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World Turtle Day on 23rd May is a wonderful reminder that some of the most unforgettable travel moments happen when nature takes centre stage. From turtles gliding through tropical waters to rainforest trails alive with colour, coral reefs, national parks, island sanctuaries and wide-open safari landscapes, the natural world has a way of turning a holiday into something truly memorable.
For wildlife lovers, the magic is often found in the quieter moments. A shape moving beneath clear water. A flash of wings in the trees. A distant call across the bush. A beach that feels untouched at sunrise. These are the experiences that stay with travellers long after the suitcase is unpacked.
World Turtle Day may begin with one much-loved creature, but it also celebrates a much bigger idea: the joy of discovering wild places, precious habitats and holidays where nature leads the way.
Giant Tortoise on Galápagos Islands
Why World Turtle Day inspires a love of wild places
Turtles and tortoises have a timeless quality about them. Calm, ancient and fascinating, they seem to belong to landscapes that move at their own pace, from quiet island paths to warm ocean waters. Perhaps that is why they capture the imagination so easily.
They are also closely connected to some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Tropical islands, coral reefs, peaceful beaches, protected coastlines and remote nature reserves all form part of their story. These are places where travel becomes more than sightseeing. It becomes a chance to slow down, look closer and appreciate the fragile beauty of the natural world.
That same sense of wonder can be found in many different kinds of holiday, from marine escapes and rainforest journeys to safaris, national parks and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters.
Tortoise on Mahe, Seychelles
Island escapes with wildlife at their heart
There is something irresistible about an island holiday where nature is part of the experience. Soft sand, warm water and sunset views are always tempting, but the real magic often lies just beyond the beach.
In places such as the Maldives, Seychelles, Thailand, Bali and the Caribbean, island life is closely tied to the sea. Coral reefs, tropical fish, seabirds, mangroves and marine life all help create that feeling of travelling somewhere beautifully alive. For those who love the water, snorkelling, boat trips and reef excursions can add a real sense of discovery to a relaxing escape.
The Seychelles is especially well suited to this style of travel, with dreamy beaches, granite boulders and nature reserves where giant tortoises are part of the islands’ charm. Our Luxury Seychelles Island Escape is a beautiful way to experience this Indian Ocean paradise, combining island beauty, laid-back luxury and plenty of opportunities to soak up the natural surroundings. The Maldives offers a different kind of wonder, with turquoise lagoons, overwater villas and underwater worlds that make every swim feel like a small adventure.
Thailand and Bali bring together beach life, culture and tropical scenery, making them ideal for travellers who enjoy variety. One day might be spent exploring temples or local markets, while the next could bring a boat trip, jungle-fringed bay or snorkelling stop. These are holidays where nature does not simply sit in the background. It shapes the whole experience.
Toucans in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica
Rainforests, reefs and natural wonders
For travellers who love nature at its most colourful, rainforest and reef destinations offer the perfect mix of adventure and awe. These are places where the scenery feels lush, dramatic and full of life, from misty jungle trails to bright coral gardens and waterfall-filled landscapes.
Costa Rica is a wonderful example. Small in size but rich in biodiversity, it brings together rainforest, volcanoes, beaches and wildlife-filled national parks. Sloths, monkeys, toucans and colourful frogs are all part of the country’s appeal, while its strong connection with eco-tourism makes it a fantastic choice for travellers who want nature to be at the heart of their holiday. Our Pura Vida Costa Rica itinerary captures this beautifully, combining lush landscapes, extraordinary wildlife and the country’s famously relaxed spirit into one unforgettable adventure.
Australia also offers incredible scope for nature-led travel. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s great natural icons, while the country’s rainforests, islands, national parks and unique wildlife create endless opportunities for memorable encounters. From Queensland’s tropical coast to the wild landscapes of Western Australia, it is a destination where the natural world feels bold, varied and unforgettable.
Further afield, destinations such as Sri Lanka, Kerala, Borneo and New Zealand each bring their own personality to the wildlife travel story. Sri Lanka combines national parks, tea country, coastline and cultural treasures. Kerala offers peaceful backwaters, spice-scented hills and rich birdlife. Borneo is a dream for rainforest lovers, while New Zealand delivers big scenery on an epic scale, with mountains, fjords, lakes and coastal wilderness around almost every bend.
