What sets Kaikōura apart are the extraordinary marine encounters that begin just off the shoreline. The Kaikōura Canyon, an underwater gorge that plunges to great depths close to land, creates currents rich with nutrients that attract a remarkable array of sea life year-round. Sperm whales are a common sight here and are frequently spotted on local boat tours. Dusky dolphins twist and leap in large pods, and colonies of New Zealand fur seals laze on rocky outcrops along the coast.
Gijón sits on Spain’s northern coast in Asturias, shaped by its long relationship with the Cantabrian Sea. From its origins as a Roman settlement to its later growth as an industrial and port city, Gijón has balanced maritime work with civic life.
Munnar, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India, sits at around 1,600 meters above sea level and was once the summer resort of British colonial officers. Today, it’s known for its vast tea plantations, many of which date back to the 19th century. Visitors can walk through estates like Kolukkumalai, the highest tea plantation in the world, where traditional methods are still used to process leaves by hand.
Katmai National Park and Preserve lies along Alaska’s remote Pacific coast, shaped by volcanism, glaciers, and deep time. The area gained prominence after the 1912 Novarupta eruption, one of the largest volcanic events of the 20th century, which transformed the landscape and led to the creation of the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes.
Falmouth, a charming port town on Jamaica’s north coast, offers a delightful mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Founded in the 18th century, Falmouth is renowned for its well-preserved Georgian architecture, a testament to its once-thriving sugar trade.
Off the coast of Ecuador, the iconic and biodiverse Galápagos Islands, made famous by Charles Darwin’s nineteenth-century research expeditions on HMS Beagle, beckon you. This glittering archipelago, surrounded by vivid turquoise waves, abounds with stunning beaches and spectacular wildlife, perfect for the adventurous traveler.
A popular destination for South American cruises, you’ll find plenty to see and do on each island. Sea lions, iguanas, blue-footed boobies, penguins, and the infamous Galápagos tortoises are just a few of the many indigenous wildlife that make these islands home. Favorite spots for animal watching include Tortuga Bay, Reserva El Chato (a tortoise reserve), and Parque Nacional Galápagos. Venture to San Cristóbal Island and Isabela Island for the archipelago’s best snorkeling or trek up the Sierra Negra volcano, the only Galápagos volcano accessible to hikers, for panoramic island views. Unwind in the island’s picturesque towns, including Puerto Ayora and Puerto Villamil, and be sure to sample authentic Ecuadorian cuisine and fresh seafood dishes.
Discover your next adventure in the Galápagos Islands!