Call of the Twitcher
The best way to see some of the world’s most fascinating creatures – especially birds – is by expedition cruise with HX. Find out why.
Why Birders are Raven About HX
Something to Tweet About
From novice birders to expert ornithologists, HX expeditions are a birder's paradise!
Onboard ornithologists on most sailings
Expedition teams with strong birding background
Evening lectures on birds and other wildlife
Onboard science center and library with birding resources
Onboard photographers on every voyage who share albums at the end of your trip and offer lessons on nature photography
Exclusive Permits for Optimal Wildlife Viewing
Interconnected Cabins + Suite Options, perfect for small groups and families
Action-packed Itineraries Led by Expert Guides
Ample opportunity to meet guests with similar birding interests
Alaska
McKay's Bunting | Plectrophenax hyperboreus
One of the world’s rarest birds, McKay’s Bunting is on every birder’s checklist, breeding only on St. Matthew Island in the Bering Sea. The best and easiest way to see McKay's Bunting short of chartering your own ship is to sail with us to the Aleutians. We are the only cruise company that takes guests to St. Matthew Island.
Antarctica
Wandering Albatross | Diomedea exulans
With the longest wingspan of any living bird at over 11 feet, the Wandering Albatross is on every serious and not-so-serious birder’s list. Antarctica is home to 46 species of birds, including albatrosses, shearwaters, petrels, cormorants, bitterns, herons, egrets, skuas, gulls, terns, and the famous penguin. The best time to see chicks? Late January through the end of February.
Galápagos Islands
Galápagos Penguin | Spheniscus mendiculus
A spark bird is one that sparks your interest in birding. For Darwin, it was 13 different species of finches. For you? Maybe it’s the Galapagos Penguin, found mostly on Fernandina and Isabela Islands, the only penguin who makes its home north of the equator. It’s one of several species of sea birds in the Galápagos, along with Frigatebirds, flamingos, and cormorants. For land birds, your spotting list includes the mockingbird, short-eared owl, Galapagos hawk, and Galapagos dove. Experience Darwin's flight path.
Greenland
Snow Bunting | Plectrophenax nivalis
Greenland is home to about 230 different species of birds, only 30 of which live there all year. The snow bunting breeds in high Arctic, lining their nests with fur and feathers which warm the deep cracks and rock cavities where they incubate their eggs. Because the female can't leave the nest very often, the male brings her food almost every 15 minutes. In addition to snow buntings, you'll likely see black guillemots, northern fulmars, and sea eagles on your expedition to Greenland.
Iceland
Atlantic Puffin | Fratercula arctica
More than half of all Atlantic Puffins reside in Iceland, making it a sure-fire sighting in this northern European nation. Visitors will find millions of them nesting in the Látrabjarg cliffs in the Westfjords, as well as in the Westman Islands. Avid birders can also search for more than 85 different bird species here, including the Arctic tern, Tufted Duck, Common Eider and Whooper Swan. Explore rich and raucous Icelandic bird life.
Svalbard
Red Phalarope | Phalaropus fulicarius
You'll be lucky to spot one of a few ocean-going shore birds, the Red Phalaropes. They can sometimes be found feeding around the plumes of muddy water stirred up by gray and bowhead whales. You'll likely see puffins, northern fulmars, kittiwakes, murres, terns, and auks, too!
Birds of Galápagos
Egg-celent Inclusions on Your HX Expedition
When travel with HX, you'll be immersed in the breathtakingly beautiful landscapes and encounter a diverse and utterly unique selection of flora and fauna while engaging in active adventures.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring local ingredients and regional favorites, including house beer and wine
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Use of the Science Center and access to Citizen Science Projects
Onboard Professional Photographer
Escorted Small Boat Landings
All Excursions and Gear—Hike, Kayak, Snorkel, and Glass-bottom Boat
Up-Close Encounters with Exceptional Wildlife
Cozy Onboard Nests
Modern, comfortable, and perfect for you! Choose from a variety of suites, interconnected cabins, and adjoining rooms.
Our suites will make you chirp!
A comfy place to fluff your feathers