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Tour Review: National Geographic Expeditions’ Costa Rica Wildlife and Conservation Tour Walks on the Wild Side

Experience incredible biodiversity on this nat geo costa rica tour..

Josh Roberts

Review: EF Go Ahead’s Food & Wine: Piedmont & Tuscany with America’s Test Kitchen

  • I went on National Geographic Expeditions’ Costa Rica Wildlife and Conservation Tour. Here’s what I learned along the way—about the country and the tour company.
  • This tour’s strengths include incredible chances to see wildlife in the wild, expert guides, and beautiful accommodations along the way.

I’m only a few days into a nine-day wildlife and conservation tour of Costa Rica with National Geographic Expeditions , but already the monkeys seem to have gotten the message: When Nat Geo comes to town, it’s time to show off. That’s really the only way to describe what the White-faced Capuchins are doing as our river boat cruises by on the Rio Frío inside the Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge. They’re dangling from branches, swinging through the treetops, and dipping their toes in the water all around us, sometimes just inches from our boat. 

Over the course of this National Geographic trip, it becomes clear to me that witnessing this sort of animal behavior up close isn’t just some happy accident or stroke of good fortune—it’s the kind of thing that happens again and again because our expert guides are just that good at locating Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife. From rivers and wetlands to cloud forests and volcanoes, National Geographic Expeditions’ naturalist guides demonstrate an almost supernatural knack for finding, showcasing, and explaining the incredible diversity of the country’s flora and fauna. 

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That alone should be enough to recommend the Costa Rica: Wildlife and Conservation guided tour from National Geographic Expeditions, but in some ways it’s just the tip of the iceberg. National Geographic trips are all about access, knowledge, and giving back, and all three are on full display during this Costa Rica tour too. Evenings are spent learning from subject matter experts. Day trips to scientific research stations afford an opportunity to discover the important work being done in the field. And there are multiple chances to support local field work with hands-on service projects that help with reforestation, sea turtle rescue, and bird monitoring. 

Oh, and as for those monkeys? There are actually several unique species living along the Rio Frío—White-faced Capuchin, Mantled Howler Monkey, and Central American Spider Monkey—and they all make up-close-and-personal appearances before the end of my river boat cruise. It’s the Spider Monkeys who steal the show, though, with an impromptu Cirque du Soleil -style performance dangling just above the water as our group waves goodbye. As a lasting image of what it’s like to visit Costa Rica with National Geographic Expeditions, it’s pretty hard to beat. 

Dangling Spider Monkey at Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge (Photo: Steven Diaz)

Things to Know about National Geographic’s Costa Rica Wildlife and Conservation Tour

  • In 2024, there are scheduled departures in January, March, November, and December, with prices starting at $6,495. 
  • Like all of National Geographic’s Signature Land experiences, the Costa Rica Wildlife and Conservation Tour is a high-end and education-focused tour. An Expedition Leader and a National Geographic Expert accompany every activity on this trip, while local guides join along the way for additional expertise. 
  • The Expedition Leader and local guides carry spotting scopes on most walks. The scopes offer enhanced views of the wildlife beyond what you could see with your own eyes. The guides also use laser pointers to reveal the location of various animals you would certainly miss on your own. 

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  • Traveling with National Geographic Expeditions helps fund the National Geographic Society’s important research efforts around the world. A portion of proceeds from every booking goes directly to the National Geographic Society.
  • National Geographic Expeditions always books high-end or best available accommodations, and it’s no different on the Costa Rica Wildlife and Conservation Tour. The hotels selected all have swimming pools, elegant dining, and remarkable views. 
  • Airport transfers, ground and river transportation, and meals and activities are included in the trip price. All gratuities except for the Expedition Leader are also included. Alcoholic beverages, airfare, and optional travel insurance is not included.
  • If you wish to arrive earlier or stay longer than the trip dates, National Geographic can also arrange pre- and post-trip accommodations at additional cost.

Travel by boat in Costa Rica with National Geographic Expeditions (Photo: Josh Roberts)

Important Details about National Geographic’s Costa Rica Wildlife and Conservation Tour

Tour highlights.

  • See Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity up close and with the guidance of trained naturalists.
  • Volunteer and conduct field work with researchers at critical scientific stations in Costa Rica, including the Monteverde Institute and La Selva Biological Station and Reserve.
  • Learn about Costa Rica’s pura vida philosophy through the lens of sustainability and conservation.
  • Explore Lake Arenal, the waterways of the Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge, and the Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge by boat.
  • Cross swinging suspension bridges and spot unique wildlife in the misty cloud forests of Monteverde.

Itinerary Overview

Arrival day is a relaxed as tour participants start arriving. A free airport transfer is provided from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San José. Since some flights arrive early and others late, the group does not assemble until dinner, when the Expedition Leader greets everyone and delivers opening remarks about the upcoming trip. There’s time before or after dinner for a dip in the hotel pool.  

The first full day takes the group north from San Jose via a luxury air conditioned tour bus to the La Selva Biological Station and Reserve . I loved getting to go immediately deep on nature and wildlife on a naturalist-led walk through a forest that’s home to hundreds of unique species of birds, mammals, and other wildlife—a sloth and a colorful poison dart frog were among the highlights spotted on my visit—followed by lunch at a local restaurant. 

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Following a short post-lunch drive, you’ll arrive at your home for the next several days,  Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa at the base of the famed Arenal Volcano. Dinner at the hotel is preceded by an informative talk and presentation from one of National Geographic’s experts about their fieldwork.

Remember all those monkeys I talked about earlier? Day three is when you’ll meet them (and countless other species) on a covered riverboat excursion to Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge, one of the world’s most diverse river habitats. Home to everything from spectacled caimans and two-toed sloths to herons, egrets, and the Emerald Basilisk (also called the “Jesus Christ Lizard” because it seems to walk on water), Caño Negro is a true nature lover’s paradise. 

