Top 10 Best Adventure Travel Companies for 2025
Adventure travel is more than just a vacation; it’s a journey to the unknown, an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, challenge your limits, and discover the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re trekking through the Andes, kayaking in the Amazon, or embarking on a wildlife safari, choosing the right adventure travel company is key to ensuring a safe, enriching, and unforgettable experience. In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 adventure travel companies, known for their expertise, commitment to sustainability, and dedication to providing unique and memorable adventures.
1. G Adventures
Best for: Small group tours and unique cultural experiences
G Adventures is a pioneer in the world of adventure travel, offering over 700 tours across six continents. Specializing in small group tours, G Adventures allows travelers to experience the authentic side of each destination, with an emphasis on cultural immersion. From trekking in Nepal to exploring the Galápagos Islands, their trips are designed for those who want to go beyond the typical tourist experience. G Adventures is also committed to sustainability and ethical travel, supporting local communities through their “G for Good” initiative.
Why choose G Adventures:
- Small group sizes (maximum of 16 people)
- Strong focus on responsible travel and community impact
- Wide range of adventure options, including trekking, wildlife safaris, and sailing
2. Intrepid Travel
Best for: Sustainable travel and off-the-beaten-path adventures
Intrepid Travel is a global leader in sustainable travel, offering a diverse selection of tours for all types of adventure seekers. Their trips focus on minimizing environmental impact while supporting local communities. Whether you want to hike in Patagonia, trek through the Himalayas, or explore the jungles of Borneo, Intrepid offers eco-friendly options that ensure your adventure is both exciting and responsible. Intrepid also emphasizes small groups, fostering a more intimate and authentic experience.
Why choose Intrepid Travel:
- Commitment to sustainability and carbon offsetting
- Authentic local experiences, with small group sizes
- Over 1,000 itineraries, from cultural immersions to adrenaline-pumping adventures
3. REI Adventures
Best for: Active outdoor adventures in the US and beyond
REI Adventures is known for its exceptional outdoor adventures, with a focus on hiking, kayaking, cycling, and wildlife watching. They offer guided trips to some of the most spectacular national parks and wilderness areas in the world, including Yellowstone, Banff, and Machu Picchu. REI’s expert guides are passionate about the outdoors, ensuring you get the most out of your adventure while learning new skills along the way.
Why choose REI Adventures:
- Expert-led outdoor excursions in some of the world’s most scenic destinations
- Strong commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation
- Customizable itineraries, with a range of difficulty levels
4. Backroads
Best for: Active cycling and walking tours
For those who enjoy staying active while exploring stunning landscapes, Backroads is a standout adventure travel company. Offering cycling and walking tours across North America, Europe, and beyond, Backroads caters to travelers of all fitness levels, from leisurely riders to experienced cyclists. Their trips are designed for those who appreciate both luxury and adventure, with accommodations often at boutique hotels or resorts that provide a comfortable retreat after a day of outdoor exploration.
Why choose Backroads:
- Focus on cycling and walking tours with luxury accommodations
- Customizable itineraries for different activity levels
- Expert trip planners and guides
5. Wilderness Travel
Best for: Expert-led wilderness expeditions
Wilderness Travel offers some of the most immersive and expert-led adventure tours available, focusing on nature-based experiences. Whether it’s trekking through the Andes, kayaking in Alaska, or exploring the Serengeti, Wilderness Travel’s team of experts ensures that each journey is enriching and well-planned. They also prioritize eco-friendly and responsible travel practices, making them a top choice for environmentally conscious travelers.
Why choose Wilderness Travel:
- Expert guides with deep knowledge of their destinations
- Emphasis on nature and wildlife experiences
- Customizable itineraries and small group sizes
6. Abercrombie & Kent
Best for: Luxury adventure travel
For those who prefer luxury while still embracing adventure, Abercrombie & Kent strikes the perfect balance. This high-end travel company offers bespoke adventure experiences in remote and exotic locations, such as safaris in Africa, luxury cruises in Antarctica, and private trekking in the Himalayas. A&K’s signature is providing top-notch service, comfort, and seamless planning, ensuring that every adventure is not only exciting but also luxurious.
Why choose Abercrombie & Kent:
- Luxury and comfort combined with adventure
- Customized itineraries and expert local guides
- Exclusive access to remote locations and private tours
7. Tucan Travel
Best for: Budget-friendly group adventures
Tucan Travel offers affordable yet thrilling group adventure tours to some of the world’s most iconic destinations. Whether you’re exploring South America, Africa, or Southeast Asia, Tucan provides exciting itineraries at a fraction of the cost of other companies. Their tours focus on cultural immersion, adventure activities, and making travel accessible to all types of travelers, from budget-conscious to those seeking to try something new.
Why choose Tucan Travel:
- Budget-friendly group tours with a focus on adventure
- Over 100 destinations to choose from
- Flexible travel options, with a range of activity levels
8. National Geographic Expeditions
Best for: Science-backed exploration and wildlife adventures
National Geographic Expeditions brings the world’s top scientists, naturalists, and photographers along for the ride, offering a chance to explore the world through the eyes of experts. Their tours are tailored to those interested in wildlife, photography, and scientific discovery, providing unique access to remote areas and ecosystems. Whether it’s a polar bear safari in the Arctic or a dive into the waters of the Galápagos, National Geographic’s commitment to discovery and education sets them apart.
Why choose National Geographic Expeditions:
- Expert-led tours with renowned naturalists and photographers
- Focus on wildlife, photography, and scientific exploration
- Unique access to remote and protected areas
9. Earthwatch
Best for: Volunteer-based conservation trips
For travelers who want to make a difference while exploring, Earthwatch offers volunteer-based adventure travel experiences focused on conservation and scientific research. Their programs allow participants to work alongside scientists in the field, contributing to vital conservation efforts around the world. Earthwatch offers a variety of projects, from studying marine life in the Caribbean to researching wildlife in Africa.
Why choose Earthwatch:
- Volunteer-based adventures that contribute to scientific research
- A wide range of conservation-focused projects globally
- Hands-on learning experiences in stunning natural environments
10. Wild Frontiers
Best for: Off-the-beaten-path cultural adventures
Wild Frontiers is known for providing travelers with the opportunity to explore some of the world’s most remote and lesser-known destinations. With a focus on cultural exploration, their itineraries include trekking through the Silk Road, exploring the deserts of Iran, or trekking in the Hindu Kush. Their tours are perfect for adventurous travelers who want to step off the beaten path and discover places few others get to visit.
Why choose Wild Frontiers:
- Focus on off-the-beaten-path destinations
- Expert guides with deep cultural knowledge
- Small group travel for a more personal experience
Conclusion
Choosing the right adventure travel company can make all the difference in creating a memorable journey. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious escape or a budget-friendly adventure, each of these top 10 companies offers unique experiences that cater to different interests and budgets. From expert-led wilderness expeditions to eco-conscious travel, these companies prioritize safety, sustainability, and enriching cultural experiences, making them the best in the business. So pack your bags, pick your adventure, and get ready for an unforgettable journey!