Encounters Travel is offering 130+ trips and tours with a total of 5+ customer reviews. Tour durations range from 2 to 25 days and offering discounts up to 25%.
Embark on an extraordinary adventure with our Tonga tour, offering you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of humpback whales. As these majestic creatures grace the shores of Tonga to breed, give birth, and engage in social gatherings, you'll have the privilege of swimming alongside them in the crystalline waters that surround these idyllic islands. This unparalleled experience promises not only exhilarating encounters with marine giants but also the chance to witness their awe-inspiring behaviors up close.
Your journey includes 3 days of exhilarating whale swimming safaris, each offering a unique glimpse into the lives of these magnificent creatures. Guided by seasoned experts, you'll navigate the pristine oceanic depths, where every moment holds the potential for an unforgettable encounter with these gentle giants. From witnessing their graceful movements to hearing the haunting melodies of their songs echoing through the water, every aspect of this experience is sure to leave an indelible mark on your soul.
Amidst the excitement of your adventures, ample time is set aside for relaxation and rejuvenation on some of the world's most pristine beaches. Whether you're basking in the sun's warm embrace or exploring the vibrant underwater world through snorkeling, these moments of tranquility provide the perfect balance to your action-packed itinerary. We include 2 free days at your Ha'apai Resort where stand-up paddleboards and kayaks are available for your use. We also include a 2 hour off-grid tour where you will learn about the ways in which the resort has embraced sustainability, with detailed explanations of their solar setup, composting techniques and a visit to the hydroponic fruit and vegetable gardens.
The timing of our Tonga tours coincides with the whales' annual migration season, which spans from July to October. To accommodate varying schedules and preferences, we offer several group departures during this period. However, for those seeking a more personalized experience, we're delighted to arrange private and tailor-made tours upon request. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply prefer a more intimate setting, our team is dedicated to crafting an unforgettable journey that exceeds your expectations.
With its breathtaking natural beauty and unparalleled wildlife encounters, Tonga beckons adventurers from around the globe to discover its wonders. Join us on this extraordinary expedition, where every moment promises discovery, wonder, and the chance to forge lifelong memories amidst the splendor of the South Pacific.
Whale watchingMarine wildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This 12-day South Korea adventure introduces you to the vast array of what the country has to offer such as its rich history, culture, cuisine, and natural beauty - from bustling, neon-lit metropolises to rolling countryside hills, long sandy beaches to temples in the mountains, and even a visit to the historic Demilitarized Zone.
Accommodation is in a mix of simple, friendly hostels, bath houses and and overnight temple stay. This is an active, adventurous tour aimed at younger travellers (max age 55).
Our Maldives Uncovered tour gives you the chance to see the real Maldives and to discover the culture, beautiful scenery, friendly local people and atmosphere of this tropical paradise while staying in comfortable locally owned guesthouses. The itinerary starts with a tour of the modern capital of Male, before visiting both Guraidhoo and Maafushi local islands. Activities include beach barbeques, cultural shows, snorkelling trips, meals taken with local families, the chance to taste traditional Maldivian snacks and much, much more! Scuba-diving options are available and we also offer the option to extend your tour in the Maldives with an add on extension to one of the many amazing island resorts for some more luxurious relaxation
BeachChill out
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This Maldivian island-hopping itinerary offers an immersive journey through the local culture and breathtaking marine environment. Kicking off in Hulhumale, you'll quickly settle into island life with easy access to beaches, local cafes, and watersports, with an optional eco-walking tour of Vilimale for early arrivals. The adventure truly begins with a speedboat transfer to Mathiveri, where guided snorkelling introduces you to vibrant house reefs and the impactful work of the Manta Trust. You'll have ample opportunity for further underwater exploration, seeking out diverse fish, turtles, sharks, and even manta rays, all while adhering to responsible snorkelling practices. An afternoon on the stunning, uninhabited Mathiveri Finolhu offers a chance to relax on pristine sands, and evening discussions highlight crucial marine conservation efforts by organisations like Save the Beach.
