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SMALL GROUP ADVENTURE TOURS

Explore the world's best destinations with expert local guides

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Explore the World's Best Destinations with Expert Guides on our Adventure Tours

Adventure awaits when you set off on the trail less traveled. Explore the best of the world’s most beautiful destinations – from the well-known to the well-hidden – and get an up-close view at local life. Discover the natural wonders and dynamic cultures of our world with expert guides leading the way and every detail handled from start to finish. 

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EU Iceland waterfalls

Adventure Travel That Suits You

Adventure travel takes on all forms – from heart-pumping adrenaline activities to exploring a new country. We appreciate that no two adventurers are alike, though they do often love sharing the experience as a small group. Whether you’re looking for hiking, biking, or multi-sport adventures, wildlife and safari adventures, trekking at altitude, or looking for a more comfort-focused approach, you’ll find a travel style that will suit your needs and your own personal definition of adventure. 

Find Your Travel Style

Why Travel with Active Adventures 

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Experience adventure the way you want

You’ll be inspired and exhilarated, enjoying mind-blowing scenery on foot, in a sea kayak, or by bike - all at your own pace.

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Crafting award-winning trips for decades - the Kiwi way

We're proud of our Kiwi roots and you’ll love our professional and warm style of hosting. We’re always here to help with planning... even hiking boot recommendations!

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Every detail covered, to maximise your time

We've got everything covered – top-notch meals, comfortable transport, superb accommodation, amazing guides and INCREDIBLE service.

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Group travel for those who aren’t ‘group travelers’

With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you'll get to know your fellow travelers and have the flexibility to go at your own pace.

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Explore hidden gems through our expert local guides

All our carefully selected guides are highly experienced and have deep personal connections to nature and culture. You’ll enjoy an authentic local experience.

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4.85 out of 5 from 6592 reviews. That’s pretty solid.

We could hang around all day telling you how wonderful our trips are... but the best people to hear it from are our guests themselves.

Featured All-inclusive Small Group Adventure Tours

Central & South America

Ultimate Galapagos Islands Adventure

4.83

  • Duration 10 days
  • Activity Level Level 3 
    • Activity Level 3

      Step It Up

      I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.

    Read more about the Active Range

Get a fresh perspective of life on the Galapagos Islands as you land-hop from island to island, filling your days with hiking, biking, cruising, snorkeling, and swimming. Relax each night on land and get to know the local way of life.

Trip Start: Quito Trip End: Quito

Europe

Tour du Mont Blanc

4.81

  • Duration 12 days
  • Activity Level Level 4 
    • Activity Level 4

      Challenge Accepted

      I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.

    Read more about the Active Range

Experience Mont Blanc in an unparalleled way – by hiking, biking, and kayaking your way around the massif. You’ll delve deep into the history, culture, and cuisine of France, Italy, and Switzerland with plenty of time to soak in the views.

Trip Start: Geneva Trip End: Geneva

Central & South America

Costa Rica Guanacaste Adventure

4.78

  • Duration 6 days
  • Activity Level Level 2 
    • Activity Level 2

      On the Move

      Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.

    Read more about the Active Range

No two days are the same as you explore the volcanoes, cloud forests, beaches, and jungle waterfalls of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province. Action-packed days feature ziplining, hiking, and more while the evenings are all about relaxing.

Trip Start: Liberia Trip End: Liberia

Europe

Ultimate Iceland Adventure

4.80

  • Duration 11 days
  • Activity Level Level 4 
    • Activity Level 4

      Challenge Accepted

      I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.

    Read more about the Active Range

Roam Iceland's vast landscapes on this 11-day adventure, hiking to view puffin colonies, kayaking on a lagoon in Vatnajökull National Park, and admiring famous waterfalls, before starting a three-day hike through the Eastern Fjords.

Trip Start: Reykjavik Trip End: Reykjavik

Europe

Classic Iceland Adventure

4.84

  • Duration 7 days
  • Activity Level Level 3 
    • Activity Level 3

      Step It Up

      I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.

    Read more about the Active Range

Journey along Iceland's Golden Circle and venture further afield to remote glacier lagoons and otherworldly volcanic landscapes. This seven-day adventure reveals the best of Iceland’s dramatic landscapes and dynamic culture.

