Freshwater
Photo credit
Don B
Lake George, CA
,
USA

Freshwater

Rivers, Lakes & Wetlands

Inspiring you to tour the Freshwater biome and embark on a journey of discovery through its breathtaking areas of natural beauty and diverse wildlife

Discover Tours

Carving out paths through continents and sitting still in valleys for thousands of years, the rivers and lakes of our planet are often in very close proximity to the communities in which we live.

Found in most countries of the world, our rivers are the lifeblood of the planet: starting high in hills or mountains and running down into lakes, they prevent flooding by allowing water to drain away and offer rich habitats and food sources for much of life on Earth.

Lakes, made up of still bodies of fresh or saltwater, support large ecosystems of animals and plants, regulate water flow from rivers, and can even be used as sources of hydroelectric power. They have also been popular leisure spots for day-trippers and those seeking adventure for generations.

Our wetlands, too, provide protection in ways that we possibly don’t even realise: as stores for excess rainwater and as a buffer against the sea, they reduce air temperatures, help prevent cyclones, floods and droughts, and offer a thriving ecosystem for bird, plant and animal life. In many places, wetlands are now protected from development - a clear sign that should remind us how essential they are to maintaining the equilibrium of their environment.

Biome Map Image
Terpsichores, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons / modified from original

Freshwater characteristics

  • V-shaped valleys
  • Flat valleys
  • Waterfalls
  • Riverbanks
  • Gorges
  • Flood plains
  • Oxbow lakes
  • Running water (rivers)
  • Slow-moving or still water (lakes and wetlands)
  • Undrained hydric soil (wetlands)
  • Water saturation (wetlands)
  • Shallow waters and deeper swamps
San Clemente, Maule
Francisco Valverde Henriquez
San Clemente, Maule,
Chile

Freshwater climate

Temperature High

24

°C

Temperature High (Avg)
Temperature Low

2

°C

Temperature Low (Avg)
Precipitation

1143

mm

Precipitation (Avg)

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Climate Change

Rivers, lakes and wetlands face a number of threats, including pollution and the emergence of invasive species that can disrupt the natural ecosystem of the river. Shallow waters that run into rivers, lakes or wetlands from agricultural land (known as “agricultural runoff”) often contain pesticides, sediments and nitrates, which can also cause water pollution. 80% of the world’s water waste is allowed to run into wetlands untreated. Wetlands are also at risk from unsustainable development, which has led to 87% of them being lost over the past three centuries.

The pollution of rivers, lakes and wetlands can cause illness, infections and death both for the plants and animals that live in or around them, and also for the human communities that rely on them for survival. Loss of biodiversity and disease amongst human and animal populations is a major issue both for the environment and for public health on a global scale.

Top Freshwater tours

The world’s rivers hold a wealth of opportunities for exploration. Sailing down the Amazon, the Ganges or the Okavango Delta (in Botswana) can allow you to take in the stunning wildlife and intricate ecosystems that exist in these hugely varied parts of the world. Spending time in communities along these rivers can introduce explorers to the history and to rich cultural life of the communities that call these environments home.

Depending on your location, a trip to the lakes can offer an opportunity to relax with sailing and good food (Lake Como), experience the sheer majesty of nature (in Canada), or wonder about the mythic creatures that might lay beneath (at Scotland’s Loch Ness.) Whether it’s Britain’s Lake District or Russia’s Lake Baikal, a trip to the water can leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and with a renewed sense of the nature that is all around.

Kuala Kubu Bharu
Firdouss Ross

Kuala Kubu Bharu, 

Malaysia

Tours in the Freshwater biome

South Island Explorer - 12 days
South Island Explorer - 12 days
South Island Explorer - 12 days
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New Zealand
Tour type
Tour Type
Small Group
Activity level
Activiy Level
South Island Explorer - 12 days

12 days from

£4,295 / person

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Auckland, Wellington & Scenic South - 12 days
Auckland, Wellington & Scenic South - 12 days
Auckland, Wellington & Scenic South - 12 days
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New Zealand
Tour type
Tour Type
Small Group
Activity level
Activiy Level
Auckland, Wellington & Scenic South - 12 days

12 days from

£4,245 / person

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Costa Rica Family Holiday
Costa Rica Family Holiday
Costa Rica Family Holiday
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Costa Rica
Tour type
Tour Type
Adventure Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
Costa Rica Family Holiday

10 days from

£1,516 / person

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Gorillas & Hiking Uganda's Rwenzori Mountains
Gorillas & Hiking Uganda's Rwenzori Mountains
Gorillas & Hiking Uganda's Rwenzori Mountains
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Uganda
Tour type
Tour Type
Active
Activity level
Activiy Level
Gorillas & Hiking Uganda's Rwenzori Mountains

12 days from

£3,780 / person

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Family Costa Rica Rainforest and Wildlife Adventure
Family Costa Rica Rainforest and Wildlife Adventure
Family Costa Rica Rainforest and Wildlife Adventure
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Costa Rica
Tour type
Tour Type
Adventure Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
Family Costa Rica Rainforest and Wildlife Adventure

