Home > Compare Tour & Adventure Operators > Explore vs G Adventures

Explore vs G Adventures

Compare the travel styles, pricing, destinations and popularity of Explore and G Adventures.

The Low Down

Explore Explore Worldwide is a UK adventure travel company that has been around since 1981. They run over 500 small group tours in more than 100 countries around the world with an average of 12 guests. Accommodation is often family run lodgings and guides are passionate locals. Itineraries are a mix of must-sees and who-knews, and guests can choose from different trip styles to suit their interests.

Explore recognises that adventure is different for everyone, and their trips range from classic discovery group tours to active adventures such as hiking and cycling. They also have dedicated family trips, themed journeys such as those that focus on wildlife or their limited edition Explore Beyond collection which showcases rare one-off events. Explore have an impressive track record with 96% of past travellers saying they would travel with them again.
G Adventures G Adventures have impressed us with their ethos, their range of unique itineraries and proven track record with over 100,000 past travellers. Their main competitor in the adventure touring space is Intrepid, with both Operators focused on authentic, affordable small group tours.

With over 600 trips around the world and 50,000 departures, G have a stunning range of interesting unique itineraries to choose from, with a focus on South and Central America, Asia and Polar expedition cruising. G Adventures operate dynamic pricing so prices can change daily - upwards if the trip is filling up, and down if they need to fill some spaces. G have also recently incorporated Wellness trips and 18-to-Thirty Somethings adventuresinto their portfolio of trip styles.

Stats

No. of Trips
402
No. of Departures
6,234
Avg. Trip Length
12 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$248
Accommodation
Mixed
Budget
Affordable & Premium
No. of Trips
937
No. of Departures
83,560
Avg. Trip Length
13 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$227
Accommodation
Mixed
Budget
Affordable

In Their Own Words We asked the travel companies themselves why you should travel with them

Explore
Explore has been taking small groups on adventure holidays all over the world for almost 40 years. The expert team, at home and overseas, works together to create itineraries that leave you feeling that you’ve really explored a destination rather than just visited. You’ll see the highlights, the must-sees, of course. But you’ll also get away from the beaten track, and get a different perspective on your destination. You’ll get closer to a place, its people and cultures.

Our small groups are typically 12 people – small enough to get right into the heart of your destination, but big enough to find like-minded people to share your experiences with. And the glue that holds these groups together is our local tour leaders, who are uniquely placed to add individual and spontaneous moments to each trips – moments that stay with you long after you return home. All sorts of people travel with Explore – our groups are usually a mix of solos, couples and friends. What unites them is their adventurous spirit and thirst for real travel experiences.

We provide authentic small-group travel, designed by experts and led by experts, with sustainability at its heart and a common desire for unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re on a cultural tour of Lebanon, cycling in Vietnam, walking in Italy or exploring Costa Rica with your family, when you’re travelling with Explore you know that you’re in good hands.
G Adventures
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years.

Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.

On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.

