Seeking wild and remote adventures? Hop on a small ship

World Expeditions Travel Group has given itself a watery adventure for its 50th birthday present this year.

The Australian company, which creates high-quality adventures for those who like their travel thrills bedding down with responsible tourism, has expanded greatly since it began in 1975, going from offering treks in Nepal to housing a suite of brands each specialising in a particular style of travel.

Kicker Rock, Galapagos Islands., one destination visited by On Water Expeditions.

Now it’s added to the family again, launching On Water Expeditions, an outfit offering small-vessel adventure cruising designed for active travellers seeking immersive, off-grid experiences.

On Water Expeditions manager Rachel Imber says the company centres on “a commitment to true adventure”.

“Our travellers are seeking genuine exploration, not passive sightseeing, and that’s what On Water Expeditions delivers,” she says.

“While our journeys take place aboard small vessels, every trip must feature an active, immersive component, ensuring our travellers experience much more than a typical cruise. Every trip we offer combines the comfort of small-ship travel with meaningful, on-the-ground (and in-the-water) experiences. We see water as the pathway to remote and wild environments, not the focus itself.”

Kayaking the turquoise waters of Palau.

On each expedition guests can kayak, snorkel, dive, hike, climb or even camp. Destinations on the debut suite of itineraries include Antarctica, the Kimberley, Taiwan, Palau, Britain and Vietnam’s Mekong River.

Across all, the group’s main ethos points are paramount. “On Water Expeditions is a natural extension of the World Expeditions Travel Group’s philosophy: small, active, and sustainable adventures across the globe,” says Imber.

“Just as we’ve done for decades on land, we now bring the same commitment to authenticity, environmental responsibility and expert-led experiences to the waterways of the world. On Water Expeditions brings the same pioneering spirit we’re known for into a new environment – the world’s oceans, rivers and waterways.

“On Water Expeditions offers the most curated, comprehensive collection of small, adventurous boat-based journeys in the market. Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker, an avid diver, a passionate hiker or simply an adventure-seeker, we have a trip to match your interests. Our travellers aren’t looking for another cruise — they’re looking for an expedition they’ll remember for a lifetime.”

In their elements: A small-vessel trip to Alaska.

She says customers were showing enthusiasm for the new offerings even before they launched.

“After more than a decade leading our polar product range I saw firsthand how much our travellers valued the unique style of exploration that only small ships can offer; exploring remote places, stepping off the boat to truly engage with the environment, and returning each day to comfort, good food, and great company,” she says.

“Our clients kept asking for new destinations and new ways to experience this kind of travel. Launching On Water Expeditions was about recognising that passion and expanding the possibilities – and the potential is almost limitless.”

World Expeditions chief executive Sue Badyari says the company has long been a pioneer in adventure travel, leading expeditions to the most remote and pristine corners of the planet.