Top 7 Summer Adventures for Nature Lovers

Summer will be here before you know it. And the last thing you want to do is keep your nose to the grindstone, right? That’s why you need a summer nature break. These seven adventures will provide the perfect opportunity to revel and recharge in the natural world this summer!

1. Beluga Whales & Arctic Wildlife of Churchill

Beluga whales, Churchill, Manitoba, Canada (c) Lin Adler

7 or 9 days, July-August
If the Northland holds an allure for you, come on up to Hudson Bay where the boreal forest meets the Arctic tundra and wildlife abounds. You’ll meet hundreds of friendly beluga whales up close in the Churchill River. We also search for caribou, Arctic fox, even polar bears, on this epic Canadian adventure. And even better news, Manitoba province in Canada has recently released a plan with recommendations on how to protect belugas that migrate to Manitoba’s western Hudson Bay coastline, which we hope means they will continue to migrate to these waters for years to come.

2. Canyons of the American Southwest

Zion National Park, Utah (c) Court Whelan

8 days, May & August-September
If you’ve always wanted to witness the stunning vistas of the American Southwest, come explore canyon country with us. Our small-group immersion in Bryce, Zion and Grand Canyon reveals lesser-known parts of these iconic parks, as our naturalist Expedition Leader fills in every facet of the region’s history, geology, wildlife and culture.

3. Swimming with Mexico’s Whale Sharks

Whale shark, Isla Holbox, Mexico (c) Astrid Frisch

6 days, July
Warmer waters more your style? Meet us in Mexico to swim with whale sharks! These gentle giants (15 tons and 40 feet long!) arrive to feed each summer off the Yucatan Peninsula… and we swim alongside them responsibly! This mellow tropical adventure is based on car-free Holbox Island, far from tourist crowds.

4. Croatia & Montenegro: An Active Adriatic Adventure

Kayakers at Korkula Island, Croatia

10 days, June & September
Sail and kayak turquoise waters and explore remote islands and rocky headlands along the Dalmatian Coast. Hike among waterfalls and wildflowers in Montenegro’s little-visted Durmitor National Park. And savor fresh seafood and local wines!

5. Paddling Portugal’s River of Wine

Quinta de Carvalhas, Douro River, Portugal (c) Olaf Malver

9 days, June & September
Kayak the mellow Douro River through Portugal’s historic port wine region by day…then relax and feast at classic vineyard estates each night! Meet the Old World culture of rural Portugal that few encounter. Summer departures offer verdant vistas and flowers, while autumn is harvest time.

6. Hidden Yellowstone Wildlife Safari

Moose cow and calf in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. (c) Henry Holdsworth

7 days, May & September
On our summer Yellowstone adventures, we travel with expert local naturalists who know where to find the best wildlife enclaves, away from the crowds. We’ll look for herds of bison and bugling elk among golden aspens, grizzly bears feasting on berries, and, if we’re lucky, we may even spot wolf pups, as they are now big enough to travel with the pack.

7. Scotland’s Wild Highlands & Islands

Puffins, Isle of Staffa, Scotland (c) Ai-Lan Lee

12 days, May-June
From the Outer Hebrides with their huge seabird colonies to the ancient Caledonian forests of the interior where red deer and pine marten play, wild Scotland entices. Alongside top naturalists, discover lochs, whales, seabirds, wildflowers, granite islands and prehistoric cultures.