WORLDWIDE · NATIONAL PARKS
Every trip has one free afternoon too few. These 7 river trips in National Parks earn the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to packing.
Take a one-hour electric-boat cruise from Botenverhuur- en rondvaartbedrijf Koppers Giethoorn through Giethoorn’s canals and out toward the lake. Your guide explains the village in Dutch, German, and English, with past guides including Derek, Peter, and Richard. A small coffee, tea, or lemonade is included.
“Very nice with very good explanations from the guide in 3 languages.”
Spend about 10.5 hours with an English-speaking Oz Trails guide exploring the Blue Mountains, Sydney Zoo, Three Sisters, waterfalls, Scenic World, and quieter lookouts. Guides such as Les, Bruce, and Wayne add local stories and humor. Zoo and Scenic World tickets cost extra, while lunch is your choice in Leura.
“I had an amazing time. the guide was so funny and made the experience 10 times better. pls keep telling dad jokes🤣🫶🏻”
Travel from Queenstown to Glenorchy, then ride a jet boat through the braided Dart River in Mt Aspiring National Park. Expect high-speed turns, 360-degree spins, glacier-fed channels, and clear commentary on Māori culture, wildlife, and native plants. Guides such as Jordan, Pedro, Dean, and John are praised for safe, lively driving.
“Very precise planning and execution of the trip. Outstanding experience in one of the most beautiful areas on this planet. All drivers super friendly and professional.”
Board a custom amphibious boat at Norman Beach for a 2.5-hour cruise along Wilsons Promontory. Guides such as Damo, Ella and Jazzie share local wildlife and park stories as you pass Skull Rock, South Point and a fur seal colony. Jackets and seasickness tablets are available, but expect wind, spray and occasional rough water.
“Breathtaking view of Wilson’s, seals and the Skull rock. The guides are excellent and very helpful. We spotted two whales and dolphins 🐬”
From Glenorchy, you’ll race, spin, and skim along the glacier-fed Dart River with an English-speaking driver-guide. Hear Māori legends, local history, and stories about the Greenstone trail while passing scenery used in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Add the Queenstown transfer for a scenic 4-hour outing, or self-drive for the 2-hour jet boat trip.
“All at top Level and great experience. Dart River is so beautiful. But beware of the sun. Sunblocker grade 50 is minimum. 🤘”
Travel from Livingstone, Victoria Falls, or Kasane to Chobe National Park for a 3.5-hour game drive and a 3.5-hour Chobe River cruise. Expect elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, lions, giraffes, and excellent birdlife. English-speaking guides such as Nature, Tana, Max, and Wesley have led past departures, though guide assignments vary.
“Enjoyed the day trip safari very much. Saw so many animals, especially elephants and giraffes, very close up. Our guide was very informative and tried hard to get us to see as many of the Big 5 as we could. He knew Chobe park well, which was great for us. The hotel pick-up and getting through customs went very smoothly thanks to the guide who stayed with us all day. The lunch buffet was a nice break in between, and the food was really good and varied. Thanks for a great tour and a great day.”
Travel from Darwin in a small group of up to seven, with an English-speaking guide, to Kakadu National Park. Visit a wetlands bird hide, Nourlangie rock art, Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, and the Yellow Water Billabong. Lunch, park entry, air-conditioned transport, and the 1.5-hour wildlife cruise are included.
“Despite the wet season weather we made it to kakadu to appreciate this amazing place.”
Pick a waterway, a city or a kind of evening.
