Tour Types

Birding & Natural History Cruises

For over two decades VENT has operated cruises to some of the most fascinating regions on earth. Some of our cruises visit areas that are accessible only by ship, such as Antarctica. We carefully select the best destinations and, where possible, we customize the itineraries to enhance the birding and natural history opportunities. Sometimes we operate pre- or post-cruise trips that offer participants additional birding, natural history, or cultural opportunities.

Our cruises are conducted aboard small-ship expedition vessels, some accommodating as few as 20 participants, others up to 150. Zodiac landing craft ensure close and exciting access to wildlife. For some destinations, we may charter an entire ship and fill it with people who are interested in birds and natural history. In other cases we may reserve an allotment on a ship and put together a group to fill that allotment. On a VENT cruise you will benefit from the expertise of the VENT leader, as well as the services of the ship’s naturalist staff. The VENT leader is there to help provide you with a superior birding and natural history experience.

VENT cruises are appropriate for both birders and non-birders. They are, in fact, ideal for non-birding spouses; lectures are offered on an almost daily basis that may include topics such as the historical aspects of the areas visited, botany, geology, and marine mammals.

Birding & Wildlife Tours

Our Birding & Wildlife tours (the “original VENT tour”) are designed for those who seek knowledge of a region through a comprehensive survey of its bird life and other outstanding natural wonders. Our trips are well-suited for people who prefer small group size and full days in the field.

Our experienced guides are the best in the business. They know how to find the birds that you want to see, while enhancing your appreciation of all forms of nature. Whether your next VENT adventure sees you birding on the Alaskan tundra or the Texas coast, enjoying the great mammal herds of the Serengeti, or marveling at the richness of a South American rainforest, our meticulous attention to detail ensures worry-free travel, thrilling wildlife sightings, camaraderie, and fun.

Birds, Nature & Culture Tours

Our Birds, Nature & Culture tours are designed for people who are interested in birds and other aspects of nature, as well as culture and history. A typical tour will spend all or part of a day birding and all or part of another day visiting cultural sites including museums, castles, battlefields, and other sites. Sometimes the three aspects of the tour may be combined because certain cultural sites are also good birding areas. For many people such a combination trip is perfect, especially if they have a non-birding spouse. These tours yield a rich mixture of experiences and are lots of fun. Not even the most driven birder is absolutely single-minded, and many find that birding is even more enjoyable when combined with other interests.

Europe and the Middle East are host to our Birds, Nature & Culture tours. Visiting a dozen countries, we offer tours that focus on Birds & Art, Birds & History, and Birds, History & Culture.

Relaxed & Easy Tours

Relaxed & Easy (R&E)™ tours are similar to traditional VENT Birding & Wildlife tours, but set to a slower pace, with somewhat fewer hours in the field and lighter physical activity. They are ideal for participants who prefer a somewhat later start in the morning, and a shorter afternoon outing. Walking is limited to short walks of not more than a mile, avoiding difficult terrain. R&E™ refers only to the slower pace of a tour, not to a participant’s birding skills or ability. All birders are welcome, regardless of skill level, as they are on traditional VENT tours.

Youth Birding Camps

In addition to the above tour types, VENT also conducts Youth Birding Camps annually for young birders between the ages of 14 and 18. These camps are sponsored by the Black Swamp Bird Observatory.