If you’re considering booking a trip with G Adventures and want an honest, first hand G Adventures review, you’ve come to the right place! As someone who’s taken 9 G Adventures tours to 12 countries over 12 years — including sailing in the Maldives and the Galapagos, plus incredible journeys through Sri Lanka, Peru, Morocco, Borneo, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Singapore — I’ve got plenty of experiences to share!
What you can expect from this article...
- 1 What is G Adventures?
- 2 Why choose G Adventures?
- 3 How Does G Adventures Compare to Other Companies?
- 4 G Adventures Pros and Cons
- 5 Why Travel with a Group Adventure Tour Company?
- 6 Where Do G Adventures Travel?
- 7 What to Expect Day to Day on a G Adventures Tour
- 8 G Adventures Tours I have taken and can personally vouch for…
- 9 Peru
- 10 FAQs about travelling with G Adventures
- 10.1 Is G Adventures good for solo travellers?
- 10.2 Is G Adventures suitable for families?
- 10.3 Is G Adventures appropriate for couples?
- 10.4 Are G Adventures good value for money?
- 10.5 What is included with a G Adventures trip?
- 10.6 Are there additional costs to factor in when you book with G Adventures?
- 10.7 Can You Get a Discount on G Adventures?
- 10.8 Ready to Book Your Next Adventure?
What is G Adventures?
G Adventures is a Canadian-based travel company that specialises in small group tours and sustainable tourism.
They operate all over the world, offering unique itineraries that immerse you in the local culture while ensuring your travel has a positive impact on the communities you visit. From adventure-packed trips to more relaxed cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone.
Why choose G Adventures?
I’ve travelled with G Adventures to 12 countries and every time, I’ve had a brilliant experience and am always left feeling keen to book my next trip!
The tour leaders (also called chief experience officers or CEO’s) are always local meaning they know all the best places and are a fountain of knowledge.
The accommodation is comfortable, itineraries varied, transport safe and reliable and there are no single supplements so if you are a solo travel there are no unexpected extra costs for accommodation.
Prices are fair and there are more budget options for those travelling on a shoestring. There’s options to suit everyone from sailing trips to family adventures and overlanding trips!
One of the best things about G Adventures is the range of options they offer. You can choose trips based on your budget, travel style, or destination.
Whether you’re after a classic adventure, an active hiking tour, or a relaxed sailing experience, there’s something to suit your vibe. Plus, they offer family-friendly tours if you’re travelling with little ones!
I trust G Adventures to keep me safe and give me the best unforgettable experience every time I travel. I cannot rave about them enough!
How Does G Adventures Compare to Other Companies?
G Adventures is often compared to similar tour companies like Intrepid Travel. While both companies offer small group adventures and sustainable tourism, I personally find G Adventures to have a better balance between structured activities and free time.
Their experienced guides and tour leaders are always local, providing authentic insights and deeper cultural connections, whereas other companies sometimes use international guides.
Additionally, G Adventures tends to offer a wider range of travel styles, from budget backpacking to more comfortable upgraded experiences.
Accommodation quality also tends to be slightly higher with G Adventures, and I’ve found their itineraries to be more thoughtfully curated.
Read how G Adventures compares to Intrepid travel here
G Adventures Pros and Cons
What are the benefits to travelling with G Adventures?
- Safety when travelling solo
- Company for solo travellers – make friends for life
- Meet people who love adventure travel as much as you
- No trip planning required – just book, pack, go!
- Interesting and varied itineraries with a good balance of free time and planned activities
- You’ll get taken to all the best places by experienced and local guides
- You will be giving back to the local community with local initiatives and supported charities. They also always stay in local places and use local businesses wherever possible to support the local economy
- Authentic experiences – from homestays to cultural experiences, your trip will always give you an authentic taste of the country you are visiting
Disadvantages to travelling with G Adventures
- Trips are quite fast paced so you’ll see a lot in a short time but you might not get as much chill time as if you booked a beach holiday
- It can be more pricey to travel with a tour company than on your own staying in hostels etc. That said, there are budget tours you can choose from that are very affordable!
Why Travel with a Group Adventure Tour Company?
