Top Adventure Tours

Home
Contact Us
About Us
Travel Reviews
Add Your Review
Galapagos
African Safari
Gorillas
Dolphins
Whales
Polar Bears
Barrier Reef
Madagascar
Turtles
Shark Diving
Antarctica
Win a Safari
Polar Bears
Adventure Blog



Travel Review Of The Best Adventure Trips

Travel review information from past visitors is worth its weight in gold so I have listed a collection of trip reports and travel journals written about each of the top adventure destinations in the world below.

Full Trip Reports

Having read through all the trip reports to create the travel review summaries and the top adventure tours ranking worldwide, I highlight what I think are the most important points for a trip to each destination (accommodation, safari company, tips, dates etc).

But you might want to find out something that I didn't include in the summaries (which is highly possible) so I make the full trip reports available here so that you can read through them if you have the inclination (and the time because some of them are loooong but well worth reading).

Most of the original reports are online so you will be able to click through to the source and read the full travel review there.

I try my best to keep the links as updated as possible but every now and then a dead link might slip in (websites drop off the internet all the time and forum posts expire). If that is the case, please let me know and I'll remove it.

Find the destination you are interested in by clicking on the link in the box here or by scrolling down the page.

Then please fill in your name and e-mail address and the trip review list for that particular destination will be e-mailed to you within seconds.

You might be interested in getting the reports list of more than one destination...no problem. Simply fill in your name and e-mail under the applicable destination and that one will find it's way into your inbox too. Feel free to ask for as many as you want.


Galapagos Land Iguana Galapagos - request full version travel review below / view the summaries
Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.
First Name*
E-mail Address*


Privacy Policy

The Galapagos Islands ranks as one of the top adventure trip destinations in the world because of the unique diversity of wildlife that you can see there and the fact that the animals don't fear humans so you can get really close.

Full version Galapagos trip reports on this website:
»Nemo I review - Dianne Whitney, USA: the islands are so diverse
»Galapagos on Nemo II - Debbie Foley, Canada
»Galapagos Island Vacation Interview - Gene McCullough
»Expert Galapagos Vacation Trip Report - Eduardo Landzuri, Quito: over 20 years experience
»What A Galapagos Adventure Trip Is Like - Steve Haigh, UK
»Santa Cruz review - Liz & Ken Meadley, Australia: loved the wildlife
»Rainy Season Galapagos Trip Report - Douglas Smith, USA
»Galapagos Island Trip Impressions - Sally Datars
»Galapagos Tour Review - Lynn Highland
»Galapagos Cruise Review - Dennis Wiederholt, USA
»Family holiday - Heather Blenkiron of CNH Tours, France & Canada: she's an expert
»Samba boat - John and Susan Clarke, USA: incredible CNH Tours
»CNH Tours review - Diane Moldaver, Canada: truly an adventure
»Happy Gringo review - Peter Goldsworthy, South Africa: don't do a land based tour
»Galapagos cruise on the Letty - Alistair Duncan, Canada: expensive but perfect
»MV Evolution review - Patty Flynn, USA: booked with International Exhibitions New!
»Samba review - M.D., USA: saw 2 iguanas fight New!
»Galapagos honeymoon - Lindsey Fraser, Canada: Flamingo - great guides New!
»They felt part of nature - Leah & Rick Kabrt, USA: loved the small boat Samba New!
»Indus Travels review - Howard Liang, Canada: saw sharks while snorkelling New!


Lion Head African Safari - request full version travel review below / view the summaries
Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.
First Name*
E-mail Address*


Privacy Policy

An African safari adventure is one of the most amazing trips you will ever undertake and if you do go on one you will probably be back for another because Africa has a way of getting under your skin. It ranks number two on the Top Adventure Tours list but its so close that it could just as well be number one.

Full version African Safari trip reports on this website (listed by traveler name):
»Botswana luxury safari - Joe Eder, UK: Great insight into what such a tour is really like
»Masai Mara, Kenya - Irene Bligh, USA
»Exeter River Lodge, Sabi Sands, South Africa - Irene Bligh, USA
»Kruger self-drive safari, South Africa - Ryan Davis, South Africa: unbelievable wildlife sightings
»Masai Mara group safari - Cassi M, USA: loved the Kenyan people New!
»Treehouse safari, South Africa - Cynthia Anchondo, USA: affordable fun adventure New!
»OAT review for East Africa - Patty Flynn, USA: bad organisation New!
»Budget South Africa safari - Emma Thomas, England: lions, rhinos & elephants in the first 20 minutes New!


