USA · WILDLIFE

The 15 Best Wildlife Trips in the USA

32 tours  ·  from $34

Good wildlife trips fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

From Miami: Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Show & Bus Transfer - The first glimpse of Everglades Holiday Park
Everglades Airboat Tours, Miami Tours, Private Drivers, Show, Tour Reviews, Wildlife

From Miami: Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Show & Bus Transfer

1.Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Show & Bus Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 8,622 reviews · 5 hours · from $49Our pick

Leave Miami by air-conditioned bus for Everglades Holiday Park, where a captain such as Kyle or Captain Chaos takes you across the sawgrass for 45 minutes. Look for alligators, turtles, birds, and vultures, then attend an alligator show. The tour includes a group photo and English or Spanish bus commentary.

“Really nice guide ( Jose). He really looked after his group. He made sure everything was going well. The tour on the everglades was definitely worth it.”

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Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching - Auke Bay and the two-hour search for whales
Alaska Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in Alaska, Wildlife, Wildlife Tours in Alaska

Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching

2.Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7,379 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $177Top rated

Join Alaska Tales for a 3.5-hour whale-watching trip from Juneau. Meet beneath the tent by the Mt. Roberts Tramway, ride to Auke Bay, and watch for humpbacks, calves, porpoises, and possible orcas from heated cabins or outdoor decks. Naturalists such as Kacie, Genevieve, Ashley, and Nate explain whale behavior along the way.

“What’s a whale watching adventure after the whales migrate out of the area? It’s a little boat ride out. It’s a little boat ride back. Fortunately for us, it was a beautiful day. And the crew was delightful.”

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Miami: Everglades National Park Airboat Tour & Wildlife Show - Starting at Gator Park on Southwest 8th Street
Everglades Airboat Tours, Miami Tours, National Park Tours, National Parks, Show, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife

Miami: Everglades National Park Airboat Tour & Wildlife Show

3.Everglades National Park Airboat Tour & Wildlife Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 7,296 reviews · 1 day · from $42

At Gator Park, take a 35 to 40 minute narrated airboat ride through Everglades National Park, then watch a 30 minute alligator and wildlife show. Guides such as Cody, John, Tom, and Anthony are known for mixing facts with humor. Plan on about two hours, plus park entry.

“Was nice, very interesting! Almost short 😉 👍 Thanks! See you In winter again”

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Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier - A Whale Boat Designed for Juneau Weather
Alaska Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in Alaska, Wildlife, Wildlife Tours in Alaska

Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier

4.Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,236 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $249

Visit Mendenhall Glacier for about 45 to 50 minutes, then cruise Juneau’s coastal waters aboard a warm, wildlife-ready boat. Guides such as Captain Michelle, Nate, Taylor, and Ashley help spot humpbacks, orcas, seals, and eagles. Round-trip port transfers make this a useful cruise-day combo.

“Beautiful day. Knowledgeable guides. Great time. Boat very nice, covered and has a restroom. Would go again”

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Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience from Anchorage - Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: the most dependable animal stop
Alaska Tours, National Parks, Tour Reviews, Wildlife, Wildlife Tours in Alaska

Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience from Anchorage

5.Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience from Anchorage

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,004 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $199

Travel from Anchorage into Chugach country with a driver-guide such as Holly, Hunter, Patrick, or Aaron. See bears, wolves, bison, eagles, salmon, glaciers, and coastal viewpoints, with phone photography tips along the way. A summer Portage Glacier cruise costs extra.

“We had an excellent day with Hunter. His descriptions on the tour were excellent and relevant with good content. The glaciers and history with future projections on continued recession was interesting and in keeping with our New Zealand glaciers. The visit to the Conservation Park was especially good and the draw card for this trip. Seeing animals from the wild, why they were there being protected and seeing them in open environments which try to mimic their wildlife environment. A wonderful day. Thank you”

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Shark and Wildlife Viewing Adventure in Key West - Harbor views and the route toward mangrove islands
Key West Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife

Shark and Wildlife Viewing Adventure in Key West

6.Shark and Wildlife Viewing Adventure in Key West

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,962 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $99

Join local captains such as Clay, Matt, or Tanner aboard the Tiger Cat, a 34-foot catamaran bound for mangrove islands and offshore shark habitat. Expect about an hour of close shark viewing, plus chances to see dolphins, turtles, stingrays, birds, and other Florida Keys wildlife.