The river cruise is a full-day experience, at once relaxing and edge-of-your-seat, followed by a luxuriously fresh lunch right along the shoreline. A late afternoon return to the hotel gives you time to relax before dinner, perhaps with a dip in the hotel’s pool or hot springs. 

Monkey at Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica (Photo: Steven Diaz)

You’ve been traveling in the shadow of Arenal Volcano National Park for a few days now, but on day four you’ll finally get up close with a naturalist-led morning hike on the slopes of this active volcano. The payoff is a spectacular view of manmade Lake Arenal followed by lunch and a free afternoon to explore the local shopping area or relax at the hotel. At dinner you’ll learn to mix a guaro sour , a delicious Costa Rican cocktail made with a local sugarcane spirit.

One of the hallmarks of National Geographic Expeditions’ Signature Land Tours is that even the travel days are packed with memorable experiences. That’s the case on day five of this Costa Rica Wildlife and Conservation Tour, which starts with an exhilarating private boat ride across Lake Arenal and continues on with a tour of a family-run coffee, cacao, and sugarcane plantation, complete with samples. After a local lunch, the day concludes with your arrival at a new hotel, Fondavela Monteverde Hotel in the cloud forest mountains of Monteverde.

A trip with National Geographic Expeditions is both a vacation and an opportunity for education and giving back. Both are on full display during the sixth day of this tour, which involves a specially arranged excursion to the Monteverde Institute , where you’ll learn about and participate in the important conservation work being done there. Hands-on volunteer opportunities include bird mist netting and tagging as well as helping with reforestation efforts. 

And in the afternoon, another trip highlight: After lunch and a short drive, you’ll hike in the cloud forest and cross a series of high suspension bridges, Indiana Jones-style, over yawning chasms and through the shrouded canopy. 

High suspension bridges in Costa Rica's Monteverde Cloud Forest (Photo: Steven Diaz)

Having already explored rivers, lakes, rainforests, volcanos, and cloud forest, the focus now turns to Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast and the province of Guanacaste. On a guided visit to Santa Rosa National Park , you’ll discover a rare tropical dry forest that reaches all the way to the beach. Then it’s off to El Mangroove , a beachfront hotel, to unwind and learn from local experts from Las Baulas National Marine Park with a lecture about sea turtle conservation efforts in the area before dinner and bed.

The last full day of National Geographic Expeditions’s Costa Rica Wildlife and Conservation Tour showcases Guanacaste’s coastal splendors alongside the importance of ongoing conservation efforts in the region. The first half of the day is spent on a boat exploring the brackish waterways of the Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge, where you’ll spot crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas, and many different bird species up close among the crowded mangroves. 

In the afternoon, you’ll volunteer at Las Baulas National Marine Park. Your volunteer field work here includes an eye-opening beach cleanup project that reveals the role of plastics in the local marine ecology. As the sun sets back at your hotel, the group gathers for a farewell dinner.

Beach cleanup volunteer work in Guanacaste, Costa Rica (Photo: Steven Diaz)

The Costa Rica Wildlife and Conservation Tour ends with breakfast by the beach and a complimentary shuttle transfer to Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Guanacaste for your flight home. 

Route Notes 

National Geographic Expeditions’ Costa Rica Wildlife and Conservation Tour hits a bunch of geographically unique areas in Costa Rica, so by necessity there are several long travel days on which you spend hours on the tour bus. The bus is comfortable and equipped with both a bathroom and wi-fi. 

Long stretches are often broken up with stops at local restaurants or other attractions, so it never feels like you’re on the bus for too long. Over the course of nine days you’ll also travel by small boat on several occasions. 

National Geographic lists the activity level for its Costa Rica Wildlife and Conservation Tour as “light to moderate.” I found it to be on the lighter side of the scale. There’s some walking and some short hiking, but for the most part the walks are deliberately slow—better to take in and observe the wildlife—and with multiple guides available, everyone is able to move at their own pace. Guests are encouraged to remain quiet during hikes so as not to disturb the animals. 

The Costa Rica Wildlife and Conservation Tour from National Geographic visits many different corners of the country, and you’ll stay at four different hotels over the course of the nine-day guided tour. As with all National Geographic tours, the accommodations are upscale and best-in-class for the area.

Upon arrival, you’ll spend your first night at Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen , followed by Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa on the slopes Arenal volcano, Fondavela Monteverde Hotel in the cloud forest region, and El Mangroove on the beach in Guanacaste. 

Walking in La Selva Biological Station and Reserve in Costa Rica (Photo: Steven Diaz)

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Go on National Geographic’s Costa Rica Wildlife and Conservation Tour

National Geographic’s Costa Rica Wildlife and Conservation Tour is best suited to curious travelers with a passion for learning and an interest in wildlife photography. While there are a few long travel days, the activities are not psychically rigorous and the pace is suitable for education and exploration. National Geographic’s Signature Land tours generally attract an older audience, however the tour company does partner with G Adventures for family tours that can include children and teens. 

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' class=

I want to book a trip to Jordan to see Petra. The best one I've found seems to be the one managed by National Geographic tours, but I can't seem to find any reviews of the company, and I don't know if it's affiliated with the magazine. Has anyone taken a tour with Nat Geo. If so, would you recommend it?

' class=

Atk, can you post a link to the tours or company please.

All I get when I try to look them up is the magazine or their expeditions.

All Our Tours | National Geographic Expeditions

http://www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com/destinations/all

National Geographic Expeditions | Reviews And Tours - Stride Travel

https://www.stridetravel.com/national-geographic-expeditions

Did you check https://www.lonelyplanet.com/jordan/petra We always rely on lonely planet to give us unbiased advice. All the best!