Trip Start: Reykjavik Trip End: Reykjavik

Europe

Camino de Santiago Adventure

4.53

  • Duration 9 days
  • Activity Level Level 3 
    • Activity Level 3

      Step It Up

      I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.

    Read more about the Active Range

Trek in the footsteps of pilgrims, who, for thousands of years, made their way along the same routes to Santiago de Compostela. As you hike, you'll be met with rich traditions still very much alive today in these Celtic regions.

Trip Start: Bilbao Trip End: Santiago de Compostela

Europe

Croatia Adventure

4.88

  • Duration 6 days
  • Activity Level Level 3 
    • Activity Level 3

      Step It Up

      I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.

    Read more about the Active Range

 ADULT ONLY

Sea kayak in pristine waters, bike through medieval towns, and spy the iconic burnt-orange hued roofs and vibrant blue waters of the Dalmatian Coast. Embrace the vibrant Mediterranean culture on this six-day Croatia adventure tour.

Trip Start: Split Trip End: Dubrovnik

North America

Mighty Five Adventure

AustinAdventures

Operated by our sister brand Austin Adventures

4.95

  • Duration 9 days
  • Activity Level Level 3 
    • Activity Level 3

      Step It Up

      I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.

    Read more about the Active Range

 ADULT ONLY

Explore the best of Utah’s National Parks; including Canyonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef, Zion, and Bryce Canyon National Parks. You'll discover countless canyons, soaring pinnacles, crimson-colored hoodoos, and cascading waterfalls.

Trip Start: Grand Junction, Colorado Trip End: St. George, Utah

North America

Arches & Canyonlands Adventure

AustinAdventures

Operated by our sister brand Austin Adventures

4.89

  • Duration 6 days
  • Activity Level Level 3 
    • Activity Level 3

      Step It Up

      I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.

    Read more about the Active Range

 ADULT ONLY

See for yourself why Utah is known across the globe as an adventurer's paradise. Explore the jaw-dropping landscapes of Arches & Canyonlands National Parks on foot, on two wheels, and with a paddle in hand on this six-day trip.

Trip Start: Grand Junction, Colorado Trip End: Grand Junction, Colorado

New Zealand

New Zealand Winter Adventure

4.85

  • Duration 5 - 14 days
  • Activity Level Level 4 
    • Activity Level 4

      Challenge Accepted

      I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.

    Read more about the Active Range

Discover the South Island without the crowds. Enjoy a sunrise cruise on Milford Sound, soak in hot pools at Welcome Flats Hut on the Copland Track, hike the Kepler Track, Mt. Aspiring National Park, and Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park.

Trip Start: Christchurch Trip End: Christchurch

Why Choose Active Adventures

Do It Yourself
With Active Adventures
Hours of research to plan
Expertly planned by professional adventurers
Which accommodations to book?
Premium accommodation booked for you
Which trails to explore? How to book?
Iconic & lesser-known trails booked for you
Which restaurants to suit all?
All meals included: delicious & to suit all
Unguided; reliance on impersonal travel books
Caring guides; passionate about what they do

Trip reviews from previous guests

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Dolomites Adventure - September 2023

Dolomites

"My first trip with Active Adventures! I say I am very pleased! I very much… read more

"My first trip with Active Adventures! I say I am very pleased! I very much enjoyed not only my trip, but I had fun with my group and my guides. I will miss them dearly! What a great first experience and I will be doing more adventures with Active! Worth the money! read less

5 Stars (97 reviews)

Julie,

Machu Picchu & Amazon Adventure - September 2023

Machu Picchu/Amazon

"An amazing experience I will never forget! The amazing views on the Inca trail… read more

"An amazing experience I will never forget! The amazing views on the Inca trail were definitely earned, our guide Zac was the best, making the journey our own. Our travel companions started out as strangers became dear friends. The porters were a welcome sight at the end of each day's journey brought a smile to our faces with a high five for everyone. There were so many wonderful moments and personal feelings of accomplishment. I totally recommend this trip for anyone up for an Active Adventure! read less

5 Stars (110 reviews)

William,

Kruger National Park Safari 2023 - September 2023

Kruger National Park Safari

"An African safari has been on the top of my bucket list ever since high… read more