Silverback Gorilla in Uganda Gorilla Safari - request full version travel review below / view the summaries
Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.
First Name*
E-mail Address*


Privacy Policy

Ask anyone who has been on a Gorilla safari what it was like and nine times out of ten you will get the answer that it ranks as one of the best wildlife experiences of their life.


Dusky wild dolphin sunset swim Swim With Dolphins - request full version trip reports below / view the summaries
Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.
First Name*
E-mail Address*


Privacy Policy

If you don't enjoy a swimming with wild dolphins tour then you must have ice water in your veins. Highly recommended even for people who aren't scuba divers or snorklers.

Full version swim with dolphin trip reports on this website:
»Costa Rica - Julie Livingston, USA: deep sea fishing turns dolphin swim trip
»Swim with dolphins in Australia encounter with wild bottlenose proves to be amazing - Colin Svanberg
»Dolphin Encounters with Dolphin Encountours - Bertrand Belben, UK
»Swim with wild dolphins in Mozambique: trip report by a regular - Mark Oakes
»Therapeutic dolphin trip, Mozambique - Carol Irwin
»Eco-friendly dolphin resort holiday in Mozambique - Rehana Rutti
»Akaroa dolphin swim - dolphins remain wild creatures - Laura Barber New!
»Swim with dolphins in Mauritius - playful spinner dolphins - Danielle Roberts, South Africa New!
»Swim with dolphins in Hawaii - spinner dolphins are a delight - Chisa Hidaka, USA New!
»Dolphin watching in Portugal - Azores dolphins not the most interactive - Chisa Hidaka, USA New!


Wildebeest serengeti migration Wildebeest Migration - request full travel reviews below / view the summaries
Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.
First Name*
E-mail Address*


Privacy Policy

Many view the Serengeti and Masai Mara wildebeest migration in Tanzania and Kenya as the greatest natural show on earth because over a million of these ugly antelope trek hundreds of miles to find new grazing and water in a spectacle that is unrivalled anywhere else.

Full version migration safari trip reports on this website:

»OAT review for East Africa - Patty Flynn, USA: animals as far as the eye can see New!


Amazing Whale Breach Whale Watching - request a full version travel review below / view the summaries
Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.
First Name*
E-mail Address*


Privacy Policy

You can't fail but to be impressed by the almost unbelievable size of these creatures when you see them up close for the first time on a whale watching trip.

If you don't enjoy a swimming with wild dolphins tour then you must have ice water in your veins. Highly recommended even for people who aren't scuba divers or snorklers.

Full version whale watching trip reports on this website:
»Hermanus, South Africa - Helga Hauck, South Africa: saw a mother and baby southern right whale
»Dyer Island, South Africa - Nitasha Singh, India: saw a lot of calves New!
»St Lucia, South Africa - Dirk Ubbink, The Netherlands: humpback whale swam right by the boat
»St Lucia, South Africa - Cindy du Plessis, South Africa: excellent despite bad weather
»BC Whale Watching, Canada - Andy Lopez, USA: back to raw nature on a kayak
»Vava'u, Tonga - Stella & Juergen Freunds, Australia: had a singing whale serenade them to sleep
»Vava'u, Tonga - Bruce Watkins, USA: swam with the whales for hours
»Ha'apai, Tonga - Jennifer Edwards, New Zealand: will never forget swimming with them New!
»Ha'apai, Tonga - Amber & Brett, USA: outstanding operator, awesome whales New!
»Puerto Madryn, Argentina - Mike Scoones, UK: better than Kaikoura
»Hawaii - Grant Olsen, USA: humpback heaven
»Australia & Canada - Anne-Sophie Michaut, French: whales are angels in the water (3 trips)
»Snorkelling with Dwarf Minke whales - Sharon Drabsch, Australia: great option for whale enthusiasts New!
»Gray whales, Baja California - Zachary Hoover, USA: unforgettable New!


