The ocean is a vast and mysterious expanse, offering a peek into a completely different world teeming with life which captivates and motivates explorers and adventurers.
For National Marine Week, we are highlighting some of the best ocean experiences on the planet provided by our DMC partners. All of our clients operate responsibly and respectfully towards marine wildlife and many follow strict guidelines for marine life interaction.
Latin America
Mexico
Mexico boasts a stunning coastline, featuring unique cenotes (sunken lagoons), the vibrant coral reefs of Cozumel and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. In the west, Baja’s coastline and the Sea of Cortez offer unparalleled marine adventures, with the opportunity to spot roughly one-third of the world’s population of cetaceans here.
Operating since 1974, Baja Expeditions are the leading ecotourism DMC in Baja, offering a unique portfolio of adventures, all designed to provide incredible experiences responsibly - both above and below the surface. They offer activities including extraordinary interactions with gray whales in San Ignacio Lagoon, swimming with whale sharks, mantas, sea lions, and dolphins, and use spotter planes to help clients witness resident orcas and huge gatherings of mobula rays. They also operate exceptional kayaking trips in the Sea of Cortez.
Operating predominantly across the Mayan east and south of Mexico, Solana Tours are experts in soft adventure tours, providing bespoke packages for varying budgets and needs. Solana aims to showcase lesser known places away from tourist hotspots.
With Solana Tours, travellers can dive or snorkel in the cool waters of hidden cenotes, cruise in a boat to explore twisted mangroves, see pink flamingos and spot wildlife along the Rio Lagartos and swim with sea turtles away from the crowds in Akumal.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is home to over 5% of the world's biodiversity despite occupying only 0.03% of the Earth's surface. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, its marine environments are equally abundant, teeming with various species of fish, corals and other marine life. Remarkably, around 25% of Costa Rica's marine territory is protected, solidifying its status as a leader in marine conservation.
Swiss Travel is one of the longest-established DMCs in Costa Rica, serving as a B2B provider for a wide range of niches, including FITs, groups, nature, family and more. Highly respected and collaborating with reputable tour operators worldwide, they leverage their extensive experience to meet the specific needs of niche markets with exceptional reliability and first-class response times to enquiries.
Swiss Travel offers a variety of water-based activities: boat rides through canals sheltered by rainforest, eco-friendly kayaking tours through the serene waters of Sarapiqui, spotting whales and dolphins in Uvita and even learning about the significant conservation efforts being developed to protect the sea turtles that come to spawn each year along the 20 miles of protected coastline.
Europe
Madeira
For a small island, Madeira really does seem to have something to offer everyone! With rugged landscapes, crystal-clear waters and diverse ecosystems, this island has an unlimited amount of unique experiences, suitable for any traveller of any age.
The deep blue waters surrounding the island is also a delightful holiday destination for clients interested in marine life. Dolphin and whale-watching tours are a popular excursion from Funchal. Sightings of both pilot and sperm whales, as well as bottlenose dolphins are pretty much guaranteed year round, but many more species pass by depending on the season.
The Azores Islands
With abundant marine species resident or migrating here year round, the Azores are known as one of the world’s leading destination for whale-watching. A remarkable 26 species of whale and dolphin have been recorded here and sightings are just about as guaranteed as you can have.
Locally owned DMC Futurismo works closely with the World Cetacean Alliance to ensure that such excursions are operated responsibly; marine biologists lead and accompany all of their trips. For an insight into the underwater world you can join a team of experts for a day to study the cetacean environment and observe social behaviour. Go out to sea with the scientists on a zodiac and use photo identification techniques to register the different species that you spot.
Any sightings, as well as biological samples of skin and stools are collected and fed back into an international database for research used by marine biologists around the world. Also, using a hydrophone, it’s possible to hear acoustic data emitted by the whales and, back at the Futurismo base, analyse plankton samples to quantify the levels of microplastics present in the water and record all findings into the registered database. It’s an amazing experience to help learn more about (and protect) these majestic creatures.
