Fairy penguins, Australia

For viewing the little (fairy) penguins without disturbing them as they march to and from the waves at Phillip Island Nature Parks, a special platform, Penguins Plus, has been built that blends into the environment. Visitors to the north end of Phillip Island, which is just south of Melbourne in the state of Victoria, Australia, can watch the penguins from a raised platform or observe them at eye level from an underground room. 

A platform ticket costs AUD47.20 (near $34); online, visit www.penguins.org.au and click on “Buy tickets.”