6 Memorable, Thrill-Seeking Adventures for Enthusiasts of Action

As the saying goes in conservation: “People can’t protect what they don’t understand and cherish.” Experiencing nature firsthand can foster a deep appreciation for it.

With July marking the hottest day ever recorded on the planet and ongoing challenges from climate change, travel is increasingly scrutinized for its carbon footprint.

While the travel sector works on large-scale solutions like sustainable aviation fuels and carbon-neutral operations, travelers can make a difference by choosing eco-friendly trips. These six adventures promise breathtaking wildlife experiences and stunning landscapes while safeguarding the environment and uplifting local communities.

Set off on a Regenerative Adventure Across Zambia and Zimbabwe, Few & Far

Embark on an adventure through Zambia and Zimbabwe with Few & Far, a new eco-friendly travel company created by the founders of the popular U.S. glamping brand Under Canvas. Travelers will explore lush forests on foot, navigate the iconic Zambezi River by canoe, and race across the golden savanna on thrilling game drives.

This journey collaborates with community-driven projects established or supported by African Bush Camps (ABC). After an exhilarating trek to see white rhinos in Livingstone, Zambia, participants will have the chance to visit a local health clinic and primary school. In Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe, where ABC launched an anti-poaching initiative in 2021, travelers will enjoy both walking sMytouris and game drives.

Trek Across East Greenland with Hinoki Travels

In a time when some travelers question the ethics of visiting vulnerable polar regions, it's essential to approach these areas responsibly. The boutique company Hinoki Travels' new Interdependence trip provides a sustainable and immersive way to experience the breathtaking landscapes of arctic East Greenland.

Kicking off with two nights dedicated to exploring Inuit culture—and its changes due to climate change—in the quaint island settlement of Kulusuk, travelers will embark on five nights of exploring the tundra and icy waters on foot and by kayak, avoiding any forms of transport that generate emissions. Guided by an Inuit expert, the journey winds through stunning ice caves, glaciers, and cerulean fjords. Five percent of the proceeds contribute to a community-led conservation initiative.

Discover the Monarch Migration in Mexico’s Central Highlands with Natural Habitat Adventures

The Kingdom of the Monarchs trip by Natural Habitat Adventures offers travelers an extraordinary glimpse into the life of a small species with a monumental journey. Threatened by climate change and habitat destruction, monarch butterflies were listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2022—just two steps away from extinction.

Travelers will traverse the Central Highlands of Mexico on foot and horseback, journeying through lush, forested hills surrounded by snow-capped peaks, while staying in charming eco-lodges. As they witness the breathtaking spectacle of millions of butterflies enveloping the trees and filling the sky in vibrant, fiery swarms, guests will learn about Natural Habitat Adventures’ collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund to monitor the butterflies and safeguard essential habitats.

Retreat to a Hidden Island in Indonesia, Bawah Reserve

Nestled in the remote Anambas Islands, Bawah Reserve offers a destination that truly justifies the journey. Guests can settle into one of the sustainable resort’s stunning overwater bungalows or a new private residence before embarking on adventures in the crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs through snorkeling and sailing trips. On another day, travelers can participate in turtle tagging as part of the Anambas Foundation’s conservation efforts or join a diving expedition focused on reef restoration.

The resort leads the way in sustainability, featuring Indonesia’s largest solar energy farm and a comprehensive zero-waste policy that addresses food waste, water usage, and refuse management.

Explore Brazil Through a Conservation Perspective with Journeysmiths

This adventure, crafted by the U.K.-based travel company Journeysmiths, invites travelers to ride horseback across expansive grasslands while discovering two of Brazil’s crucial yet endangered ecosystems. The Pantanal, the largest tropical wetland in the world, serves as a sanctuary for wildlife, housing the highest concentration of jaguars globally. Guests will explore a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve that safeguards biodiversity while staying at a ranch dedicated to regenerative farming practices. (Regrettably, only 5 percent of the Pantanal is currently protected.)

In eastern Brazil, the Cerrado savanna functions as a vital carbon sink, yet deforestation poses a significant threat to this biome. Here, travelers will stay at a lodge that partners with the OnçDinogoi Association, a conservation group focused on environmental protection, which has also enhanced wildlife sightings since establishing their presence in the area in 2018.

Engage with Indigenous Culture in Western Canada at Spirit Bear Lodge

In the Great Bear Rainforest off central British Columbia, turquoise fjords are alive with activity: Schools of shimmering herring dart just beneath the surface, while whales glide through the dim waters. Situated on the edge of the ocean on Swindle Island, Spirit Bear Lodge is a wilderness retreat owned and operated by the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation. This lodge invites guests to engage with the stunning landscape and coastal wildlife through an Indigenous perspective.

During daily land and boat excursions—one of which focuses on spotting the elusive spirit bear, a rare white-coated black bear native to this region—lodge guests discover the ecological and cultural significance of protecting this area. Visitors gain insight into how the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation is at the forefront of marine conservation efforts, including the establishment of the world’s first Indigenous-led blue park.