News of global warming, climatic change and forest devastation may put a damper on our spirits, but the world still has many natural landscapes worth fighting for. They say that there is no better way to appreciate the true value of the environment than by immersing ourselves in it; swimming in crystalline waters, gazing up at the stars or discovering colorful new flora and fauna in the lush verdant forests of the world. There are simply too many beautiful natural wonders to see in a lifetime; this is just a small selection of places that have captured our hearts:
- Santa Catalina Cloud Forest – Costa Rica
Cloud forests are misty, cool and mysterious; they are also incredibly biodiverse, housing a wide range of flora and fauna that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. At Santa Catalina, orchid lovers will marvel at over 600 different species of the world’s most delicate flower, while birds like the turquoise-browed motmot or the violet sabrewing, stun with their uniquely bright, appealing colours.
- Yosemite National Park – California, USA
Yosemite National Park, nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountain range and a mere three and a half hour drive from San Francisco, spans over 3,000km2 of natural wonders, ranging from dreamlike waterfalls to lofty granite cliffs, crystal clear streams and giant sequoia groves. John Muir captured the essence of this verdant wonder of nature when he said: “It is by far the grandest of all the special temples of Nature I was ever permitted to enter.”
- Aurora – in the northern and southern hemispheres
The auroras, also known as ‘Northern Lights’, are brightly dancing lights that arise when electrically charged particles from the sun enter the earth’s atmosphere. They appear in many hues, though bright green and pale pink are most commonly seen. Some of the best places to see auroras include northwestern Canada, the southern tip of Greenland and Iceland, and the northern coast of Norway.
Experience this incredible lightshow with one of our experiences here!
- The Great Barrier Reef – off the Coast of Queensland, Australia
This amazing reef is the largest natural feature on the Planet, stretching over 2,300 km, from the north of Queensland to the north of Bundaberg. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Parks is the largest World Heritage Area in existence and the most expansive tropical marine reserve. The reef is home to an immense range of species and protects various threatened species. It is culturally significant because many indigenous values are tied to it and it has also played an important role in many historical events. The best way to enjoy the reef is to dive right in and be amazed by the schools of colourful fish that swim by.
Check out some of our unique Great Barrier Reef experiences here
- Haukadalur – Iceland
Haukadalur is an area comprising three valleys in Iceland which display awe-inspiring geothermal activity. Internal volcanic heat causes geysers to spout out water to awe-inspiring heights. The geothermal field spans approximately 6km2, though the hottest springs, geysers and mud pools are concentrated in a 3km2 area. Those who visit Haukadalur often take in the other impressive sites that make up the ‘Golden Circle Tour’: these include the majestic Gulfoss waterfall, which is fed by Iceland’s second largest glacier, the Langjökull. The water gushes down 32 meters into a rugged canyon with walls measuring up to 70 meters in height. On a sunny day, colorful rainbows rise above the waters, instilling a strong sense of peace and joy.
- Iguazu Falls – on the border of Argentina and Brazil
The powerful Iguazu Falls, comprising 275 individual drops, is one of Argentina and Brazil’s most oft visited natural sites. The falls originate from the Iguazu river, dividing the latter into its upper and lower portions. The falls are an impressive 2.7km in width and their height hovers between 82 and 60 meters. They are twice as wide as the Niagara Falls and they are also taller. Devil’s Throat, a chasm which is 82 meters tall and 150 meters wide, bears a distinct U-shape and takes up a large percentage of the water. Special walkways have been built, which allow tourists to appreciate the full power of the falls.
- The Antarctic Peninsula – Antarctica
Hundred of icy island make up one of the most spectacular natural areas in the world. Sailing through the gelid glaciers is said to invoke a sense of serenity and wonder so deep, that even the world’s most discerning travelers describe this area as unforgettable. Climate change is doing plenty to erode the beauty of the polar ice caps so make sure to see them while you still can!
This article was written by Anne Vale.