' class=

Regarding Nat Geo tours -- we went on their expedition to the Arctic last summer - the trip was fabulous and exceeded expectations...HOWEVER, Nat Geo only runs the programs on tour, actual booking is done with LINDEBLAD expeditions - and their customer experience leaves A LOT to be desired. I just recently tried to book another trip with them to Egypt/Israel, and had the same experience with their booking line. While their prices are top tier (at $30k/couple), their call centers need additional training on customer focus & attitude. I hung up the phone this time, and called Abercrombie & Kent for our trip instead. We've traveled with them extensively, and they truly "get" the luxury travel segment

Tripadvisor staff removed this post because it did not meet Tripadvisor's forum posting guidelines with prohibiting self-promotional advertising or solicitation.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Nat Geo Expeditions Announces 3 New, Bucket List-Worthy Trips Beginning in 2025 

Ruth Ruiz

by Ruth Ruiz , Public Relations Manager, Adventures by Disney and National Geographic Expeditions

Greetings travelers! 

Today, I’m thrilled to share that beginning in 2025, you can discover Australia, Portugal and the Azores, and Sri Lanka with National Geographic Expeditions! These three new Signature Land trips will take you into authentic National Geographic storytelling.   

Imagine learning from researchers who are actively working in their respective fields , exploring wildlife sanctuaries and hearing the keepers talk about the care and conservation of these marvelous animals, enjoying activities and visiting with locals who will share the history, cultures and food unique to each region.  

Check out these three new experiences of a lifetime:  

Australia: Reefs, Rainforests and Wild Tasmania   

Our first trip is to the land down under where you’ll explore the nature, wildlife and aboriginal cultures at the heart of this thrilling 11-day itinerary.  

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Your Australia expedition leads off at the Great Barrier Reef where you’ll get up-close to colorful reef fish and coral by snorkeling or observing from a semi-submersible boat or underwater laboratory.  

During the trip, you’ll also trek with aboriginal guides at the Daintree Rainforest and learn about the thriving ecosystem, view native wildlife at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and at Healesville Sanctuary, and hear about the rescued Australian animals there.  

On Tasmania’s east coast, the adorable and endangered Bicheno penguins will take center stage (cameras ready!). You’ll also sample wines at local wineries. In true Nat Geo fashion, you’ll embark on a catamaran sailing to spot marine mammals at Wineglass Bay with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys and share the same inspiration as 2012 National Geographic Traveler of the Year and Tasmanian native Robert Pennicott .   

This expedition concludes in Sydney with a private tour of the Sydney Opera House and exploring the Rocks District. For complete details, please click here .  

Portugal and the Azores: Explorers, Ecological Wonders and Epicurean Delights  

Next is our trip to Portugal and the Azores. Founded in 1143, Portugal was once at the center of the Age of Exploration, and the Azores are a marvelous archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The marrying of these two splendid locations on this 10-day itinerary gives travelers the best of both worlds without having to choose.  

Douro Valley, Portugal

Five UNESCO World Heritage sites plus other activities offer deep connections to the country. Highlights include visiting the famed Lello Bookstore in Porto , savoring delicious food and wines, and embarking on an electric tuk tuk ride through historic town centers.  

In the Douro Valley you can bike, kayak or walk alongside the Douro River while admiring the beautiful hills, valleys and grape wine terraces. In Lisbon, local guides will share their knowledge about architecture, monuments and history at Sao Roque Church, the Carmo Convent and Jeronimos Monastery, as well as through stories of trade, maritime findings and the colonization of this region.   

The Azores welcome each guest with breathtaking views. Get ready for whale watching, interacting with a local marine biologist who will share insights into research and conservation in this region, touring the Parque Terra Nostra, savoring a delicious farm-to-table meal at a local farmhouse, and exploring the stunning Sete Cidades. 

For complete details, please click here.   

Sri Lanka: Wildlife and Wonders of the Spice Island  

And our 11-day itinerary to Sri Lanka is a historical and cultural lesson come to life through art, dance, food and wildlife. With visits to six UNESCO World Heritage sites and numerous connections to National Geographic programming, you will be immersed in the unique stories of this biodiverse island country. 

Dambulla Cave Temple

A tour of the Dambulla Cave Temple launches this exciting trip. In Polonnaruwa, be prepared to observe primate families that call the Polonnaruwa Ancient City and its monumental ruins their home. In Sigiriya, you can discover the Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic sites, then partake in a clay pot cooking class at a local family residence in Kandy for lunch.  

You’ll visit the Central Highlands to learn how the country is the fourth largest producer of tea in the world, and a cinnamon estate near the southern coast to see how 90% of the world’s cinnamon is produced here. 

National Geographic Expeditions is especially excited to take you on an exclusive ocean experience in collaboration with Oceanswell , founded by National Geographic Explorer Dr. Asha de Vos . Her foundation is supported by the National Geographic Society – and during your trip, you’ll even be able to assist with data collection!  

Giving Back and Traveling with Purpose  

I’m also excited to share that every trip booked with National Geographic Expeditions furthers the work of National Geographic Explorers around the world and helps support the global nonprofit National Geographic Society in its efforts to protect and illuminate our world through exploration, research, and education .   

Have you started packing your suitcase yet? These new National Geographic Expeditions itineraries are sure to rise to the top of your bucket list of destinations to explore. I know they did on my list!  

Booking Information  

Bookings for the new itineraries open on June 4. To learn more or to book these or any of the 150 National Geographic Expeditions on all seven continents, visit NationalGeographicExpeditions.com , call 888-732-2379 or contact a travel agent.      

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2 New Trips Worth Taking with Adventures by Disney in 2025

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Nat Geo Expeditions Unveils 2023 Signature Land Trips

Nat Geo Expeditions Unveils 2023 Signature Land Trips

A redesigned Southeast Asia tour is one of more than 30 tours on offer from Nat Geo Expeditions in 2023. Photo: National Geographic Expeditions

National Geographic Expeditions will offer more than 30 in-depth land journeys, starting in late 2022 and 2023. Tours are available across the globe from the Middle East and Asia to the Americas, New Zealand and Africa.

