Top USA Nature and Wildlife Tours

Grand Teton National Park offers some of America’s most spectacular wildlife, including grizzlies, wolves, elk, moose, bison, antelope, bighorn sheep, and bald eagles. Beat the crowds and enjoy 360-degree viewing on this small-group tour with a naturalist wildlife guide in a custom vehicle with a roof hatch and a window for everyone. Swarovski scopes and binoculars ensure great visibility, with iPads to help you learn more about what you’re viewing.

See the highlights of Yellowstone without having to drive with this small-group tour. Your guide picks you up in Cody or West Yellowstone and takes you out on a day of adventure, with a stop along the way for an included sandwich lunch. Stops include the Hayden Valley, Grand Prismatic Spring, Old Faithful, and Gibbon Falls.

This small-group tour takes you from downtown San Francisco to Muir Woods and Sausalito—two of Marin's top attractions—in a single day. Riding across the Golden Gate Bridge in a tour van leaves you free to take in the epic views instead of focusing on the driving. You'll have free time to explore both sites, making this organized option a great choice for independent travelers.

Explore the beautiful cypress-lined Waccamaw River, Intracoastal Waterway, and the creeks and swamps on this guided boat tour near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Be on the lookout for birds and other wildlife that inhabit these southern waters that run along the refuge. The boat docks are located within Waccatee Zoo.

Discover the lesser-traveled depths of Antelope Canyon on a walking tour through the lower portions of this colorful sandstone slot canyon. One of the most popular natural attractions in the region, the upper sections of Antelope Canyon are typically crowded with tourists. This tour takes adventurous travelers down ladders, through the tightly carved sandstone, and into a part of the canyon most tourists don’t reach.

Explore Bridger-Teton National Forest on a horseback-riding tour from Moran, about 35 miles (56 km) from Jackson. Take in views of the Teton Range and Grand Teton National Park as you ride up into groves of Aspen trees. Choose from 2- or 4-hour rides, or enjoy dinner rides through the picturesque forest led by experienced guides.

Immerse yourself in the Alaskan wilderness on a cruise through the Kenai Fjords National Park from Seward. Aboard a warm and spacious vessel, cruise past alpine and tidewater glaciers among the fjords and try your luck spotting wildlife like whales, sea lions, and birds. Enjoy a delicious lunch onboard and visit the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge for great views of seabird rookeries.

Visit one of the Southwest’s most photographed natural wonders without worrying about securing tickets on your own. This guided tour of Upper Antelope Canyon includes prebooked entry and expert insights into the canyon’s geology, history, and famous light beams. Focus on taking in the dramatic scenery while your guide leads the way through this remarkable landscape.

Explore two of the Bay Area’s top destinations, Muir Woods and Sausalito, on a half-day tour from San Francisco. Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods National Monument, where you have time to walk among towering old-growth redwood trees. Next, head to Sausalito for a stroll along the picturesque waterfront. Opt to remain on your own in Sausalito or return on the bus.

See Grand Teton National Park in the brilliant early morning hours on a half-day sunrise tour. Get inside the park early before the crowds arrive, and watch the first rays of light wash over mountain peaks, lakes, and forests. Travel the backroads of Jackson Hole during the summer, and head to insider locations for the best views and chances of seeing wildlife like bears, bald eagles, elk, and bison.

Treat yourself to an abundance of wildlife viewing with this 4-hour Kenai Fjords cruise in Resurrection Bay from Seward Harbor. Travel 55 miles (round-trip) along a rugged coastline and snap plenty of memorable photos as you sail past Bear Glacier. Sail close to sea lion colonies and seabird rookeries, and keep your eyes peeled for whales, sea otters, Dall’s porpoises, eagles and mountain goats.

Spend time aboard a single-rider ATV during a thrilling off-road tour in the Sonoran Desert. Ride on rugged and rocky trails in the scenic Bradshaw Mountains and cross the Aqua Fria River during the scenic journey. Your guide is knowledgeable about the region's plant life, wildlife, and history, with plenty of stories to share.

