Leg Two

Below you’ll find ways to see the world from a new perspective, from different angles, constituent parts of wider trips. Some historical, some cultural, some in the presence of wildlife, some in the absence of almost everything; some serious and some, purely, for the sake of fun. A list to make you think, to ponder and to dream, where suggestion is merely a starting point and where cognition, conversation and consideration will, no doubt, take you somewhere different; a place where one can feel and feel alive.

Seek the sea canary Alaska Alaska’s Seward Peninsula falls along the migration route of beluga whales as they move south from the Arctic toward warmer waters and, from Cape Nome and Cape Prince of Wales, you can often spot these whales from the shore. In late spring and summer, they’re also visible at Beluga Point along Turnagain Arm, just 25 minutes from Anchorage. Belugas, often called ‘sea canaries’ for their varied calls, travel in pods of up to 25 individuals, sometimes forming larger pods of thousands. Contact us Bear necessity Canada Sail into the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest in remote British Columbia, home to the native First Nations for over 10,000 years. Attracted by abundant salmon and untouched wilderness, black and grizzly bears thrive here, along with the rare spirit bear. Onboard kayaks allow for closer exploration of estuaries and waterfalls, paddling through orca and humpback habitats. Travelling with local Gitga’at First Nation guides offers privileged insight into this extraordinary region. Contact us Grey expectations Baja California Spend three nights aboard an expedition yacht, snorkelling, diving and kayaking among the abundant marine life of the Sea of Cortez. Then fly to an isolated camp on the shores of San Ignacio Lagoon for intimate encounters with one of the last significant grey whale populations. Swim with whale sharks, kayak alongside pods of dolphins and orcas, and spot turtles and stingrays. Above the water, watch for over 300 bird species, including magnificent frigate birds, blue footed boobies and double-crested cormorants. Contact us The call of the wild USA Snowshoe through the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone National Park with an expert naturalist, exploring one of the world’s most renowned destinations to see wolves. In the quieter winter months, wildlife sightings remain exceptional. Keep your eyes peeled for moose, bison, coyotes and bighorn sheep. Take a snow coach to Old Faithful, one of the park’s 500 geysers and witness its eruption – a breathtaking spectacle against the snowy backdrop. Contact us Unearth the crystal maiden Belize Step into Actun Tunichil Muknal, the ‘Cave of the Crystal Sepulchre’, a remarkable Mayan site. Discover the famed ‘Crystal Maiden’ – a 17-year-old whose calcified bones sparkle in crystallised splendour. Explore ceremonial pottery marked with ‘kill holes’, once used to release spirits, and marvel at cave formations repurposed into altars. Amongst the calcified remains lies the rare ‘Monkey Pot’, one of only four such relics in Central America. Contact us Bond beneath the waves Dominica Swim alongside the largest toothed predator on the planet – the sperm whale. Guided by experts, listen for the distinct ‘codas’ (clicks) of the whales communicating. Spend five days searching the waters of Dominica for these majestic giants and join them beneath the waves. Beyond the ocean, hike to Titou Gorge and soak in the sulphur spring pools at Trafalgar Falls, the only twin waterfall on the island. Contact us Into the labyrinth Mexico Mexico is home to one of the longest underground rivers on earth, reaching 153 kilometres. This labyrinth stretches between Felipe Carrillo Puerto and Playa del Carmen, on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Where the earth has collapsed into the waters below, deep wells of clear water provide an entrance to this surreal underworld, sacred to the Maya people. Walk through huge caverns and swim in lagoons, losing all sense of space and time. Contact us Jungle gyration Guatemala Unveil the secrets of El Mirador, the largest ancient Mayan city in Central America. Due to conservation efforts, access remains limited – reachable only by a five-day hike or helicopter tour, preserving the untouched allure of this fascinating site. Fly over the vast rainforest to reach La Danta, one of three temple pyramids and one of the largest pyramids in the world. From the temple tops, take in panoramic views of the sprawling ruins below. Contact us San Blas swimming Panama Sail the San Blas Archipelago in a private catamaran. Take to the crystal-clear waters to snorkel or dive among vibrant coral reefs, where marblesque conches and golden-hued starfish await. Marine life is in great abundance here and it’s not uncommon to spot sharks, stingrays, flying fish, jellyfish, lobsters and dolphins. Dine on fresh produce cooked over an open fire on desert islands and indulge in the exclusivity that comes with privately chartering a vessel in these waters. Contact us Canopy capers Costa Rica Set in a prime location and only accessible by motorboat, SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge offers a remote rainforest experience nestled within a 170-acre private reserve, bordering Corcovado National Park. Ascend 30 metres into the Costa Rican canopy to watch the sun set over Drake Bay as spider monkeys swing between the branches below and birds return to their nests for the night. Contact us Turtle rodeo El Salvador Join ProCosta, an inspiring, female-led organisation in El Salvador, spearheading conservation of the hawksbill turtles in Jiquilisco Bay. Work alongside experts to catch, measure, weigh and tag turtles. Since 2008, the programme has tagged 500 nesting females and 400 juveniles. This hands on experience allows you to play a vital role in conservation efforts, making a real impact whilst connecting unforgettably with the natural world. Contact us Downhill from here Nicaragua Hike to the summit of Cerro Negro, a journey of around an hour, before descending its slopes on an ash board. From the top, glimpse Lake Managua to the south through the heat haze, whilst the steam from neighbouring volcanoes rises skyward. Slide or surf the 728-metre volcano in under five minutes – a pure thrill for the senses. Contact us Tame the river wild Guyana From the Kamarang-Uchi junction, raft eight miles downstream, navigating rapids that flow from gentle to thrilling, shaped by the varying water levels. Trek around Panacima Falls, passing termite mounds and traversing lands where jaguar, peccaries and foxes roam. Swim in the natural pools above Kamarang Falls and climb tepuis, the flat-top mountains of the region. Spend time with the Arecuna community, learning their skills in basket weaving, crafting wood skin canoes and traditional hunting. Contact us