Travelling with a group tour company like G Adventures takes the hassle out of planning while offering safety and social connections.
You don’t have to worry about transport, accommodation, or figuring out logistics in a foreign country.
Plus, you get the added benefit of local expertise and support if anything goes wrong. It’s a brilliant way to travel solo without feeling alone or overwhelmed.
Read about the pros and cons to group adventure tour travel here
Choosing an Adventure Group Tour Company
Group tours companies vary a lot so before you book, you need to consider what style of trip you will feel most comfortable with.
- Is it important to travel with people who are a similar age?
- Do you want luxury accommodation?
- Are you happy to travel with a large group or prefer a smaller group?
- Do you want to travel by local transport or would you prefer a private air conditioned mini bus?
- Do you want to spend your trip relaxing or exploring?
As well as making sure the type of tour fits your needs and wants, you’ll also need to make sure the company is reliable and ethical.
There are a lot of cowboy companies out there so I recommend you stick to well known reputable companies which have lots of reviews online.
G Adventures is one of the best and well known group tour companies known for ethical, responsible travel. They offer so many styles of trip that you are bound to find something you fall in love with!
Is G Adventures an Ethical Travel Company?
Absolutely! G Adventures has built a strong reputation for creating ethical, community-focused responsible travel experiences that are both organised and adventurous.
They focus on sustainable tourism by partnering with local businesses and charities, making sure that your travel money directly benefits the communities you visit whilst you also have a truly memorable and authentic experience.
Whether it’s staying at locally owned guesthouses or eating at family-run restaurants, they go the extra mile to make sure your tourism dollars make a positive impact.
They also support social enterprises and conservation projects, making your travels more sustainable.
Bruce Poon Tip the G Adventures C.E.O is a huge advocate for responsible travel and has written books and spoken at travel conferences on the topic – I’ve even attended some of his ethical travel lectures and they are always inspiring!
Who is G Adventures for?
G Adventures is perfect for anyone who wants to experience adventure travel but who do not want to get bogged down in the travel planning, want to make sure they travel safely and would enjoy the company of a group to travel with.
There are a range of tours you can pick from so you can choose between a relaxing trip or an active tour that packs in more adventure.
What age range would G Adventures suit best?
G Adventures trips are suitable for all age ranges – except for very young children or babies. There are even family trips designed for the youngest travellers from around 7 years old.
The cheaper trips to more adventurous locations tend to attract a younger traveller. My trips around South East Asia were mostly with people in their 20’s and 30’s.
Trips to more expensive destinations attract a slightly older traveller. Most people on my South America and Morocco tours were in their late 20’s, 30’s or 40’s with a few in their 50’s and 60’s.
My Galapagos sailing trip was the most diverse with people ranging from in their 20’s right up to in their 80’s! But everyone got on really well despite age barriers as everyone had one thing in common – a passion for adventure travel!
If you want to travel with a younger audience, there are 18-30 something tours. The National Geographic tours tend to attract those aged 40 or older. And if you’re travelling with children, you’ll want to choose a family tour.
What Styles of Travel Do They Offer?
G Adventures offers a wide range of travel styles to suit different preferences and budgets, including:
- Classic Tours: Balanced itineraries with must-see highlights.
- Active Tours: Focused on hiking, cycling, and physical challenges.
- Sailing Tours: Exploring destinations by boat, like in the Maldives or the Galapagos.
- 18-to-Thirtysomethings Tours: Budget-friendly trips with a youthful vibe.
- Family Tours: Safe, engaging itineraries for travellers of all ages.
- Local Living Tours: Immersive stays with local hosts.
- National Geographic Journeys: Premium tours with added comfort and deeper insights.
Where Do G Adventures Travel?
G Adventures offers trips on all seven continents, including destinations as diverse as South America, Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, Oceania, and even Antarctica. Whether you want to trek the Inca Trail in Peru, cruise the Galápagos Islands, or explore bustling cities in Southeast Asia, they’ve got you covered.
