There’s no better time than now to discover the benefits and appeal of small-ship cruising. After all, we’re all trying to lessen the number of times we’re in a large crowd. With typical passenger counts of 300 or less, small-ship and expedition-style cruise vessels keep your exposure low - and have the added bonus of a lower guide-to-passenger ratio and more expert local guides.
The question then becomes: Where should I go? To answer that, we have a series of blog posts coming up that will unveil some of the best places to discover by small ship. Today, we focus on cruises in the Southern Hemisphere, including the fjord-lined Atlantic coastline of South America and the palm-studded island of the South Pacific. These are the places the big ships can’t go, where you can meet blue-footed boobies in the Galapagos Islands and the Chamorro people of Micronesia. We’ll offer suggestions on which itineraries to choose and what you can expect. Enjoy!
Chilean Fjords
Chile travel - especially in the wine region around Santiago and the dramatic peaks of Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia - tends to focus on the mainland areas. However, there is a “secret” archipelago off the coast that is far removed from mass tourism and seemingly tailor made for a small-ship adventure cruise.
When you sail to Chiloe Island and the surrounding isles, you’ll be met with a startlingly green and lush landscape and the fascinating Chilote people. Get to know their deeply rooted spirituality and tales of ghost ships, forest gnomes and witchcraft as you explore Castro, the little town of Puerto Natales, remote Tortel village and Niebla.
Sail through the Chilean fjords and the many waterfalls and glaciers that define this rugged coastline. Discover the turquoise lakes of Torres del Paine. See dolphins, whales, leopard seals, myriad seabirds and huge colonies of Humboldt and Magellanic penguins. There is no more satisfying way to experience the grandeur and wildlife of this area of South America than on a small-ship cruise.
Galapagos Islands
Spread out across more than 3,000 square miles, with 18 major islands and 3 smaller islets, the Galapagos Islands are more about water than land. Small-ship cruising is really the best way to get around and have an authentic experience because land-based tours will only get you so far. If you’ve longed to study and appreciate the diverse flora and fauna of Darwin’s living laboratory, board an intimate cruise ship as it makes its way from island to island, all of which are different from the last, and many of which remain uninhabited. Thanks to the archipelago’s remoteness and its protection as a national park and by UNESCO, the wildlife here romans unfettered and free, making for incredibly personal encounters. Species such as the Galapagos flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins and endemic sea lions, giant tortoises and marine iguanas rarely encounter humans and so are mostly unafraid.
South Pacific
Great Barrier Reef
Calling all sea lovers, amateur marine biologists and anyone interested in the conservation of our precious world - Australia’s Great Barrier Reef lives up to the hype. Sadly, the reef has suffered coral bleaching in a relatively small area, but the remainder of the impressive marine ecosystem is a reminder of why it’s so important that we made sound environmentally conscious choices. Your small-ship adventure here will introduce you to the world’s largest dugong population, six species of sea turtles, 220 species of bird, around 125 species of sharks and stingrays, 30 different species of cetaceans and more than 1,600 species of fish. All told, the reef is larger than the whole of the United Kingdom, so a small ship is the choicest way to get around and explore it all.
Micronesia
If you’re seeking an off-the-beaten-path small-ship experience, consider Micronesia, more than 600 islands in the western Pacific northeast of Papua New Guinea. Across the four island states of Pohnpei, Kosrae, Chuuk and Yap, you’ll find dreamy white-sand beaches, ancient ruins and indigenous cultures such as the Chamorros, who have lived here for ages. All your South Pacific fantasies will come true as you sail the atolls and mangroves of Micronesia, learn about the islands’ arts and traditions, enjoy island cuisine and soak up the sheer poeticism of the place.
Polynesia
Don’t be hemmed in by one or two Polynesian islands on a mega-ship cruise - go island-hopping on a small-ship voyage instead. Two-thousand miles separate Tahiti and Fiji - explore them on a smaller vessel and a new South Pacific vacation fantasy will unfold each day. Go birdwatching in the Cook Islands. Learn about traditional Tongan culture. Meet the locals of Savusavu. Swim in blue lagoons on Aitutaki. And learn that the brilliantly hued blossoms, emerald peaks and kaleidoscopic sea life is even more mesmerizing than the pictures and postcards.
Ready to sail lesser-known shorelines and fascinating archipelagos? Let’s chat about small-ship sailing in the Southern Hemisphere. Havent' subscribed to my weekly small-ship expedition newsletter? Please sign up here.