Best of · WILDLIFE AND SAFARI DAY TRIPS

The 15 Best Wildlife Day Trips Around the World

33 day trips  ·  from $22 a seat

Mikumi in a day, elephants outside Bangkok, dolphins off Gibraltar. These 15 are compared on time in the park, the ethics of each operation and what the price covers.

From Bangkok: Living Green Elephant Sanctuary Day Trip - From Bangkok to Chonburi by minivan
Day Trips, Day Trips from Bangkok, Day Trips from Thailand, Tour Reviews, Wildlife and Safari Day Trips, Wildlife Day Trips in Thailand

From Bangkok: Living Green Elephant Sanctuary Day Trip

1.Living Green Elephant Sanctuary Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,541 reviews · 3 hours - 450 minutes · from $57Our pick

Spend a full day at Living Green Elephant Sanctuary in Chonburi, about 1.5 to 2 hours from Bangkok. Guides such as Lulu, Mod, and Jamboi explain each elephant’s story before you feed them, walk through the forest, and join them at the bathing pond. Traditional clothing, lunch, photos, and optional transport are included.

“One of the best things I’ve ever done. Loved crazy man and sexy man. Elephants were treated so well.”

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From Zanzibar: Mikumi Safari Day Trip with Flights and Meal - The 5:00 AM pickup and Zanzibar airport
Day Trips, Day Trips from Tanzania, Tour Reviews, Wildlife and Safari Day Trips

From Zanzibar: Mikumi Safari Day Trip with Flights and Meal

2.Mikumi Safari Day Trip with Flights and Meal

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,470 reviews · from $451

Fly from Zanzibar to Mikumi National Park for a shared full-day game drive, bush lunch, drinking water, and return flights. Guides such as Salim, Amos, Elias, and Asenga are praised for finding lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and more. Hotel transfers are included, but expect an early start and a long day.

“We had an amazing experience on our safari trip to Mikumi! The transfer and flight were good and all on time. Our safari guide was knowledgeable and friendly and gave plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the wildlife or take photos. There was water available throughout and the bush lunch was lovely! A tip for the ladies - take some tissues with you for the toilet stops, some of the cubicles didn’t have any tissue left! Overall, we couldn’t have asked for anything more - We saw nearly all of the animals you could hope for, which was great luck!”

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From Malaga: Day trip to Gibraltar and Dolphin Boat Tour - The coach ride from Málaga to La Línea
Boat and Cruise Day Trips, Day Trips, Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife and Safari Day Trips

From Malaga: Day trip to Gibraltar and Dolphin Boat Tour

3.Day trip to Gibraltar and Dolphin Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 1,430 reviews · 8 - 10 hours · from $73

Travel by air-conditioned coach from Málaga or the Costa del Sol to Gibraltar, with a bilingual Spanish and English guide. You get free time for Main Street, Casemates Square, gardens, bays, and lunch, plus a 90-minute boat trip looking for up to three dolphin species in a UNESCO-listed marine reserve.

“We could not recommend this tour enough 😍 a must do if visiting Malaga!!!”

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Phuket: Lily Elephant Half day Trip on the Beach with lunch - Preparing food before feeding time
Beach and Coastal Day Trips, Day Trips, Day Trips from Phuket, Day Trips from Thailand, Day Trips with Lunch, Tour Reviews, Wildlife and Safari Day Trips, Wildlife Day Trips in Thailand

Phuket: Lily Elephant Half day Trip on the Beach with lunch

4.Lily Elephant Half day Trip on the Beach with lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,420 reviews · 150 minutes - 3 hours · from $83

Spend 150 minutes to 3 hours with elephants at Lily Elephant Camp, preparing food, feeding them, walking to a private beach, and helping bathe them in the sea. Guides such as Sara, Tony, Kim, and One explain elephant care in English. A Thai lunch, drinks, hotel pickup from many Phuket areas, and accident insurance are included.

“What a great day out with the elephants. Staff are very attentive to the elephants. We prepared food, walked with the elephants and bathed them. Lots of great photo opportunities. Lunch included which was very nice”

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From Bangkok: Pattaya Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Day Trip - The long road from Bangkok to Chonburi
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From Bangkok: Pattaya Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Day Trip

5.Pattaya Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 881 reviews · from $142

Travel from Bangkok to Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary for a half-day with rescued elephants. Feed them bananas and sugar cane, prepare rice balls, walk through the grounds, join a mud spa and bathe them in water. Guides such as Tak explain each elephant’s past. Lunch, fruit, transfers, and water are included.

“Absolutely amazing! We got so close to the elephants and were able to interact with all of them safely and respectfully. I would definitely recommend again. An experience of a lifetime.”

