Or, you can watch fat seals basking in the snow fields as you tour the spectacular glaciers of Antarctica with the American Museum of Natural History. Even the National Audobon Society sponsors a tour to the Galapagos Islands. If you'd like, request the names of people who've taken a trip so that you can contact them. The leader or lecturer will set the tone of the trip. Make sure you know what you are paying for.
Lodgings vary from tour to tour, so get the specifics.
Then ask yourself if you would be happy sharing a bathroom or comfortable staying in ship's quarters.