Swim with Humpbacks in the Cook Islands
Swim with humpback whales and other relaxed marine life in the crystal waters of Aitutaki, in the Cook Islands.
From 8500 per personAustralia Wildlife Highlights
Australia is home to the weird and wonderful as well as some of the planet’s most dangerous animal species.
Australia’s unique wildlife is as a result of many contributing factors; its prolonged geographical isolation and unique climate affecting its soil just to name a couple. A visit to Australia can put you up close and personal with the wombat, the echidna, the duck-billed platypus, the Tasmanian devil, the Spotted Quoll, the Koala, the dugong and a multitude of different kangaroo and wallaby species.
Orca
Commonly referred to as killer whales and, less often, blackfish, orcas are the largest of the dolphin family and one of the world's most powerful predators; their only enemy being humans. Orcas are highly social, intelligent and immediately recognizable by their distinctive black-and-white colouring. Drawn to Bremer Bay, western Australia, every summer, pods of over 200 individuals arrive, coming to hunt, feed and frolic in the warm ocean waves. Not only is this one place in the world where you will be able to see great numbers of orca in the wild, but it is the only location in Australia where this incredible mammal is found.
Kangaroos
Perhaps Australia’s most well-known animal, the kangaroo is a species of marsuipal found well-spread across the country. With over 50 million individuals, finding a kangaroo is certainly not difficult. Affectionately referred to as "roos", these bouncing herbivores are social creatures who typically lay low in the heat of the day and emerge at dawn and dusk to graze.
THE COOK ISLANDS
Koalas
There are not many Australian animals as well-known as the koala bear. They’re as recognisably Aussie as polar bears symbolise the Arctic, and orangutans the rainforest. Although affected by devastating wildfires in recent years, many koalas are now confined to eucalypt forests protected deep within National Parks or on private lands, there are still a few public places where you might just be lucky enough to glimpse one. Whilst koalas can be spotted across the country, heading south, your prospects are good in the Northern Rivers region, where koalas maintain something of a stronghold, particularly west of the Pacific Highway.
What to expect from Wildlife in Australia
Tasmanian Devil
The Tasmanian Devil is a nocturnal scavenger only found in the wild of Tasmania. Usually coming out at night, it is often difficult to see one in the wild. The growling and screaming alternate with each other - the Tasmanian devil isn’t exactly easy on the ear but in Maria Island National Park – one of 19 in Tasmania – it’s the noise that gives them away. The island sits in complete isolation, and is cat-free, allowing for a wide diverse range of biodiversity.
Whale Shark
Every year the world’s biggest fish congregate along the Ningaloo Reef - whale sharks! These massive yet completely harmless creatures can grow up to 12 metres long and the Ningaloo Reef is one of the only places on the planet where they regularly aggregate in large numbers. Whale sharks are slow moving, docile creatures that spend the majority of their time right up on the surface of the water. Therefore, safari-goers only need to be competent swimmers to enjoy this amazing in-water experience. The Ningaloo's whale shark season generally runs from March to August, however, the season can often stretch through September or even October.
Wombats
These burrowing marsupials are known for their sturdy build and are often spotted in national parks.