Recent Reviews

Whole of Iceland over 9 days in winter   0 , QLD, Australia, Feb 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this tour. We were fortunate to have great weather...no road closures or inaccessible areas. Our guide Gusti was extremely informative, helpful and entertaining. A good representative for Iceland and the local tour company representing Explore!
Great introduction to Malaysia   0 , TAS, Australia, Jan 2025
This tour started in Singapore and although I have visited the island a few times before I appreciated seeing the sights again with an informative local guide. The journey through Malaysia covered the highlights that I wished to see: the historical Dutch influence on the Straits settlement of Malacca, the contrast of skyscrapers and local areas in KL, ...read more a homestay amongst the rubber plantations near Ipoh, the rolling hills of tea in the Cameron Highlands, UNESCO Georgetown, Penang and finishing with a relaxing stay on Langkawi.
A tour of ancient countries from the Caspian Sea to the Black Sea   0 , VIC, Australia, Sep 2024
I enjoyed learning the history of the three countries visited as well as the current politics and social environment. I liked the capital cities of Baku, Tbilisi and Yerevan, as well as the Black Sea resort town of Batumi in Georgia. and many historic churches and monasteries in between. It's a pity though that the time in Tbilisi was rather limited. ...read more It's a city that deserves more sightseeing time. On the other hand, I think there was too much time spent on wineries and wine tastings.
In depth tour of Northern Macedonia   0 , QLD, Australia, Sep 2024
Very good tour. A full tour - 16 people including 10 singles, people from all around the world which was great to see. This was my 3rd tour with Explore. This is graded as a "moderate" tour and was certainly a lot slower paced than my previous trip to Georgia & Armenia. Tour leader and driver were both North Macedonian. Tour leader had a great personality ...read more and was very professional and caring especially when 1 person had a fall and broke a bone in their foot on day 12 of the tour. We had great weather, sunny and warm with an enjoyable 3 night stay in Lake Ohrid and visit to Thassos island in northern Greece. Hotels were well located, being walking distance to town centres. Lots of monasteries and churches, especially compared to the number of ancient sites in northern Greece we visited. Booking with Georgie is always seamless, she provides very prompt, professional and friendly service.
Walk the Lake District     0 , VIC, Australia, Sep 2024
As an introduction to the lakes area, Walk the Lake District was amazing! We had the best sunny weather ever which was unheard of for the entire week. The views were spectacular and the group of people we were with were friendly and fun to be with. The accommodation was first class and the food fantastic. Our walks guide was excellent in both gauging ...read more the fitness level of the group and history of the area. Would I recommend this to anyone? Yes, but be fit because to get the views you have to go up! Hannah was great with keeping me on track with paperwork, made it all very easy.
Slovenia lakes and mountains     0 , QLD, Australia, Sep 2024
For me this trip was about getting out in nature. Loved the time spent in Triglav National Park, going for beautiful walks, staying in Bohinj. Fab location. Also Lake Bled. I could easily have spent more time in the mountains and forgone the towns and cities on this itinerary. Clare was a fantastic guide, giving up her two client-free days to take us ...read more on stunning walks etc. I do think the company should retain private driver/bus for the entire day when needed, especially when some public transport e.g. buses are known to be unreliable. Clare was even told by a public bus driver she shouldn’t be putting her people on public buses. Overall, I lived the trip 💚
10 Vietnam Highlights     0 , Victoria, Australia, Apr 2025
Extremely well organised, from booking process, ongoing communications through to the tour itself. Tour guide was first class, small group, good range of included and optional activities allowing for some flexibility. All travel and accommodation of good standard. We weren't sure what to expect as this was our first group tour. We were pleasantly surprised ...read more and will definitely be travelling this way again. Really felt like we got to experience Vietnam for our first trip to that country.
Cambodia: Ancient Ruins & Boat Rides   0 , ON, Canada, Apr 2025
Had a great time in Cambodia, wonderful country! Highly recommend. Having a great group of people made the trip even better!
Perfect Philippines Intro   0 , MO, United States, Apr 2025
I regret only attending this tour for Puerto Princesa and El Nido. This tour really opened my eyes to the adventures and beauty this country has to offer. From planning the group activities to helping a small group of us plan a trip on a free day Albert did amazing. His expertise of the areas was appreciated!
Beautiful Costa Rica   0 , WA, Australia, Mar 2025
Costa Rica what an amazing place to visit, there are sloths, birds, jungle, national parks, beaches,great food what's not to love. G Adventures fantastic tour great locations visited, we had the most passionate, informative, positive Tour Leader we have ever encounted we have done many many trips over the world. We would highly recommend G Adventures ...read more and our wonderful travel advisor Tracey Standing that made this trip happen. Thank you so very much.
Southeast Asia Encompassed     0 , nsw, Australia, Mar 2025
The tour was fantastic, I would 100% recommend it. My group leader, PC, ensured everyone was looked after, and was having a great time.
Mayan Adventure / Mexico, Guatemala & Belize     0 , VIC, Australia, Feb 2025
It was an interesting trip, very different to what I expected. Accommodation left a lot to be desired, especially in the early part of the trip, sometimes no hot water or lukewarm, I would say 1 to 2 star rating. Very disappointed there were no breakfasts included and usually stopped at fast food places on early start days. A lot of time spent on ...read more bus travel. Having to pay for nearly all meals plus all the tipping made it an expensive trip. Highlights would be seeing some of the ruins, snorkeling in the Caribbean, swimming in the Cenotes, plus cooking class with the women's group, but the thing that made the trip was the people in the group, they were the best crew ever.

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