Hands-On Travel National Geographic Expeditions’ journeys are custom-designed to give travelers access to National Geographic Society-funded initiatives around the world where they can take part in conservation activities. Examples include reforestation efforts in Costa Rica, planting a giant cam in a marine sanctuary in Palau, and joining a primatologist in search of chimpanzees in Uganda.

New in Southeast Asia A highlight of next year’s offerings is a redeveloped Southeast Asia tour (Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia: Ancient Temples and Natural Wonders) that provides behind-the-scenes visits to several Southeast Asian wildlife conservation projects funded by the National Geographic Society, including the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Center. The 16-night tour visits Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Hue, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Luang Prabang, and Siem Reap, with local experts joining at each stop.

Tour activities include some new experiences such as a sampan tour along the canals of Tan Phong Islet, followed by a cycle excursion through villages and a visit to the Cai Rang Floating Market. Tour goers will also visit the rarely-visited Angkor Conservation Center to see thousands of statues recovered from the archaeological sites. Other visits include tours of Emperor Tu Duc and Khai Dinh Tombs in Hue, as well as a visit to the Purple Forbidden City.

Tour dates run from late December to March 2023.

Bookings open May 26.

how are national geographic tours rated

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National Geographic Expeditions Launches Three New Itineraries for 2025

N ational Geographic Expeditions launched three new itineraries to Australia, Portugal and the Azores and Sri Lanka for 2025, each available to book now as part of the Signature Land portfolio. 

Each Signature Land trip has a National Geographic Expert offering specialized perspectives from conservation to photography to archaeology and beyond, offering in-depth insights into the places and cultures they visit. 

"We are thrilled to introduce travelers to three new and exciting National Geographic Expeditions itineraries to Australia, Portugal and the Azores, and Sri Lanka," said Nancy Schumacher, senior vice president and general manager, National Geographic Expeditions. "These immersive experiences will provide our guests with special access as we tour breathtaking landscapes and observe wildlife, while also learning from Experts and naturalists. With National Geographic Expeditions, travelers can be assured they are joining an extraordinary legacy of global exploration."

Australia: Reefs, Rainforests and Wild Tasmania 

Travelers heading on the new 11-day Australia: Reefs, Rainforests and Wild Tasmania itinerary will enjoy visiting the Great Barrier Reef, visiting Tasmania, observing native wildlife including fairy penguins at the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, trek with Aboriginal guides at the Daintree Rainforest and visiting the UNESCO-designated Sydney Opera House and Port Arthur Australian Convict Site. 

Portugal and the Azores: Explorers, Ecological Wonders and Epicurean Delights

Travelers will love combining their love for exploration with their love of food with the 10-day Portugal and the Azores: Explorers, Ecological Wonders and Epicurean Delights itinerary. It takes them to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites across Portugal, including the Douro Valley and Porto, before heading to São Miguel Island to visit its gardens, Sete Cidades natural protected area and a whale watching tour. 

Sri Lanka: Wildlife and Wonders of the Spice Island

Travelers will love encountering Sri Lanka’s 3,000-year history with the 11-day Sri Lanka: Wildlife and Wonders of the Spice Island expedition. Guests can enjoy visiting six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, like Sigiriya Rock Fortress, touring a primate research station, discovering Oceanswell, visiting cinnamon and tea plantations, taking a safari drive in Yala National Park and more.  

Portugal's Douro River

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North America

Central america & caribbean, south america, north africa & middle east.

Few travellers make it to this icy continent, but the lucky ones who do get to explore a frozen Eden ruled by the elements and teeming with wildlife.

G Adventures Land

G adventures sailing & cruises, g adventures private travel.

Whether it’s a family retreat or a girls trip, you can surround yourself with a hand-picked crew and customize a tour that fits you all perfectly.

The Geluxe Collection

Our new line of premium active adventures is officially here. With perfectly paced itineraries, one-of-a-kind accommodations and elevated dining, this is adventure at its finest.

National Geographic Journeys

Go deeper into the cultures and habitats of the places we explore. More is included and you’ll enjoy greater hands-on exploration, interactions with local experts, and freedom to roam.

National Geographic Family Journeys

Are you an adventure-loving family in search of meaningful ways to discover the world together? These tours are specially designed for travellers seven and up and their inquisitive families.

Jane Goodall Collection

Step deeper into the animal kingdom while respecting all of its inhabitants. Our incredible collection of wildlife-focused tours is endorsed by the world-renowned ethologist.

Roamies by Hostelworld

The thrill of adventure. The awesomeness of hostels. Get ‘em both on these immersive small group trips for 18 to 35-year-old travellers.

Why choose us

As the leader in small group travel for 30 years, we know how to do it right: flexible itineraries, freedom to roam, safety, peace of mind, and locally based guides.

Change the world just by having the time of your life. When you travel with us, you become a force for good by acting responsibly and creating positive impact.

Together with our non-profit partner, Planeterra, we ensure local communities touched by our tours benefit from our visits in as many ways possible.

Trees for Days

Leave your destination even greener than you found it! For every day on tour, we’ll plant a tree in your honour and ensure that our forests get to live their best lives.

Travel resources

Last minute deals.

Looking to have the time of your life in the next 90 days or so? You can save big if you’re ready to book now.

Loyalty discount

Back home from a G Adventures tour? Submit a quick trip evaluation to save 5% on your next tour with us.

Student discount

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New ways to save pop up all the time. Here’s where you’ll find every hot deal in one easy place.

Discover the world with National Geographic Journeys

Want to dive even deeper into the cultures and habitats of the places you explore? Set foot on an enriching, hands-on adventure with the latest tours in our National Geographic Journeys Collection!

Our top experiences

Discover the entire collection of National Geographic Journeys

Central america, middle east.

how are national geographic tours rated

National Geographic Family Journeys with G Adventures is a new line of trips for adventure-loving families in search of a meaningful way to discover the world together.

Why you should explore with us:

Unique, culturally immersive experiences.

National Geographic Journeys take you deep into the culture and history of the places you visit. Combined with G Adventures’ nearly 30-year history of community-focused small group tours, it’s a travel experience like no other.

