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    A green turtle in the great barrier reef swimming over coral under a blue sky.

    Luxury Marine Safaris made for you

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    Expert-led marine safaris across coral reefs, whale migration routes and remote archipelagos

    Whale watching tours, rare marine wildlife and bespoke underwater adventures on your luxury water safari

    Our luxury marine tours and ocean safaris immerse you in destinations where incredible wildlife can be observed above and below water.

    Journey around archipelagos and down coastlines with rare and endemic underwater marine creatures, staying in unique lodges or aboard luxury cruise vessels. Dive or snorkel in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef with a skipper who knows the best places to see corals, sharks and parrotfish.

    Or embark on an expedition around the remote Galápagos Islands. A cruise or private charter, crewed by marine experts, will take you to the best places to see Galápagos penguins and sea lions. As well as snorkelling spots where green sea turtles and marine iguanas glide through the water.

    Some of our favourite places for whale watching include Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, South Africa and the Azores in Portugal. Between December and April, Baja California is a prime location for seeing gray whales and whale sharks. In South Africa, whale season runs from June to November, with opportunities to spot southern right and humpback whales on boat trips or from the clifftops of Hermanus.

    The nine volcanic islands of the Azores are another excellent option, particularly for families. Warm Gulf Stream waters meet cooler Atlantic currents, creating a rich marine environment for sperm whales, manta rays and migrating blue whales.

    With so many water safari options, start planning your luxury marine tour with one of our travel designers. Their expertise and first-hand experience means they can craft bespoke trips that combine stays in exclusive lodges with unforgettable marine adventures.

    From our experts

    Experiences picked by our marine safari specialists

    • Watch whale sharks in the Maldives preview image
    • Explore the Galapagos by Zodiac preview image
    • Observe cetaceans in the Azores preview image
    • Look for the marine big five preview image
    • Snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef preview image

    Watch whale sharks in the Maldives

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    From Lily Beach in the South Ari Atoll, take a guided speedboat tour for the chance to swim in waters known for resident whale sharks and manta rays.

    Explore the Galapagos by Zodiac

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    Join a small-group excursion by panga or Zodiac boat to spot endemic wildlife such as Galápagos fur seals, penguins and sea lions.

    Observe cetaceans in the Azores

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    Sail out with marine biologists and conservationists to learn about and help document the Azores’ resident and migrating cetaceans, including sperm whales, Risso’s dolphins and sei whales.

    Look for the marine big five

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    In South Africa, take an expert-led nautical safari from the fishing town of Gansbaai in search of the ‘marine big five’: whales, sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins.

    Snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef

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    Head out from Port Douglas Marina to visit three different sites on the reef, snorkelling among some of its 400 species of coral and 1,500 species of fish.

    Luxury marine safari accommodation

    There are many incredible places to stay on a marine safari or ocean expedition. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our safari experts:

    Maldives

    Soneva Fushi
    Nestled within the lush foliage on Kunfunadhoo Island, within the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, is Soneva Fushi – a true island paradise. This island is reached by a 30-minute scenic flight from Mahe airport or a short speedboat ride from Dharavandhoo airport. This resort takes great pride in protecting its surrounding tropical environment, as well as several steps to maintain the conservation of the flora and fauna of the island, and funds beneficial foundations while implementing an array of sustainability practices. There are luxurious villas to suit every kind of traveller, from intimate one-bedroom properties with private pools to six-bedroom villas with their own spa and gym. The architecture of the resort is inspired by nature, and the thatched roofs, wooden beams, woven ropes and recycled planks ensure that the villas blend into the surroundings and accentuate the natural beauty of the island. When it comes to dining, guests at Soneva Fushi are spoiled for choice. Mihiree Maitha offers everything from flakey pastries at breakfast to wonderfully fresh sushi and grilled fish for lunch and dinner. Desserts are a speciality too, with home-made ice cream and sorbet made using fresh fruit from the island. For a truly unique dining experience, you can choose to dine at Sobah, a traditional Maldivian restaurant located on an uninhabited island 15 minutes away by speedboat. Of course, there are ample opportunities to enjoy fresh seafood on the beach or relax with a cocktail on a hammock suspended over the Indian Ocean. Rather than just ordering your favourite tipple at the bar, you can descend into the resort’s incredible wine cellar, a veritable Aladdin’s cave of rare champagnes, vintage cognac and organic wines. How you choose to spend your time is entirely up to you. Relax on the pristine white-sand beaches, snorkel or dive through crystal clear waters, hop between the islands by boat, relax at the spa or enjoy a cooking class where you’ll learn how to use the incredible array of fruits, fish and spices on your doorstep. Soneva Fushi also has an outdoor cinema and an observatory with a state-of-the-art telescope, which allows you to marvel at the star-studded night sky.
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    Kaikoura

    Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses
    The work of a family of architects and builders, Hapuku Lodge is an extraordinary ecolodge perfectly placed between the white peaks of the Kaikoura Mountain Range and waves of Mangamaunu Bay. With an environmentally-friendly focus, this lodge was carefully constructed from salvaged timber and seeks to be sustainable in every area. There are four ultra-spacious rooms in the main lodge with wonderful mountain views, Japanese soaking tubs with room for two and immense custom beds – said to be the best on the island. The two suites also have their own fireplaces and a living area. However, the real stars of the show are the luxurious treehouses, standing 10m (30 feet) above the ground in the canopy of a native Manuka grove, each with a wood-burning fireplace, spa bath, open rain showers and large glass windows with a birds-eye view to the coast. There are two storey options for families, and the standalone Olive House Suite has room for two adults and up to three children. Dining at Hapuku means an organic and locally-sourced menu, with produce collected from the hotel’s own herb and vegetable gardens, free-range chicken populations and meat from nearby hunters and fishermen. Constantly changing and evolving offerings may include venison, wild blackberries, a variety of cheese, crayfish and even homemade plum ice cream. A comprehensive wine list makes sure to incorporate vintages from all over New Zealand, the ideal accompaniment to a wonderful meal. There are adventures to be had in every corner of Kaikoura’s coast, dubbed the ‘Maritime Serengeti’ by the local National Geographic. Head out on the waves in a sea kayak, swim with dolphins and seals or go whale watching to spot the gentle grey giants in the ocean blue. Mountain bikes can be borrowed from the lodge to traverse the surrounding trails while there are also Maori cultural tours, horse riding and the acclaimed surfing of Mangamaunu Bay a short walk away.
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    Why book with Jacada?

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    Personalised design

    We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

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    Authentic experiences

    Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

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    Responsible travel

    Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

    Where to go on a luxury marine safari

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    The Azores

    This Portuguese archipelago consists of nine volcanic islands in the Atlantic. Set out on a family-friendly water safari to spot resident and migratory species, including sperm whales, Risso’s dolphins and sei whales.

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    Baja California Peninsula

    This Mexican peninsula sweeps between the nutrient-rich Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. See migrating pods of gray whales in the warm lagoons, and snorkel among manta rays and iridescent fish. Between October and April, whale sharks feed on plankton in La Paz Bay.

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    Egypt

    The Red Sea is a beach holiday destination that comes with incredible underwater worlds to explore. Boat out for guided scuba diving adventures in the brightest reefs and most fascinating shipwreck sites. Or snorkel closer to the shore to see corals and look for green turtles.

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    Galapagos

    This remote archipelago is crucial habitat for rare animals and marine life. Snorkel in waters where hammerhead sharks and sea dragons can often be spotted. And explore by catamaran or onboard a ship to look for endemic sea lions and penguins.

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    Great Barrier Reef and Northern Queensland

    The world’s largest coral reef system, off Queensland, is best explored with experts who know the best places to view the incredible marine life. On diving tours from Cairns, head to the outer reef to view different species of corals with sea turtles, sharks and stingrays.

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    Indonesia

    With more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia is a prime diving and snorkelling destination. See manta rays and whale sharks from Moyo Island. Or explore the coral slopes and mangroves of the Raja Ampat archipelago, teeming with rare marine life including pygmy seahorses.

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    Kaikoura

    The peninsula village of Kaikoura in New Zealand is the base for incredible marine tours. Observe local fur seal colonies, blue penguins and various species of albatrosses. And explore further on a boat trip, looking for wild dolphins and sperm whales.

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    Maldives

    With 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a prime destination for marine tours. Many luxury lodges have house reefs and onsite marine biologists who can share insights into the rich marine life. The South Ari Atoll is especially known for manta rays and whale sharks.

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    Norway

    Board a hybrid boat in Tromso for a near-silent cruise through fjords to seek orcas and humpback, sperm and fin whales. Or head to Alta Fjord between November and January, when massive shoals of migrating herrings attract sperm whales, hourglass dolphins, orcas and porpoises.

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    South Africa

    South Africa’s land safaris are matched by opportunities to observe marine life along the coast. Go out with a local expert to watch African penguins at Boulders Beach and quieter spots. And take a boat tour to seek southern right whales and great white sharks.

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    When to go on a luxury marine safari

    We arrange marine safaris and ocean expeditions in destinations around the world. For snorkelling and diving on the Great Barrier Reef, May to October brings lower rainfall, warm water and excellent underwater visibility.

    From May to November, travel to South Africa for whale watching along the coast. We especially recommend visiting during the sardine run, which takes place between May and July and draws dolphins, sharks, whales and other marine life to feed along the KwaZulu-Natal coast.

    A land and sea safari in the Galapagos Islands should be planned six to 12 months in advance, as visitor numbers are restricted. Ocean cruises, especially small ship expeditions, should also be booked ahead.

    Azores whale watching

    April–May

    South Africa sardine run

    May–July

    Great Barrier Reef

    June–October

    Galápagos snorkelling

    December–April

    Gray whales in Mexico

    December–April

    The Best Time to Visit Galapagos Islands: Month-by-Month Guide

    The Best Time to Visit Galapagos Islands: Month-by-Month Guide

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    Plan your marine safari

    Whatever you want from your luxury marine safari, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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    Don't take our word for it

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    Your trip, your story

    We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

    Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.

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