Gaining access to breathtaking sights of brown bears along this pristine Alaska coastline is like winning the lottery—because that's exactly what you must do. Apply by March 1, and cross your fingers. Those who pick up one of the 185 individual "guided viewing access permits," which are valid for four days, get front-row seats in a designated area on the McNeil River to watch some of the greatest concentrations of brown bears in the world. The best time to go is July. People who nab one of 57 "camp-standby viewing access permits" (drawn from the same lottery) can view bears from the sanctuary camp and beach area. Access is by float plane only. Permit fee: $350 (non-Alaska resident) and per-person $25 application fee.

For more information: National Park Service

This gem is comprised of three islands—Komodo, Rinca and Padar—located between the Indonesian islands of Sumbawa and Flores. Arrive first at Denpasar, Bali, and then travel from there to one of two jumping-off points: Labuan Bajo, in the western section of Flores, or Bima in eastern Sumbawa. From there, boat charters take you to the park, and you can also find live-aboard boat-trip packages. You'll have to put in some time on foot to get a glimpse of the dragons, but when you do, you'll feel a real prehistoric vibe. Conservation fee (for park entry): $15 to $45, depending upon length of stay.

For more information: Komodo National Park

Wildlife watching is central to this EarthWatch expedition conducted on different stretches of the Amazon River basin in northern Peru. A whole bestiary of species might be encountered by volunteers conducting multi-day canoe surveys, including manatees, river dolphins, various turtles and giant river otters; tapirs, macaws, peccaries and a number of monkey and game-bird species are seen during jungle forays. Different teams will survey different sections of the Amazon—either the Yavari River along the Lago Preto Conservation Concession, or the Samiria River in the Pacaya-Samiria National Preserve—but your base of operations will be the Ayapua, a multi-deck river boat from the rubber-tree days, with comfortable cabins and an upper deck bar. The fee is $4,750.

For more information: Earth Watch

If you've never tried wolf watching in the Lower 48 before, your best bet is still spring or autumn in the Lamar Valley of northeastern Yellowstone National Park. You won't be alone—there will be numerous others here also looking for a chance to see Canis lupus, and super-duper telephoto lenses will abound. But the Lamar Valley is a big place, with plenty of room for beginners and regulars, and numerous places to pull over, get out the binoculars, and start glassing. A single pack, known as the Druid Peak pack, dominates. There's also a good chance of seeing elk and bear. A seven-day permit costs $25 per vehicle, or $12 per adult on foot. Annual passes are $50.

For more information: Yellowstone Experiences

This wilderness camp admits wildlife watchers between October and November, and April through May. Visitors find themselves in a lush, rugged Australian environment of tropical savannas, rivers, mesas and incredible gorges. Think: the Serengeti meets the Colorado River corridor. Guided and self-guided tours allow for much wildlife viewing, with an emphasis on birds. Sanctuary managers encourage visitors to keep tallies of the wildlife they see (a number of endangered species projects are underway near the camp), and revenues help support Australian Wildlife Conservancy efforts. A single safari tent costs approximately $250 per night; a three-day full package is approximately $1500.

For more information: Australian Wildlife Conservacy

At Parc Nationale des Volcans, in the north of Rwanda, you can observe groups of these great primates for up to one hour per day on daily treks into the slopes of the dormant Virungas volcanoes. The Rwanda Tourism Board runs the operation. Groups no larger than eight people make the trek into the dense jungle, led by experienced Rwandan guides. Gorilla numbers have been rising here in recent years, and viewing chances are very good. But humans must remain at least 25 feet away, as we can communicate illnesses to our relatives. Accommodations are available at the park in Ruhengeri. A trekking permit costs $500 per person, and includes the park entry fee.

For more information: Rwanda Tourism

Tanzania continues to be a hot destination for wildlife viewing, and this World Wildlife Fund-endorsed tour puts visitors in a position to see significant African fauna, including African elephants. Vehicle safaris in Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park and the Great Rift Valley, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park give you a chance to take in some of the greatest landscapes of southern Africa, including the Ngorongoro Crater. On the way you'll also cross paths with zebras, warthogs, gazelles, lions, ostriches and scores of wild birds. The starting point is Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge, in the foothills of Mount Meru. The cost is $6,530 per person based on double occupancy.

For more information: World Wildlife Fund

October is the hot month here when raptors are heading south in droves, but the Hawk Mountain Raptor Sanctuary trails are open every day, all year, dawn to dusk. This excellent eastern wilderness area is accessible from Philadelphia and New York City. Nine main lookout sites, up 1,500 feet in altitude, give the raptor fan wide views of the Kitattinny range of the Appalachian Mountains. Good binoculars are a must for spotting red-tailed hawks, broad-winged hawks, peregrine falcons, bald eagles and a dozen other birds of prey. Retreating glaciers seeded this place with thousands of loose rocks, so wear good hiking boots. There's a modest trail fee of $7 in peak autumn weeks.

For more information: Hawk Mountain

This extensive tour is coordinated through the World Wildlife Fund. Using New Delhi as your base, you'll make expeditions into the world-famous Corbett, Ranthambore and Bhandavgarh national parks. To get the full six days of tiger searching, you'll be highly mobile—expect to travel through the thick forest on the backs of domesticated elephants, in jeeps and sometimes on foot (so bring out the vintage Banana Republic togs). There's also time set aside to visit cultural sites. The cost is $9,100 per person based on double occupancy.

For more information: World Wildlife Fund

About a 45-minute drive from Panama City, the Canopy offers bird and wildlife observation from its decks and also with guided tours through the surrounding rainforest. October to November might be the best time, when southward migrations of birds pass the Canopy area, but January to March is sunny and lush, and all-day birding is possible. March to May is the spring migration period, which includes thousands of raptors moving back north, while June through August is the rainy period—best for resident bird species. Given the popularity of this spot, be sure to book way in advance. Single rooms are $126 per person, per night, during the peak migratory season.

For more information: Canopy Tower