The journey continues with a transfer to Ukulhas, an island celebrated for its pioneering environmental practices and friendly community. Here, you'll delve into the tradition of Maldivian fishing and engage with locals. A visit to the Olive Ridley Project provides insight into turtle conservation, encouraging you to contribute to their studies by capturing underwater images. Guided house reef snorkelling in Ukulhas promises further turtle encounters. A dedicated free day on Ukulhas allows for a range of activities, from diving and watersports to relaxed sandbank excursions. A highlight for many will be the optional whale shark day trip to South Ari Atoll, offering the chance to snorkel alongside these magnificent creatures, alongside options for serene sunset kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.
Finally, the itinerary takes you to Rasdhoo, where the underwater adventures continue with exhilarating snorkelling among large schools of reef fish and the renowned black and white-tip reef sharks. Evenings in Rasdhoo are magical, featuring sunset dolphin searches where you can observe these graceful creatures in their natural habitat, learning about their social dynamics and ecological role. The final full day in the Maldives offers a poignant underwater experience at two carefully selected snorkelling sites, aimed at fostering a deep appreciation for the marine environment. The trip concludes with an opportunity to give back through a beach clean-up, followed by a refreshing coconut and an ocean swim. Your Maldivian adventure concludes with an early morning speedboat return to Male and transfer to the airport, with options for late departures to maximise your time
Beach
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
The Maldives is rightly known as a tropical paradise and attracts sun worshippers and luxury resort lovers from around the world. However, the Maldives is also fast becoming a great destination for thrill-seeking adventure and water based activities. These include incredible snorkelling and scuba diving, great surfing and windsurfing, sea kayaking safaris and much, much more.
Our Maldives Active Adventure tour takes you by sea plane from the cosmopolitan capital of Male to the local island of Gan and the surrounding atolls and islands in search of water bound adventures. Lammu atoll was also used as the location for the planet Scarif in the recent Star Wars Rogue One film. Activities included are snorkelling and scuba diving, whether that be an introductory dive or certified dive; a kayaking safari stopping at picturesque sandbars and deserted islands; exploring the local island by jeep and bicycle for a up close look at the local culture; and a try at stand up paddle boarding. There's also plenty of free time to add in more of the activities that you enjoy the most, as well as picnics and beach barbecues.
Private tour option
If our scheduled departure dates don’t work for you, or you would prefer not to travel with a group, then we can also run this tour privately for you. Please contact us for more information and prices.
BeachChill out
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
A 9-day tour exploring both the historical sites and beautiful beaches of Egypt. Visiting all of the main historical sites in Cairo, including the world renowned Egyptian Museum, Great Pyramid and the Giza Plateau, you will then travel south to Luxor with a free day to explore Luxor Temple and the local markets before we then experience the incredible temples and world famous tombs of the Valley of the Kings and the enormous temple complex at Karnak. We then head to the sandy beaches of Hurghada on the Red Sea for a few days where you can enjoy scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing and quad biking, sample the delicious local seafood and take a ride on a camel. It is your choice whether to then depart from Hurghada or travel back to Cairo for a final walking tour through the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar.
BeachLocal culture
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This 10-day Greece tour balances some of Greece's most impressive and fascinating ancient sites around Athens, Olympia and Delphi with the spectacular monasteries at Meteora and one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful and interesting islands, Santorini.
We start with a tour of Athens itself, taking in the ancient sites of the Acropolis and some of modern Athens below as well. Next we head west towards Mycenea with several stops and some scenic coastal scenery along the way. Our guide will provide explanations about Greek history and mythology, relating them to the places you're visiting. Its an amazing feeling seeing the actual places where heroes and heroines from mythology played out their stories. Our next stop is the lovely Mediterranean village of Nafplion which nestles at the foot of a cliff overlooked by the ramparts of the Palamidi Fortress. Next we head to Olympia, birthplace of the Olympics and more ancient sites, before we tour the temples and ruins at Delphi on the way. Our final major stop in mainland Greece is then to see the amazing cliiftop monasteries and breathtaking scenery of Meteora, before we head back to Athens.