Travel with meaning

Many of our itineraries connect you to fascinating people and projects supported by National Geographic or G Adventures, creating meaningful experiences for travellers and local people alike.

Be in the know, before you go

As you prepare for your adventure, you will receive pre-trip articles from National Geographic to get you excited about your trip. You’ll have your explorer cap on before you’re even on the plane.

Change the world

National Geographic and G Adventures believe that travel can and should be a force for good in the world. By traveling with us, you support community projects and initiatives that improve livelihoods in the places we visit. You also help further the work of National Geographic’s scientists, explorers, and educators around the world.

Get more out of your adventure

These trips feature upgraded accommodations, cozier rides, more inclusions than other G Adventures Travel Styles.

Live like, and learn from, the local people

Your adventure will be led by a CEO (Chief Experience Officer) with specialized National Geographic training and a deep, locally informed knowledge of your destination.

Take comfort in your Journey

National Geographic Journeys feature upgraded accommodations compared to other G Adventures Travel Styles. We select our accommodations based on how well they represent the unique character of your destination. Want to see where you might be staying? Take a look:

how are national geographic tours rated

Traveller Testimonials

Get an idea of what your adventure could be like from people who have enjoyed their travels with National Geographic Journeys.

I learnt so much about Costa Rica, its history, flora and fauna. I have some amazing memories and have made some firm friends from the tour. It was excellent and, as a result, I know I will be going back to Costa Rica in the future!

Jayenne C., Explore Costa Rica

It was a wonderful experience that I have already recommended to several friends. The accommodations were great and well located. Yoko was a well-organized, helpful and knowledgeable guide.

Patricia S., Iconic Japan

AMAZING! From being able to try such a variety of experiences, learning the culture and history to meeting NOW everlasting newer friendships from this vacation. This is by far one of the best, and most enriching vacations I have ever had—for both my husband and I.

Maria L., Explore Machu Picchu

Absolutely fabulous! This was the best vacation we have ever had in that we were part of a small group of people who all love the outdoors, learning and experiencing new places, foods, culture, and best of all, people! Our CEO was fantastic! He shared so much of his beautiful homeland with us through visits to hidden gems, meeting local people, sharing time and culture with the unique and lovely people of New Zealand. We hiked, we ate, we heard, we saw, we felt, and we laughed and hugged a lot! We left a piece of our hearts in New Zealand. What we took away from all this is a lifetime of fantastic memories.

Virginia D., New Zealand Journey

This trip totally exceeded my expectations. Our CEO, Moses, and driver, Edward, were both excellent and really made the adventure everything it was. They worked really well together and were really friendly, informative and enthusiastic. The wildlife itself was superb, better than I had hoped and because of the guys' enthusiasm I found myself interested in far more than just the bigger animals. The standard of accommodation and food was excellent and I really enjoyed all the activities included in the tour. The tour felt totally authentic, and it really felt like people were welcoming of us on the basis of the positive work done in the community.

Caroline D., Tanzania Safari Experience

This trip was truly an adventure worth taking. In one short week, I came face-to-face with 13 gorillas, sprinted through a forest in pursuit of chimpanzees, watched a mother hippo protectively shield her baby from our view, and listened to a pride of lions devour a buffalo carcass at sunset. Experiences like these provide lifelong memories, and as an added bonus, I made new lifelong friends as well. After planning this trip for over a year, the experience itself lived up to — and surpassed — my expectations in so many ways.

Kelley G., Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Discovery

Great trip. I was especially happy with the National Geographic exclusives. The food we got at the Parwa Community Restaurant was one of the best we enjoyed in Peru. The visit to Parwue de la Papa was enlightening and enjoyable. The same can be said of the visits we did at Lake Titicaca — the Floating island, the Taquile Island visit and lunch hosted by the village on Luquina Peninsular. It is especially heartening and fulfilling to know that [the company] is actively contributing to the local community in helping these villages help themselves in a sustainable manner.

Wern L.C., Inca Explorer

This tour exceeded my expectations on pretty much all fronts. I was able to get pushed out of my comfort zone just enough by being in a place where the customs were different and I didn't speak the language, but at the same time I always felt safe. We were able to see the "real" Morocco in a way that other tours wouldn't have done.

Amanda R., Morocco: Sahara & Beyond

This trip was awesome. The cities, architecture, interiors, food and people were a photographer's dream. I've been to Spain before (Madrid and Barcelona), but Andalusia is truly special. The entire itinerary was great, and the exclusive experiences provided lots of insights into the destination. When I first read about learning to dance flamenco, I didn't think it would be a highlight, but it was so much fun and really made me appreciate the history, talent of the dancers and the show even more. I want to go back!

Ann-Christine R., Discover Moorish Spain

Our Travellers’ Photos

Stories from our ceos.

Get to know the passion behind the people that lead our tours in their own words.

how are national geographic tours rated

Zuhair Z., Jordan

I love my job as a Journeys CEO for five reasons: 1. I get to meet new people I love meeting others and hearing their stories. It's so cool seeing their eyes light up while telling me what they're passionate about. 2. I get to talk about my favourite place Talking about your home , your family, and your friends — it's literally the best thing ever. Getting to share that sense of happiness and peace is the coolest thing.

how are national geographic tours rated

Lindsey P., United States

I love leading National Geographic Journeys trips because you get to take your experience to another level that even I myself couldn’t dream up. One of my favorite parts of leading trips in North America is when I take people to the Grand Canyon. I get to experience their first sighting of the amazing layers and shear natural beauty that exists in the Wild West of Arizona.

how are national geographic tours rated

Darlington, Zimbabwe

It’s such a diverse continent I come from. And taking travelers through it is mind and soul enriching. Whether it’s traversing through the oldest desert in the world, the Namib, walking through the jungle of the Okavango delta, the largest inland delta in the world, watching hundreds of elephants drinking in Hwange National Park, or putting the icing on the cake by showing our amazingly rich culture.