"An African safari has been on the top of my bucket list ever since high school. This year, I finally checked that box and the trip could not have been more amazing! In addition to seeing the Big 5 and other amazing animals up close and personal in their natural environment, we also explored Cape Town and Table Mountain and wine country! Our guide, Jamie, was extremely knowledgeable about every topic and I came away having learned and experienced so much more than I ever imagined. I highly recommend this trip! read less

5 Stars (1 reviews)

Laura,

Mighty Five Adventure - September 2023

Good Times

"The trip was great, guides were awesome, hikes were just right! read more

"The trip was great, guides were awesome, hikes were just right! read less

5 Stars (65 reviews)

Nicole DuPont,

Mighty Five Adventure - September 2023

Best Vacation Ever!

"This was my first trip and I wasn't sure what to expect, but it exceeded… read more

"This was my first trip and I wasn't sure what to expect, but it exceeded all of my expectations! It was a retirement gift for me for my husband and myself to take this trip together. First of all, Steve and Bryson are both top notch professional guides and people. They took care of everything, which made our trip stress free and truly enjoyable. I believe the guides can make or break your experience and they were EXCELLENT! The hiking excursions, restaurants, awesome views, home made lunches by the guides, etc. were second to none. The extra friendly and thoughtful touches by Steve and Bryson made our group feel like a family. I have no bad comment or even constructive criticism
about the trip. Truly outstanding! The hikes did push me but they had a good feel for our group's capabilities and took plenty of rest stops when needed. read less

5 Stars (65 reviews)

Robin,

Mighty Five Adventure - September 2023

Hiking the Mighty 5 National Parks from St George to Moab, Utah

"My wife Robin and I just finished a 9 day adventure of the Mighty 5… read more

"My wife Robin and I just finished a 9 day adventure of the Mighty 5 National parks in Utah with Austin Adventures. We had a fantastic time.
Our Guides (Steve and Bryson) were the best!! They took us on wonderful hikes in all the parks averaging 6-8 miles/day. The hotels and food were great. The trip was exciting and something I will remember the rest of my life. "Kudos" Austin Adventures for a job well done. Thank you for the experience of a lifetime. We plan to book another trip in the future. read less

5 Stars (65 reviews)

John,

Mighty Five Adventure - September 2023

The Amazing Mighty Five Adventure!!

"WOW! Every aspect of this trip was amazing! It far exceeded my expectations. … read more

"WOW! Every aspect of this trip was amazing! It far exceeded my expectations. The National Parks were absolutely gorgeous; the guides were knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, and FUN! Their personalized touch for each and every one of the travelers was spot on! The hotels, restaurants and food were also perfect for each location. Every aspect of this tour was well planned and thought out. Each hike or activity (canyoning) was well done! Steve and Bryson are wonderful guides! I hope to book another trip soon. read less

5 Stars (65 reviews)

Nadine,

Dolomites Adventure - September 2023

Best guides ever

"A fantastic itinerary! read more

"A fantastic itinerary! read less

5 Stars (97 reviews)

Kitty,

British Columbia Hut to Hut Adventure - September 2023

Backpacking British Columbia

"I have to start off mentioning that I was a little nervous, and anxious as… read more

"I have to start off mentioning that I was a little nervous, and anxious as the date got closer for my trip. I was questing myself regarding the physicality of the hiking, or do i have the right gear. But after meeting with Will, Keenen, and Sydney, I new I was in good hands. They were there for all the guest's every step of the way. No matter what situation arose they were at the ready. I really enjoyed my stay with the entire group, and got a lot out my trip. It wasn't just the shear beauty of the Alpine, but the education i received from Will, and his staff. They make sure you're well being, and overall enjoyment is priority. And not mention the food and lodging, which was very good and comfortable. I highly recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys the outdoors, a bit of a challenge, and a whole lot of fun! read less

5 Stars (16 reviews)

Martin,

San Juan Islands Adventure - September 2023

Carla

"The San Juan Islands scenery and activities were varied and unique. Our guides did a… read more

"The San Juan Islands scenery and activities were varied and unique. Our guides did a phenomenal job of keeping us on track and providing exceptional service to the group. Their efforts and the wonderful bounty of the islands made for a special experience. read less

