Who We Are

Founded in 1998 by owner and lead guide, Peg Abbott, we are a top nature and birding tour company. Our guides are naturalists, ornithologists, biologists, entomologists, geologists, photographers, artists, and more. Collectively, we treasure birding, nature, travel, good food, and good company―our inspiration in designing unique travel opportunities. We are committed to conservation, follow responsible travel guidelines, and give generously to the places we visit.

Find out more about our guides.

What We Do and What We Value

We offer nearly 200 birding and wildlife tours worldwide each year, yet we retain the values of a small company with a big heart. We excel in personal service, craft tours with care, and we've been woman-owned and operated since 1998.

Beyond managing every aspect of your travel experience, we are committed to responsible travel and eco-tourism. Where possible, we use the talents and insights of local guides, we select local eco-lodges and foods, we encourage community engagement and we often venture off the beaten track, bringing valuable revenue to remote locations. We work tirelessly to ensure that our trips benefit the communities in which we travel, and we make generous donations to assist local conservation efforts.

Why We're Different

We go beyond our inherent passion for nature and birding. Our carefully crafted birding and wildlife tours are creative, dynamic, and enduring, inspired by the natural world and the humans we share it with. We think of our clients as family and friends, and they return to travel with us again and again.

You won’t find us flying through our bird lists, checking off target birds, and moving on. We relish the art of nature travel, savoring our experience with each creature and landscape, while enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded travelers. And although birds are our specialty, natural history, scenic appreciation, culture, and geology play a strong role in all of our travels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How far ahead should I register for a trip?
A. All trips are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis, based on the date your deposit is received.

Q. How many travelers per journey?
A. Groups are small to minimize our impact and maximize your time with leaders and the social dynamics of the group. A typical group size is 6-12 participants, unless otherwise noted.

Q. What kind of accommodations do you select?
A. We try, whenever possible, to use accommodations that blend with the environment, have a good environmental reputation, and strengthen local communities. Sometimes we have to book the best available close to the site we are visiting. When we’re near airports or in large cities we select a very convenient and comfortable hotel, or if time is spent in the location, an interesting historic hotel.

Q. What about meals, or special diets?
A. Dining out is one of the joys of taking a journey. We make that special effort to find the best places, ones with creative menus and an interesting atmosphere. Of course, attention to food and water safety and quality is of prime concern at all destinations. We also specialize in picnic meals served in the field. We notify providers ahead of time whenever there is a special diet, and give you a clear idea of how much you can expect to have local places meet your needs during any journey. If that is difficult, we help you provide for what you need.

Q. Is it comfortable traveling alone?
A. We feel that it is very comfortable. People are friendly and easy to interact with when sharing common interests. Many people plan their next adventure based on friendships made during a journey! You can reserve a single supplement (additional cost), or you can request a share with a same-sex roommate and Naturalist Journeys will select one if available.

Q. What is the pace of the journey and how fit do I have to be?
A. Unless otherwise noted in the itinerary, the journeys are planned with flexibility in mind as to the pace. We know that some people like to spend every daylight hour in the field and others want a break for relaxation, social time, or exploring on their own. With two leaders, and an intimate knowledge of place, we can make options available on any given day except travel days between locations. Most of our travelers like to walk 2 – 4 miles a day while birding, learning geology, or otherwise pursuing strong interests in natural history. There are options on some days for longer excursions for those that want them. Clear descriptions for all activities are given so you can make informed choices. Our guides have your safety and comfort in mind.

Q. If I still have questions, who can help me?
A. Our Client Services Team is happy to chat or email with any traveler about any questions. We may be helping other customers when you call, but will return your call as soon as possible. Again, we are a small company and proud of our personal service, so please—ASK AWAY! It's your time, and we want you to fully enjoy, and feel confident that you can participate fully in whichever journey you select.