Here are widely recognized “top” adventure-travel companies across different styles (small‑group land adventures, active/adventure tours, expedition cruises, safaris and specialist guiding). Each entry includes what they’re best known for so you can match a company to the kind of trip you want.

• Intrepid Travel — Small‑group, locally led adventure trips worldwide (budget to midrange; strong focus on responsible travel and overland/active itineraries). (intrepidtravel.com)
• G Adventures — Small‑group adventure tours and the National Geographic Journeys collaboration (great for community‑focused itineraries and a wide range of trip styles). (en.wikipedia.org)
• Exodus Adventure Travels — Long‑established active‑adventure operator (hiking, biking, multisport, safaris) with strong sustainability credentials. (exodustravels.com)
• Backroads — Leading active‑travel specialist for premium biking, walking and multisport trips (well known for high service standards and extensive global itineraries). (backroads.com, wsj.com)
• Lindblad Expeditions / National Geographic‑Lindblad — Expedition cruises and science‑led polar/remote voyages (expert naturalists and National Geographic programming). (expeditions.com, investors.expeditions.com)
• AdventureSmith Explorations — Small‑ship and expedition cruise specialists (Antarctica, Alaska, Galápagos and bespoke small‑ship adventures). (adventuresmithexplorations.com, cruiseindustrynews.com)
• Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) — Luxury small‑group and private safaris, private‑jet journeys and high‑end tailor‑made adventures. (abercrombiekent.co.uk, uat.abercrombiekent.com)
• Wilderness Safaris (Wilderness) — Conservation‑focused African safaris and lodges; strong emphasis on conservation and community programs. (en.wikipedia.org)
• RMI Expeditions (Rainier Mountaineering Inc.) — Classic U.S. and international mountaineering and guided technical climbs (Mount Rainier, Seven Summits, guided expeditions). (en.wikipedia.org)
• Adventure Life / Wildland Trekking (examples of reputable U.S.‑based specialists) — Tailor‑made small‑group trips, regional specialists for Alaska, Latin America, and guided trekking in U.S. parks. Note: REI Adventures exited the guided‑travel business in early 2025, so alternatives like these fill many of the same trip types. (en.wikipedia.org, forbes.com)

Quick selection tips

• Want rugged multi‑day trekking, mountaineering or technical climbs? Consider RMI, Mountain Travel Sobek or specialized guiding companies. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Looking for active/fitness trips (cycling, hiking, e‑bike)? Backroads, Exodus and DuVine/DuVine‑style operators are top choices. (backroads.com, exodustravels.com)
• Prefer small‑ship expedition cruising (Antarctica, Arctic, Alaska, Galápagos)? Lindblad (NatGeo‑co‑branded), AdventureSmith, Oceanwide and other expedition specialists. (expeditions.com, adventuresmithexplorations.com, en.wikipedia.org)
• Want luxury safaris and bespoke service? Abercrombie & Kent, &Beyond and similar luxury outfitters. (abercrombiekent.co.uk)

Notes and reminders

• “Best” depends on your trip style (budget vs luxury), group size, activity level and interest in sustainability/local impact—each operator focuses on different experiences. The companies above are repeatedly recommended by travel media and have strong industry reputations. (intrepidtravel.com, en.wikipedia.org)
• If you’d like, I can narrow this to “best for families,” “best budget adventure operators,” “best polar cruises,” or “best cycling/hiking outfitters” and suggest 3–5 top itineraries for the category you pick. (I can also check current availability or recent reviews for specific trips.)

If you want a tailored shortlist (by destination, activity or budget), tell me which and I’ll produce a focused comparison with pros/cons and links to recent reviews and sample itineraries.