Getting in touch with the natural world is a big part of Discover Corps’ mission, and is incorporated into each and every itinerary; however, some trips go above and beyond to deliver the immersive natural experience that so many of us crave.
Read on to see our top-ranked trips for those wanting to reconnect with Mother Earth in a big way!
#5: Uganda: Gorilla Conservation Adventure
This trip offers a rare, immersive dive into the “Pearl of Africa,” centered on the country’s most iconic primates. The journey’s crown jewel is a trek through the UNESCO-listed Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where travelers spend an hour with endangered mountain gorillas and participate in a unique citizen-science project by collecting data with a local veterinarian.
Beyond the gorillas, the itinerary explores the primate capital of the world in Kibale National Park for chimpanzee tracking and visits Queen Elizabeth National Park to spot elephants, buffalo, and the legendary tree-climbing lions. Staying in premier safari lodges throughout, travelers experience a profound connection to the landscape while actively contributing to the preservation of these majestic species and their habitats.
#4: Baja: Marine Wildlife Adventure
Heya ocean people – this one is for you! Spend every day in the water, getting up close and personal with the wild creatures that call the Sea of Cortez home. Swim alongside enormous juvenile whale sharks one day and snorkel with playful sea lions the next. Spend two peaceful nights camping–in style!–on the uninhabited Isla Espíritu Santo. There’s nothing like waking up to nothing but the sound of ocean waves or falling asleep to a serene island sunset to feel connected to the beautiful nature here.
Travelers also spend time getting more familiar with conservation challenges facing the peninsula. Meet with an organization working to restore the threatened coral reefs and lend a hand with their marine coral gardens.
#3: Costa Rica – All Itineraries
With four unique itineraries in Costa Rica, it’s hard to choose a favorite!
It’s no secret that this country is renowned for its biodiversity, spanning from mist-covered peaks to sun-drenched coastlines. Sloths, sea turtles, tapir and brightly-colored birds can be found in the wild here. Delve into the biologically intense Savegre region to monitor wildlife like the endangered tapir using camera traps, or get hands-on conservation experience protecting nesting leatherback and olive ridley turtles. Explore the ethereal beauty of the Monteverde Cloud Forest’s hanging bridges and the vibrant volcanic energy of Arenal, stopping along the way at the famous Manuel Antonio National Park.
Across all trips, the focus remains on intimate encounters with nature—whether snorkeling in mangrove systems, hiking past towering volcanoes, or participating in reforestation projects—ensuring travelers connect deeply with the “Pura Vida” spirit and the ecosystems that sustain it.
#2: Kenya: Safari & Conservation
You don’t have to be a nature enthusiast to delight in the thrill of an African safari!
This journey offers an unparalleled “behind-the-scenes” look at East Africa’s most legendary wildlife. The adventure begins at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where travelers join researchers to track lions and enjoy a private encounter with the world’s last two northern white rhinos. The itinerary continues in Nairobi with visits to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to meet orphaned baby elephants and a giraffe center dedicated to the endangered Rothschild species.
The experience culminates in the Maasai Mara region, where guests participate in wildlife population counts and monitor big cats alongside local conservationists. Throughout the trip, travelers stay in high-end tented camps, fully immersing themselves in the rhythm of the savannah while contributing directly to the protection of Kenya’s iconic biodiversity.
#1: The Galapagos Islands: Islands of Discovery
Formerly “Family Volunteer Adventure,” this trip is truly for anyone who feels pulled toward nature in its most raw form. These islands off the coast of Ecuador are a microcosm of , with species that don’t exist anywhere else on Earth.
Get ready for intimate encounters with a living laboratory of evolution, where the wildlife has famously no fear of human presence. Travelers explore the volcanic landscapes of Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal islands, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters alongside prehistoric-looking marine iguanas, playful sea lions, and graceful sea turtles. A highlight of the journey is the visit to the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, where guests witness the conservation efforts dedicated to the iconic giant tortoises.
Beyond simple sightseeing, the itinerary emphasizes environmental stewardship through hands-on volunteer work, such as removing invasive species to restore the natural habitat. Whether hiking past blue-footed boobies or observing the unique adaptations of Darwin’s finches, travelers are fully immersed in one of the most pristine and ecologically significant archipelagos on Earth.