Penguins on Boulders Beach, South Africa
Safari and wilderness adventures
Not every nature holiday needs a beach. Some of the most powerful wildlife experiences happen far inland, where open plains, mountain ranges, forests and national parks provide the backdrop.
Safari holidays are among the most memorable ways to see nature at its most raw and beautiful. South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia and Botswana all offer incredible opportunities to experience wildlife in protected landscapes, from early morning game drives to golden-hour views across the bush. There is a quiet thrill in watching the day begin on safari, when the light changes, the air cools and the landscape slowly comes alive.
South Africa is particularly versatile, combining safari with coast, culture, city stays and dramatic scenery. A journey might include Cape Town, the Cape Peninsula, penguins at Boulders Beach, the Winelands and a private game reserve, creating a holiday that feels rich, varied and beautifully balanced. Our Cape, Safari & Falls itinerary brings this sense of adventure together beautifully, pairing Cape Town’s coastal charm with unforgettable safari experiences and the natural spectacle of Victoria Falls.
North America also brings its own wilderness appeal. Yellowstone, the Canadian Rockies, Alaska and the national parks of the American West are perfect for travellers who love big landscapes, scenic drives and wildlife viewing on a grand scale. Think mountains, forests, lakes, geysers, bears, elk, bison and wide-open roads that make the journey feel every bit as exciting as the destination.
These holidays are ideal for those who want space, scenery and that unmistakable feeling of being somewhere truly wild.
Tour Guide on Galápagos Islands
Travel with a lighter footprint
World Turtle Day is also a timely reminder that wildlife travel is at its best when it is thoughtful and respectful. Seeing animals in their natural habitat is a privilege, and the most rewarding encounters are usually the ones that allow nature to behave naturally.
Choosing reputable guides, conservation-minded operators and responsible excursions can make a real difference. It is always worth following local guidance, keeping a respectful distance from wildlife and avoiding any experience that encourages touching, feeding or disturbing animals. Around beaches, reefs and waterways, small choices such as reducing single-use plastic and using reef-conscious products can also help protect fragile environments.
Responsible travel does not have to feel restrictive. In fact, it often makes the experience better. When wildlife is respected and habitats are protected, travellers can enjoy places as they should be: wild, authentic and full of wonder.
Sea Turtles on Isla San Cristobal, Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands: where wildlife writes the story
Few places capture the spirit of World Turtle Day quite like the Galápagos Islands. Set around 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador, this extraordinary volcanic archipelago is famous for wildlife found nowhere else on Earth, from marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies to playful sea lions and, of course, the iconic Galápagos giant tortoise.
Here, nature feels wonderfully close. A journey through the islands might include guided walks across volcanic landscapes, snorkelling with colourful marine life, watching seabirds wheel above dramatic coastlines and visiting protected areas where giant tortoises move at their own unhurried pace. The experience is less about rushing from one sight to the next and more about noticing the incredible details that make these islands so special.
Our Ecuador & Galápagos Wildlife Discovery itinerary brings this remarkable part of the world beautifully into focus, combining the cultural and scenic highlights of mainland Ecuador with the extraordinary wildlife encounters of the Galápagos Islands. It is a superb choice for travellers who want a holiday that feels adventurous, meaningful and deeply connected to the natural world.
For anyone inspired by World Turtle Day, the Galápagos offers something truly memorable: a place where wildlife is not simply part of the scenery, but the reason the journey feels so unforgettable.
Giant Tortoise on Galápagos Islands
Let nature inspire the next adventure
World Turtle Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the wild side of travel. It reminds us that the world is full of extraordinary places where nature still sets the pace, whether that means a turtle gliding through clear water, a tortoise wandering across an island path, a lion moving through the bush or a rainforest alive with birdsong.
The best holidays do more than take travellers somewhere new. They create moments of connection, wonder and perspective. They invite people to slow down, look closer and experience the world with fresh eyes.
So, this World Turtle Day, let nature take the spotlight. From reefs and rainforests to safaris, islands and national parks, there is a whole world of wildlife-inspired travel waiting to be explored.
