1 Tail Polar Bears Aboard a Cruise in the Arctic
As fluffy and cuddly they might look, polar bears are amongst the largest predators on land. They are also a sight to behold when seen in their natural habitat—thick carpets of snow and ice drifts. Although polar bears do not hibernate, the best time to spot them is between June to September. Svalbard, a small Norwegian island, is known for its high density of polar bears. The chances of spotting one here are so high that tourists are advised not to venture on land without a guide. Hurtigruten cruises offer a 15-day expedition that goes through Svalbard to Iceland, and Scotland’s Shetland Islands before ending in Bergen, Norway. hurtigruten.com
2 Explore the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are known for some of the most exotic wildlife on the planet. In fact, Charles Darwin’s discovery on these islands led to his ‘Theory of Evolution’. The most unique aspect of the islands comes from the fearlessness of its wildlife—they show no fear even at close range! The Classic Galapagos experience by Natural Habitat Adventures offers an eight- to 10-day immersive exploration of these fascinating islands aboard a private yacht. Highlights include swimming with turtles, snorkelling with sea lions, whale spotting, and lazing with iguanas. These intimate interactions also provide photo-ops for nature photographers. nathab.com
3 Embark on Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
The dry months of December to February