Warm-weather expedition cruises offer adventures that feel “more like a vacation”

At first, all I could see was what appeared to be a light gray stick.

But as our Zodiac boat slowly approached a mud bank in Western Australia’s Kimberley region, a thick, scaly tail and a mouth that seemed to curve into a mischievous smile came into view. “Ladies and gentlemen, we have an alligator,” said Robin West, general manager and vice president of operations and expedition planning for Seabourn, who was driving.

The reptile was the first of six or seven saltwater crocodiles we saw during a tour of the Hunter River and Porosus Creek in late June (there was some debate about the final count among my companions). The area, which is also home to mangroves, mudskippers and other wildlife, was one of the stops on our 10-day trip around the Kimberley aboard Seabourn Pursuit, the cruise line’s newest expedition ship.

After about two hours in the heat of about 90 degrees, I was already defeated by the time we got back to the ship. I took my cue from some of the crocodiles we saw lounging in the sun and spent much of the rest of the day reading and admiring the view from the ship’s open, shaded deck.

Cold-weather destinations like Antarctica and the Arctic are popular among expedition cruisers, but there are advantages to exploring a warmer location.

Expedition plus leisure cruise

My Kimberley itinerary combined the types of educational and engaging activities that nature lovers expect from an expedition with elements that felt like a pleasure cruise.

“It can definitely be very relaxing,” said Claire Maguire, travel agent and franchise owner of Cruise Planners.

Temperatures hovered between 80 and 90 degrees during my trip, with sunshine most days. As a result, when I wasn’t on a Zodiac or exploring various ports on foot, I was often sitting on the balcony of my suite or eating meals at outdoor tables by the ship’s infinity pool, surrounded by sandstone peaks and blue water. turquoise.

On the other hand, when I took an Antarctica cruise in December, the temperatures were milder than I expected, but still too cold to spend much time comfortably on the outer decks.

“It feels more like a vacation, I guess,” Maguire said. “Sometimes cold weather can feel a little more like work. This one is a little more relaxed, it’s slow-paced, it’s relaxed.” On my cruise, we only disembark once a day most of the time, giving guests time to attend talks about the region given by members of the expedition team, visit the spa or gym, or simply relax.

The luxury line also pampered guests in a way that made the adventure more comfortable.

One afternoon, after venturing out to see the Horizontal Falls at Talbot Bay – a side ripple effect caused by water pressure in the cliff passes – we sailed towards another Zodiac that our guide said may have broken. But as we approached the boat, occupied by other members of the expedition team and crew, they presented us with champagne and popsicles (it wouldn’t be the last time either).

What are the other benefits of warm weather expeditions?

Different destinations mean different gear, and in warm weather you might want to leave the long underwear and parkas at home.

“Obviously, you need to pack much less specific clothing,” Maguire said. “That’s another advantage. You don’t have to wear a lot of heavy layers or anything like that, which is nice.”

Entering and leaving the Zodiacs was felt less production than in Antarctica, for example, where I had to dress in basic layers, waterproof pants, boots, hat, and more each time he disembarked.

There are some essential items that travelers should have, including sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. I forgot that last one and it probably would have burned if it weren’t for the kindness of others on board with extras. Seabourn and many other operators have packing lists for reference too.

Maguire also recommended wearing long sleeves, especially if you plan on swimming. Warm-weather destinations generally make getting into the water easier and more enjoyable (no disrespect to polar diving). We even did this in Kimberley, where you can only swim in select places because of the crocodiles.

One morning we went snorkeling at Ashmore Reef in waters that hovered around 70 degrees. Approximately 45 minutes of swimming among corals, fish and blue sea stars passed in what felt like 10.

And if penguins and polar bears are the faces of Antarctic and Arctic expeditions respectively, crocodiles may maintain that distinction in Kimberley. But there is much more for wildlife enthusiasts to observe, from Brahminy kites to nurse sharks.

How much does a Kimberley expedition cost?

Prices vary depending on the operator, travel date, room category and other factors, but a 10-Day Kimberley Expedition with Seabourn Departing June 27, 2025, it currently starts at $10,999 per person based on double occupancy. Rate includes meals, wines and spirits, Wi-Fi and more.

Nature can make you feel small: You should seek this feeling when traveling

Where else can I go on a hot weather expedition?

The Kimberley isn’t the only option if the cold isn’t your thing. Cruise operators offer itineraries in the Galápagos Islands, off the coast of Ecuador, and on islands in Indonesia such as Bali and the Raja Ampat archipelago, which Maguire noted “is an incredible spot for snorkeling and diving.”

She also recommended destinations like Africa, where she said guests could combine a cruise with a land safari, and the Mediterranean, where she went truffle hunting and visited a horse farm on a recent expedition.

“You definitely do more off-the-beaten-path activities (than a normal cruise),” she said.

The reporter for this story was granted access to this Seabourn event. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY and lives in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared in USA TODAY: Laid-Back Adventure: What Warm-Weather Expedition Cruises Are Like