The tiger is extremely endangered Tiger Safari - request full version travel review below / view the summaries
Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.
First Name*
E-mail Address*


Privacy Policy

The lion may carry the king of the jungle title but whoever decided that has probably never had the privilege of seeing one of these amazing cats in all its majesty on a tiger safari. Tigers are highly endangered so the chances of seeing them in the wild are unfortunately getting less.

Full version tiger safari trip reports on this website:
»Kanha tiger safari review - Pete Gifford, UK: stay longer & see more
»Kanha Jungle safari - Jo Dale, UK: saw 3 tigers
»India safari and trekking review - Ian & Jane Walker, UK: 3rd trip with this operator
»Chitwan tiger safari review - Grant Olsen, USA: excellent despite no tigers seen
»Ranthambore review - Roman Zenahlik, Czeck Republic: great tigers and other wildlife New!


Polar Bear in Churchill Canada Polar Bear Trek - request full version travel review below / view the summaries
Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.
First Name*
E-mail Address*


Privacy Policy

The biggest bear in the world may look cuddly but I wouldn't cosy up to this teddy unless you want to end up as lunch. A polar bear trip gives you an intimate insight into this predators world.

Full version polar bear trip reports on this website:

»One day polar bear tour - D & A Makowski, Canada: short but sweet, saw plenty of bears New!


Great Barrier Reef coral formations Great Barrier Reef - request full version travel review below / view the summaries
Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.
First Name*
E-mail Address*


Privacy Policy

The largest coral formation in the world is an underwater wonderland filled with marine life and provides excellent opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling. But make sure you get there soon because global warming has already begun to destroy parts of the reef.

Full version Great Barrier Reef trip reports on this website:
»Great Barrier Reef day trip - Michael Brouses, USA: wanted to take more photos
»Reef encounter - Dominique Lovatt, UK: overcame swimming difficulties
»Diving the Great Barrier Reef - Phil Daly, Ireland: which boat is important
»Working on boats - Sophie, UK: great atmosphere on boats
»Hamilton Island review - Ken Wilson, Australia: perfect family holiday
»Quality Hotel Sheridan Plaza review - Warrick Drew, Australia: fish of every colour
»Heron Island review - Lawrence Taube, USA: bleached coral disappointed
»Wicked Travel review - Sean Anderson, England: amazing 3-day trip
»Cairns not recommended - Sarah O'Sullivan, Ireland: the reef was great; Cairns was not
»Snorkelling the Reef - Iga Januszewska, Poland: don't worry if you can't swim well
»Day trip on the Silverswift boat - Anne-Sophie, French: beginner diver New!
»Green Island near Cairns - Jordan Drew, Australia: amazing, peaceful New!
»3-day boat trip, Whitsundays - Tuuli Juntunen, Finland: touched a turtle New!
»Snorkelling with Dwarf Minke whales - Sharon Drabsch, Australia: great option for whale enthusiasts New!


Chameleon endemic to Madagascar Madagascar - request full version travel review below / view the summaries
Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.
First Name*
E-mail Address*


Privacy Policy

If there was a prize for the place with the strangest and most unique wildlife, Madagascar would definitely be in the running. Most of the worlds chameleon species are endemic to the island and this is the only place in the world where you will find lemur in their natural habitat.

Full version Madagascar trip reports on this website:
»Island Hopping - Mark Dayton, South Africa - once in a lifetime
»Madagascar vacation review - Marina Bird, Canada - can't compare to any other holiday


Antarctica iceberg Antarctica Tours - request full version travel review below / view the summaries
Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.
First Name*
E-mail Address*


Privacy Policy

One of the last true wild places on earth, Antarctica is an amazing adventure destination chock full of wildlife, spectacular scenery and exciting activities.

Full version Antarctica trip reports on this website:
»Tour to Antarctica - Norma Sinclair, Australia - will use a different airline
»Antarctica adventure review - Dominic J Nardi Jr., USA - kayaked near whales
»MS Fram review - Patty Flynn, USA - ship too large New!
»Quark Expeditions review - Neome Nguyen, Canada - Quark was great, but avoid Travel Dynamics New!