See the wild horses of Corolla on a 2-hour tour on the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Travel by open-air 4-wheel drive vehicle along the sand dunes and ocean to view the wild horses. Along the way, you'll also hear about the history and ecology of the island, stop for photo ops of the horses and other points of interests, and gain private access to the Wild Horse Conservation Area. Choose from several departure times during the day on a tour that includes 4WD tour and guide.

Less than a 2-hour drive from Portland, the Oregon Coast is celebrated for its natural beauty. This tour gives you the chance to experience some of the best of what the coast has to offer, without having to do any driving. You'll visit the coastal town of Cannon Beach, spend time among the trees of Ecola State Park, and learn about local wildlife from your naturalist guide.

Whale watching and visiting the Mendenhall Glacier are two of the most popular activities around Juneau — they're essential experiences for any local tourist that you won't want to miss. Check them both off your list on this half-day combo tour that includes flexible departure times and round-trip transportation from Mt. Roberts Tramway, making it ideal for a shore excursion or quick trip.

Meet some of the world's most exotic animals with your admission ticket to the renowned San Diego Zoo, one of California's top family-friendly attractions. More than 4,000 animals representing 800 species live in this state-of-the-art zoo, including some that are rarely seen at other zoos. Admire the animals and go in-depth during daily keeper talks. With mobile tickets, simply scan your phone for direct entry into the San Diego Zoo. Ticket must be redeemed on travel date selected. Tickets must be purchased at least one day prior to visit.

Experience up-close views of glaciers and wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park on this cruise. Enjoy 100 miles (round-trip) of jaw-dropping scenery as the captain and crew explain the surrounding geology and wildlife. Sail past the majestic Holgate Glacier and witness chunks of glaciers break off and crash into the water. Get your camera out near Chiswell Islands, home to thousands of nesting seabirds. In addition to the sights, enjoy a complimentary brunch or deli lunch.

Get an unparalleled peek at the astronomical wonders of the Arizona night sky during this nighttime stargazing excursion. Led by professional astronomers, the tour includes an introduction to the solar system using a high-powered laser pointer. Use specialized telescopes to see close-up views of planets, galaxies, star clusters, and nebula.

Experience the Canadian side of Niagara Falls from all angles—above, under, and behind the falls—in one action-packed morning or afternoon tour. Enjoy the popular Journey Behind the Falls experience, zip up to the top of the Skylon Tower for a panoramic view over the falls, then set sail on a thrilling boat ride (May–December) beneath Horseshoe Falls.

Make your round-trip transfer between Juneau and Mendenhall Glacier hassle-free with this shuttle service. Discover the beauty of the glacier and its trails at a leisurely pace. Plus, during the drive each way, pick up historical fun facts and restaurant recommendations from the driver.

The best way to experience the majestic Napali cliffs and coast is by boat. This half-day tour aboard a native- and family-owned catamaran will take you aboard one of four vessels with a guide who will share native stories and wildlife knowledge. Guests will either get to snorkel or go whale watching, depending on the season, explore the coast’s intriguing sea caves, and see the dramatic Waimea Canyon. Afternoon tours include lunch and a picturesque sunset.

Seeing the sunrise from the top of Haleakala Mountain is one of Maui’s most coveted travel experiences—and this tour takes all the hassle out of experiencing the natural show for yourself. Following nighttime pickup from your area hotel, make your way to Haleakala National Park. Then, ride to the summit. You should arrive in time to admire the sunrise. Afterward, tour other highlights of the national park before a hearty breakfast.

Head out to the Columbia River Gorge for half a day of visiting cascading waterfalls and scenic overlooks with this tour from Portland. You'll visit Multnomah Falls, the highest waterfall in the state, as well as lesser-known falls throughout the region. You'll also have the chance to take mini-hikes in the area to get better views of waterfalls and the surrounding scenery.

Voyage along the waters of Icy Strait to see Humpback whales, Steller sea lions, orcas, sea otters, bears, and other Alaskan wildlife. Captain Josh brings passengers along a journey into the wild waters of Alaska on his small, custom boat. Passengers can view whales from the outside deck or inside the protected cabin. This tour offers an exclusive look at whales in the wild with the help of a professional filmography drone.