15 Wildlife & Safari Day Trips to Give a Whole Day To

1.From Bangkok: Living Green Elephant Sanctuary Day Trip

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

Travel from Bangkok to Living Green Elephant Sanctuary in Chonburi for a six to seven-hour visit. Change into Mo Hom clothing, hear each elephant’s story from guides such as Lulu, Mod, and Jumbo, then feed, walk beside, and bathe with them. Transport, lunch, and equipment are included.

“Had a really lovely day here. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable and were good with the elephants. The elephants appear to be well looked after and happy. Lots of info given about their work. Lunch provided was nice.”

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2.From Zanzibar: Mikumi Safari Day Trip with Flights and Meal

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

You fly from Zanzibar to Mikumi National Park, land near the park, and join a shared jeep for a full-day game drive. Guides such as Salim, Amos, Elias, and Asenga are praised for spotting wildlife and explaining animal behavior. Lunch, water, park fees, transfers, and return flights are included.

“Both the guide, I believe he's name was Elias, and the driver were amazing. so welcoming, funny and professional. We've seen lots of animals and had really nice bush lunch. would recommend it to everyone, it was a highlight of our trip.”

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3.From Malaga: Day trip to Gibraltar and Dolphin Boat Tour

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

Ride an air-conditioned coach from Málaga or the Costa del Sol to Gibraltar, explore on your own, then join a 90-minute boat trip where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. Guides such as Benjamin or Covi may lead the day, with dolphins, border checks, and British-style fish and chips on the menu.

“I feel like a visit to Gibraltar is a must when coming to this part of Spain. I had doubts about the dolphin tour because I thought I might not make it to the rock to see the monkeys, while I didn't get to spend a whole lot of time up there, I did see the monkeys and the suspention bridge. And the dolphin tour was absolutely delightful. 100% worth it.”

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4.Phuket: 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 three hours with rescued elephants at Lily Elephant Camp Phuket. Prepare food, feed them, walk to a private beach, bathe them in the sea, rinse them with fresh water, and make vitamin balls. Guides such as Sara, One, Tony, and Kim lead the activities in English.

“This was such an amazing experience, one that we’ll remember forever. The guides and everyone working there truly care for every facet of the elephants day to day needs and to ensure they thrive here. We learned so much about them. They are truly so gentle and beautiful.”

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5.From Bangkok: Pattaya Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Day Trip

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

Travel from Bangkok to Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary for a hands-on day with elephants including feeding, preparing rice balls, walking, mud play, and bathing in water. Guides such as Tak explain each animal’s past and behavior. Expect a long drive, wet clothes, Thai lunch, and a small sanctuary setting.

“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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6.From Quebec City: Whale Watching Excursion Full-Day Trip

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

Spend 11 hours traveling from Quebec City to Baie-Sainte-Catherine, then choose a large boat or Zodiac on the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park. Expect bilingual commentary, expert naturalists, dramatic fjord scenery, and possible sightings of belugas, fin, minke, and humpback whales.

“We had good weather and saw whales. Bus was clean. Guide was nice but sometimes hard to understand her English.”

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

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

Travel from Colombo to Dambulla and Sigiriya with hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, temple visits, the 1,200-step Lion Rock climb, and a choice of village life or wildlife viewing. Guides such as Chathu and Dhanesh are often assigned, though names vary. Expect a rewarding but very long day.

“I had an excellent time on this trip. Chathu was a great guide, providing lots of interesting background to everything we saw on the drive as well as at the sites. It was a great way to see Sigiriya from the city.”

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

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

Travel from Brisbane to Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island by minibus and ferry with a small group and local guide. Walk the North Gorge, watch for whales from Point Lookout, swim at Cylinder Beach, and search for koalas at Amity Point. Guides include Ivy, Jack, Anto, Tess, and Tas.

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

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9.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 mini-coach with guides such as Ric, Daryl, Dani, and Naomi. Visit Fogg Dam or take the Adelaide River jumping crocodile cruise, then see Bowali, ancient rock art at Ubirr or Nourlangie, and crocodiles at Cahills Crossing.