4 Stars (93 reviews)

Carla,

Classic Iceland Adventure - September 2023

Iceland

"Our Active Adventure Icelandic trip was enchanting; from tales about hidden folks dwelling amongst the… read more

"Our Active Adventure Icelandic trip was enchanting; from tales about hidden folks dwelling amongst the farmers of yesteryear, to hardscrabble fisherman -- tales and history provided to us by our fantastic guide -- Solvi -- allowed us to really feel these stories as we stood on the rugged landscape. You then fully appreciate the powerful natural forces which have worked upon the land and its people. Loved our visit!
read less

5 Stars (19 reviews)

Jeanne,

Yellowstone Adventure - September 2023

Jon zuehlke

"Zack & Jamie complimented each other very well. Very energetic and we love their … read more

"Zack & Jamie complimented each other very well. Very energetic and we love their enthusiasm for Yellowstone. It is the only way to see a beautiful park like we did. Our third trip with Austin read less

5 Stars (137 reviews)

Jon,

San Juan Islands Adventure - September 2023

Beautiful destination, great guides, and new friends

"San Juan Islands offered amazing vistas, enjoyable itinerary, and the chance to meet new friends.… read more

"San Juan Islands offered amazing vistas, enjoyable itinerary, and the chance to meet new friends. Our friendly guides, Jayson and Steve, were very organized and did an excellent job planning our meals and activities. read less

4 Stars (93 reviews)

Stuart,

Classic Iceland Adventure - September 2023

Don from Canada

"A great trip. Very well organized , great sights, excellent guide.

Great job! read more

"A great trip. Very well organized , great sights, excellent guide.

Great job! read less

5 Stars (19 reviews)

Don,

British Columbia Hut to Hut Adventure - September 2023

The Hut to Hut hike is amazing.

"The Hut to Hut hike is amazing. The scenery is some of the best… read more

"The Hut to Hut hike is amazing. The scenery is some of the best I've ever seen! I was impressed with the guides. Will, Sydney, and Keenan were very knowledgeable regarding the structure of the mountains, the rocks and rock formations, and the foliage in the area. The watched us carefully to make sure we stayed hydrated and ate appropriately. They were fun to be around, and made the hike even more enjoyable. read less

5 Stars (16 reviews)

Deborah,

What Does An Active Adventure Look Like With Us?

Active Adventure Assurance

Our Active Adventures Assurance

If your plans change or you decide to travel to another destination, you can change your trip to any of our departures in any destination or request a refund (less deposit) up to 90 days out from your original trip start date.

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Hidden gems

Adventure Travel for All Types of Adventurers

With so many unique definitions of adventure out there, it’s good to have an idea of what to expect when you travel with us. We’ve outlined five unique activity levels that detail what kind of activity you can expect on an average day. You can even tailor your day to your needs, taking a breather when you need it or ramping up on an extra hike.

Learn More about Activity Levels
Claire Hesselin

Experienced Guides Are Your Friend, Cheerleader, and Local Expert

You'll be guided by friendly, active, empathetic people, who love watching you discover a new destination. Our guides will cheer you on, cook delicious meals for you, and make sure every aspect of your trip is safe, enjoyable, and full of lasting memories. Imagine a cross between Bear Grylls, David Attenborough and a Four Seasons Hotel concierge and you'll get the idea of what our guides are like!  

Meet Your Guides
Active Adventures Home

Our Sustainable Travel Pledge

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. The only way for us to continue doing what we love - showing you our favorite parts of the world in all of our favorite ways - is to carefully consider how we're impacting the environment and the communities where we travel. With that in mind we've made a commitment to always operate sustainably and continue to evolve our principles to ensure a brighter future. 

Learn More
Staff Active Adventures

A Full Team of Experts With You Before, During and After the Journey

Driven by a purpose to inspire people to lead an adventurous life, we love sharing our passion for adventure with our guests. We’ve grown a lot, but we’re still small and very “uncorporate.” With our headquarters is in Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital, you’ll see our team members out experiencing adventures of all kinds. That passion and experience translates into a travel experience of your dreams. We’re here for you every step of the way.

Learn About Us