Sometimes when you feel all at sea, the only thing to do is … ahem … take to the ocean. Ideal for refreshing the mind and soul, here are five epic voyages of the seas. (tonyb1943 took the fantastic photo of the polar bear, above.)
Seek out polar bears
This expedition of the Norwegian Arctic archipelago Svalbard makes landfall regularly. As well as the guaranteed viewing of stunning fjords, immense glaciers and arctic deserts, there’s a high chance of sighting polar bears, walrus, reindeer and beluga whales.
Explore an azure, secluded lagoon
Deep within the Indian Ocean, on the outer limits of the Seychelles (700 miles from the principal island Mahé), is Aldabra – the world’s second-largest coral atoll.
Largely untouched and designated a UNESCO world heritage site, it is a refuge to many endangered species such as the giant tortoise and green turtle.
Only twice a day is the tide high enough for an inflatable power boat (rib) to quickly navigate a narrow channel dissecting the coral and reaching the lagoon within.
Trail the Aleutian Trench
The northern stretch of the Pacific Ring of Fire (the most active fault line on the planet for earthquakes and volcanoes) is known as the Aleutian Trench.
Its fiery tectonic activity is marked out by the necklace-shaped row of islands that stretch across the Bering Sea from the western tip of Alaska all the way to the remotest eastern reaches of Russia.
The Aleutian Islands are as breathtakingly beautiful are they are remote. Visiting isn’t easy, but can be done via ferry.
Cruise French Polynesia on a cargo ship
The Marquesas Islands are located way out in the Pacific Ocean, almost halfway between South America and New Zealand.
The Marquesas’ major connection with the world is the cargo ship Aranui, which sails the 15 volcanic outcrops and Tahiti delivering all manner of goods.
But Aranui is more than just a giant delivery vehicle – it’s part cruise ship too, replete with air-conditioned cabins and a swimming pool.
It’s probably the only place on earth where you can kick back with a cocktail next to a pool and watch a crane hoist a car onto a craggy rock.
Steam around Lake Malawi
Lake Malawi is so vast, and during storms so choppy, that it feels like a sea. The best way to explore it and the remote Malawian, Tanzanian and Mozambican villages dotted around its perimeter is to ride the cargo ship MV Ilala.
The only regular transport on the water, it circumnavigates the lake once every week. Much like the Titanic, a strict class system is active on board. The choice is clear – rough it in on a wooden bench in steerage class, or splash out on one of the upper deck private cabins.
If you liked this blog, check out our 4 seriously remote getaways and The world’s best untamed islands.
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…
