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If you’re crazy about animals, but would rather see them outside the confines of a zoo or marine park, these amazing vacation destinations for animal lovers are for you. Pictured above, in the Outer Exumas of the Bahamas on Big Major Cay, a group of feral, swimming pigs live on this uninhabited island. The adorable, tame creatures enjoy lying on the white, sandy beaches and swimming in the clear azure waters to greet boaters and snorkelers in the hope of scoring some food.

Churchill, Manitoba

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In Churchill, Manitoba AKA the ‘Polar Bear Capital of the World,’ every year, polar bears gather in the headlands overlooking Hudson Bay to wait for it to ice over. By November, as many as 60 bears can be seen in the area one given day. There are several tour operators that offer ways to safely see the bears in their natural habitat.

 Johnstone Strait, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

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If you want to see orcas in the wild, paddling through the waters of Johnstone Strait off Vancouver Island is one of the best places on the planet to do just that.

Assateague Island National Seashore

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Assateague Island is home to more than 300 semi-wild ponies that are said to be descendants of domestic animals that turned wild. Visitors can camp on the beach, along with the freely wandering creatures.

Nigaloo Reef, Australia

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The Ningaloo Reef region of Australia is one of the few places in the world where whale sharks are known to frequent. Tours run from Exmouth and Coral Bay and these areas draw visitors in from all over the world for this unique wildlife encounter.