how are national geographic tours rated

Stefano P., Italy

There was a moment in Florence last summer when I was standing there with my group next to the iconic Ponte Vecchio after showing them around the beautiful city. I started talking about the second World War in Italy and Florence specifically. Then I pulled out a piece of paper and started reading: "Our pockets were filled with odd scraps of paper on which were written the names of the sons and daughters and relatives in America to whom we had promised to write that we had seen mother or uncle or cousin in Florence

how are national geographic tours rated

Son P., Vietnam

“Even if it doesn’t smell good, jasmine is still jasmine. Even if he isn’t elegant, a Hanoian is still a Hanoian.” My father used to recite this poem to me when I was a little boy. I will never forget what he told me about Hanoi because since I moved to this city, Hanoi simply became my second home. As a local who loves food, cultures, and meeting people, I see that many tourists are now stuck in the touristy area, which doesn't make them "really travel" to Hanoi, Vietnam. So I love getting opportunities to show people "The Real Hanoi."

how are national geographic tours rated

Julian H., South Africa

I love leading National Geographic Journeys trips because I get to spend time with like-minded people that just love anything to do with nature. I get excited every time I see the joy in our travellers’ faces when they see their dream become a reality. Many times, people on our trips have been waiting their whole lives to come to Africa to see our beautiful land and creatures. For me it is a privilege to show them all that I can in the time I have with them. I want them to leave with a little piece of Africa in their hearts forever.

ZUHAIR Z., JORDAN

I love my job as a Journeys CEO for five reasons: 1. I get to meet new people I love meeting others and hearing their stories. It's so cool seeing their eyes light up while telling me what they're passionate about. 2. I get to talk about my favourite place Talking about your home, your family, and your friends — it's literally the best thing ever. Getting to share that sense of happiness and peace is the coolest thing. 3. I get to see others excited about being at my favourite place There's nothing quite like that feeling you get when you see that your stories are making people smile. 4. I get to walk around my favorite place for hours When you're having a rough day, a nice walk in Petra talking about how much you love its beauty is a good way to lift your mood. 5. I make a huge impact in people's lives Every tour I do, every person I meet, is an opportunity to change their life by bringing happiness and friendship forever.

I love leading National Geographic Journeys trips because you get to take your experience to another level that even I myself couldn’t dream up. One of my favorite parts of leading trips in North America is when I take people to the Grand Canyon. I get to experience their first sighting of the amazing layers and shear natural beauty that exists in the Wild West of Arizona. And then we all go behind the scenes and have a local expert explain the history and the detail that goes into the magnificent wonder of the world. I get excited each time we get to have a unique opportunity to speak to someone who studies the background and unique details that accompany our amazing National Geographic Journeys destinations.

It’s such a diverse continent I come from. And taking travelers through it is mind and soul enriching. Whether it’s traversing through the oldest desert in the world, the Namib, walking through the jungle of the Okavango delta, the largest inland delta in the world, watching hundreds of elephants drinking in Hwange National Park, or putting the icing on the cake by showing our amazingly rich culture. Sharing all this, sitting around a campfire with a beautiful night sky above us, I love to bring some of the stories travelers read into life by simply sharing all this with them.

There was a moment in Florence last summer when I was standing there with my group next to the iconic Ponte Vecchio after showing them around the beautiful city. I started talking about the second World War in Italy and Florence specifically. Then I pulled out a piece of paper and started reading: "Our pockets were filled with odd scraps of paper on which were written the names of the sons and daughters and relatives in America to whom we had promised to write that we had seen mother or uncle or cousin in Florence, that all was well, and that they were full of courage. One woman came up to us with a shy 16-year-old daughter and told us in English that she had waited to speak to the first Americans in Florence. She turned to the daughter and took two almost wilted roses and handed them to us. We have been looking for Americans to give these to, and you are the first. We are happy now." This is taken from a National Geographic published in March 1945. The words were followed by a moment of deep emotion felt by the group. For a second, it felt like we connected with those who were fighting to free the country more than 70 years ago. Moments like these are the main reason why I love leading National Geographic Journeys tours.

“Even if it doesn’t smell good, jasmine is still jasmine. Even if he isn’t elegant, a Hanoian is still a Hanoian.” My father used to recite this poem to me when I was a little boy. I will never forget what he told me about Hanoi because since I moved to this city, Hanoi simply became my second home. As a local who loves food, cultures, and meeting people, I see that many tourists are now stuck in the touristy area, which doesn't make them "really travel" to Hanoi, Vietnam. So I love getting opportunities to show people "The Real Hanoi." I like to take people to secret corners, small alleys, beautiful places, local street food places where they can take photos with real life styles of Hanoian, taste amazing local foods, or simply do Taichi or exercise with local people in the early morning. I'm proud to be a part of this beautiful city and I love having a chance to show people the real Hanoi.

I love leading National Geographic Journeys trips because I get to spend time with like-minded people that just love anything to do with nature. I get excited every time I see the joy in our travellers’ faces when they see their dream become a reality. Many times, people on our trips have been waiting their whole lives to come to Africa to see our beautiful land and creatures. For me it is a privilege to show them all that I can in the time I have with them. I want them to leave with a little piece of Africa in their hearts forever. Changing people's lives and showing them the importance and interconnectedness of nature brings me joy. A bit deep, maybe, but I do love what I do.

Recommended tours

Top 30 travel destinations worldwide for 2024 revealed by National Geographic

how are national geographic tours rated

From “wildlife havens and urban escapes to off-grid locales and cultural gems,” National Geographic Traveller’s Cool List 2023 reveals destinations that are “set to make the news” next year, a company press release said.

National Geographic Traveller (UK) announced a list of thirty locations which span five continents that were chosen by editors as the “top places and spaces around the world where tourism benefits communities and the environment as much as the visitors and locals themselves.”

