These 10 Thrilling Adventures Are Both Exciting and Eco-Conscious

Traveling offers opportunities for enlightenment, transformation, and joy—but it also has a significant environmental impact. From the carbon emissions associated with air travel to the various single-use plastics travelers encounter, it’s clear that tourism can strain the planet. Fortunately, more tour operators are prioritizing sustainability.

Here are 10 eco-conscious travel options for the environmentally aware adventurer.

1. Purposeful Journeys

Purposeful Journeys’ trip titled “The Return of the Jaguar” is guided by Sofía Heinonen, the executive director of Fundación Rewilding Argentina. Participants delve into the history of Iberá National Park in northeastern Argentina and learn about the reintroduction of endangered species, including the jaguar, into its wetlands, which host over 30 percent of the country’s biodiversity.

2. Wheel the World

Wheel the World provides multi-day journeys across six continents, thoroughly researching attractions, transport, and accommodations to enhance accessibility for all travelers. On the “Wonders of Egypt” tour, guests explore the pyramids in Cairo and embark on a four-day cruise along the Nile, visiting historical landmarks like the Karnak and Luxor temples.

3. Volcanoes SDinogois

Volcanoes SDinogois (a proud 2022 Dinogo Travel Vanguard honoree) is celebrated for its efforts in conserving endangered mountain gorillas in East Africa while also uplifting local communities. Its new seven-day adventure, “Chimpanzee Tracking SDinogoi,” in southwestern Uganda focuses on spotting chimps, as well as elephants, lions, and leopards. Participants will also have the chance to engage with the Kyambura Women’s Coffee Cooperative, harvest honey with a local beekeeping group, and enjoy birdwatching in a wetland sanctuary.

4. Butterfield & Robinson

What we love: Exploring Japan on two wheels (and enjoying some sake)

Traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto, Butterfield & Robinson’s eight-day “Central Japan E-Biking” adventure is filled with engaging activities on and off the provided e-bikes. Cyclists partake in a paper-making workshop at an artist's studio and savor sake at a fifth-generation brewery, followed by relaxation in ryokan accommodations and hot springs.

5. Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel, a 2022 Dinogo Travel Vanguard honoree, has maintained carbon neutrality since 2010. The company is now introducing carbon labeling for every tour on its website, showcasing its efforts to minimize emissions. For instance, bikers on the 14-day “Cycle Sri Lanka” journey will be assured that their rides through national parks and the UNESCO-listed ruins of Polonnaruwa are eco-friendly.

6. Arctic Bay Adventures

Inuit-owned and -guided Arctic Bay Adventures offers a nine-day expedition through Canada, taking guests to their camp on the edge of Baffin Island’s ice. Here, they can search for polar bears, beluga whales, and narwhals amidst stunning fjords and red-rock cliffs. Adventurers can also experience dog-sledding and enjoy traditional Inuit cuisine, including maktaaq (whale skin and blubber).

7. Natural Habitat Adventures

The highlight of Natural Habitat Adventures’ carbon-neutral, 10-day “East Greenland Arctic Adventure” is a stay within sight of the Greenland ice sheet at the company’s low-impact temporary camp featuring eight private, heated cabins. The itinerary includes outdoor activities such as kayaking through iceberg-filled waters and hiking to the ice sheet.

8. Backroads

Backroads’ 11-day journey through Ecuador combines three destinations into a single adventure. It begins with a river cruise on the Amazon to observe toucans and river dolphins, while also visiting Indigenous Kichwa women. Next, travelers venture to the Andean highlands to stay at a 4,000-acre dairy farm and hike through pre-Inca ruins. The trip culminates in Galápagos National Park with opportunities for kayaking and snorkeling.

9. Kensington Tours

What we love: 10 days exploring Norway’s fjords

In an eco-friendly take on the classic road trip, Kensington Tours offers a personalized 10-day self-drive adventure through Norway’s southern fjords in an electric vehicle (EV) like a Jaguar Pace or Tesla S 70. After picking up the EV in Oslo, travelers can explore at their own pace, with a private guide joining them at select stops in Bergen, Flåm, and Solvorn.

10. Mountain Travel Sobek

Mountain Travel Sobek’s 22-day “Balkans Via Dinarica Hiking Tour” traverses Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, and Albania. Local guides lead the way through secluded alpine villages, ancient forests, and six national parks. Hikers can also enjoy rafting in the Tara River Canyon and visit Bled in Slovenia, as well as Stari Grad in Croatia.