Green sea turtle Sea Turtle Nesting - request full version travel review below / view the summaries
Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.
First Name*
E-mail Address*


Privacy Policy

Watching the prehistoric sea turtle shuffle on to a beach to lay its eggs as they have been doing for millions of years is a magical experience that can maybe only be eclipsed by seeing the baby sea turtles hatch and rush down to the sea to begin the process all over again.

Full version sea turtle nesting trip reports on this website:
»Green Sea Turtle viewing - David, UK: look after nature
»Leatherback Sea Turtle nesting - Caroline Hawkins, England: went with the locals
»Mon Repos, Australia - Anne-Sophie Michaut, French: 3 turtles in 1 night
»Kosi Bay, South Africa - Maggie Wernich, South Africa: location is a hidden gem
»Cape Vidal, South Africa - Nathan and Elaine, London UK: late night leatherback


Great White Shark Diving With Sharks - request full version travel review below / view the summaries
Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.
First Name*
E-mail Address*


Privacy Policy

You need nerves of steel for this one because facing up to a great white shark with its multiple rows of teeth and huge bulk is no easy matter even if you are floating within the protective confines of a cage but seeing this top predator in its natural habitat is worth the adrenalin rush.

Full version diving with sharks trip reports on this website:
»Marine Dynamics review - Susanne Blankesteijn, The Netherlands: 7 great whites
»White shark diving - Wayne Rich, CA, USA: time stood still
»Great white shark dives - Nicky Secrett, UK: the storm didn't stop her
»Shark cage diving - John Page, UK: once isn't enough
»Great white shark diving - Zarius Marx, South Africa: he's already done it twice
»Hermanus South Africa - Helga Hauck, South Africa: her son would do it again in an instant
»Go great white shark cage diving - Ryan Herbert, Australia: can't wait to do it again
»Cage dive at False Bay South Africa - Richard Stehr: passionate about great white sharks
»Gansbaai shark cage dive - Ilse Gerlach, South Africa: 6 great whites in half a day New!
»Shark trip with Chris Fallows - Tom Way, England: impressed by Chris' knowledge and passion New!
»Backpackers shark dive review - Emma Thomas, England: cheap deal New!
»Dyer Island cage dive - Tessa Cosenza, USA: saw first great white after 10 mins New!
»January not ideal for Gansbaai cage dive - Steve De Klerk, USA: nice experience but murky water New!

Other Species

»Sodwana Bay diving - Danie Nienaber, South Africa: white tip reef shark
»Bahamas reef shark dive review - Grant Olsen, USA: surrounded by reef sharks
»Whale shark in Thailand - Julie Anne Furlong, Ireland: environmentally responsible operator New!
»Whale sharks in Philippines - Rachel Fierro, USA: gazed into its eye New!


Alaska bear catching trout Alaska - request full version travel review below / view the summaries
Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.
First Name*
E-mail Address*


Privacy Policy

Alaska is a natural wilderness that has a vast amount to offer any adventure traveler. Some of the best fishing in the world, glacier viewing, luxury cruises along the numerous rivers, grizzly, grey wolf and whale spotting and spectacular views and scenery.

Full version Alaska trip reports on this website:
»Alaska vacation - Cyndi Peterson, USA: avoid the cruise crowds
»Alaska fishing trip report - Grant Olsen, USA: fantastic lodge
»Spawning salmon - Sandra Toth, Canada: salmon and calving glacier were highlights New!
»Alaska cruise review - Cynthia Anchondo, USA: cruise and excursions were great New!
»Self guided Alaska - Andrew Glennon, USA: chased by a moose New!


Bora Bora scene Bora Bora - request full version travel review below / view the summaries
Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.
First Name*
E-mail Address*


Privacy Policy

Bora Bora is the epitome of the perfect island holiday. You will be forgiven for thinking you stepped into a paintbrushed screen saver. It's also a great place to swim with colourful tropical fish, rays and sharks (without the cage).

Full version Bora Bora trip reports on this website:
»Bora Bora resort holiday - Amy West, USA: expensive but a must-do

© Top Adventure Tours. All rights reserved
Reviews are the subjective opinions of past visitors and not of Top Adventure Tours.com