Our Planet: Top 5 Wildlife Encounters

Nothing beats the thrill of being breathtakingly close to some of the world’s most incredible wildlife. From the wonders of the deep to the land mammals of the Arctic, wildlife and nature have always been at the heart of Discover the World. Inspired by Blue Planet Live and the hugely anticipated Netflix series, Our Planet (narrated by none other than Sir David Attenborough!), we invite you to take a quick glance at five of our most popular wildlife encounters from around the planet…

Weighing up to 600kg, polar bears are fearless and powerful hunters. See them near Churchill, Canada on the shores of Hudson Bay as they wait for the sea to freeze over so they can hunt seals. As many as 1,200 polar bears gather here each year.

We recommend: Classic Polar Bear Adventure

Also meet them in: Spitsbergen

From spy-hopping to tail-slapping, they’re fascinating to watch. With luck, you’ll witness a breach – 30 tonnes leaping from the sea – or bubble-net feeding when they corral shoals of fish.

We recommend: Into the Blue, Iceland

Also meet them in: Canada, Alaska, Spitsbergen, Antarctica, Australia, see all whale watching holidays

Widespread across North America and parts of Europe, brown bears live in forests and mountain wilderness areas. Kuhmo in Eastern Finland is home to Eurasian brown bears, while Canada’s British Columbia is a stronghold for North American grizzlies. A heavyweight version, known as the Kodiak bear is found in the Kodiak Archipelago of south western Alaska.

We recommend: Grizzly Bear Adventure at Knight Inlet

Also meet them in: Finland and Alaska, see all bear watching holidays

The second largest penguin species can be distinguished by their sleek black and white bodies speckled with vibrant orange flashes on the side of the head and the top of the chest. The vast rookeries of South Georgia offer truly one of the most impressive spectacles in the world of wildlife.

We recommend: Peninsula, Falklands & South Georgia

Also meet them in: The Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Macquarie Island, Tierra Del Fuego

Instantly recognisable from their distinct colouring, iconic dorsal fin and highly social behaviour, orcas inspire both awe and wonder whether watching them hunt or witnessing playful antics.

We recommend: Orcas and Aurora, Iceland

Also meet them in Norway, Canada, Antarctica, Alaska, Australia, see all whale watching holidays