Southern Explorations (southernexplorations.com) has a 4.9 out of 5 rating on OK.one, based on 61 user reviews collected here. It is listed under Travel & Vacation and its reputation is excellent. Praise is nearly unanimous, with 97% rating it 4 stars or higher; The business has replied to 100% of negative reviews; 53 of them were added in the last 12 months. Last updated 2026-08-10.
We (a retired couple) had a wonderful experience having Southern Explorations agent Marisa coordinate our trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos. Identifying the cruise ship based on our specifications, coordinating our flights, and having their agents on the ground in Equator and in Galapagos to help us navigate the necessary formal steps there, were all highly coordinated and precise. Our communication with Marisa was superb. We heartily recommend this travel agent.
Reply from Southern Explorations2026-02-22
Thank you so much for your kind words. We’re thrilled to hear that your journey to Ecuador and the Galápagos was so seamless and enjoyable.
It was a pleasure working with you, and we truly appreciate your recommendation.
We have been working with Southern Explorations for a year now. They were always available for questions and concerns. They made the reservation and trip process very smooth.
It was a wonderful trip. Good variety. Good hotels, guides, transfers, flights. Always felt safe.
I would use SE again, but they only specialize in South America.
Reply from Southern Explorations2026-02-22
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. It was truly a pleasure working with you over the past year, and we’re delighted to hear the trip felt smooth, varied, and seamless from start to finish.
We’re especially glad you always felt safe and well cared for. It means a great deal to us. While South and Central America is our specialty, we’d be thrilled to help you explore more of it whenever you’re ready for your next adventure.
Southern Explorations were fantastic. Provided well planned itinerary. Hotels, Tour Guides were organized, friendly and spoke English as a second language. Responded timely.
Reply from Southern Explorations2026-02-22
We're so glad you had a wonderful trip. Thanks for the great review.
All transfers and guides were on time, competent, entertaining and fluent English speakers! Hotels were as described. Except ElCalafate hotel which had stray dogs in the street that barked often all night.
Reply from Southern Explorations2026-02-22
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re so pleased to hear that your transfers and guides were punctual, professional, enjoyable, and that the hotels met expectations overall. We understand how street noise can impact a stay and thanks for bringing it to our attention.
J
Jo Ann Basabe Talley · 1 review · Experienced 2025-12-13 ·
★★★★★
Patagonia Trip of a Lifetime.
So, I am normally a "do it yourself" kind of traveler. However, when my husband and I decided to go to Patagonia, with only 3 weeks notice, at the height of the season, I was out of my depth. With a quick google search of "custom patagonia tours" I came across Southern Explorations. I sent a quick general email, and 2 hours later got a response with a broad tour outline. after only a few days of back and forth, Jonathan put together an itinerary with all of my requested highlights. From the first pickup, to the last dropoff my husband and I were shocked at the level of service. The knowledge of the drivers and guides, the quality of the food, the beauty of Patagonia were all unsurpassed. I have never felt so "spoiled" on vacation. I didn't have to lift a finger. Our airport driver even arrived with printed copies of our boarding passes. You can't go wrong with Southern Explorations.
Reply from Southern Explorations2026-02-22
Thank you so much for this incredible review. We’re especially honored to hear this from a self-described DIY traveler!
Planning Patagonia on short notice during peak season is no small feat, so we’re thrilled everything came together seamlessly and that you felt so well cared for every step of the way. Jonathan and the entire team will be delighted to know the itinerary, guides, and special touches made such an impression.
We’d love to welcome you back for another adventure whenever you’re ready.
Amazing Experience. We had an amazing trip in the Galapagos Islands. Southern Explorations was easy to work with and extremely organized. We ran into issues with our fights (due to weather) and they were immediately in contact with us. We choose the multi-sport option which was amazing, however, every day was action packed. Each activity was amazing and I'm glad we didn't skip any, but the family did want some extra downtime that in hindsight we should have organized better (my fault, not SE). Kids wanted a bit more shopping and pool time. We had the same guide for the whole trip and she was amazing. Energetic and knowledgeable. Many of our nights had pre-planned dinners which to be honest were just OK. As a foodie family, we would have preferred to wander around and find dinner ourselves; just a note for ourselves for next time. Overall, great time! Would recommend SE!
A
Alexander · 2 reviews · Verified · Experienced 2026-01-30 ·
★★★★★
Patagonia Trip Was Outstanding
Kaitlyn did an outstanding job listening to our variables for a trip to Patagonia. We had people with different physical abilities and some dietary restrictions. She helped to plan a trip that exceeded all our expectations by a mile.
J
Jim · 1 review · Verified · Experienced 2026-01-27 ·
★★★★★
Everything was outstanding
Everything was outstanding! Southern Explorations does an excellent job setting up everything. They even helped us make reservations for dinners that were not a part of the trip itinerary.
Our Antarctic ski expedition with Southern explorer
Our Antarctica trip with Southern Explorer was truly the adventure of a lifetime. From the moment we stepped on board, we were blown away by how professional, organized, and genuinely kind the entire crew was.
The expedition team and ski guides were exceptional. A very special thank you goes to Tarn, who went above and beyond every single day. His knowledge, calm leadership, and passion for what he does made us feel safe, confident, and inspired in one of the most remote places on earth.
Everything was thoughtfully planned, safety was clearly a top priority, and yet the experience still felt magical and adventurous. We returned home with unforgettable memories, new friendships, and a deep appreciation for the people who made this journey possible.
