What G Adventures is and who runs it
G Adventures is a tour operator based in Toronto, Canada, that organizes group trips to destinations across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East. The company has been operating since 1990 and is owned by the larger travel company Intrepid Travel Group (which also owns Intrepid Travel and other tour brands). G Adventures runs trips with group sizes that typically range from 8 to 16 people, though some tours are larger.
The company markets itself toward independent travelers and younger adults, though people of all ages book with them. Tours are led by local guides in each destination, and G Adventures employs a central booking and customer service team. You book directly through their website or by phone, and the company handles logistics like accommodation, transportation between destinations, and some meals.
Key Takeaways
- G Adventures organizes small-group tours to over 100 countries, with trips ranging from 5 to 30+ days and prices varying widely by destination and season.
- You pay a deposit to book (usually 10 to 25 percent of the tour cost) and the remainder before your departure date, which varies by how far in advance you book.
- Tours include accommodation and most meals, but you pay separately for flights to and from the starting city, visas, travel insurance, and personal spending money.
- G Adventures has a cancellation policy that allows refunds or date changes within certain timeframes, but the refund amount depends on how close you are to your departure date.
- The company donates a portion of tour revenue to the G Adventures Foundation, which funds community projects in destinations where tours operate.
How tour pricing works and what is included
G Adventures prices tours per person and lists the cost on their website for each specific departure date. Prices vary significantly based on the destination, season, tour length, and how far in advance you book. A 10-day tour in Central America might cost between $1,500 and $2,500 per person, while a longer or more remote tour in Africa or Asia could be $3,000 to $5,000 or more. The company often runs sales and discounts for early bookings.
The tour price includes accommodation (usually in small hotels, guesthouses, or hostels), most meals (breakfast is almost always included; lunch and dinner vary by tour), transportation between destinations, and activities listed in the itinerary. It does not include your international flights to and from the tour's starting city, travel insurance, visa fees, tips for guides and drivers, or money for personal spending, drinks, or meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
When you book, you pay a deposit (the amount varies but is typically 10 to 25 percent of the total tour cost). The remainder is due before your departure date. G Adventures will send you payment reminders as your trip approaches. If you book far in advance, your final payment important date might be 60 to 90 days before departure. If you book closer to the date, final payment may be due within two to four weeks.
The booking process and what happens after you reserve
To book a tour, you visit the G Adventures website, select a destination and tour length, choose a departure date, and add it to your cart. You create an account, enter your personal details, and pay your deposit. G Adventures will send you a confirmation email with your booking reference number, tour itinerary, and information about what to bring and prepare.
After you book, you will receive emails from G Adventures with pre-trip information, including details about your accommodation, the names and contact information for your tour leader and local guides, and logistics like where to meet on your first day. You can contact G Adventures customer service with questions about your specific tour. The company also has an online portal where you can view your booking, make payments, and access documents.
About one to two weeks before your departure, you will receive final details about your tour group and your tour leader's contact information. Some tours have a pre-trip meeting or call with your guide to answer questions. On your arrival in the tour's starting city, you will meet your group and tour leader at a designated hotel or meeting point.
Cancellation and changes to your booking
G Adventures allows you to cancel your tour or change your departure date, but the refund you receive depends on when you cancel relative to your departure date. If you cancel more than 60 days before departure, you typically receive a refund of your deposit minus a cancellation fee (often $100 to $200). If you cancel between 30 and 60 days before departure, you may lose 25 to 50 percent of the total tour cost. If you cancel fewer than 30 days before departure, refunds are usually not available, though you may be able to transfer your booking to a different tour date or person.
The exact cancellation terms depend on the specific tour and are listed on the tour's details page before you book. Travel insurance can cover cancellation costs if you cancel for a covered reason (such as illness or a family emergency), so many travelers purchase insurance when they book. G Adventures does not include travel insurance in the tour price, but the company can point you toward insurance providers.
What to expect during your tour
Your tour leader is responsible for managing the group, leading activities, and handling logistics. Local guides in each destination provide cultural and historical information and lead specific activities like hikes or city tours. The pace of a G Adventures tour is generally moderate — you will have some free time to explore on your own, but most days include planned activities and group meals.
Accommodation is usually shared (you may have a roommate assigned by the company, though you can request a private room for an additional fee). Meals are eaten as a group in most cases, though some tours include free time for lunch or dinner. Transportation between destinations is by bus, van, or other ground transport; flights are not included in the tour price unless specifically stated.
The group size means you will spend significant time with the same people. G Adventures encourages group bonding and many travelers form friendships during tours. If you prefer more independence or privacy, you should know that G Adventures tours are structured group experiences, not self-guided trips.
Travel insurance and what G Adventures does not cover
G Adventures does not include travel insurance in the tour price. The company recommends purchasing insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, evacuation, and lost luggage. You can buy insurance from any provider; it does not have to be through G Adventures. Some credit cards and travel rewards programs include travel insurance, so check your existing coverage before buying a separate policy.
G Adventures is not responsible for costs related to visa delays, missed flights, or changes to your travel plans outside the tour itself. If you arrive late and miss the start of your tour, the company will not refund the missed days. If a tour is cancelled by G Adventures (for example, due to a natural disaster or political unrest), the company will offer a full refund or the option to reschedule to a different date.
How G Adventures' community commitment works
G Adventures operates the G Adventures Foundation, which funds community projects in destinations where the company runs tours. The foundation supports education, conservation, and economic development initiatives. A portion of every tour booking goes to the foundation, though the exact percentage is not listed on individual tour pages. You can view the foundation's work on the G Adventures website if you want to know more about where your money goes.
The company also emphasizes responsible tourism practices, such as using local guides and accommodations and encouraging travelers to respect local cultures. This is part of G Adventures' marketing, but it is worth noting if community impact is important to you in choosing a tour operator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book flights through G Adventures?
No. You book your own international flights to and from the tour's starting city. G Adventures will tell you the arrival and departure dates and times, and you arrange flights that match those dates. The company can provide flight recommendations, but you are not required to use them.
What if I get sick during the tour?
Your tour leader can help you find medical care and contact your travel insurance provider. G Adventures does not cover medical costs; that is why travel insurance is important. If you need to leave the tour due to illness, you will not receive a refund for the remaining days, but your insurance may cover the cost of your early departure.
Can I request a private room instead of sharing?
Yes, most G Adventures tours offer the option to upgrade to a private room for an additional fee. The cost varies by tour and destination. You can request this when you book or contact customer service to add it to an existing booking.
What happens if the tour is cancelled?
If G Adventures cancels a tour, you can receive a full refund or reschedule to a different departure date. The company cancels tours only in rare circumstances, such as natural disasters or severe political unrest. You will be notified as soon as possible if this happens.
How do I contact G Adventures if I have questions before my trip?
You can reach G Adventures customer service through their website, by phone, or by email. Your booking confirmation includes contact information. The company also has a customer portal where you can message your tour leader once you are assigned to a specific tour.