From spotting a wild tiger in its natural habitat to exploring the wonders of the Galapagos. This is your year to experience the best that nature has to offer. In this article, we will talk you through the top 10 holiday destinations for animal lovers.
1. Whale watching in the Azores, Portugal
Often overlooked, the nine islands that make up the Azores off the coast of Portugal offer you year-round whale-watching opportunities. These islands are still relatively undiscovered by the tourist trail so you will be able to enjoy the beauty of the dark sand beaches and extinct volcanoes without the droves. If you want to tick whale watching off your list, then this is the location for you.
2. Visit rabbit island in Japan
If you’re hopping mad for rabbits, then you have to visit Okunoshima Island in Japan. Found off the south-east coast and a short ferry ride from Tadanoumi on the mainland, Rabbit Island is home to hundreds of bunnies. It has become a popular tourist attraction for anyone seeking the ultimate kawaii experience. And if rabbits aren’t really your thing you can relax and unwind at the beach or a traditional hot spring.
3. Discover Corfu as known by the Durrells
Corfu is now better known for its beaches and bars, but it was first made famous for its wildlife. Gerald Durrell’s autobiography, which was set on the island, makes it a number one destination. This island paradise enjoys a sub-tropical climate and is home to a wide variety of animals and birds. Spend your days spotting snakes, Dalmatian lizards, and tortoises. If you are a diehard Durrell fan, visit in May for Gerald Durrell Week, hosted by Dr Lee Durrell, the late author’s wife. Â
4. Swim with pigs in the Bahamas
The Bahamas is often known for its pristine beaches, good food and carnival atmosphere, and its famous swimming wild pigs. Visit the inhabited island of Big Major Cay, a boat-ride from The Exumas for the ultimate Caribbean experience, swimming with dolphins is overrated anyway!
5. See brown bears in their natural habitat
Are you a fan of brown bears? One of the best places to see this elusive creature is the Martinselkonen Wildlife Centre, north of Finland, near the border with Russia. Visitors say in quaint wooden huts amongst the pine trees which are the best location to capture a rare glimpse of these majestic bears and their cubs.
6. Ride off into the sunset in Costa Rica
Renowned as one of the last areas in Costa Rica to be untouched by tourism, the Perez Zeledon district is ideal for those wanting to experience the nature of this tropical country. Learn about Costa Rica’s cowboy culture, riding by horseback in the tropical rain forest. There are also whale-watching tours from the air on offer, climb aboard an ultralight plane and watch these majestic mammals from just 10m above the ocean.
7. Seek out puffins in Scotland
Puffins are a much-cherished little bird, well known for their brightly colored beak. The best place to spot them is between May and August on the Scottish island of Orkney. The birds congregate here for their mating season and you might even be able to see a little puffin chick in the cliff rock. The RSPB also have a reserve at Papa Westray if you want to get close views of them flying around.
8. Butterflies in Croatia
Do you like butterflies? If so you will have to make a stay at Nature Trek’s butterfly holiday in Croatia. Run in conjunction with Butterfly Conservation, this eight-day trip will take you to Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes National Park and the remote Velebit Mountains on the Dalmatian coast. These areas are home to a range of rare butterflies, over 130 species to be exact! Expect to see rare blues such as the Chapman’s and Short-tailed blues.
9. Cruise the Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands are famous for their incredible range of biodiversity studied famously by Charles Darwin. The whole island is teaming with incredible species, from giant tortoises to the blue-footed booby. This is a treasure trove for animal lovers, however, it is important to note that you most respect this unique archipelago as a surge of recent tourism has had a negative impact on the islands.
10. Experience the big five in Botswana
Botswana’s Okavango Delta is home to Africa’s bigfive; elephants, hippos, giraffes, buffalo, lions and over 450 species of birds. Explore the region on a day or night safari or a tented safari adventure. There’s also the option for bush walks and canoe cruises meaning you’ll no doubt come face to face with the animals that Africa is famous for.