We take to the ferry next and sail into the Aegean Sea to the volcanic island of Santorini. The island was created in its present form by a huge volcanic eruption over 3,500 years ago that created a large crater which is now filled by the sea forming a huge bay surrounded by steep cliffs and coloured lava pebble beaches. The island is full of small villages with narrow winding alleys and whitewashed buildings that are fascinating to hike through. There are also hot springs, wineries and the remaining active volcano itself to discover. We have a couple of days here to relax and explore the island before returning to Athens to finish our tour.
This is a group tour that runs throughout the year, staying in comfortable hotels at around the 4-star level. We can also arrange the tour privately if you would prefer not to join a group.
Embark on a captivating 12-day journey through Egypt, where ancient wonders meet coastal relaxation. This tour offers a comprehensive itinerary that combines the iconic historical sites of Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor with the bohemian charm of Dahab on the Red Sea. The adventure begins in Cairo, where you will stand in awe before the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx of Giza and delve into the treasures of the Egyptian Museum. A comfortable overnight sleeper train then takes you south to Aswan, the gateway to ancient Nubian culture. Here, you will visit the beautiful Philae Temple and spend a night in a traditional Nubian village, immersing yourself in the local way of life.
The tour's exploration of Upper Egypt continues with a truly authentic experience: a sailing trip down the majestic River Nile on a traditional felucca. As you are expertly navigated by a Nubian crew, you will witness the serene beauty of the river and enjoy the simple pleasure of sleeping on deck under the stars. The journey then leads to the legendary city of Luxor, often called the world's greatest open-air museum. You will explore the Valley of the Kings, the magnificent Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the colossal Karnak Temple complex, all brought to life by the knowledge of an expert Egyptologist guide.
The final phase of the tour transitions from historical discovery to seaside relaxation. Travelling through the stunning Sinai region, you will arrive at the coastal town of Dahab. This friendly, laid-back resort offers two full days of free time to relax on its golden beaches, snorkel or dive in the famous Red Sea, or explore the protected natural areas. Optional excursions, such as visiting the Coloured Canyon or Mount Sinai, are also available. The trip concludes with a return to Cairo before your departure, leaving you with memories of Egypt's unparalleled history and its beautiful, sun-drenched coast
BeachArt and architecture
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
The tiny island of Fulidhoo is located in the heart of the Maldives, just 50km from the capital of Malé, famous for its crystal-clear lagoon on the east and a breath-taking reef on the west of the island.
This Maldives tour includes one night in Male before the tour officially kicks off.
Enjoy a scheduled boat trip direct to Fulidhoo island while trying to spot dolphins. While on the island, you have the opportunity to head out on several guided snorkelling trips to different reefs and a shipwreck, looking out for nurse sharks, colourful corals and a host of different fish species.
The Maldives tour also includes a guided tour of the island, a taste of the traditional Maldivian Hedika snacks and a stop on a deserted sandbar.
A wide range of scuba-diving options are also available on the island – you will need to book this locally.
The Maldives offers some of the world's best diving spots – different dives offering great views of manta rays, reef sharks and sailfish, huge schools of tuna and barracuda, beautifully colourful corals, turtles, and the famous resident nurse sharks.
This tour is available for booking privately at any time of the year. Contact us for more information
The islands of Santorini & Mykonos are bucket list destinations for travellers all over the globe and for good reason - it's some of the Meditteraneans most beautiful and interesting islands.
Our 7-day Greece tour is the perfect introduction to Santorini & Mykonos, but we’ll also explore popular attractions such as the Acropolis, the Parthenon and more.
We’ll spend two nights in Santorini, exploring the small villages on the island, the wineries, hot springs and you can even enjoy an optional boat trip.
We’ll spend another two nights in Mykonos, one of Europe’s most stylish and fashionable destinations
As this is a private tour, the itinerary can be fully customised to your own requirements with different levels and styles of hotel accommodation, more or less time on each island, or more time on the mainland at the end of the trip.
