Adventure Travel for Queer Women: From Hiking to Surfing
For queer women who crave adrenaline, adventure travel is the perfect way to explore the world while embracing the thrill of the outdoors. Whether it’s hiking through rugged landscapes, surfing powerful waves, or diving into the depths of the ocean, these experiences offer both physical challenges and a deep connection to nature. Best of all, adventure travel can be an incredible way to meet like-minded LGBTQ+ travelers and explore inclusive, queer-friendly destinations.
If you’re looking for your next adventure, here’s your guide to the best outdoor activities, LGBTQ+ friendly tour operators, and top destinations for thrill-seeking queer women.
Why Adventure Travel is Perfect for Queer Women
Adventure travel is about breaking boundaries—both physically and mentally. For queer women, it’s also about finding freedom, connection, and self-empowerment in spaces that celebrate authenticity.
Why It’s Amazing:
Pushes you out of your comfort zone and builds confidence.
Connects you with queer-friendly travel communities.
Provides opportunities to support LGBTQ+ owned or inclusive adventure companies.
Creates lifelong memories through thrilling, one-of-a-kind experiences.
Best Adventure Activities for Queer Women Travelers
1. Hiking and Backpacking
Few experiences compare to trekking through breathtaking landscapes, whether it’s scaling mountain peaks or exploring hidden forest trails.
Top LGBTQ+ Friendly Hiking Destinations:
Torres del Paine, Chile: Experience dramatic mountain scenery and glaciers in Patagonia.
The Dolomites, Italy: Hike through alpine meadows and jagged peaks with charming mountain huts along the way.
Zion National Park, USA: Red rock canyons and hidden waterfalls create a stunning desert adventure.
LGBTQ+ Friendly Tour Operators:
Wild Women Expeditions – Specializes in all-women’s hiking and adventure trips.
Ladies Touch Travel – Offers LGBTQ+ women’s group trips that include hiking and eco-adventures.
Pro Tip: Join LGBTQ+ outdoor groups on social media to find hiking buddies in your area before setting out on bigger treks!
2. Surfing and Paddleboarding
Riding the waves is an exhilarating way to connect with the ocean and challenge yourself. Surfing and paddleboarding also offer a great mix of adventure and relaxation.
Top LGBTQ+ Friendly Surf Spots:
Bali, Indonesia: Uluwatu and Canggu offer perfect waves and a welcoming vibe.
Puerto Escondido, Mexico: A laid-back beach town with queer-friendly hostels and surf schools.
Byron Bay, Australia: A legendary surf town known for its LGBTQ+ inclusive culture.
LGBTQ+ Friendly Surf Camps & Schools:
Surf With Amigas – Women-run surf retreats in Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
Salty Souls Experience – Empowering surf and adventure retreats for women.
Rise Up Surf Retreats – Queer-friendly, sustainable surf camps in Central America.
3. Rock Climbing and Mountaineering
Rock climbing is the perfect combination of mental and physical challenge. Whether bouldering in the desert or scaling alpine peaks, climbing provides an unbeatable sense of accomplishment.
Best LGBTQ+ Friendly Climbing Destinations:
Kalymnos, Greece: A world-class climbing island with gorgeous sea views.
Joshua Tree, USA: Stunning rock formations and a vibrant LGBTQ+ climbing community.
Chamonix, France: A dream spot for mountaineering and glacier climbing.
LGBTQ+ Friendly Climbing Groups:
Queer Climbing Collective – Connects LGBTQ+ climbers worldwide.
Women’s Wilderness – Offers climbing and adventure courses for queer women and non-binary folks.
Pro Tip: Many climbing gyms now offer LGBTQ+ nights—perfect for training before your big outdoor adventure!
4. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Explore the underwater world, where vibrant coral reefs and marine life await. Scuba diving is an exciting way to see the ocean from a whole new perspective.
Top LGBTQ+ Friendly Dive Destinations:
The Great Barrier Reef, Australia: One of the most iconic dive spots in the world.
Koh Tao, Thailand: Affordable, queer-friendly, and home to beautiful reefs.
Belize Barrier Reef: A breathtaking underwater world with a welcoming LGBTQ+ culture.
LGBTQ+ Friendly Dive Operators:
Rainbow Divers, Vietnam – LGBTQ+ owned and operated.
Scuba Sisters, Thailand – Women-run dive retreats in Southeast Asia.
5. Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking
If you love water but prefer fast-paced action, whitewater rafting and kayaking are perfect ways to get your adrenaline fix.
Top LGBTQ+ Friendly Rafting Destinations:
Pacuare River, Costa Rica: Jungle scenery and Class III-IV rapids.
Colorado River, USA: Paddle through the Grand Canyon for the ultimate adventure.
Zambezi River, Zambia: One of the most thrilling whitewater rafting spots in the world.
LGBTQ+ Friendly Adventure Companies:
ROW Adventures – Offers inclusive rafting trips in the U.S. and abroad.
Adventure Women – Women-focused trips that include kayaking and rafting.
Pro Tip: Look for multi-day rafting trips that combine adventure with camping under the stars for an unforgettable experience.
How to Find LGBTQ+ Inclusive Adventure Travel Companies
Many adventure companies are now catering specifically to queer travelers. Here’s how to find them:
Look for Queer-Friendly Certifications – Some tour operators proudly display LGBTQ+ inclusion badges on their websites.
Join LGBTQ+ Adventure Groups – Connect with fellow travelers through Facebook groups like “Lesbians Who Travel” or “Queer Outdoors.”
Read Reviews from LGBTQ+ Travelers – Check testimonials from past guests to gauge inclusivity.
Final Thoughts: Adventure is Out There!
For queer women, adventure travel is more than just an adrenaline rush—it’s about empowerment, connection, and discovering new parts of ourselves through nature. Whether you’re surfing in Costa Rica, climbing in Greece, or diving in Belize, there’s a thrilling experience waiting for you.
Ready to Take the Leap?
Join Ladies Touch Travel’s LGBTQ+ Women’s Group Trips for unforgettable adventure travel experiences in safe, inclusive destinations. Book your next trip today and embrace the wild side of travel!
