green adventure tours

Adventure travel for everyone.

We’ve been guiding group camping tours since 1973. Camp and trek through America’s National Parks on a wilderness adventure with the original adventure travel company. Our unforgettable tours in converted coaches with flexible itineraries attract people of all ages and from all over the world.   Join us in the western USA, Alaska and the Canadian Rockies, or Baja, Mexico!

UPCOMING ADVENTURES

Our 2025 calendar coming soon, view our calendar.

Canyons of the West

Zion National Park Arches National Park  Monument Valley Grand Canyon National Park

6 Days Starts: Las Vegas, NV Ends: Las Vegas, NV

*option to extend adventure to san francisco.

National Parks Loop

7 National Parks Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations California Wyoming Utah Arizona

16 Days Starts: San Francisco, CA Ends: San Francisco, CA

Northern Pioneer

Grand Teton National Park Yellowstone National Park Bryce Canyon National Park Zion National Park Lots of other off-the-beaten-path destinations!

8 Days Starts: San Francisco, CA Ends: Las Vegas, NV

CUSTOM CHARTER ADVENTURES

Let’s plan an adventure together! Rent a Green Tortoise adventure bus and we’ll build a custom itinerary, special meal plan and much more! Check out our charter page !

North America's Best National Parks

We don't just hop out and take photos. Tortoise group camping tours allow enough time in each destination we visit to really experience the indescribable landscapes of America's National Parks, Canada and Mexico.

Amazing food

Eating on our adventures is part of the experience! The whole group helps out to make mealtimes fun and fast. We take pride in serving up the best food you'll ever have on a camping trip.

Unique Converted Interior Coach

Play cards at the tables, curl up with a book, or chat with your fellow adventurers on our custom coaches. Our special interiors make traveling to awesome destinations comfortable and enjoyable!

CALIFORNIA & WEST COAST

Experience all of the fun the West Coast has to offer! Go on a camping trip to Yosemite National Park and take an epic journey along the cliff sides of the Big Sur coastline to Los Angeles. Explore even further to destinations including Joshua Tree National Park, Las Vegas and Zion National Park.

Our ultimate wilderness adventures! Explore Alaska's magnificent countryside. From temperate rainforests to snow-capped mountains and alpine lakes, come see the indescribable glacially carved landscapes for yourself. Visit the well-known destinations and get off the beaten path!

WESTERN USA

Take a camping tour through the sprawling desert landscapes of the American West! Explore brilliantly colored canyons carved by rivers, soak in desert hot springs and take in awe-inspiring vistas. Our Western adventures will get your boots dusty and invigorate your adventurous spirit!

An Interior Fit for Adventures

The bus was amazing! Great for socializing, great for appreciating the views, and great for sleeping in; just a very efficient form of travel. “

Natasha, UK

Continue your company as is! I’ve done a lot of other trips around the world, but Green Tortoise is still my favorite company! The food, the drivers, the itineraries and the bus, of course!  I just love your buses. ”  Tina, Germany

Camp Cookouts with Style

“The food was imaginative, healthy and delicious. Considering I can’t eat dairy, gluten or sugar, I was always considered, which was really nice.”  – Cathy, USA

“It was fabulous. Very fresh with loads of variety & plenty of options for vegetarians and others with special dietary requirements. I’ve used other adventure travel companies before and this was much better.”  – Hannah, Germany

Most Popular Tours

The Rock Challenge Full Day

Half Day you will experience the only spider net bridge in Laos and fly above one of the biggest limestone forest of Asia.

The Rock Challenge Half Day

TreeTop Explorer 3 days

The ultimate jungle adventure among waterfalls and tree houses in an incomparable mountain forest

Highlights Of The Rock

Experience the only spider net bridge in Laos and fly above one of the biggest limestone forest of Asia.

Kuang Si Waterfall Insight

Explore the hidden side of Lao’s most famous waterfall

Destinations

Luang Prabang

Luang Namtha

Pakse and 4000 islands

Sayaboury Elephant Conservation Center

The Rock Viewpoint

Thakek and Khammouane

Last Minute Offers

Watch video, our sustainability projects.

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Green Discovery. Read about our current sustainability projects below.

Green Discovery Sustainability Fund

Sustainable projects throughout Laos

Water Filters

Providing access to clean water in remote villages

rECOlutionizing the way we travel

Revived Eco Bags

shopping bags made from recycled clothes made by disabled people

Providing sustainable income opportunities to remote villages

Refillable bottles

Removing single use plastic from our operation

Latest stories

Read our latest blog post to learn more about our different activities and projects.

Three great places for sunset in Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng is an incredible place and one of the best tourism locations in Laos. One of the reasons for this is the incredible scenery surrounding this

Laos Travel Tips and Hacks

Upon covering some things you should know before arriving in Laos, here are some travel tips and hacks as you journey through Laos!

We will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have.

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The Best Tours in Twin Falls Big Green Adventure Tours

Big Green Adventure Tours operates professionally guided adventure tours through many of the valley’s attractions. They offer four separate group options for guests to enjoy. ‘Take a Tour’ where guests get a guided vehicle tour of Shoshone Falls & City of Twin Falls.  ‘Take a Hike’ where guests join them for a 1.7 mile hike around Dierkes Lake & Shoshone Falls. These tours are typically half day and include water. Custom options are available.

