7 Best Adventure Travel Companies for Your Next Trip
Ready for adventure?
There’s just so much to explore and experience in the world. The best adventure travel companies make sure you do it while having as much fun as possible.
While there are many great group travel companies out there, adventure-focused companies offer a different kind of experience.
This could be hiking, kayaking, wild camping, trekking, or more. Whatever the case, going with a specialised adventure tour operator means you’ll be able to travel the world in a truly exciting way.
The trouble is, there are so many different adventure travel companies out there, with each one offering something unique.
From our years of experience in the industry, we’ve pulled together our top list of the best adventure travel companies for all kinds of people and experiences.
1. Skyhook
Of course, we’re biased, but we truly believe that we have the best adventure travel offering available at Skyhook.
Why?
Because we partner with the best-rated adventure travel guides in some of the world’s most beautiful and exciting destinations. From our experience of working in the adventure travel industry for years, we understand the kind of small group tours that offer the most rewarding travel experiences.
So, we offer an impressive range of adventure trips worldwide, focusing on small-group experiences that are immersive, authentic, and safe.
What sets Skyhook apart is our vast range of unique trips led by local guides with intimate knowledge of the regions they operate in. Whether you want to climb mountains, go trekking, or take on an exhilarating multi-day kayaking expedition, we’ve got something for everyone on offer.
Our adventures are tailored for those looking for real challenges, but we also cater to different skill levels. Whether it’s a long weekend away hiking or a couple of weeks summiting a high-altitude peak, you can book it with us.
Some popular destinations include places like Nepal for trekking in the Himalayas, Iceland for rugged outdoor exploration, and Norway for kayaking and camping in the fjords. We also offer incredible adventures all over the world, from Jordan to South Africa, Guatemala to Thailand, and everywhere in between.
At Skyhook, we ensure you experience nature at its most breathtaking, often in areas less crowded by mainstream tourism. It’s a great way to make meaningful connections with both the environment and your fellow travellers.
Ultimately, we focus on being the best adventure travel offering as well as one of the best small group travel companies.
Inspired to book an unforgettable small-group tour? Check out the experiences on offer.
2. Exodus Adventure Travels
Founded in 1974, Exodus Adventure Travels is one of the pioneers in adventure tourism. They offer over 500 different itineraries across more than 90 countries. So, there’s a lot on offer for all kinds of travellers.
What makes them special is their commitment to sustainability, having earned a Certified B Corp status. This means they are dedicated to balancing profit with positive environmental and social impacts.
Exodus specialises in a wide variety of trips, from cycling tours to wildlife safaris, polar cruises, and cultural explorations.
For example, if you’re keen on exploring Europe, their walking tours through the stunning Greek islands of Santorini and Naxos are a good choice. If you prefer more rugged adventures, you could join a wildlife expedition in Africa or embark on an Arctic cruise.
3. Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global leader in sustainable and ethical adventure travel, operating since 1989.
They’ve been carbon-neutral since 2010 and emphasise using local guides to provide culturally enriching and authentic travel experiences.
With over 1,000 itineraries covering more than 100 countries, Intrepid is known for offering something for everyone. Whether you’re into trekking through remote jungles, exploring deserts, or soaking in vibrant cityscapes, you can do it with Intrepid.
Popular destinations include Vietnam, Morocco, and Peru, where travellers can immerse themselves in local life, try exotic cuisine, and engage with local communities.
Intrepid also focuses heavily on responsible travel, ensuring that tourism has a positive impact on the places and people visited.
Get the genuine experience
4. G Adventures
G Adventures has been in the adventure travel industry for over 30 years and is known for its commitment to sustainable tourism.
They’re one of the top-rated adventure travel companies based on the variety of experiences on offer. This includes more than 700 tours in 100+ countries, covering everything from short city breaks to lengthy expeditions.
The company takes pride in connecting travellers with local cultures while focusing on minimising the environmental footprint of their trips.
One of their standout features is the “G for Good” projects, which support local communities in the destinations they visit.