Croatia
Croatia offers over 1,200 islands to explore, many of which are adorned with reefs, underwater caverns and canyons. Whether it be families, adventurous couples or adrenaline junkies, Croatia will keep many types of travellers happy and entertained.
Recognised as one of Croatia's premier experiential DMCs, Outdoor Croatia specialises in sea-kayaking, cycling, walking and multi-activity holidays in Croatia’s wild and beautiful outdoors. Guided trips take clients off the beaten track and into the ‘real’ Croatia, away from conveyer-belt tourism. Tours are varied and suitable for either beginner or advanced level.
Asia
Indonesia
If you cater to scuba diving, surfing or snorkelling enthusiasts, then Indonesia should be on offer to your clients. This archipelago of over 17,000 islands is renowned for some of the best diving and snorkelling spots in the world such as Raja Ampat, Komodo National Park, and Bunaken. Indonesia's coral reefs are abundant with vibrant marine life, including manta rays, sea turtles and thousands of fish species.
Happy Trails Asia offers sustainable soft adventure tours throughout Indonesia, Malaysia and Borneo, catering to both FITs and groups. Their expert team will take clients off the beaten track to discover hidden coastal gems, beautiful wildlife above and below the water and immerse visitors in Indonesia's incredible biodiversity.
Australasia
Australia
As the world’s largest island, Australia is one of the best places to go to experience exceptional marine life!
Its extensive coastlines along the Pacific and Indian Oceans are home to the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system on the planet, brimming with an incredible array of marine species including colourful corals, tropical fish, sea turtles and reef sharks. In Western Australia, there is the less visited and pristine Ningaloo Reef, renowned for whale shark encounters. The southern coast also is great for encountering whales and sea lions.
Many Tour Operators underestimate how challenging it can be to manage both the logistics and client care remotely when sending travellers to Australia. However, you can fully trust local DMC, Australia Inbound to craft the best itineraries for your clients. With a nationwide network of proven and trusted suppliers, it is distinguished for seamless logistics, quick response times and genuinely personal service.
Africa
Kenya
Mida Creek in Kenya is a hidden gem along the country’s coastline, nestled within the Watamu Marine National Park. It is a natural entrance in the coast - about 5 km deep - and was designated by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, celebrated for its rich biodiversity and vibrant ecosystems - including the largest ecosystem of mangrove in the world.
Mida Creek is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Its expansive mangrove forests and tidal flats provide crucial habitats for a variety of species, including migratory birds, crabs, and fish.
If you are looking to diversify your Africa portfolio, Liberty Africa Safaris has it covered. It is a family-run DMC, providing comprehensive, tailor-made safaris and tours across Kenya and neighbouring countries. They exclusively cater to B2B clients (with mid to high-end options), offering wildlife and specialist safaris, interesting visits to community projects and culinary activities.
Tanzania
When clients say Tanzania, tour operators sometimes focus purely on safaris or hiking up Kilimanjaro. However this varied country is also home to an incredible marine environment along its extensive Indian Ocean coastline and has numerous islands offering a wealth of marine viewing possibilities.
The waters around Tanzania, including the Zanzibar Archipelago, Mafia Island and the Pemba Channel, are filled with beautiful marine life and vibrant coral reefs. Visitors can swim with whale sharks in Mafia Island Marine Park, encounter playful dolphins in Zanzibar's Kizimkazi and explore the rich coral gardens of Mnemba Atoll.
Milestone Safaris & Mountaineering operates from Moshi with strong connections across the Kili region and northern parks. They provide tailored group tours ranging from adventure to high end. If you’re looking for a ‘bush to beach’ provider to offer a diverse balance of experiences for your client, Milestone are experts at going that extra mile to provide a variety of activities.
You can find out more and explore our full portfolio of DMC clients here: https://www.theadventureconnection.com/dmc-partners
Happy Marine Week!
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