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From Quebec City: Whale Watching Excursion Full-Day Trip - The Baie-Sainte-Catherine break
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From Quebec City: Whale Watching Excursion Full-Day Trip

6.Whale Watching Excursion Full-Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 863 reviews · 11 hours · from $186

Travel by air-conditioned bus from Québec City to Baie-Sainte-Catherine, then choose a large viewing boat or Zodiac. Naturalist guides explain the marine park and help spot belugas, fin, minke, and humpback whales. Patricia, Paul, and Captain Luke have guided some departures. Plan carefully for cold, wind, and limited food options.

“Amazing trip out on the zodiac! The guide was super knowledgeable and the weather was incredible. We were lucky to see plenty of beluga and humpback whales! A once in a lifetime experience!”

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From Colombo: Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Trip with Safari - The early ride from Colombo into central Sri Lanka
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From Colombo: Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Trip with Safari

7.From Colombo: Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Trip with Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 842 reviews · 14 - 16 hours · from $53

Leave Colombo early for Dambulla’s cave temples and Sigiriya’s 1,250-step climb, with an English-speaking guide such as Chathu or Dhanesh. After lunch, choose a village outing with bullock cart and canoe, or an optional national park jeep safari. Hotel pickup, transport, water, and a king coconut are included.

“This tour is wonderful and Chathu is great and he had lots of patience with all of us.”

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From Pattaya: Living Green Elephant Sanctuary Day Trip - The 45-minute ride from Pattaya to the sanctuary
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From Pattaya: Living Green Elephant Sanctuary Day Trip

8.From Pattaya: Living Green Elephant Sanctuary Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 441 reviews · 3 hours - 450 minutes · from $57

Travel 45 minutes from Pattaya to Living Green Elephant Sanctuary with an English-speaking guide such as Lulu, Mod, or Tuck. Change into Mo Hom clothing, feed rescued elephants, walk through the forest, and join them in the water only if they choose to bathe. Pad Thai, watermelon, water, transport, and equipment are included.

“A very good and educative tour, an ethical sanctuary, we can see that the elephants are treated with respect. I just can recommand.”

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Brisbane to North Stradbroke Island Day: Wildlife & Beaches - Meeting the white Toyota Hiace in Brisbane
Beach and Coastal Day Trips, Beach Day Trips in Australia, Day Trips from Australia, Day Trips from Brisbane, Island Day Trips, Island Day Trips in Australia, Tour Reviews, Wildlife and Safari Day Trips, Wildlife Day Trips in Australia

Brisbane to North Stradbroke Island Day: Wildlife & Beaches

9.Brisbane to North Stradbroke Island Day: Wildlife & Beaches

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 391 reviews · 1 day · from $134

Spend a full day on Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island with local guides such as Ivy, Jack, and Anton. Ride the ferry from Brisbane, walk the North Gorge, watch for whales, dolphins, turtles, kangaroos, and koalas, then swim at Cylinder Beach before sunset at Amity Point.

“Phenomenal! Incredible nature, stunning views and an amazing tour guide, Jack :)”

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Ninh Binh: Cuc Phuong Jungle Hike & Wildlife Day Trip - The Endangered Primate Rescue Center: the day’s clearest wildlife stop
Day Trips, Day Trips from Vietnam, Hiking Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Wildlife and Safari Day Trips

Ninh Binh: Cuc Phuong Jungle Hike & Wildlife Day Trip

10.Ninh Binh: Cuc Phuong Jungle Hike & Wildlife Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 327 reviews · 9 hours · from $26

Spend nine hours exploring Cuc Phuong National Park with an English-speaking guide such as Hoa or Viet, both experienced park guides. Visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, walk to a 1,000-year-old tree, explore a prehistoric cave, and share a Vietnamese lunch in the forest. Expect about 6 km of walking, uneven ground, stairs, and possible leeches.

“Great Tour! But don't expect a walk in the park! It's a Jungle and that can be a bit adventurous! =)”

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Kakadu Wildlife Escape Fogg Dam or Crocodile Cruise from Darwin - Leaving Darwin at 7:30 am
Boat and Cruise Day Trips, Boat Day Trips in Australia, Day Trips, Day Trips from Australia, Tour Reviews, Wildlife and Safari Day Trips, Wildlife Day Trips in Australia

Kakadu Wildlife Escape Fogg Dam or Crocodile Cruise from Darwin

11.Kakadu Wildlife Escape Fogg Dam or Crocodile Cruise from Darwin

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 295 reviews · from $155

Travel from Darwin to Kakadu in a small air-conditioned minibus with an accredited guide such as Daryl, Dani, Tim, or Naomi. See ancient rock art at Ubirr or Nourlangie, stop at Cahills Crossing, and choose between Fogg Dam wildlife viewing or an Adelaide River jumping crocodile cruise.