Whether you’re interested in exploring the Inca Trail in Peru, experiencing wildlife in Africa, or discovering hidden corners of Asia, G Adventures has a wide array of adventures that cater to different tastes.
5. Manawa
Manawa is a newer player in the adventure travel industry, but it’s quickly becoming a favourite for outdoor enthusiasts.
While most of their offerings are day-long experiences, their catalogue is expanding to include more multi-day adventures.
Manawa is all about providing unique adventure sports experiences and outdoor activities like paragliding, kayaking, rock climbing, and scuba diving. We’ve chosen them as one of the best adventure travel companies due to their focus on partnering with expert local guides.
What sets Manawa apart from competitors like Get Your Guide is its emphasis on quality control and customer satisfaction.
The company is known for holding local operators to high standards, ensuring that each adventure is safe, fun, and unforgettable.
6. Flash Pack
Flash Pack offers something unique in the adventure travel space - it specialises in group trips for solo travellers between the ages of 30 and 49.
If you want to meet like-minded people while exploring exciting destinations, Flash Pack is a good choice. It’s also one of the best solo travel companies for those looking to make friendships on their journey, as the tours have a strong social focus.
The company organises small group trips, typically focusing on high-energy activities like hiking, kayaking, and mountain climbing, paired with more relaxed cultural experiences.
Flash Pack’s adventures take you to exotic locations such as Patagonia in Argentina, where you can hike through rugged landscapes and glaciers. Whether you want a beach escape, a wellness retreat, or a wildlife safari, Flash Pack offers a range of trips to suit your interests.
7. Adventures in Good Company
Adventures in Good Company is designed specifically for women who love outdoor adventures. So, if you’re a woman and want to be part of a female group, then this is one of the best adventure travel companies for you.
Established in 1999, this company offers empowering small-group experiences, focusing on outdoor activities like hiking, backpacking, and kayaking.
These trips are crafted for women of all ages and skill levels, aiming to create a supportive, camaraderie-filled environment.
Their trips are centred around the idea of women supporting each other while taking on physical challenges.
Whether you’re interested in hiking the Appalachian Trail in Maine or kayaking in the Pacific Northwest, Adventures in Good Company provides well-organised, memorable experiences with a focus on personal growth and outdoor exploration.
Other Adventure Travel Companies to Consider
While the options above are our top picks for the best adventure travel companies, we thought it’s worth mentioning a few worthy runners-up:
Much Better Adventures: Much Better Adventures is known for its unique, off-the-beaten-path trips. They specialise in short getaways and long weekend adventures, like hiking in the Norwegian fjords or ice climbing in Lapland. They work with local guides to create immersive experiences, and their trips often cater to those with limited vacation time.
Mapo Tapo: Mapo Tapo focuses on climbing and ski mountaineering trips, providing a niche experience for adventure travellers. They partner with local guides to offer unique experiences in beautiful and often remote locations. The company prides itself on customer service and supporting local communities.
Explore-Share: Explore-Share connects travellers with certified local guides for outdoor adventures worldwide. Their trips include activities like mountaineering, climbing, skiing, and canyoning. It’s a great platform for those seeking day trips or specialised multi-day adventures with professional guides.
Get Your Guide: While not exclusively focused on adventure travel, Get Your Guide offers a wide variety of experiences, including adventure activities like hiking, scuba diving, and paragliding. It’s a popular platform for booking day trips and activities.
Viator: Similar to Get Your Guide, Viator offers a broad range of tours and activities, including adventure options like zip-lining and river rafting. Though it’s not specialised in adventure travel, it’s a convenient option for booking unique local experiences in cities around the world.
Summary
Finding the best adventure travel companies in the world really depends on your personal preferences and the type of experience you want to have.
Understand where you want to travel, what kinds of adventures you want to go on, and what type of social environment you want. Then, look for an adventure travel company that ticks all your boxes.
The list above covers some of the best adventure travel companies for all kinds of travellers. No matter where you’re going or what you want to experience, you’ll find it through these companies.
Ready to get out and explore? Check out the wide range of adventure travel tours we’re currently offering.
