When you think of expedition cruises, you probably picture glaciers, icebergs, frozen Arctic tundra, penguins and polar bears….right?

Well, what if we told you that you could go on an expedition cruise and enjoy palm-tree-lined beaches, lush rainforests, and snorkelling with sea turtles?

From the wilderness of Papua New Guinea and the mysterious statues on Easter Island, to the golden beaches of the Seychelles and Mauritius, the tropical regions of the Pacific and Indian Ocean are amazing destinations for an extraordinary expedition cruise.

Venture to the other side of the world and discover fascinating cultures in Central and South America, from an expedition through the Panama Canal to a coastal exploration of Peru.

If your answer is ‘sign me up!’, then keep reading!

Culture

With a more amenable climate comes more cultural encounters. On a tropical expedition around the Pacific Islands, for example, you are likely to meet indigenous people and have more opportunities to learn about traditional customs and ways of life which are wildly different from our own in the Western world. This discovery of ancient customs, mysterious rituals, and fascinating history are what make an expedition cruise to the tropics so unique.

Wildlife

Some of the most majestic wildlife will be found on a tropical expedition cruise throughout the Indian Ocean. Madagascar is renowned for its abundance of incredible – and rare – wildlife, from beautiful birds of paradise and vibrant chameleons to ring-tailed lemurs and adorable aye-ayes. On an expedition to the Seychelles, delve into the ocean and discover a magical underwater kingdom, home to clownfish, parrotfish, hawksbill turtles, and terrapins.

In the South Pacific islands of Tahiti and Fiji you’ll find red-footed boobies, humpback whales, dolphins, manta rays, and tiger sharks. In the depths of the jungle in Papua New Guinea you might find a myriad of exotic birds, curious marsupials, or tiny amphibians, whilst the rainforests of Central America are home to toucans, scarlet macaws, jaguars, and tapirs.

Top 10 things to do on a warm-weather expedition cruise

1. Take to the waters in a kayak
2. Go snorkelling or scuba diving in tropical waters
3. Marvel at Moai statues on Easter Island
4. Visit Victoria, the colourful capital of the Seychelles
5. Watch traditional tribal dancing in Papua New Guinea
6. Stand-up paddleboarding in the Maldives
7. Swim with tiger sharks in the Pacific
8. Hike in the Black River Gorge, Mauritius
9. Discover the secrets and rituals of the Maya in Central America
10. Zodiac tour of islands and archipelagos

Spotlight on Ponant

With their impressive fleet of super-sleek expedition yachts, Ponant offers tropical exploration like no other.

Discover the colourful underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef, become acquainted with remote tribes in Papua New Guinea, reveal the mysteries of Melanesia, and embark on an adventure in Madagascar.

Journey into exciting and dramatic regions aboard the Ponant Explorer Class fleet – you’ll see the world in a whole new way. Cruise Australia's rugged Kimberley coastline aboard Le Laperouse, sail the sparkling blue waters surrounding Madagascar aboard Le Champlain, or head on an epic expedition from the Seychelles to Sri Lanka on the stunning Le Jacques Cartier.

Each ship boasts all-inclusive luxury and promises unforgettable experiences for every guest. Impeccable service, delectable French-inspired cuisine, chic accommodation and more await you on your Ponant expedition cruise.

Find out more about Ponant’s incredible tropical expedition cruises and give the team a call today on 0161 513 8200 to book your one-of-a-kind adventure.