From humpbacks and whale sharks to pelagic birds and dazzling underwater coral gardens, the world’s oceans are a playground for wildlife enthusiasts, especially if you don’t mind getting your feet wet.
Our marine holidays are all motivated by a love of the sea and allow ample time for exploring some of the world’s most spectacular marine environments. Whether you are a once a year snorkeler or a keen PADI diver, Steppes Travel’s marine-based holidays will give you access to oceans and seas that provide endless fun, inspiration and fulfilment. Travel to the world’s most beautiful and rugged coastal destinations and spend time above and below the ocean’s surface to enjoy the best of both worlds.
For those not wanting a cruise, there is still ample opportunity to explore the world’s most beautiful and rugged marine environments. Walk, kayak or cycle alongside the beautiful white beaches of Abel Tasman National Park in New Zealand, get involved with turtle conservation at Oman’s Ras Al-Jinz reserve or simply relax by the sea at any number of beachside hotels.
For the most immersive marine experience take a small ship cruise. Small expedition vessels explore the nooks and crannies that bigger ships can’t reach and focus on getting clients off the ship and into the water or onto the surrounding coastline. Speak to one of our experts about the right cruise for you.
For an in-depth understanding of marine biodiversity join one of our voyages in Indonesia where you will assist researchers from Conservation International in vital conservation work. If a cruise is not what you’re looking for, but you want a hands-on experience of marine conservation then stay at Misool Eco Resort in southern Raja Ampat where you can help with marine surveys or even the tagging of manta rays. For the ultimate whale watching experiences visit Trincomalee in Sri Lanka for breathtaking encounters with sperm whales and blue whales, join a small ship cruise in Baja to witness the annual congregation of grey whales in the Sea of Cortez, visit Antarctica in March for heightened whale activity or head to Tonga and swim alongside humpbacks.
The oceans can appear unfathomable so having an expert guide to help unlock some of their mysteries is essential. We place a huge amount of stock in the benefits of a good guide because we know our clients want to travel with the very best experts available. People like Jonathan Green, a recent contributor to the BBC’s Blue Planet II and founder of the Galapagos Whale Shark Project, can give unparalleled insight into the natural history of the Galapagos. You can join him with Steppes in the Galapagos in April 2020. For something to take you outside of your comfort zone, then join Hanli Prinsloo in Mozambique and learn how to free dive with dolphins. We have also teamed up with The New Scientist and Jo Ruxton from Plastic Oceans UK in 2020, to give our clients a fascinating understanding of the plastics issue in our oceans today.
Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.
For anybody with an appetite for more extreme snorkelling and diving, it doesn’t get any more adventurous than going underwater in Antarctica. Any good geography student will tell you that 90 per cent of the iceberg lies beneath the surface of the water so while icebergs are an impressive sight from the perspective of a boat, from underwater their true epic scale is fully revealed. A similar experience can be had in the Arctic, where snorkelling can be done in the company of inquisitive beluga whales…needless to say, a dry suit and all protective gear is provided.
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
I was inspired to travel south from an early age. My form teacher when I was nine made us listen to tapes from Shackleton’s expeditions, I didn’t know it at the time, but it obviously left a deep impression on my psyche.
I love to squeeze as much out of my day as possible. An outdoors fanatic, I love to delve into harsh environments having summited numerous mountains and trail running into the unknown whenever I get the chance – whether at home or overseas. Funnily enough, it didn’t start like that. It took a few years for the burning fire of adventure to truly take light with my eyes opened by the adventures travel could afford.
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