“Clay & Tanner gave us a spectacular trip to see lemon sharks in the wild. Worth every penny (and then some)! My wife and our adult children were 100% satisfied!”

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Manatee Sightseeing and Wildlife Boat Tour - Canals, bays, and mangrove edges
Cruises & Boat Tours, Manatee Encounters, Naples & Fort Myers Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife

Manatee Sightseeing and Wildlife Boat Tour

7.Manatee Sightseeing and Wildlife Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,590 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $69

Set out from Port of the Islands Marina on a 90-minute covered boat ride through canals, bays, and mangroves. Captains such as Paul, Becky, Chris, Andi, and Storm explain the Everglades ecosystem while you look for manatees, alligators, birds, sharks, and fish. Polarized sunglasses and phone lenses are included.

“Captain Chris was an excellent tour guide with interesting information about the wildlife and the surrounding area. He knew which locations were most likely to have wildlife. We observed a manatee with her calf, alligators, and blue herons. Very enjoyable experience!”

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Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Show, and Roundtrip Bus From Miami - Arriving at Everglades Holiday Park
Everglades Airboat Tours, Miami Tours, Show, Tour Reviews, Wildlife

Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Show, and Roundtrip Bus From Miami

8.Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Show, and Roundtrip Bus From Miami

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,886 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $49

Travel from Miami to Everglades Holiday Park by air-conditioned motorcoach, then ride an airboat through sawgrass wetlands with guides such as Zack or Drew. You’ll watch an alligator and wildlife show, receive a group photo, and have a chance to hold a baby alligator for a picture.

“No bus commentary as promised driver not very responsive. On the description it says that there will be guided bus commentary but nothing”

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Florida Everglades Airboat Adventure and Wildlife Encounter - The airboat ride across grassy water
Everglades Airboat Tours, Fort Lauderdale Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife

Florida Everglades Airboat Adventure and Wildlife Encounter

9.Florida Everglades Airboat Adventure and Wildlife Encounter

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,791 reviews · 30 minutes (approx.) · from $33Best value

Ride an airboat through the Everglades at Sawgrass Recreation Park, then visit its alligator, reptile, and conservation exhibits. The 30 to 40 minute ride is led by a captain such as Jimmy, Andrew, or Ron, with wildlife sightings depending on weather, season, and luck.

“Awesome experience! Very knowledgeable staff. We saw 3 gators out on the boat. Back at the park, we pet the baby gator and learned about a lot speaking with the staff. Very fun time!”

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Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise - Leaving Seward through Resurrection Bay
Alaska Tours, Boat Tours in Alaska, Cruises & Boat Tours, National Park Tours, National Parks, Tour Reviews, Wildlife, Wildlife Tours in Alaska

Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise

10.Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,756 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $265

Set out from Seward for a six-hour, 100-mile cruise through Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park. Your captain and naturalist explain the glaciers, geology, and wildlife while you watch for calving ice, whales, puffins, otters, and sea lions. Lunch, binoculars, and heated seating are included.

“Guide was extremely knowledgeable and explained in detail about wildlife seen, local geography and glaciers”

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From Jackson Hole: Yellowstone Old Faithful, Waterfalls and Wildlife Day Tour - The early ride through Grand Teton National Park
Jackson Hole Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife

From Jackson Hole: Yellowstone Old Faithful, Waterfalls and Wildlife Day Tour

11.From Jackson Hole: Yellowstone Old Faithful, Waterfalls and Wildlife Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,557 reviews · 13 hours (approx.) · from $329

From Jackson or Teton Village, join a small group of up to 11 for an early start through Grand Teton and Yellowstone. Naturalist guides such as Kelsey, Steve, Kyle, and Jeff combine wildlife searches with Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake, the Lower Falls, geyser basins, lunch, binoculars, and hotel pickup.

“Jeff is wonderful and enthusiastic who is willing to help whatever you ask for. He has a lot of knowledge to share about Yellowstone National park and anything else. He communicated and take care of us and other visitors during the trip. He prepared our lunch. We stopped by at a beautiful spot in the park with tables and have lunch. Also, he is really good photographer. The trip would not with a lot fun without Jeff.”