If Antarctica is on your bucket list, this is the team you want by your side.
Reply from Southern Explorations2026-01-21
Thank you for sharing such a meaningful review. We’re thrilled to hear your Antarctica expedition was truly unforgettable and that the professionalism, care, and passion of the expedition team especially Tarn made such a lasting impression. We truly appreciate your trust in Southern Explorations and are honored to have been part of this once in a lifetime journey.
Found these guys on the internet and took a chance. They made good recommendations to match our interests, arranged very professional and knowledgeable local guides, and ran several scenarios to help us fit the trip into the time we had. They even went the extra mile helping me retrieve some items I had left at a hotel. Very happy with them!
Reply from Southern Explorations2026-01-21
Thank you for taking a chance on Southern Explorations and for sharing your experience. We’re happy we could assist with the forgotten items as well. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to travel with you again in the future.
J
James · 2 reviews · Verified · Experienced 2025-12-08 ·
★★★★★
part of the family
Working with everyone at Southern Explorations was a complete joy. Our questions and concerns of which there were many, were handled with patience and care, and in such a timely manner as to almost make me feel guilty. Everyone, starting with Deanna Nicoli, made us feel like part of the family, and the attention to the details of our trip was unmatched.
Reply from Southern Explorations2026-01-21
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words. We’re truly grateful for your trust and are delighted to hear that our team especially Deanna made you feel so well supported throughout the process. Taking care of the details and making our travelers feel like family is at the heart of what we do, so it means a great deal to know that came through in your experience. We’d love to welcome you back for another adventure whenever you’re ready.
D
Dawn · 1 review · Verified · Experienced 2025-11-12 ·
★★★★★
We would definitely recommend Southern…
We would definitely recommend Southern Explorations. The planning of the trip was very easy. Jonathan was quick to respond to our questions and concerns. He made recommendations and provided advice. Our trip was a bucket list trip to Easter Island, Atacama desert and Bolivia Salt Flats. The local guides and drivers were exceptional.
Reply from Southern Explorations2026-01-21
Thank you so much for your recommendation and for sharing your experience. We’re delighted to hear that the planning process was smooth and that Jonathan’s guidance and responsiveness helped make it easy. It’s wonderful to know that we fulfilled your bucket list journey to Easter Island, the Atacama Desert, and the Bolivia Salt Flats. We truly appreciate your trust in Southern Explorations and hope to help you plan another unforgettable adventure in the future.
J
Jennifer · 1 review · Verified · Experienced 2025-11-17 ·
★★★★★
Continent number seven!
I was looking for a short trip to Antarctica from Detroit and they found me the perfect cruise. This was an amazing trip, my son and I couldn’t be happier. They gave me information about the airports and hotels, it was great!
Reply from Southern Explorations2025-12-11
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. We’re thrilled to hear that you and your son had such an incredible journey to Antarctica.
K
Kay & James · 2 reviews · Verified · Experienced 2025-11-05 ·
★★★★★
Excellent Patagonia Tour
Our trip with Southern Explorations was everything we hoped for and more. The tours, guides and accommodations were top notch. Every logistical detail was taken care of with all events on time and as planned. We highly recommend this group.
Reply from Southern Explorations2026-01-21
Thanks so much for the feedback and we’re so grateful that it was a flawless trip to Patagonia.
J
Joel · 1 review · Verified · Experienced 2025-11-21 ·
★★★★★
Working with Southern Explorations and their partners
Working with Southern Explorations and their in country partners was great. Two weeks with 12 different legs of our journey as planned and executed perfectly. All the logistics, drivers, hotels, entry to national parks, directions on the app, food arrangements were superb. The guides were very knowledgeable and experienced. Everyone was very professional and it was clear that everyone loved what they do. We were well taken care of. Trip of a life time!
Reply from Southern Explorations2025-12-11
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. We’re thrilled to hear that everything from logistics and transportation to guides, accommodations, and park entries came together seamlessly for your two-week adventure. Our team and in country partners take great pride in ensuring every detail is thoughtfully coordinated, so it means a lot to know you felt well supported throughout your journey. We’re delighted it was a trip of a lifetime, and we’d be honored to help you plan your next adventure whenever you’re ready to explore again.
The trip we took to Chiloe, Puerto Varas, and Valparaiso was amazing beyond what I had imagined. The guides were so terrific and full of creativity and imagination. Every day was full of variety - each day more exciting than the one before. The area was just beautiful, the food was delicious, and the hotels were just perfect. Isabel, our guide for the first five days of the trip, was sensitive, tuned in, full of knowledge of nature and her surroundings. She was truly the best guide I have ever had on a trip. Our guide for the Valpo part of the trip, Maurice, was also absolutely wonderful. That part of the trip from the visit to the vineyard to the murals in Valpo and the tour of Pablo Neruda's house high above the ocean was full of wonder for both my daughter and me. I appreciated Southern Explorations' attention to every detail. Our guides were always on time, the vans we traveled in and the drivers were great. I had a hard time getting in the first van (I'm not young and I'm short!) and our driver brought a footstool starting on day two to make my getting into and out of the van SO much easier. I would love to return to South America again and when I do, I will definitely call Southern Explorations again to help me with the trip. They are an exceptional company.
Reply from Southern Explorations2025-12-11
It would be our absolute pleasure to welcome you back to South America whenever you are ready for your next adventure. Thank you again for traveling with Southern Explorations and for trusting us to plan such a meaningful experience.
