If you like the idea of taking a boat ride and looking at wildlife, then you have a lot of different locations to visit while on vacation. There are intimate, small scale boats that will take you into inland waterways, as well as large ferry and big passenger boats that will bring you out into the ocean. You will get the chance to see animals such as dolphins, whales, puffins, alligators, and panthers. Here's some places to check out.
Channel Islands, California
These small islands are located off the coast of California, across from Santa Barbara (just a bit north of Los Angeles). You can either get close to the water and use a kayak, or you can hop onto one of the sightseeing ferry tours that will bring you around the different islands. You will get to see several different species of seals (ranging from the Northern Elephant Seal to the Harbor seal), as well as Humpback, Grays, and Blue Whales. If your ferry takes you to one of the islands and docks so that you can go ashore and hike the island, you might be lucky enough to see the famed Island Fox, which was almost extinct at one point.
Everglades, Florida
If you have always wanted to see alligators, then head on down to the everglades. This is an immense area of wetland with shallow water. In order to tour it, you will take an airboat. These are boats that are designed to move through the shallow water. Most people focus on alligators, which are a very cool and integral part of the everglades, but you shouldn't forget the Florida panthers. These are endangered and there are believed to be less than 100. It's unlikely that you will spot one of these beautiful creatures, but there's always the chance. Another interesting thing to know is that there are both alligators and crocodiles. You are more likely to see alligators, but you might see a crocodile, and your guide will point out the differences.
Bar Harbor, Maine
If you are looking to see enormous whales, then you should head up north to Maine. Bar Harbor is a really fun island located off the coast of Maine. From there, you can take a whale watching ferry into the Gulf of Maine, and head past Nova Scotia. You will see humpbacks and grey whales. Some boats will also tour around the islands and you will get a chance to see puffin, which are beautiful coastal birds that you are likely to spot on the rocks along the shore.
Contact a ferry tour charter like Orcas Island Eclipse Charters for more information and to start planning your trip.