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Orlando: Everglades Airboat Ride and Wildlife Park Ticket - The 30-minute airboat ride
Everglades Airboat Tours, Orlando Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Wildlife

Orlando: Everglades Airboat Ride and Wildlife Park Ticket

12.Everglades Airboat Ride and Wildlife Park Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,459 reviews · 30 minutes - 1 hour · from $36

Ride through 4,200 acres of protected Central Florida wetlands with an English-speaking captain such as Jeff, Lauren, or Todd. The ticket includes a 30-minute airboat tour, wildlife park admission, and a live alligator demonstration. Add the park’s exhibits, bird aviary, barbecue cafe, and viewing dock for a fuller day.

“Staff was excellent. Helped with my Mom who has mobility issues. Boat was clean, comfortable. Guide made sure to point out any interesting wildlife.”

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Waccamaw River Nature and Wildlife Tour - Wildlife is possible, not promised
Myrtle Beach Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife

Waccamaw River Nature and Wildlife Tour

13.Waccamaw River Nature and Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,250 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $46

Leave Myrtle Beach’s beach crowds behind for a two-hour, shaded boat ride through the Waccamaw River, Intracoastal Waterway, creeks, and swamps. Guides such as Agnes and Abigail mix South Carolina history with wildlife facts, while the captain brings you near birds, turtles, and, if luck allows, alligators.

“Agnes was a great tour guide. Her added humor to her wealth of knowledge made it very enjoyable. We learned a lot.”

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Grand Teton Wildlife Safari in a Enclosed or Open-Air Vehicle (season dependent) - Open-air safari seats from June through mid-September
Jackson Hole Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, Wildlife

Grand Teton Wildlife Safari in a Enclosed or Open-Air Vehicle (season dependent)

14.Grand Teton Wildlife Safari in a Enclosed or Open-Air Vehicle (season dependent)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,212 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $159

Join BrushBuck guides such as Kyle, Kelsey, or Anthony for a four-hour dawn or sunset wildlife search in Grand Teton National Park. Ride in an open-air vehicle from June to mid-September, or a heated enclosed van in colder months. Binoculars, snacks, drinks, and photo stops are included.

“Kyle was our guide. He was very informative. We had a really nice time on the tour. We really enjoyed the wildlife we saw and the views were great.”

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Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay Half-Day Wildlife Cruise - Bear Glacier, the cruise’s icy landmark
Alaska Tours, Boat Tours in Alaska, Cruises & Boat Tours, Half-Day, Tour Reviews, Wildlife, Wildlife Tours in Alaska

Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay Half-Day Wildlife Cruise

15.Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay Half-Day Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,156 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $165

From Seward Harbor, Major Marine Tours carries you 55 miles through Resurrection Bay toward Bear Glacier and Cape Resurrection. Expect expert narration, binoculars, coffee, tea, and close looks at sea lions, seabirds, otters, eagles, mountain goats, and possibly whales or orcas. Dress for cold, wind, and rain.

“This was a wonderful cruise around Resurrection Pass! There was so much to see, both in landform and sea life. The captain and crew were engaging and so friendly. They made the excursion special!”

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New in Wildlife

★ 5.0Rookery Bay Kayak Adventure – Mangroves, Wildlife & Photos335 reviews
★ 5.0Elkhorn Slough Wildlife TourFrom $45424 reviews
★ 5.0Half-Day Wildlife Safari Tour in Grand Teton National ParkFrom $170341 reviews
★ 4.5Private Tour: Florida Everglades Airboat Ride and Wildlife AdventureFrom $140498 reviews
★ 5.0Wildlife Tour of Indian River Lagoon with Experienced Captain409 reviews
★ 5.0See Crystal River – Mantee & Wildlife Viewing CruiseFrom $42349 reviews
★ 4.5Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour of Merritt Island Wildlife RefugeFrom $75605 reviews
★ 4.5Wildlife and Glaciers with a walk in the RainforestFrom $149719 reviews
★ 5.0Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Explorer TourFrom $239378 reviews
★ 4.3Half-Day Wildlife and Whale Watching CruiseFrom $148378 reviews
★ 4.8Jackson: Grand Teton National Park Guided Wildlife TourFrom $159676 reviews

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