Wonder Voyage Exclusive: 7 Wildlife Encounters From Around The World
Wonder Voyage invites your team to experience wildlife encounters around the world. Whether you are looking for an Educational Expedition, a traditional youth pilgrimage, a service trip, or an Adult Journey, we have you covered.
In this article, we will explore seven iconic locations around the world that are perfect for an eco-minded team.
1. Kenya – Wildlife Encounters Through Safari
First, Kenya is the perfect mix of vibrant tribal culture and an astounding landscape. Here, the people have stood firm in the face of adversity and are rebuilding as a community after a past of hardships.
Wonder Voyage invites teams to help rebuild the community by serving the people who work on the ground every day. Schools, community centers, and greenhouses are all needed for the people of the region to become self-sufficient again. Your team can bring much-needed relief and change to the people of Kenya on pilgrimage.
Not part of a team? You’re in luck. Legacy Voyages, a philanthropic service organization within the Wonder Voyage community, is taking a team to Kenya in November. Learn more about that opportunity on the Legacy site.
2. Antarctica – Fearless Wildlife Encounters
Secondly, Antarctica has been the final frontier for explorers for centuries. This snow-covered land is the southernmost point in the Southern Hemisphere and is not owned by any country.
There is no place on the planet where the air is as pure, the water is as clear, and the environment is as pristine. Teams come face-to-face with seals, penguins, and whales because this untouched region means the wildlife is not afraid of humans.
If you are looking for an eco-experience full of animal encounters and beauty, Wonder Voyage invites your team to become one of the world’s 0.005% who have stepped on the seventh continent.
3. New Zealand – Encounter With Unique Wildlife
Thirdly, far enough away to feel otherworldly, yet populated by some of the friendliest people on the planet, New Zealand is a blend of the old and the new world. In New Zealand, teams enjoy unrivaled landscapes, the beautiful Maori culture, fabulous food, and awe-inspiring hikes full of wildlife.
While exploring the city of Auckland, Wonder Voyage teams are surrounded by water, mountains, volcanoes, forests, beaches, and great dunes. As you explore the western Waitakere Ranges, you will see the few remaining giant trees that survive in the mountain rainforest. Then your team can see the wildly beautiful black sand beaches of the Tasman Sea before heading to the Te Henga Walkway.
Toss in two Tolkien-worthy adventures, and this Wonder Voyage is the trip of a lifetime.
4. Galapagos Islands – Wildlife Encounters With Sea Turtles and Seals
Fourthly, tucked a few hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands feel like a world apart. This adventure is wild, raw, and breathtakingly unique. Once a secret haven for pirates, the Galapagos Islands are now a sanctuary for some of the rarest species on Earth. What makes it even more extraordinary? The animals here are not afraid of humans. You can walk among giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and curious seabirds without them batting an eye. The Galapagos offers an awe-inspiring, face-to-face encounter with nature at its most unfiltered.
At Wonder Voyage, we’re thrilled to offer a private sailing pilgrimage through the Galapagos, designed just for our teams. You’ll live aboard a boat and explore several of the thirteen main islands, each with its own wonders to uncover. One day you might be swimming alongside sea turtles and playful seals; the next, marveling at the slow grace of a giant tortoise. But this isn’t just a nature tour—it’s a sacred journey.
5. Mexico – Monarch Butterfly Wildlife Encounter
Witness the breathtaking monarch butterfly migration in Mexico! This is an experience most only dream of. Every year, millions of monarchs complete a jaw-dropping 2,500-mile journey from Canada to the mountains of central Mexico, spanning three to five generations. Locals regard these delicate creatures as sacred, and seeing them blanket the trees in vibrant orange is nothing short of magical.
But here’s the catch: this natural wonder happens for just a few short weeks each year. Miss it, and you’ll have to wait another year. A Wonder Voyage to the heart of Mexico offers exclusive access to this awe-inspiring migration, guided by those who know the land, the legends, and the butterflies best.
Don’t just hear about it—be the one who gets to see it. Spaces are limited, and peak migration won’t wait.
6. Montana – The Harmony Of Nature
Next, Montana finds its way onto the Wonder Voyage list of best locations for a wildlife encounter. Situated along the Canadian border in the northwestern United States, this state is named for the mountainous territory early explorers encountered. Several Native American Nations call Montana home, and the region played a significant role as the US expanded westward.
A Wonder Voyage to Montana invites your team to experience the splendor of the great outdoors in Glacier National Park and the Flathead National Forest. Break free from the ordinary and reconnect with wonder in nature.
7. Alaska – Coastal Ecosystems And Marine Wildlife Encounter
Lastly, Alaska rounds out our list of wildlife encounters around the world. Alaska has been called America’s last great frontier. From the pristine rainforest of Southeast Alaska to the Arctic Circle, Alaska remains a land of mystery for those willing to explore the call of the wild.
A Wonder Voyage based in Juneau, Alaska, combines local service and native adventure. Hike mountains, visit ancient glaciers, or watch humpback whales surface feet away from you.
Conclusion: Book Your Next Wildlife Encounter With Wonder Voyage
Wonder Voyage immerses travelers in some of the world’s most biodiverse regions. Your team can contribute to meaningful community projects while having unforgettable wildlife encounters that enrich their understanding of the natural world.
For over 25 years, Wonder Voyage has been crafting unforgettable trips for groups looking to make a difference while exploring the world. Getting started on your journey is simple.
- It all begins with a quick online registration—just a few clicks and you’re on your way.
- After that, one of our team members will reach out to learn more about your dream trip. We’ll talk timing, budget, and the kind of meaningful experience you’re hoping to create for your group.
- From there, your Voyage Coordinator steps in to help design a customized itinerary that fits your group’s goals and needs.
- Next, we provide a full suite of resources—from spiritual preparation guides to detailed packing lists—so you’re never left guessing what comes next.
- A trained Voyage Guide will then accompany your group, offering leadership, local insight, and support from the moment you land to your final goodbyes.
Whether you’re traveling across the country or around the globe, we’re here to make sure your journey is purposeful, smooth, and unforgettable.
Call to Action– Book Your Wildlife Encounter Today!
Ready to embark on a journey that combines service with unforgettable wildlife encounters? Visit Wonder Voyage to start planning your adventure today.

Jamie has been involved with Wonder Voyage for over 15 years. She is our Communications Director and Legacy Co-Director.