What to Expect Day to Day on a G Adventures Tour
On the 1st day, you can arrive at any point. Usually there are details in the hotel lobby about when and where to meet. There will be an initial meeting which is usually early evening and is followed by an optional group meal. If you can, try to attend the meeting as it’s a great way to meet your fellow travellers and make sure you know what to expect over the following days.
If your flight arrives late, just let G Adventures know. I’ve had to meet everyone the following morning at breakfast on trips before and it was never a problem!
Daily itineraries can vary depending on the tour style, but typically you’ll have a mix of organised activities and free time. Each day usually starts with breakfast at your accommodation and then either free time or organised activities.
On travel days, you’ll usually get a briefing about what to expect at the next destination and your tour leader or CEO will remind you about any optional activities you can book.
Transport can range from private buses and local trains to boats and tuk-tuks.
Evening meals are usually at your own expense in local restaurants but there may be some meals included. However, your tour leader (or CEO) will usually recommend somewhere great to eat and it’s common to eat as a group. No one judges though so if you want to go rogue and eat elsewhere or enjoy some alone time, that’s fine too.
By the end of your trip, you are likely to have made friends for life – I still keep in touch with some of the people I’ve met on these group adventure trips and even had reunion trips with some groups!
How do you book optional activities?
It is advisable to book optional activities at the point of booking or soon after to make sure you get the activities you want – especially for bucket list style experiences that may get booked up! Hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti anyone?!
That said, many additional activities can be booked during the trip and your tour leader will talk you through the options at the start of your trip and remind you as the day gets closer.
G Adventures Tours I have taken and can personally vouch for…
I have personally travelled with G Adventures 9 times to 12 countries and they have all been fantastic.
Below are the trips I’ve taken and can fully recommend. There are also some links to more details specific G Adventures reviews in case you are considering travelling to a similar destination!
Cambodia and Vietnam
Think rice paddies, bustling cities, floating river markets, ancient temples and surreal landscapes! This trip can be done as part of a longer trip through Thailand and Laos but I chose to split mine so that I could add on a trip to Sapa.
Highlights
- Angkor Wat – ancient temples where Lara Croft was filmed in Tomb Raider!
- Hoi An – such a beautiful old town filled with colourful lanterns
- Halong Bay overnight boat trip – beautiful scenery, kayaking and exploring old caves.
👉 Read my Cambodia and Vietnam G Adventures review here
Laos and Thailand
Laos is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever been to. The waterfalls were just stunning. Thailand by contrast is bustling and fun packed plus there are some amazing temples to visit.
Highlights
- Wat Rong Khun – white temple which is stunning!
- Night markets in Laos
- Kuang Si waterfalls – I’ve never seen a waterfall as beautiful as this one!
- Beaches and islands of Thailand
Malaysia and Singapore
I enjoyed this tour but I preferred the other SouthEast Asia tours I took purely for the itineraries. That said, I made friends for life on the trip and even continued my travels with one person I met into Indonesia!
Highlights
- Visiting the Rainforest
- The night zoo in Singapore
Borneo
Think beautiful mosques, fascinating wildlife in the rainforest, remote islands and… orangutans! I lived out a life dream to see Orangutans in the wild here – just wow!
Highlights
- seeing baby turtles make the treacherous journey to the ocean
- seeing the Orangutans!
- Boat trip in the rain forest
Morrocco
I’d always recommend visiting Morocco on a group tour for safety reasons. That said, Morocco is a fascinating country and so so colourful! I loved it!
Highlights
- bustling markets
- overnight trip to the dessert – the sunsets are amazing!
- Essaouira (with it’s hippy vibes and beautiful architecture!)
- Chef Chaouen (the blue town!)
Peru
If you are planning to trek the Inca trail then I can’t recommend using a group travel company enough. I personally took the alternative trail – the Lares trek but half our group did the Inca trail and we all had an amazing time. (The Lares trek is more remote and at higher altitude but the Inca trail arrives directly at Machu Picchu. Those of us who chose the Lares trek took a scenic train ride to get there.)
- Machu Picchu
- Lares Trek (Or Inca Trail)
- Lake Titicaca highest altitude lake where people live on floating islands!
