Geology holidays, tours, geological vacations, residential courses, workshops and short breaks. Holidays for geologists and anyone with an interest in geology and the rocks that form the Earth; including volcano tours, dinosaur digs, fossil hunting, palaeontology and related trips; in the UK, abroad in Europe and Worldwide.
Vanuatu has several regularly active volcanoes including Yasur (a.k.a. the 'Lighthouse of the Pacific') in the South. Yasur has erupted several times an hour for hundreds of years! This trip goes close to the active crater of the volcano, where the lava can be seen, including spectacular eruptions with glowing lava shooting out up to 350 m.
Short, 3-day trips to Yasur are available as well as longer tours to some of the other volcanoes in the area. This tour is classed as 'easy' and no special hiking or climbing skills are needed. Tours are led by experienced volcanologist and scientist John Seach.
Photo shows the ash column from the eruption of the Gaua Volcano, in the Vanuatu Archipelago in April 2010 [credit].
Volcano inspiration? A stunning video of the eruption of Mt Etna Volcano (Dec 2006).
UNUSUAL GEOLOGICAL HOLIDAY IDEAS
ENGLAND: Lyme Regis Fossil Festival An annual weekend festival of everything you can possibly think of to do with fossils, including a fossil fair, geologigical presentations, exhibitions, talks, demonstrations, fossil hunting walks, hands-on art and science, and outdoor activities. All taking place on the Jurassic Coast in Lyme Regis, 'The Fossil Town' and former home of Mary Anning, known as the first fossil hunter and the 'Princess of Palaeontology'.
SCOTLAND: Gold panning course Get your wellies on and start a gold rush! The Museum of Lead Mining Wanlockhead, in Lanarkshire is offering courses that include two days of panning tuition and instruction on all areas of gold prospecting with a former world champion panner. At the end of the course participants will be given a sample of natural gold, their own gold pan, an introductory prospecting book and a certificate of competence!
USA: Oil field tour in North Dakota A 2-day tour in the oilfields of North Dakota, starting with an informational workshop covering energy development and current oil drilling and extraction activities in the area, followed by a bus tour in the Williston Basin to see and feel the activity. Full details ...
Once you know where to look, how to look and how to do this safely then fossil hunting is an activity than you can easily do as a DIY holiday, you can get the kids involved too making it a great family activity.
Fossils can be found throughout the UK, but there are some areas that are particularly rich sources, like the Jurassic Coast of Dorset, the Isle of Wight (good for dinosaur remains) or the South East Coast – this site has an excellent interactive map showing fossil locations across the UK.
For the 'how to look' we'd reccommed going on a guided fossil hunt, trip or walk; these usually last a few hours in which you'll get an introudction to the activity, learn about the geology of the area and how to find the fossils. A few such courses are in: Charmouth and the Dorset Jurassic Coast, Southeast England and Whitby in North Yorkshire.
Cracking open an ammonite nodule with palaeontologist Byron Blessed, in a fossil hunting trip in Whitby, North Yorkshire.
Safety is important because fossil hunting does have its dangers (rock falls, flying stone shards, incomming tides etc), so be safe and follow the Geological Fieldwork Code. Then all you'll need is somehere to stay and you have your own DIY fossil hunting trip!
Small group explorations featuring the natural, cultural and geological wonders of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Enjoy huge gatherings of whales, dolphins, puffins, moose and other wildlife; and explore UNESCO sites: Gros Morne and our Norse settlement. Enjoy fresh seafood and open spaces. Research expeditions feature orcas and humpback whales.
| whale/dolphin watching | bird watching | ethical/ecotourism | geological | small group motor tours | Canada |
A 48-room volcano spotters hotel sited high on a ridge just 2.7km from Costa Rica's most spectacular active volcano, Arenal. The lodge provides stunning views of the volcano and Arenal lake in their lush tropical setting.
The Geological Society has a searchable calendar of events organised by themselves and others, such as weekend events, fossil festivals, guided walks, short courses, field trips, workshops and conferences all related to the subject.
Short residential geology breaks in Snowdonia, covering the geological history of Northern Snowdonia; learning in-the-field about major landforms, mountain-building, rock types, an intro to plate tectonics, glaciation, volcanoes and the human influence on landscapes.
Geoscience field trips from the Geological Society of America, open to non-members (members get a discount). Offering trips and expeditions, with expert geologist guides, to some of the most spectacular geological locations on earth. Ranging from weekends to 2-week, or longer, trips.
For rafting, biking, kayaking, whale watching... Whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon or scenic Colorado, Green, Yampa, Salmon and Snake rivers. Invigorating Utah mountain biking and ranch vacations. Sea kayaking and whale watching adventures in Baja, Mexico. Women's retreats, family discounts, kayak school and naturalist trips. Charter trips available.
| mountain biking | canoeing/kayaking | white water rafting | whale/dolphin watching | walking/trekking/hiking | sea canoeing/sea kayaking | geological | yoga | women only | family/child friendly | USA |
Geology tours in Iceland's dramatic, predominently volcanic, landscape. Iceland Naturalist arranges tours for geologists wanting to study the rocks in detail and also more general trips for anyone wanting to understand more about the creation of the landscape.
Guided 4 or 8-day tours discovering fossils and minerals in Southern Morocco. Search for trilobites and ammonites in Alnif, renowned fossil destination; visit Erfoud, the city of fossilised marble; and see pre-historic rock drawings ...
A not-for-profit organisation offering working holiday trips to anyone with an interest in dinosaurs, where they can join a field expedition and work as a member of the research team, participating in the preservation and collection of dinosaur fossils.
Guided tours and 7-day study breaks looking at the diverse geology and landscape of Shetland and visiting some of the best geological locations that can be found anywhere in Europe. No previous knowledge or qualifications are necessary and tours are open to all.
Guided volcano adventure travel and tours to experience these exciting and amazing natural events, volcanoes in destinations in Asia, the South Pacific and South America with volcanologist John Seach.
Vanuatu has several regularly active volcanoes including Yasur (a.k.a. the 'Lighthouse of the Pacific') in the South. Yasur has erupted several times an hour for hundreds of years!
An annual weekend festival of everything you can possibly think of to do with fossils, including a fossil fair, geologigical presentations, exhibitions, talks, demonstrations, fossil hunting walks, hands-on art and science, and outdoor activities. All taking place on the Jurassic Coast in Lyme Regis, 'The Fossil Town' and former home of Mary Anning, known as the first fossil hunter and the 'Princess of Palaeontology'.
Get your wellies on and start a gold rush! The Museum of Lead Mining Wanlockhead, in Lanarkshire is offering courses that include two days of panning tuition and instruction on all areas of gold prospecting with a former world champion panner. At the end of the course participants will be given a sample of natural gold, their own gold pan, an introductory prospecting book and a certificate of competence!
