MISSION STATEMENT
Naturalist Journeys seeks to share knowledge and provide quality experiences that engender a deep and generous respect for nature, inspire action to preserve it, and honor quality of life and habitat for all living things.
Naturalist Journeys is a top birding and nature tour company that puts people, places and remarkable experiences together. 
Our journeys focus on nature -- specifically birding, natural history, geology and geography. Beyond that focus both our birding and nature tours, walking and hiking tours have a life of their own: creative, dynamic, and enduring. They have meant a great deal to many travelers and this is our inspiration.
Naturalist Journeys is owned and managed by Peg Abbott, who guides many of the birding and nature tours, as well as several of the company’s line of walking and hiking tours. Abbott created Naturalist Journeys to continue the work that she has enjoyed for over 30 years; 15 years with the National Audubon Society, and later with a variety of conservation organizations and small travel companies.
Naturalist Journeys’ expert guides, Peg Abbott’s co-leaders, are trusted friends and gifted naturalists. They help design itineraries for this top birding and nature tour company with the benefit of local communities and the conservation of natural ecosystems in mind. Wherever possible, Naturalist Journeys employs local people, uses environmentally sound lodgings, and visits places not on the standard tour path. Groups are small, typically 6-12, and many are repeat travelers. People comment on the flexible and caring style of Naturalist Journeys. This characteristic comes easily because so many of the clients traveling with us are also flexible and fascinated by travel and learning.
Peg Abbott says, “I started in the birding and nature tour realm as a bit of a vagabond, working in remote places: from seabird islands to wildlife refuges and western ranches. Through travel I developed the eye of an old-time naturalist. Later, I pursued a bachelor's degree in biology and then a master's degree in forestry and wildlife to give structure to field-gained knowledge. I've worked in wild places from Alaska to Argentina, and every mile I've tread has offered its lessons. I value the years of experience as I take groups into new and exciting places.”
The keystone of this company is to offer highly organized birding and nature tours and walking and hiking tours as ecotourism experiences that preserve the element of the spontaneous so rare in group travel today. At every level of the company, it is adventure travel itself that is mentor, teacher, a way of life and a profession. The respect of responsible and sustainable travel is well expressed in the pace and style of a Naturalist Journeys tours.
Q.
How far ahead should I register?
A. All trips are filled on a first come,
first serve basis, based on the date your deposit is received
in the mail. You can also email or fax a registration, and
that space will be saved for 10 working days from its receipt
with registration confirmation pending receipt of your deposit.
Q.
How many travelers per journey?
A. Groups are small to minimize our impact and
to maximize your time with leaders and the social dynamics
of the group. A typical 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
that strengthen local communities. Sometimes we have
to book the best available close to the natural history site
we are visiting. When 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 interesting atmosphere.
Of course, 
attention to food 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 3-6 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. Peg Abbott is happy to personally visit
with any traveler about any questions. She may be guiding
another journey when you call, but will return your call as
soon as she returns. Someone in Client Services may
be able to help in the interim. Again, we are a small
company proud of our personal service, so please - ASK AWAY!
It's your time, and we want you to fully enjoy, and feel confidant
that you can participate fully in, whatever journey you select.
We Endorse:
American Birding Association Birding Ethics
Naturalist Journeys LLC, a top birding and nature tour company, offers specialty small group travel to many of the best nature destinations worldwide. Naturalist Journeys’ expert guides have decades of experience leading guided nature and birding tours as well as travel photography tours, all with a focus on responsible travel and eco-tourism. Naturalist Journeys also offer Utah hiking adventure tours and adventure travel in national parks and wildlife reserves ranging from in-depth Alaska wildlife tours to guided Texas and Florida birding tours. Costa Rica nature and birding tours are among our top-rated as are our Panama nature tours and African wildlife safari tours. Our many repeat clients enjoy dependable and diverse holidays on Galapagos nature tours, Arctic and Antarctica nature cruises, and birding and wildlife tours from Arizona to the Amazon and beyond.