- Homestay
👉 Read my Peru with G Adventures review here
The Galapagos
This was another life long dream to photograph the wildlife in the Galapagos. G Adventure was the most affordable option I found when I was looking for Galapagos sailing trips and honestly it was just SO good!
Highlights
- swimming with sea lions
- Seeing the iguanas
- The stunning scenery
👉 Read my Galapagos sailing trip G Adventures review here
The Maldives
I wanted to see the Maldives but I was single at the time and so didn’t fancy a resort where I would be surrounded by honeymooners! Instead I chose a more adventurous sailing trip and it was incredible.
Highlights
- BBQ on the beach
- swimming with dolphins
- swimming with friendly nurse sharks
- Learning to free dive and taking a scuba diving lesson
👉 Read my Maldives G Adventures sailing trip review here
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has become one of my favourite countries. It’s also one of the friendliest places I have ever visited. I felt very safe there. It was a great blend of nature and wildlife encounters, beautiful templates, delicious food and gorgeous beaches and scenery. I’d go back in a heart beat (and take a G Adventures trip again!)
Highlights
- Mirissa – whale watching
- Yala national park – and seeing a leopard in the wild
- The stunning beaches
👉 Read my Sri Lanka with G Adventures review here
FAQs about travelling with G Adventures
Is G Adventures good for solo travellers?
Travelling solo? No problem! G Adventures is perfect for solo travellers because most trips don’t charge a single supplement, meaning you can share a room with a same-gender roommate without paying extra. It’s a fantastic way to meet new people and build lasting friendships.
In my experience 70-80% of people on these trips are travelling alone. They do now also offer trips specifically for solo travellers now too.
Is G Adventures suitable for families?
If you’re travelling with kids, G Adventures offers family tours specifically designed to be safe and fun for all ages. The itineraries are paced with younger travellers in mind, and activities are family-friendly, making them a great choice for parents looking for adventure without the stress. It’s also a great way for your little ones to make friends with children a similar age and experience adventure travel safely.]
👉 Check out the G Adventures family tours here
Is G Adventures appropriate for couples?
Whether you’re on your honeymoon or just looking for a romantic getaway, G Adventures has plenty of options for couples. Sailing trips, in particular, offer a more intimate experience, while classic tours give you a mix of social interaction and couple time.
Usually around 20-30% of people on group tours are travelling together as couples or friends. It’s up to you how much time you spend alone or with the group!
Are G Adventures good value for money?
While G Adventures can sometimes cost more than organising travel independently, you’re paying for peace of mind and convenience. You don’t have to worry about booking transport, accommodation, or activities — they handle it all for you.
Plus, the expertise of local tour leaders adds immense value. Considering how much you get in terms of experiences and support, I’d say it’s worth every penny.
They also offer different trips at varying price points so if you are on a shoestring budget, you can save money by going on a slightly more adventurous trip where accommodation might be an overnight train, hostel, camping or budget guesthouse. They also offer frequent discounts which you can see here.
What is included with a G Adventures trip?
All your accommodation will be included and usually your transport too.
Breakfasts are usually included and there will be several group activities included. Some additional meals may be included such as when you visit a homestay!
For sailing trips, I’d say most meals are included unless you are on shore. The same is true for overlanding style trips where often you make your meals as a team.
The cost of the tour also includes your CEO and driver and any other team that supports the tour – e.g. if you are taking a sailing trip, the skipper, captain etc.
Are there additional costs to factor in when you book with G Adventures?
Usually you will have to arrange your own flights and travel insurance.
Some activities are included and some need to be purchased – the options and prices can usually be found on the website.
Some meals will be included (most breakfasts and a few others.) So you will need to factor in money for meals out.
It’s also worth factoring in local tips and souvenirs.
Can You Get a Discount on G Adventures?
Yes! G Adventures regularly offers deals and discounts on their website. It’s worth checking their deals page to see what’s available, as promotions change frequently and can save you a fair bit on your booking.
Ready to Book Your Next Adventure?
If you’re looking for a fun, safe, and memorable travel experience, click here to book your G Adventures tour now!
It’s easy and quick to book online.
I hope you found this G Adventures review helpful! Have an amazing trip!