“The 30 entries reflect an incredible range, featuring everything from exciting immersive journeys to inspirational visits that could take just a few hours,” the statement says. 

“Whether it’s culinary excellence, solar eclipses, night trains, new national parks, rewilding initiatives, ancient wonders revisited or cultural landmarks, we’ve curated some of the best travel destinations for the next 12 months,” Pat Riddell, editor of National Geographic Traveller (UK), was quoted as saying in the statement. “From Canada, the US and Argentina to Sierra Leone, Sikkim, Australia and beyond, the world is represented in all its full glory.”

National Geographic's top 30 travel destinations for 2024 

  • Albanian Alps, Albania
  • Belfast, Northern Ireland
  • Emilia-Romagna, Italy
  • Europe by train
  • Galloway & Southern Ayrshire, Scotland
  • Nordland, Norway
  • North Yorkshire, England
  • Pompeii, Italy

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More: Amtrak unveils new fleet of Airo trains and the 14 routes they will serve

  • Saimaa, Finland
  • Tartu, Estonia
  • The Euros, Germany
  • Valletta, Malta
  • Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

North America

  • Dominican Republic
  • Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

South America

  • Atacama Desert, Chile
  • Iberá Wetlands, Argentina
  • Akagera, Rwanda
  • Andrefana Dry Forests, Madagascar
  • Sierra Leone

More: UNESCO adds 42 treasures to World Heritage List, including another in a Midwest state

  • Sikkim, India
  • Tainan, Taiwan
  • Xi’an, China

Australasia

  • Victoria, Australia

To see the full list online, visit: nationalgeographic.com.

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

  • DESTINATION GUIDE

The essential guide to visiting Canada

Here’s what you need to know about the world’s second largest country—when to go, where to stay, what to do, and how to get around.

A cityscape lighting up at dusk along a smooth, blue, body of water

Why you should visit Canada

The majesty of Niagara Falls and Banff National Park . Champagne powder at British Columbia ski resorts. Dense forests, teal waters. Polar bears and spirit bears and loons. Poutine in Montreal , lobster rolls in Halifax. The most lakes of any country in the world.

Reflections of rugged mountains and evergreen trees in a mountain lake.

Best time to visit Canada

Spring: Whale-watch at Clayoquot Sound (pronounced clack-what) as some 20,000 gray whales migrate past the coast, a UNESCO Biosphere Region. A million tulips bloom in Ottawa as part of a spring festival .

Summer:   This is prime season for canoeing Ontario’s many lakes, driving the glorious Sea-to-Sky Highway   from Vancouver to Whistler, rock-climbing at Squamish, and golfing at a world-renowned seaside course, like Nova Scotia’s Cabot Cliffs or Cabot Links . End of summer sees the stars come out at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

Autumn:   Polar bears gather in large numbers in Churchill , Manitoba , waiting for ice to form on Hudson Bay so they can hunt seal. For fall colors, take a boat trip up the Saguenay River, in Quebec.

Winter:   Dogsled, ice-fish, and snowshoe at the Carnaval de Québec winter festival. Ski or snowboard at any of a score of high, steep, powdery ski resorts that populate the west, including Whistler Blackcomb , Kicking Horse , and Revelstoke , the last being one of the snowiest places on Earth. At Whistler, ride the bobsleigh track featured at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

People on a whale/bird watching trip look to the sky with binoculars.

Lay of the land

Cities:   Mountains and ocean sandwich outdoorsy Vancouver.   Lakefront Toronto’s dramatic skyline is interspersed with museums and vibrant ethnic neighborhoods. Sophisticated cobblestoned Montreal is where Canadians go to let their hair down. Colorful houses cling to the rock of St. John’s while icebergs drift offshore. “Any boat ride that has you entering St. John’s Harbour at dusk is a divine experience,” says legendary Newfoundland folk-rock musician Alan Doyle .  

West:   In British Columbia, get lost among the islands of Haida Gwaii,   home to some of the densest, most concentrated coastal temperate rainforest left on Earth. In Desolation Sound,   cultural interpreter and bear guide Klemkwateki (Randy) Louie teaches visitors how to weave with cedar bark and to carve miniature canoe paddles. He also takes guests by boat up the Toba Inlet (Yekwamen), among whales, orcas, seals, and sea lions, to the Klite River to watch grizzly bears in their natural habitat. “I’ve been involved in my Coast Salish teachings for 30 years, singing, drumming, dancing, giving visitors some Klahoose history. We’ve handed this down to the younger generation and to our guests to help with building a connection in working together.”

The 47-mile backcountry West Coast Trail (WCT) crosses beaches studded with flowerpot rock formations, and passes through groves of old-growth trees. Down the Vancouver Island coast is the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail , a shorter but more hilly option. “Both trails zigzag through thick coastal rainforest with lots of muddy sections and ladders to help you up and down the steep slopes,” says Taryn Eyton, founder of HappiestOutdoors.ca .

Theforest suspension bridge over Pete Wolfe Creek on the Juan de Fuca trail on the way to Mystic Beach on Vancouver Island.

North:   In the Northwest Territories (NWT), paddle the Nahanni River through Canada’s deepest river canyons, along rapids, and past Virginia Falls, nearly twice the height of Niagara. NWT is also where you can canoe and swim in enormous Great Slave Lake and spot the northern lights , visible here 240 nights per year.  

Prairie provinces:   Elk Island National Park , in Alberta , is home to bison, elk, and more than 250 bird species. Nearby on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, Métis Crossing features a cultural center, historic exhibits, and dome accommodations with transparent ceilings for night-sky viewing. In early fall, Jasper National Park holds a Dark Sky festival with family-friendly events like night hikes.

Fly in by floatplane to lodges in Saskatchewan or Manitoba for trophy catches of northern pike, walleye, and lake trout. “Since there’s very little fishing pressure, the fish are typically giants, and more than willing to hit just about any lure you show them,” says Patrick Walsh, editor of Outdoor Canada   magazine.  

