islands and atolls, and options to swim and snorkel in the pristine underwater realms.
Enjoy a small-ship cruise through the Adriatic's ancient sites and marvelous wonders in Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, and Albania.
Explore the wonders of the Dalmatian Coast and Montenegro by small ship cruise. Includes optional excursions in Dubrovnik and Split in Croatia, and Kotor, Montenegro.
Cruise along the South Island of New Zealand and explore coastal cities, Marlborough Sounds, Fiordland National Park, and remote Stewart Islands with its endemic Kiwi birds.
Expedition cruise to the Norwegian Arctic island of Spitsbergen in search of boundless wildlife, including the mighty polar bear.
Explore the natural beauty in Spitsbergen, a realm stunning fjords, immense glaciers, and a vast array of wildlife, on this expedition cruise that includes Longyearbyen, Norway.
Cruise from Tromso, Norway to Svalbard Island and Scoresby Sund, Greenland, in search of polar bears, walruses, and ancient settlements.
A thrilling journey across the Arctic to the land of Vikings, fjords, and magnificent landscapes. Explore Greenland, Iceland, and Spitsbergen.
Explore the coasts of Norway and Svalbard aboard a small ship vessel in the Arctic Circle.
Explore from Papua New Guinea to Micronesia aboard an expedition vessel, visiting remote islands and atolls, and options to swim and snorkel in the pristine underwater realms.
Small ship cruise exploring the wonders of Costa Rica and Panama, with a transit of the Panama Canal. Hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling adventures included.
Explore from Papua New Guinea to Micronesia aboard an expedition vessel, visiting remote islands and atolls, and options to swim and snorkel in the pristine underwater realms.
Explore the wonders of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands on this wonderfully varied cruise with active options and fantastic birding opportunities.
Voyage to Papua New Guinea and explore its diverse landscapes and cultures.
A stunning expedition from Palau through the islands of the Philippines and Taiwan; snorkel and dive in crystal clear water, hike to vistas in National Parks, stroll along cobblestone streets, bird watch from white sandy beaches.
Aboard the 95-passenger Serenissima, this journey weaves through eight fascinating Baltic countries: Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Denmark, with fantastic cultural discoveries along the way.
Explore the natural sites and cities steeped in history of the Baltic Sea during this all-new 12-day cruise.
Trip Level:
Cruise along the Douro River from Portugal's wine mecca, Porto, to the quaint village of Pinhao, and end in Spain's Vega Terron.
Explore the very best of the Iberian Peninsula’s diverse history, cultural traditions, and architectural wonders by small-ship cruise.
Trace a ring around the Black Sea with visits to historic sites and incredible landscapes in Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria.
Explore enchanting port cities in Hungary, Croatia, Romania, Serbia, and Bulgaria on this wonderful river cruise on the Danube.
Explore the geothermal wonderland of volcanoes and hot springs of Japan and the islands of Russia on this 18 day cruise expedition.
Aboard the 95-passenger Serenissima, this journey weaves through eight fascinating Baltic countries: Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Denmark, with fantastic cultural discoveries along the way.
Trace a ring around the Black Sea with visits to historic sites and incredible landscapes in Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria.
Explore the natural sites and cities steeped in history of the Baltic Sea during this all-new 12-day cruise.
Trip Level:
Explore the incredible icescapes of the North Pole on the special excursion with expert guides and amazing wildlife viewing.
This small-ship expedition aboard the 132-guest Silver Explorer brings you from Otaru, Japan, through the Kuril and Aleutian islands to Seward, Alaska.
Journey from Sapporo, Japan to Russia's Russkaya Bay and explore the culture and landscapes of Sakhalin Island, the Kuril Islands, and Kamchatka Peninsula.
On the wild Siberian coast, discover a world of spouting whales, walrus haul-outs, reindeer, musk ox, and native Chukchi villages. We explore aboard the 50-guest Kapitan Khlebnikov, with visits including Wrangel Island and the Bering Strait.
Cruise from Dublin and the British Isles to the Faroe Islands and Iceland with stops at World Heritage Sites, visits to monasteries, and walks along volcanic shores.
Cruise from Dublin to Glasgow along Scotland's western coast and the Inner Hebrides with visits to Belfast, the Isle of Skye, Tobermory, Douglas, and Liverpool.
Nature and history adventure on the ancient British Isles aboard a small ship vessel, with stops to explore on land.
Discover the Seychelles in the best way possible: by small ship on this fantastic island hopping adventure.
Explore the wonders of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands on this wonderfully varied cruise with active options and fantastic birding opportunities.
Journey around the southern tip of Japan, across to Busan, South Korea, then up north to Hokkaido aboard the Silver Explorer. Visit castles, temples, shrines, memorials, gardens, port towns, modern cities, and traditional villages in this cultural mecca.
17-day small ship cruise and cultural adventure in Japan, with a side trip to South Korea. Explore shrines and temples, castles and fortresses, parks and gardens, and elegant pagodas.
Cruise along the Douro River from Portugal's wine mecca, Porto, to the quaint village of Pinhao, and end in Spain's Vega Terron.
Explore the very best of the Iberian Peninsula’s diverse history, cultural traditions, and architectural wonders by small-ship cruise.
Aboard the 95-passenger Serenissima, this journey weaves through eight fascinating Baltic countries: Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Denmark, with fantastic cultural discoveries along the way.
Explore the natural sites and cities steeped in history of the Baltic Sea during this all-new 12-day cruise.
Trip Level:
A phenomenal special event that witnesses the total solar eclipse in the South Pacific in 2019. This journey is aboard the luxury Paul Gauguin ship and features renowned guest experts for the ultimate solar eclipse experience.
Witness the partially eclipsed sun rise above the South Pacific ocean, aboard the luxurious Paul Gauguin. With Guest Expert Jean-Michel Cousteau.
Cruise aboard a deluxe vessel as you visit idyllic islands in the South Pacific, including Tahiti, Huahine, Bora Bora, and Motu Mahana, a private island.
Small ship cruise from mysterious Easter Island to Papeete, Tahiti, including stops at the Pitcairn Islands, isles of the Gambier Archipelago, and enchanting Moorea and Bora Bora.
On this South Seas cruise, we explore Fakarava, the beautiful Marquesas, and the Society Islands, including tiny yet spectacular Moorea and Bora Bora.
This South Seas idyll explores the Society Islands of Huahine, Bora Bora, Moorea, and a private island paradise off the coast of Taha’a, along with Tahiti Iti, home to the world famous wave of Teahupo'o.
Small ship cruise from Tahiti to the Marquesas, Pitcairn Islands, and the Tuamotu Islands, concluding at mysterious Easter Island.
A stunning expedition from Palau through the islands of the Philippines and Taiwan; snorkel and dive in crystal clear water, hike to vistas in National Parks, stroll along cobblestone streets, bird watch from white sandy beaches.
Trace a ring around the Black Sea with visits to historic sites and incredible landscapes in Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria.
Hiking, sea kayaking, and natural history adventure by private expedition vessel, and marine life from orcas to whales.
Explore the wonders of Alaska' Glacier Bay, with kayaking and zodiac excursions, and wonderful on-board amenities aboard a private expedition vessel.
In Alaska's remote reaches, you'll kayak in protected coves, hike in spectacular glacial landscapes, encounter an amazing variety of wildlife, and stay aboard our historic 86-foot vessel.
Discover authentic Hawaii on this 7-night adventure cruise to Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and the Big Island.
Trace a ring around the Black Sea with visits to historic sites and incredible landscapes in Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria.
