Polar ships, exotic trips: 6 of the best warm water expeditions

Published 23rd of January 2024 | By Alex Loizou

Cruise Lines:

Expedition cruising may conjure images of icy terrain and cold weather, and indeed, many of the new breed of expedition vessels launched in recent years are polar specialists, designed to navigate the ice-choked waters of Antarctica and the Arctic. However, in between the polar seasons these vessels utilise their smaller size, enhanced manoeuvrability, fast Zodiac deployment and expert guides to explore some of the world's most exciting exotic destinations. These are the best warm water expeditions.

Many of these remote regions are rarely visited by traditional cruise ships and are best explored by expedition vessel to fully immerse in the incredible surroundings. Here are our top six...

Best warm water expeditions

1. The Amazon

The Amazon river takes you into dense rainforest packed with extraordinary wildlife, and journeys along this iconic waterway are enhanced on board expedition ships such as Seabourn Venture which explores the region in October 2025. Your expert Seabourn expedition team will guide you as you discover hidden tributaries and flooded forests by Zodiac and kayak, trek through dense wilderness, and learn about the local communities who depend on this variable natural environment.

Destination specialists Aqua Expeditions also operate river cruises in the Peruvian Amazon from Iquitos, offering immersive adventure in this remote region. Sail on board the 40-guest Aqua Nera or 32-guest Aria Amazon and enjoy spacious suites with large windows for watching the changing scenery, fantastic local cuisine, and a team of experts to accompany your journey and provide fascinating insights as you explore during skiff tours, jungle hikes, village visits and more.

2. Central America

Many expedition ships spend time in Central America while travelling between the poles, with an emphasis on the region's staggering biodiversity. Costa Rica is a particular highlight, with lush vegetation, pristine beaches and an abundance of wildlife inhabiting the country's national parks.

There are also opportunities to investigate the wild Darién jungle of Panama and travel through the incredible feat of engineering that is the Panama Canal, accompanied by naturalist guides who are on hand to tell you more about the fascinating wildlife. Ponant's Le Champlain is a visitor, offering enhancements such as talks from onboard experts and a specially arranged visit to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama with a February 2026 voyage to Panama and Costa Rica, in partnership with Smithsonian Journeys.

3. The Sea of Cortez

One of the best expedition operators in the world, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions explore the Sea of Cortez in our winter months, a destination that is often overlooked by UK travellers, nestled between the barren Baja California peninsula and the Mexican mainland. As the name suggests, the line have a close relationship with National Geographic and a reputation for offering more on board, such as a certified photo instructor on every Baja California departure to assist you with camera settings, the basic elements of framing, composition and lighting and general tips to ensure you go home with fantastic photos.

Your ship's fleet of Zodiacs will be put to good use in an area famed for its abundant dolphins, sea turtles, blue whales, orca, humpback, pilot and fin whales, whale sharks, manta rays and sea lions, earning itself the moniker of 'the world's aquarium' from Jacques Cousteau. The 62-guest National Geographic Sea Lion and Sea Bird are also the only expedition ships small enought to operate within Magdalena Bay, a sheltered bay known for its population of grey whales and their calves.

Whale in the Sea of Cortez, Mexico — Whale in the Sea of Cortez

4. Raja Ampat

With over 17,000 islands comprising the country of Indonesia, there is no better way to explore than by ship. To discover the route less travelled, an expedition on board the sleek ultra-luxury discovery yacht Scenic Eclipse II offers the perfect warm water adventure, sailing the islands of Indonesia in September 2025. Take advantage of the ship's fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to explore the hidden bays and secluded coves, guided by your specialist Discovery Team.

From Darwin sail exotic isles and discover Raja Ampat, a marine biodiversity hotspot located in the heart of the Coral Triangle. With 75% of the world's coral species and over 1,500 species of tropical fish found here, it's a paradise for divers and snorkellers. Ashore you'll explore on guided walks through rainforest where you may catch a glimpse of birds-of-paradise, and you'll visit islands with a diverse array of cultural influences, including Melanesian, Islamic and European, with reminders of the Portuguese explorers and Dutch traders who ventured to the 'Spice Islands' in search of highly-prized spices such as nutmeg.

5. Japan

Ponant's chic explorer yacht Le Jacques Cartier sails the lesser-travelled sub-tropical islands of Japan in April 2026. Discover the island of Amami-Oshima, rich in flora and fauna thanks to a mild subtropical climate, with a number of whale species in the surrounding waters, and the crescent-shaped Tsuki-ga-hama, one of the best beaches on the jungle-clad Iriomote-jima, part of the idyllic Yaeyama archipelago, known for their fantastic coral reefs, perfect for diving and snorkelling, while ashore you can explore on foot or on a river kayaking expedition.

Other islands offer a combination of powder-white sand, crystal clear waters and traditional heritage, making these itineraries a truly special exploration of the unique natural wonders of Japan.

Amami Oshima Island, Japan — Amami Ōshima, Japan

6. The Kimberley

You may never have even heard of this wild and isolated region of Western Australia, but the Kimberley is perfectly suited for exploration by expedition ship. Home to towering rust-coloured cliffs, unique natural and cultural wonders, and incredible biodiversity, Mundy's Hayley Hogan experienced this special region first hand with Silversea Expeditions.

Silversea's upcoming seasons of Kimberley adventures are aboard Silver Cloud so you can explore the breathtaking surroundings on Zodiac cruises and hikes, returning each day to elegant luxury.

Horizontal Falls, Talbot Bay in the Kimberley region of Australia

Meet the Author

Alex is the Director of Sales, Marketing & Operations at Mundy Adventures and likes to think of himself as the Head Adventurer. He’s worked for Mundy for over 12 years and has been in the travel industry for more than 20 years. During this time, he has been fortunate enough to travel to Antarctica, the Falklands, and the Galápagos Islands, and he has had several land-based adventures, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and trekking to Everest Base Camp.

More about Alex

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