Ontario:   Charter a boat and cruise the 120 miles from the capital Ottawa down the 19 th- century Rideau Canal (the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America), through a series of lakes, locks, and rivers. Drive west alongside Lake Ontario to Prince Edward County , one of the hottest vacation spots in Canada, known for its wineries, food, hip hotels, and historic small towns like Wellington and Picton. Climb the immense sand dunes of Sandbanks Provincial Park, the largest freshwater barrier beach and dune system in the world. Continuing west along the lake, a new Canadian Canoe Museum opened in Peterborough in May 2024.

Quebec:   Montreal comes alive in summer with a series of events, such as the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal . In compact, French-speaking Quebec City, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in a charming town in northern France. Off the beaten path, drive the Gaspé peninsula, encompassing four national parks and iconic offshore limestone formation Percé. Stop in at the International Garden Festival at Grand-Métis, Quebec.

Atlantic Canada:   A magical place of mountains and verdant coastline, Gros Morne National Park,   in Newfoundland , is one of the few places where you can stroll atop the Earth’s mantle , exposed when two continental plates collided. Visitors can hike to the top of Western Brook Pond fjord for an iconic view , or board a boat . The oldest known European settlement in North America—beating Columbus by centuries—is at L'Anse aux Meadows . Windswept homes of timber, peat, and sod, the Viking site lay undiscovered until 1960.

At the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Geopark in Nova Scotia   marvel at the world’s highest tides in action.  

Cape Breton Island is home to one of the world’s great drives, the 185-mile Cabot Trail. A few hardy types bike the steep winding hills. Offshore, visitors whale-watch or fish enormous bluefin tuna.

Flower Pot rocks, Soley Cove, Five Islands area, Nova Scotia, Canada, Cobequid Bay, Bay of Fundy; Ocean tides

Getting around Canada

By plane:   Leading carrier Air Canada has more than 900 flights daily. Floatplanes operated by small companies connect remote locations. U.S.-bound passengers can pre-clear U.S. customs and immigration at nine Canadian airports.  

B y train:   Rail is the time-honored way to see Canada, and operators run specialized services for tourists, like Rocky Mountaineer’s deluxe routes from Vancouver through the Canadian Rockies to Banff or Jasper. Regular train service by Via runs a limited number of routes.

By bus:   Intercity bus service has declined across Canada.

By car:   A car is essential for moving about within regions of Canada, but some top tourist spots—like Churchill for polar bears—are accessible only by plane or train.

By boat:   Bounded by three oceans and with an abundance of lakes and rivers, a cruise or boat trip is a great way to see the country.

Know before you go

Cultural heritage:   Native rights and the debts owed by settlers have become front and center in the public discourse, with land acknowledgements , which originated in Canada, now standard practice. Canada’s newest (1999) territory, Nunavut , is governed by the Inuit , and Torngat Mountains National Park , on the northern tip of Labrador, is owned and managed by the Inuit, the first of its kind.

The transcontinental railway helped establish Canada as a nation, but at the same time pushed aside Indigenous peoples and their rights. Blasting through the Canadian Rockies, untold numbers of imported Chinese workers died and were buried by their fellow countrymen, often in unmarked graves.

Canada became a self-governing dominion in 1867, but when Great Britain declared war in 1914 Canada automatically joined too as it did not yet control its own foreign affairs. Canada gained legislative independence from Britain in 1931, an official flag of its own only in 1965, and constitutional independence from the U.K. as recently as 1982.

Visitors arrive at Saglek Fjord's North Arm by boat and can fish for Arctic char. This site has been used for thousands of years as a summertime camping ground for the Inuit.

Hours: Bars in Canadian cities typically stay open until 2 a.m. Drinking age is 18 or 19, depending on province or territory, while some remote northern communities place restrictions on alcohol use. Marijuana is legal for both recreational and medicinal uses.

LGBTQ+:   Canada is consistently ranked the world’s best country for LGBTQ+ rights and safety of travelers. The country legalized same-sex marriage in 2005—at the time only the fourth country in the world to do so. Pride Toronto (June) is one of the largest organized gay pride festivals in the world.

How to visit Canada sustainably

Greenpeace was founded in Canada and today the country ranks a respectable 14 th out of 76 countries on the Green Future Index . Keep your distance from wildlife. Bring your own reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and toiletries. Put all garbage and recyclables into designated bins. Support Indigenous peoples by taking guided walks and visiting Indigenous art galleries.

What to read and watch

Anne of Green Gables , by Lucy Maud Montgomery. This globally loved 1908 children’s book set on Prince Edward Island was adapted most recently into a Netflix series. November 30, 2024, will mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Montgomery.

Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands , by Kate Beaton. This autobiographical comic from Cape Breton’s Kate Beaton recounts her experience as one of the few women working in the rough-and-tumble oil patch of northern Alberta. Beaton’s story also captures the never-ending tale of Canadians from the Atlantic provinces migrating westward for work.

The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America , by Thomas King. This history of Indigenous peoples in North America has been turned into a 2020 documentary .

The Sleeping Car Porter ,   by Suzette Mayr. The award-winning 2022 novel focuses on a 1920s Black closeted gay Canadian working as a railway porter to save money to attend dental school.

The Hockey Sweater , by Roch Carrier. This 1979 short story about a Quebec boy who receives a hated Toronto Maple Leafs jersey in error has been an enduring favorite of Canadians, managing to capture the importance of both hockey and winter to Canadian children, and also serving as an explainer of relations between English and French Canada.

Schitt’s Creek.   The pandemic’s surprise hit series was written by and stars Canadians, and more than anything has a gentle, Canadian-defining vibe to it. If these characters are your people, you’ll feel at home in Canada.

Kim’s Convenience.   Written by Ins Choi, this sitcom about a Korean-Canadian family who own a corner store in downtown Toronto captures the intimate feel of the city’s many ethnic neighborhoods, as well as the common multi-generational immigrant experience in one of the world’s most international metropolises.

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