Birding

The appeal of birding crosses age groups and nationalities, uniting people with a shared passion for nature and conservation.

Expedition and small-ship adventure cruises offer travellers the chance to see diverse and often rare bird species in their natural habitats. These cruises provide access to remote locations worldwide, from places like Svalbard in the polar regions to warm water locations like Costa Rica and the Amazon, each hosting unique birdlife. Enthusiasts, from casual birdwatchers to professional ornithologists, are drawn to these experiences for the joy of discovery and the opportunity to contribute to citizen science projects. It is not uncommon to meet a group of specialist birders on an expedition cruise.

Birding is especially popular on expedition cruises as these destinations are often inaccessible by land. A younger demographic is increasingly taking up the activity and has a natural synergy with amateur and professional photography enthusiasts. Birds offer a unique view into conservation and a peaceful yet engaging way to connect with nature and learn about biodiversity.

One of our team members explored the coast of the British Isles with bird enthusiast and TV Presenter Miranda Krestovnikoff, also one of our writers, in 2023 and was amazed by the sheer variety of birdlife so close to home for him, as a UK resident.

Birding Photography

Rosie B Wild

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African Penguin

Often mistaken for the Magellanic Penguin, the Africa Penguin can be seen on African expeditions. 

Rosie B Wild

Puffin and sand eels by Rosie B Wild

Puffin

A puffin with a beak full of their critical food-source, sand eels.

Mark Stratton

South Georgia King Penguins And Chick

King Penguins

King Penguin's with chicks line the beaches of South Georgia

Mike Unwin

Black Browed Albatross With Chick

Black Browed Albatross

A stunning Black Browed Albatross feeding a chick in the Falkland Islands

Mike Unwin

Southern Giant Petrel Falklands

Giant Petral

A Giant Petral in flight in the Falkland Islands

Mark Stratton

Adelie Penguins Diving 1

Adelie Penguins

Playful Adelie Penguins diving from ice in Antarctica

Mike Unwin

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Fulmar

A Fulmar, relative to the Albatross, in flight over Svalbard

Marianne Flückiger from Pixabay

Turkey Vulture Image by Marianne Flückiger from Pixabay

Turkey Vulture

Turkey vultures, also known as buzzards, are found throughout the Americas but are often seen inhabiting various places within the Amazon, including forested areas, riverbanks, and open areas. 

Jamie Lafferty

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King Penguins at sea

We are used to the shots of King Penguins standing tall, but those in the water are less seen.

Rosie B Wild

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Kestrel

A Kestrel which can be seen on British Isles expedition cruises.

Ornithology Citizen Science

Bird observation on expedition cruises is not limited to wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Passengers can also participate in important citizen science projects, where the data and information collected are sent back to organisations to become part of important global research. 

Citizen science around birding is explained in our video below by an Expedition Team ornithologist. ExplorEarth writer and photographer Mark Stratton is asking the questions.  

Play Video

Activity Considerations

We recommend that you have good mobility to participate in birding activities, as walking over rough terrain could be involved in reaching the ideal viewing spots. Check with your onboard team before setting off. If your physical abilities mean hiking to birding spots may be challenging, many expedition cruises offer excellent opportunities to view birds from the ship deck. 

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Birding options are usually included in your overall fare. 

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Choose clothing depending on your region, but we suggest you stick to earth tones when it comes to colour. Make sure to take your binoculars—a waterproof pair if you can—a camera and, if available, a guidebook on local bird species. 

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Don't forget your phone. There can be some exceptional opportunities to get very close to birdlife on an expedition cruise, and that super-zoom lens is not always required. 

Rosie B Wild

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Recommended Reading

We highly recommend reading this wonderful book by ExplorEarth writer and photographer Mike Unwin for general reading on birds and birding. 

Mike Unwin

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What is it really like?

Play Video

Sound on! This is a video of a bird cliff in Svalbard, taken by a passenger via their phone. The sound is haunting yet beautiful, and the experience of being close to thousands of birds within these colonies is a highlight of many expedition cruises for wildlife enthusiasts. 

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