14 days from

£2,899 / person

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Galway & Contrasts of Connemara
Galway & Contrasts of Connemara
Galway & Contrasts of Connemara
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Ireland
Tour type
Tour Type
Small Group
Activity level
Activiy Level
Galway & Contrasts of Connemara

5 days from

£759 / person

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Remarkable Rwanda
Remarkable Rwanda
Remarkable Rwanda
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Rwanda
Tour type
Tour Type
Active
Activity level
Activiy Level
Remarkable Rwanda

11 days from

£8,401 / person

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Enchanting New Zealand - 16 days
Enchanting New Zealand - 16 days
Enchanting New Zealand - 16 days
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New Zealand
Tour type
Tour Type
Small Group
Activity level
Activiy Level
Enchanting New Zealand - 16 days

16 days from

£4,895 / person

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Yellowstone Wildlife Trails - Camping
Yellowstone Wildlife Trails - Camping
Yellowstone Wildlife Trails - Camping
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USA
Tour type
Tour Type
Adventure Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
Yellowstone Wildlife Trails - Camping

12 days from

£3,699 / person

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Traditional Ireland & County Wicklow
Traditional Ireland & County Wicklow
Traditional Ireland & County Wicklow
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Ireland
Tour type
Tour Type
Coach Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
Traditional Ireland & County Wicklow

6 days from

£1,049 / person

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The Best of Costa Rica
The Best of Costa Rica
The Best of Costa Rica
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Costa Rica
Tour type
Tour Type
Coach Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
The Best of Costa Rica

12 days from

£3,799 / person

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The Best Of Ireland
The Best Of Ireland
The Best Of Ireland
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Ireland
Tour type
Tour Type
Small Group
Activity level
Activiy Level
The Best Of Ireland

8 days from

£744 / person

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New Zealand Journey
New
  Zealand Journey
New Zealand Journey
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New Zealand
Tour type
Tour Type
Active
Activity level
Activiy Level
New Zealand Journey

12 days from

£3,999 / person

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Ecuador: Amazon, Hot Springs & Volcanoes
Ecuador: Amazon, Hot Springs & Volcanoes
Ecuador: Amazon, Hot Springs & Volcanoes
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Ecuador
Tour type
Tour Type
Adventure Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
Ecuador: Amazon, Hot Springs & Volcanoes

9 days from

£1,659 / person

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Whitby & North Yorkshire Coast
Whitby & North Yorkshire Coast
Whitby & North Yorkshire Coast
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United Kingdom
Tour type
Tour Type
Small Group
Activity level
Activiy Level
Whitby & North Yorkshire Coast

5 days from

£669 / person

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Big Cats
Big Cats
Big Cats
Birdwatching
Birdwatching
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Canoeing
Canoeing
Canyoning
Canyoning
Canyoning
Cruise
Cruise
Cruise
Culture
Culture
Culture
Cycling
Cycling
Cycling
Festivals
Festivals
Festivals
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Hiking
Hiking
Hiking
Kayaking
Kayaking
Kayaking
Mountaineering
Mountaineering
Mountaineering
Natural Wonders
Natural Wonders
Natural Wonders
Photography
Photography
Photography
Polar
Polar
Polar
Primates
Primates
Primates
Rafting
Rafting
Rafting
Rail
Rail
Rail
Safari
Safari
Safari
Sailing
Sailing
Sailing
Skiing
Skiing
Skiing
Snorkelling
Snorkelling
Snorkelling
Whale Watching
Whale Watching
Whale Watching
Wildlife
Wildlife
Wildlife
Winter Sports
Winter Sports
Winter Sports
Zip Lining
Zip Lining
Zip Lining

Freshwater areas of natural beauty

The steep valleys and still waters that are forged by lakes the world-over are clear examples of the power of nature. Lake Baikal, in Siberia, is on many adventurer’s bucket list, whilst the incredibly striking Lake Tahoe (on the US west coast), Lake Bled (Slovenia) and Lake Wakatipu (New Zealand) are likely to be prominent too. The world’s largest tropical wetland, the Pantanal in Brazil, is another area with top credentials for water-bound explorers.

Wildlife

Freshwater animals

Numerous animal species have made these habitats their home. River fish include eels, sturgeon, tench, tilapia, catfish, salmon, trout, bass and perch, whilst other animals found in rivers, lakes and wetlands are likely to include stoats, otters, beavers, weasels, snakes, turtles, alligators and water voles. Birds include swans, kingfishers, coots, herons, cranes, ducks, egrets and flamingos.

Freshwater plants

Plants and flowers can thrive in the damp environs of a river, lake or wetland. Reeds, rushes and lots of types of grass are found along river beds and near lakes, whilst plants might include iris, wild geranium and lobelia. In wetlands, moss, buttercups and marigolds might flourish.

Freshwater countries

Most countries in the world include at least some rivers, lakes or wetlands - without them, bird, animal and plant life would find it very difficult to survive. Canada, Russia, Botswana and Peru are the countries with the most areas taken up by wetlands. The world’s most famous rivers are found in Africa (the Nile), South America (the Amazon), China (the Yangtze) and the United States (the Mississippi), whilst Canada has more lakes than the rest of the world combined.

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