“What a great. Trip very comfortable bus plus our guide was first class would recommend to all family A x A x A”

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Koh Samui: Pink Dolphin, Pig Island, and Snorkeling Day Trip - Searching for pink dolphins near Khanom
Day Trips, Day Trips from Thailand, Dolphin Watching, Island Day Trips, Island Day Trips in Thailand, Snorkeling and Diving Day Trips, Snorkeling Day Trips in Thailand, Tour Reviews, Wildlife and Safari Day Trips, Wildlife Day Trips in Thailand

Koh Samui: Pink Dolphin, Pig Island, and Snorkeling Day Trip

12.Koh Samui: Pink Dolphin, Pig Island, and Snorkeling Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 249 reviews · 7 hours · from $83

From Koh Samui, you’ll cruise to Khanom to look for wild pink dolphins, enjoy Thai lunch by the beach, snorkel at Koh Tan, and spend an hour at Koh Madsum, better known as Pig Island. Guides speak English or Thai, and hotel pickup, equipment, water, and insurance are included.

“The dolphin spotting was disappointing and the snorkelling wasn’t very well organised”

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From Jaipur: Ranthambore National Park Day Trip with Safari - The early road from Jaipur to Sawai Madhopur
Day Trips, Day Trips from India, Day Trips from Jaipur, National Park Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Wildlife and Safari Day Trips

From Jaipur: Ranthambore National Park Day Trip with Safari

13.Ranthambore National Park Day Trip with Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 244 reviews · 12 hours · from $85

Travel from Jaipur to Ranthambore in a private air-conditioned car, then join a government-run safari by six-seat Jeep or 16 to 20-seat canter. A naturalist guide helps you search for Bengal tigers, crocodiles, leopards, sloth bears, deer, and birds. Drivers such as Uday, Pradeep, and Mukesh are often praised for safe, caring service.

“Amazing safari experience! Driver was a great navigator and made us feel safe. Tour guide knew where to go first thing in the morning and we were able to see 3 tigers and 1 sloth bear. AMAZING TOUR 😁”

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From Nairobi: Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center Day Trip - Start with giraffes at the Giraffe Centre
Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Wildlife and Safari Day Trips

From Nairobi: Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center Day Trip

14.From Nairobi: Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 235 reviews · 3 - 8 hours · from $90

Start with Rothschild giraffes at the Giraffe Centre, then watch rescued elephants receive milk at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Finish at the women-run Kobe Beads workshop. Hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, and small-group options are available. Stephen, Titus, and Wellington are among the guides praised for timing and photo help.

“We really enjoyed the tour with our guide Steve, he adjusted the tour according to the weather so we could see everything with sunshine and did the inside things during rain. Thanks for the great daytrip👌”

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Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise & Sandboarding Day Trip - A 7am start from Sydney
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Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise & Sandboarding Day Trip

15.Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise & Sandboarding Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 219 reviews · from $145

Travel from Sydney to Port Stephens for a 90-minute dolphin cruise, a koala sanctuary walk, and 4WD sandboarding at Anna Bay. You’ll have lunch, snacks, and water included. Guides such as Gordon, Chen, Alfie, and Yan have been praised for lively commentary, clear instructions, and helpful photos.

“We got to see some dolphins while on the cruise. The cruise was really comfortable. Our favorite was the Sand Surfing at Anna Bay. That was such a fun experience. The sand was really fine and the guides were really nice. The scenery was surreal. Sand surfing is a must do for this trip.”

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New in Wildlife and Safari Day Trips

★ 4.9From Haymarket: Hunter Valley Wine and Wildlife Day TripFrom $8831 reviews
★ 4.7Galle/Mirissa: Yala & Udawalawe Safari Day Trip with PicnicFrom $10121 reviews
★ 4.4From Windhoek: Okapuka Safari Lodge Day TripFrom $17020 reviews
★ 4.4Port Stephens Day Trip with Dolphin Cruise or HikeFrom $9064 reviews
★ 4.6From Negombo: Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Trip and SafariFrom $7532 reviews
★ 4.6Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary Day TripFrom $5764 reviews
★ 3.7One Day Trip to Ranthambore Tiger SafariFrom $10054 reviews
★ 4.4From Fethiye: Dalyan Day Trip with Mud Bath and Turtle BeachFrom $6580 reviews
★ 4.5DAY TRIP AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK FROM NAIROBI BUDGET SAFARI.From $17052 reviews
★ 5.0Ranthambore Tiger Safari from Jaipur – 1 or 2 DaysFrom $3388 reviews
★ 4.5Ranthambore Tiger Safari Day trip from Jaipur – All InclusiveFrom $4387 reviews
★ 4.9Day Trip to Khao Sok with Elephant Camp VisitFrom $9991 reviews

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