For most people the perfect cruise a luxury sailing where they can relax,feast on world-class meals, take in some entertainment and maybe a few shore excursions.  But, other travelers crave adventure and want to explore more remote destinations. The cruises featured below offer a amazing array of activities and opportunities to get up close to wildlife, local culture and practically unexplored environs.  And in all cases there is still fine dining and a comfortable place to stay each night.

Galapagos Islands
10-Day Adventure Cruises
Lindblad Adventures

An established name in adventure cruises, Lindblad prides itself on guiding travelers to some of the most remote places on earth. Lindblad’s Expedition voyages to the Galapagos Islands will not disappoint as passengers have a chance to interact up close with sea lions, iguanas, penguins and other wildlife that can not be seen elsewhere. During this 10-day trip that departs from Guayaquil, Ecuador passengers will leave the ship and explore on zodiac boats, kayaks and a glass bottom boat.  Each cruise is led by five naturalists, a videographer and an expedition leader. The three National Geographic ships which sail this route can accompany just 48 guests and offer casual onboard dining with an international flair.

Amazon Explorer
GAP Adventures

Departing from Lima, Peru passengers on the Amazon Explorer cruise will board a first-class riverboat – home for the next six days while exploring the rainforest and its sights, sounds and unique wildlife like pink dolphins! When not onboard, passengers will have the opportunity to take walks in the rainforest, meet local people, plant a tree, feast on traditional food, and swim in the refreshing waters of the Amazon. One of the highlights of the trip is a night spent camping in a site built especially for GAP Adventures. Your journey will even be blessed by a Shaman who will also explain the use of traditional medicinal plants.

Turquoise Coast - Turkey
Butterfield & Robinson

Luxury, active tour operator Butterfield & Robinson also offers adventures by sea and on this Turkish journey guests will cruise in a traditional teak Gulet filled with modern amenities which sails through the history-filled Aegean Sea. Each room has its own Satellite TV, DVD player, bar refrigerator and surround sound – so you will have a comfortable place to rejuvenate at the end of each day.  Passengers will stay busy with coastal hikes, cooking lessons, an underwater ‘museum' visit, waterskiing, kayaking and a traditional Turkish massage in a hammam.