Embark on an unparalleled journey through the Maldives, where ultimate island hopping, marine conservation, and snorkelling adventures await. This meticulously crafted cruise itinerary is ideal for couples, solo travellers, and families who share a deep appreciation for the ocean and responsible travel. Discover the unique charm and natural splendour of the local islands of Dhangethi, Dhigurah, and Gulhi, both above and below the captivating surface.
Dive into the crystal-clear waters to snorkel alongside majestic whale sharks, gaining incredible insights from a Maldives Whale Shark Research Project (MWSRP) coordinator who will be on board. You'll have the invaluable opportunity to assist in data collection, help identify individual sharks, and even take underwater measurements. Engage with the local NGO Save the Beach, visit a vital coral nursery, and learn first-hand about local initiatives to regenerate coral reefs and how you can contribute to these crucial efforts.
With your expert local tour leader, delve into the ecological importance of seagrass in sea turtle conservation. You'll also enjoy an invigorating tropical forest walk, explore pristine deserted sandbank islands, participate in rewarding beach cleans, witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, and, of course, completely unwind as you sail away your worries on the charming MV Felicity gulet.
Your knowledgeable tour leader will also immerse you in all things Maldivian, from guided tours of local islands and villages to sampling delicious afternoon tea snacks known as 'hedhikaa', and experiencing an authentic Maldivian theme night featuring a traditional 'Bodu Beru' musical drumming and dance performance.
Our primary goal is to maximise your chances of incredible marine life encounters. To ensure this, we will adapt the itinerary flexibly, taking into account prevailing conditions, weather forecasts, and the presence of marine life.
This cruise operates with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 passengers, with limited departures throughout the year. Early booking is recommended
Sailing, yachting and motor boating
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This adventurous eight-day tour begins and ends in Athens - covering some of Greece's most picturesque sights.
The Greece tour starts with a comprehensive guided tour of Athens featuring historical landmarks and monuments such as the Acropolis and its Parthenon - a former temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their patron - and many more.
Next, we head to the volcanic island of Milos, with its glistening waters and pristine beaches. From Milos, we make our way to the island of Santorini - renowned for its rows of whitewashed houses and blue-capped churches built into the cliffside.
A perfect mix of wildlife and relaxation, this tour combines the amazing wildlife of the Serengeti National Park with the relaxing tropical paradise that is Zanzibar Island, and offers a great introduction to Tanzania. This is an overland tour, travelling in a fully equipped comfortable expedition truck, combined with 4x4 safari vehicles and a minibus on Zanzibar.
Arriving in Nairobi we head south across the border to Arusha, gateway to the wildlife heart of Tanzania. From here we head into the Serengeti National Park, making stops at the Ngorongoro crater, home to an unrivalled density of wildlife, and then the Seronera region of the park.
After our wildlife experience we head towards Zanzibar and the coast. We spend the last three days of our tour relaxing on the tropical paradise that is Zanzibar Island. There is plenty to do including the historic World Heritage Site of Stone Town, bustling markets, spice tours, swimming, snorkelling or just a bit of sunbathing. The trip comes to an end in Stone Town, Zanzibar.
The tour is available either based mainly on camping in traditional 2-person tents (which we provide together with camp beds), or as an upgraded 'accommodated' version where you sleep in lodges, hotels, or permanent camps (with proper beds & facilities). Details of each night's stay are given in the Facilities section of the daily itinerary. Pricing shown is based on camping - please contact us for prices to upgrade to the accommodated level.
2026 Update: Please note that for 2026 we will be replacing 1 night in Arusha with a night in Moshi.
National parksBeachWildlife
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House, Camping, Tent
Age Range
8-85 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Nairobi, Dar Es Salaam, Arusha
Nairobi, Dar Es Salaam, Arusha, Karatu, Ngorongoro Crater, Bagamayo, Zanzibar, Stone Town
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