As you’re probably aware, a six star cruise is a great way to explore some of the most exotic regions and as the ships are smaller, you can dock at places which larger cruise ships can’t reach. This is especially handy if you’re a fan of marine life and the undersea world in general, because a number of luxury lines operate voyages to some of the world’s most stunning underwater areas and sometimes, expedition sailings exploring areas rich in rare and wonderful wildlife. That said, even the most intimate of cruise ships can’t offer you a first-hand viewing of an area’s marine life, which is where the glass-bottom boat excursion comes into its own.
A glass bottom-boat functions in much the same way as a sort of giant floating aquarium. Sections of the boat which lie below the waterline are fitted out with glass, or in some cases toughened plastic or Perspex, allowing you to enjoy an underwater view of the fascinating marine fauna without getting wet. They’re the ideal choice if you’re not feeling adventurous enough, or indeed are perhaps not quite able-bodied enough to embark on a scuba diving exploration of the depths and are a common and popular fixture in almost every popular seaside tourist destination.
Here’s a look at just a few of the finest underwater regions you can enjoy when you book a glass-bottom boat excursion.
The Great Barrier Reef
The most famous reef in the world is an obvious place to start when it comes to glass-bottom tours and with good reason. If you book a six star Australia cruise which visits the region, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to see just a small section of the 1,430-mile reef and its myriad inhabitants yourself, including green sea turtle, dugong, clownfish, red bass and coral trout.
Roatan Island
The largest of Honduras’ Bay Islands, Roatan is close to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which makes it a popular place to enjoy a glass bottom boat tour when on a Caribbean cruise which calls at the island. The reef is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and the perfect place to see over 65 species of coral, 500 species of fish and is home to one of the world’s largest population of manatees.
Rangiroa
One of the French Polynesian islands it is possible to visit on a luxury South Pacific cruise, Rangiroa boasts some truly colourful coral gardens and an abundance of underwater fauna. There’s an abundance of coral to explore close to the Tiputa Channel and you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of parrot fish, butterfly fish and even black-tipped sharks.
Buccoo Reef
One of the Southern Caribbean’s most popular islands, Tobago is home to a wealth of marine life thanks to the nearby Buccoo Reef. It’s one the Caribbean’s most easy to reach reefs, which makes it very popular with both scuba divers and boat tourists alike. The Coral Gardens are a wonderful enough sight but you’ll also be able to see many different types of tropical fish as well as turtles, rays and sharks.
Key West
One of Florida’s most popular areas when it comes to exploring the depths, largely because the Florida Keys are where you’ll find the USA’s only living coral barrier reef. On a bout tour, there’s all manner of tropical life to witness, including parrotfish, angelfish sea turtles, lobster, sharks and rays. Book a Caribbean and USA cruise for a chance to see some of the reef’s sights for yourself.