The longer adventure tours include “Lets go to the Moon.” This one is a road trip up to Craters of the Moon National Monument. Lastly, “Fire and Ice,” will take you underground to a cool ice cave. Each trip is fun and unique, these vary in length from 4-8 hours. Bathroom, food, and goody stops will occur periodically through the day.

Now offering custom trips for locals and Wine Tours. The newly added wine tour will take you through many of Southern Idaho’s finest wineries. Grab your friends and go on an adventure tour of Southern Idaho Wines.

Their guides are extremely knowledgeable and pride themselves in excellent customer service. They are environmentally conscious and want to help share the beauty of the Magic Valley. Give them a call today or visit their website for more information.

Trip ITINERARIES

Where to find the best Christmas Lights

Get ready to run the Murtaugh section of the Snake River in May

Winter Trip to Twin Falls & Sun Valley: 6 best things to do

Top 10 Things to Do In Southern Idaho

Fall Kayaking to Blue Heart Springs

Hwy 30 Music Festival Weekend Adventure

Snowshoe or X Country Ski the City of Rocks for Epic Views

March Adventure Itinerary

Hit the Holiday Shopping Jackpot in Old Town Twin Falls

Rupert Christmas Festival

Top 10 Things to Do in Buhl

4th of July Southern Idaho Celebrations

Southern Idaho’s Hidden Gems

Self Care Travel – Weekend Recharge in Southern Idaho (Summer Edition)

Add a Little Luxury to Your Outdoor Weekend at the Willow Glamping Yurt

Blaze the Southern Idaho Coffee Trail – Part II

The Best Winter Bird Watching Locations

Exploring Historic Camas County

Eat Your Way Through Southern Idaho This Harvest Season

Top 10 Must See in Twin Falls

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What an experience - a 3 day trip in the Atacama desert. Big skies, glorious stars, geysers, deserts, valleys and mountains - all in great company and superbly organ...

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We found Say Hueque by accident in an internet search and liked the fact that we could shape our own trip and pick and choose. The booking process with Lujan was ver...

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When we started this great adventure it was just a dream, just ideas of how to create a different company, a tour operator that would show the beauty of Costa Rica and its people… After several conversations, analyzing the pros and cons, finally in November 2008 We decided to start this company, which we started with zero money but tons of passion.

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Green Tortoise Adventure Bus Tours

Get on the bus for big green adventure

Bus tour company Green Tortoise Adventure Travel bills itself as offering "Affordable Adventures With Extraordinary People" and there's truth in that advertising!

Green Tortoise was founded 30 years ago with one bus and "the realization that beautiful places, great food, and sociable people were the only essentials for gratifying travel experiences." Today, they've ferried over 500,000 adventurers around the United States, Mexico, and Central America in modern buses equipped with custom-built booths and couches which convert into comfy beds at night.

Green Tortoise Tours

Green Tortoise trips are not sightseeing tours, but adventure vacations range in length from a weekend Yosemite getaway to up for a 27-day tour of Alaska. Most vacations originate in San Francisco. Head to the Green Tortoise homepage to search for a tour that's right for you — there are dozens to choose from! 

What to Know Before You Go

The main thing to know is that the vast majority of Green Tortoise tours leave from San Francisco, although a few do leave from Mexico or Central America. If you're on the East Coast, you'll need to factor in a few extra travel expenses in order to get to California first. 

Secondly, Green Tortoise tours are casual affairs. Although it's a professionally and tightly-run outfit, be aware that the itineraries are flexible and may change while you're on the road, depending on your driver's judgment. Try not to let it bother you—changing your mind half-way through a trip is one of the joys of travel, and your driver wouldn't choose to go somewhere else if it wasn't worth it.

Additionally, don't expect that you'll have anyone to wait on you while you're on one of these tours. You will be expected to help with the cooking and cleaning while you're on the bus, and if you don't pull your weight, you'll be annoying everyone on board. Brush up on your cooking skills before you leave, because preparing a dish for 20 people can be a daunting prospect if you've not done it before. 

Finally, be sure to check your reservation info and costs carefully—70% of your food, for example, is normally covered but you may have to pay additional food charges or other costs such as National Park entrance fees. Before you book, make sure you have a fair idea of what your trip will cost and whether you'll be able to finance it. And then make sure you bring enough money to last you through the adventure—the last thing you want is to have to skip out on visiting Yosemite because you don't have enough cash to pay to get in.

