Underwater shot of snorkeller on Ningaloo Reef.

Marine

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.

Yacht and whales, Sailing in Antarctica, Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica
Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica

Our favourite marine wildlife encounters

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.

 

Hanli beneath dolphins, Ponta Malongane, Mozambique
Ponta Malongane, Mozambique

Exceptional guides

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.

Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Green sea turtle hatchling
Marine

Turtle Conservation

Visit Tortuguero, one of the world’s major nesting sites for Atlantic green turtles.

Holiday idea

Humpback Whale, Caribbean Sea
Marine

Snorkel with Humpbacks

Grab a wetsuit, put on some fins and pop on a mask before jumping in for an incredible snorkeling adventure with humpback whales off the coast of Newfoundland.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Wa Ale Resort, Mangrove Kayaking, Mergui, Myanmar
Marine

Mergui Adventure

Journey into the remote Mergui archipelago for a stay at Wa Ale Island Resort. Walk through pristine rainforest, snorkel in azure waters and kayak through mangroves.

Suggested hotel

Turtle, Cenderawasih Bay, Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Marine

Turtle Nesting

Stay at Tanjong Jara where every year between April and September turtle come to lay their eggs.

Suggested hotel

Underwater Landscape, Borneo
Marine

Diving

Head below water to a host of excellent dive sites along the east coast of Malaysia as well as the waters off Malaysian Borneo.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Aerial, Gaya Island Resort, Sabah, Malaysia
Marine

Island Experience

Stay on one of the five islands just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu – kayak, paddle board and dive as well as engaging in various conservation programmes.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Aerial view of Rascal yacht.
Marine

Rascal Conservation Voyages

Cruise with Rascal Voyages on one of their Conservation International adventures and journey to remote areas in the company of scientists and leading conservationists. Tag manta ray and embark on exploratory dives to aid research.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Scuba diving, Jordan
Marine

Diving the Red Sea

Dive and snorkel the waters of the Red Sea.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Coral barrier reef, Mauritius
Marine

Submarine Adventure

For non-divers, explore the coral reef by submarine.

Mljet National Park, Croatia
Marine

Snorkelling Adventure

Snorkel the pristine Mljet National park at sunrise before the other boats arrive.

Snorkelling, Polar Pioneer, Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctica

Extreme underwater experiences

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.

Looking for Holiday Inspiration?

Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.

Meet our experts

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.

Sue Grimwood

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.

Talk with our experts
  • 1 800 571 2985

Roxy Dukes

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.

Talk with our experts
  • 1 800 571 2985

Start planning your trip


Send us an enquiry

Complete our enquiry form and start your next journey.

Review Contact Form

Name(Required)
Hidden

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?


More about Steppes

F L E X I B I L I T Y P R O M I S E B O O K W I T H C O N F I D E N C E