“The river cruise and croc feeding. The history and information about the indigenous people was very educational and intersting. It is a long tour so be prepared for along day of driving. My only complaint would be that the van was not very clean relative to other tours we have taken.”

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

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

From Koh Samui, you’ll take a speedboat to Khanom for pink dolphin watching, eat Thai food on the beach, snorkel at Koh Tan, and spend an hour with free-roaming pigs on Koh Madsum. Guides such as Phillips add a friendly touch, though dolphin sightings and water clarity vary.

“The trip was great. We saw several dolphins. Pig Island was beautiful. The guides were nice and helpful. There was plenty of drinking water on the boat. And the food at the end was great too. Thank you :)”

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11.From Jaipur: 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 3.25-hour forest safari by six-seat Jeep or 16 to 20-seat canter. Drivers such as Uday and Pradeep are often praised for safe, friendly service. Tigers are possible, never promised.

“We really enjoyed our trip today with driver Pradeep who made the whole experience really wonderful. We went on an early morning safari (end Jan), we prepared that the weather was very very cold (wrap up warm / coat / blankets!) and the view was a little foggy. Despite this, we still managed to spot a 2 year old male tiger with his fresh kill, lots of deer, beautiful birds and other animals. Thank you :)”

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12.Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise & Sandboarding Day Trip

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

Travel north from Sydney to Port Stephens for a 90-minute dolphin cruise, a koala sanctuary visit, lunch, and 4WD sandboarding at Stockton Beach. Guides such as Alfie, Gordon, Yan, and Chen are known for lively commentary. Bring swimwear if you want to use the boat’s optional boom net.

“The activities where amazing but the guide (Alfie) made the day perfect! His energy and storytelling got the bus laughing and brought up the energy! He gave such valuable information before the stops which made the experience even better! Thank you Alfie!!”

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13.Zanzibar: Nungwi Turtle Aquarium Guided Half-Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 197 reviews · 2.5 - 5 hours · from $22Best value

Travel by private vehicle to Nungwi, where a guide introduces you to green turtles in a natural tidal pool. Buy seaweed from the caretakers, feed the turtles, and swim beside them. The trip can also include Kendwa Beach, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

“Loved every minute of it! The turtle pool Wasn’t crowded at all which allowed us to really enjoy the experience and take lots of photos. There is food and drink options in the aquarium too if you get hungry afterwards. Our driver had good communication throughout.”

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14.Small-Group Grampians Great Wildlife Escape Day Trip with Hiking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 160 reviews · from $111Top rated

Spend a long day in Grampians National Park with a local driver-guide, short bushwalks, dramatic lookouts, MacKenzie Falls, wildlife sightings, and a visit to Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre. The small minibus holds up to 23 people, with guides such as Lauren, Graham, Jacob, and Tara leading recent departures.

“Had a really great time on this trip. We explored the Grampian view points and it was spectacular. Graham was the best tour guide ever. He made sure we were well informed, made sure we were taken care of, made sure that no one was left Read more”

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15.From Khao Lak: Day Trip to Khao Sok with Elephant Camp Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 91 reviews · 8 hours · from $99

Travel from Khao Lak into Khao Sok for a calm river canoe ride past limestone cliffs, monkeys, frogs, and tree snakes, then eat at a treehouse resort and visit an elephant camp. You can feed, bathe, and play with the elephants. Small groups, English, German, and Thai guides.

“This trip was truly excellent and we made memories that will stay with us forever. “Gift”, our guide, was exceptional. We particularly enjoyed the food market and canoeing on the river (our local guides were excellent, and pointed out monkeys, jungle frogs and tree snakes). We then had lunch at a stunning tree top resort and got to see two lively monkey groups at a temple. But the highlight of course was the visit to the elephant sanctuary. We got to feed and bathe the gentle giants - it was excellent and a really moving experience. The trip was faultless - thank you Gift!”

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