What to Pack

• A  sleeping bag is a good idea for nights on the bus, as bedding isn't provided on trips.
• It's worth taking both some sandals for hanging out on the bus and some hiking boots for all the exploring you'll be doing.
• Remember to pack a bathing suit if the trip involves beaches or any kind of water activities.
• Layered clothing is always a good idea if you'll be transiting through places with varying weather conditions. Lots of thin layers will keep you warmer and take up less space than one giant coat.
• Pack a flashlight for helping you get around the bus at night. There obviously won't be bright lights on the bus, so this is great for reading while everyone else is asleep. You won't disturb as many people if you use a small flashlight you strap to your forehead.
• Rain gear is essential if there's even the slightest chance of rain on your trip. The last thing you want is to get all soggy and cold when you don't have a decent shower to use at the end of the day. You can get travel-specific ones that fold up to the size of an apple to save space and weight in your luggage.
• Sunscreen is essential, year-round, for preventing cancer and premature aging. Don't travel without it!
• A quick-dry travel towel is great for saving space and weight in your backpack
• Water bottles are a good idea, too, so you won't have to keep buying plastic bottles as you travel around.
• Photo ID and passport will be necessary if you're leaving the U.S.
• A  tent is essential if you choose a Costa Rican trip.

What It Is Like to Take a Group Tour

Group tours are a fantastic way to make friends, and it can be worthwhile to opt for them if you're a solo traveler. The type of people who take group tours are travelers who love to meet people and are open to making new connections. You may head home with a Facebook newsfeed full of new faces. 

Make Contact

If you need any further information about any of Green Tortoise's tours, you can visit their  website for contact information.

Updated by  Lauren Juliff . 

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• 828.749.2800

Unforgettable Adventures with Green River Adventures

Discover the thrill of the wild at Green River Adventures, where exhilarating whitewater awaits at every turn. Whether you’re a seasoned rafter or new to the river, we offer both guided and self-guided adventures that put you in control of your experience. Navigate the rapids of the Lower Green River on a journey that’s entirely yours, with options for a brisk 3-mile dash or an extended 6-mile exploration.

But our adventures don’t stop at whitewater. Test your limits with our Waterfall Rappelling, soar above the trees on a breathtaking Zipline Canopy Tour, embark on scenic waterfall treks, and relax by idyllic swimming holes. For those looking to paddle at their own pace, we rent Stand Up Paddleboards, Kayaks, and all the gear you need for a day on the water.

Join us for an unparalleled adventure where the beauty of nature meets the thrill of exploration.

Local: (828) 749-2800

150 East Main Street Saluda, NC 28773

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May, August, & September Thursday – Monday

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Destinations.

Alaska eco-tours that are active and rewarding. Experience the Kenai Peninsula’s beautiful mountains, rivers, glaciers and incredible wildlife!

Baja Sur, Mexico

Baja Sur, Mexico is your gateway to the Sea of Cortez. Amazing eco-tours including snorkeling with sea lions and giant whale sharks.

Costa Rica’s eco-tours that are all about the rainforest wildlife far from crowds. Specializing in the heart of biodiversity, the Osa Peninsula and surrounding areas.

Vancouver Island Kayaking in Orca Waters, wildlife, and eco tours.

Galapagos, Ecuador

An eco-tour to the Galapagos Islands. Land-based with snorkeling and hiking day trips. See giant land tortoises, sea lions, sharks, and turtles.

Eco-tours in Homosassa and Crystal River introduce you to the Nature Coast and include a life-changing experience snorkeling with wild manatees.

Iceland eco-tours and adventures that make you feel like a Viking! Explore Iceland by glacier trekking, hiking, kayaking, and horseback riding.

Go with the flow in Idaho. This eco-tour on the water include white water rafting the Salmon River, historic settlements, and getting off grid.

Cusco, Machu Picchu eco tours, Inca Trail, wilderness hikes, cultural tours.

Roatan, Honduras

Roatan, Honduras snorkeling, scuba diving Caribbean eco tours.

Tanzania Safari & Eco-tour. Experience the Great Migration, Masaai Tribe, hike Kilimanjaro, and more.

Trinidad & Tobago

Trinidad & Tobago eco-tours. Experience the real Caribbean! Explore rainforests and coral reefs. Meet giant Leatherback sea turtles!

Uganda, Africa

Uganda eco-tour is the ultimate African Safari. See mountain gorillas, elephants, giraffes and other incredible wildlife up close and in the wild.

A Wisconsin Eco-tour is full of fun outdoor activities like hiking historic trails, canoeing and biking. Led by local naturalist, scientists, and artists.

Home to Yellowstone National Park. Join us in any season to experience the Serengeti of the USA. See bison, elk, big horn sheep, bears, eagle, and more.

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Join a road trip along the fjords coastline or a more active snowshoe hike. 

Discover the Fjords of Kvaløya   (all year round)  takes you to fishing villages and wild nature areas on Kvaløya Island and further to an open sea view. Our guides share their local knowledge and stop in several places to show you around and take pictures.

Guided Snowshoeing   (from 1 January to 30 April) takes you to a mountainous area on Kvaløya Island where you hike a small top with a great view and get hot chocolate as a reward. The hiking lasts 3 hours and you don't need any previous experience. If you can walk in a hilly terrain for 3 hours then you can manage this hike!

Midnight Sun Coast Landscapes and Campfire  (from 20 May to 30 July) is an evening scenic drive along the coast, with a chance to see the Sun even at midnight. By midnight we set a campfire on a beach, with "pølse med brød" (Norwegian hot dogs). We bring you back to your hotel at about 2am.

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