There’s nothing more exciting and educational than combining a vacation with some animal watching. There are thousands of fantastic locations in the world where you can watch God’s creatures in their natural habitat.
These are 7 of the best:
1. Komodo Island, Indonesia
If you’ve guessed by the name that this is the place to see Komodo dragons, you’ve guessed correctly. A trip here will take you back in time to the dinosaur era. This volcanic island houses theKomodo dragon, which is the biggest species of lizard on the planet.
If you head to Banugulung, you’ll come to a viewing area where you can watch the lizards feed on thecarcasses of goats that are fed to them by park rangers. Some of these amazing dragons are over 10 feet long.
2. Alaska, USA
Alaska is one of the best locations in the world to see grizzly bears. You’ll see quite as few of them as they love to catch and east salmon. They usually hang out between July to September as they explore the state’s rivers to catch the tasty fish.
You could come across a group of grizzlies as they occasionally fight for the best fishing spots in the rivers. You can watch this amazing sight from viewing platforms at Fish Creek, Brooks Falls, and the MacNeil River State Game Sanctuary.
3. Belize
One of the best places to visit in Belize is the Community Baboon Sanctuary. However, while they’re referred to as baboons, they’re actually black howler monkeys. A couple of hundred local landowners protect the monkeys in an area that measures close to 20 square miles. Most of the land is rainforest which runs alongside the banks of the Belize River. Tours are available and the sanctuary is about 60 miles from Belize City.
4. Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Canada
The Bay of Fundy is famous for being the home of the world’s highest tides. However, you’ll also be able to see some northern right whales here if you’re lucky. The whales are almost extinct, but those that are left head to the bay every summer between May and October. They head to Grand Manan Island where they feed.
These amazing whales have no dorsal fin, but possess a wide back as well as white callosities on their heads. You can take whale-watching tours from Digby Neck Peninsula in Nova Scotia, as well as St. Andrews, Deer, Grand Manan, and Brier Islands.
5. Rurutu, French Polynesia
This island region of French Polynesia is ideal for getting close up looks at humpback whales. The waters are crystal clear here and make for great snorkelling. The whales gather here each year from July to October and you can take boat tours into the water from a picturesque village named Moerai. You can also dive into the waters from the boat to swim with the young and playful whales.
6. Sierra Chincua, Mexico
If you’re into butterflies, more specifically monarchs, this is the place to be. Millions of monarch butterflies head south from America every fall and fly to the Transvolcanic Mountain Range, which can be found in the Mexican state of Michoacán. They can be seen all over the region as well as at the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. Part of the reserve is open for public viewing between November and March.
7. Chubu, Japan
Japan’s Chubu Region is home to fabulous snow monkeys, known as Japanese macaques. If you head into the Japanese Alps, you’ll reach the Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park. This is a great location to watch the animals play in the hot mineral pools to keep themselves warm. On the way to the park you’ll pass through the beautiful Nagano Woods.
