Green Edventures Tours, a trailblazer in women’s eco-travel, is redefining the travel experience by providing immersive, educational, and sustainable group tours. Founded in 2009 by environmental educator Tara Short, the company has earned a reputation for its dedication to fostering meaningful connections with nature, culture, and wildlife. Green Edventures offers unique travel opportunities, focusing on creating unforgettable adventures for women, with a deep commitment to sustainability and hands-on learning.
Tara Short, CEO and founder of Green Edventures, has long been a proponent of women’s empowerment and adventure travel. The company’s mission is to inspire women to break free from their comfort zones, form lifelong connections with like-minded travelers, and experience the world in a way that aligns with eco-conscious values. Short’s journey began with a dream and a modest investment of $1,000 after seven years of guiding. With that, Green Edventures was born, aiming to provide sustainable educational tours while supporting local communities and ecosystems.
Since its inception, Green Edventures has evolved into a leader in women’s eco-travel. From the Sea of Cortez in Baja, Mexico, to the wild landscapes of East Greenland, Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, and the Serengeti in Tanzania, Green Edventures’ tours span the globe. One of the company’s standout features is its ability to cater to both beginner travelers and seasoned adventurers. Every tour is designed to promote confidence, encourage learning, and offer travelers the opportunity to foster meaningful connections with the environment.
Green Edventures is widely recognized for its dedication to sustainable tourism practices. Each journey is built with sustainability at its core, adhering to ecotourism principles that prioritize responsible wildlife observation, conservation, and the reduction of environmental impact. The company works exclusively with locally owned operators and expert guides, ensuring that tourism funds stay within the communities they visit. Green Edventures also places a strong emphasis on educational content, helping travelers understand the ecosystems they encounter and their role in preserving them.
In addition to its nature-focused eco-tours, Green Edventures offers a growing range of cultural and creative travel experiences. One of the newest and most exciting ventures is the company’s Iceland knitting tours, which offer travelers an opportunity to immerse themselves in Iceland’s rich history and traditions while learning the ancient craft of Icelandic knitting.
Iceland Knitting Tours: A Fusion of Culture, Craft, and Adventure
Green Edventures’ Iceland knitting tours provide an entirely unique experience, combining creative expression, cultural immersion, and adventure. The tours feature hands-on knitting workshops led by expert Icelandic instructors, offering participants the chance to learn traditional Icelandic techniques while surrounded by some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. The company’s two distinct knitting tours—the Knitting & Northern Lights with Réttir Sheep Round-Up and the West Fjords Lopapeysa Sweater tour—highlight Iceland’s deeply ingrained textile traditions, all set against the stunning backdrops of the country’s diverse scenery.
The Knitting & Northern Lights with Réttir Sheep Round-Up tour is one of the most popular offerings, combining the magical spectacle of the Northern Lights with the unique opportunity to take part in the annual réttir sheep round-up. This centuries-old tradition is a joyous celebration for the Icelandic community, where locals gather to herd and sort sheep. Travelers not only observe this cultural event but also actively participate, making the experience truly immersive. This hands-on aspect of the tour challenges the stereotype of knitting tours being passive and showcases the spirit of community and adventure that defines Green Edventures.
On this tour, participants will not only get to witness the Northern Lights in one of the best locations on Earth but will also enjoy the company of a like-minded group of women who share a passion for creativity and cultural exploration. The knitting activities themselves are led by a skilled Icelandic designer who teaches travelers how to create their very own Icelandic wool garments. Whether learning to knit traditional Lopapeysa sweaters or exploring the rich history of Icelandic textiles, participants gain a deep appreciation for Iceland’s textile heritage.
The West Fjords Lopapeysa Sweater Tour is another exceptional adventure, offering a unique opportunity to learn about the distinctive Lopapeysa sweater pattern while exploring the remote beauty of Iceland’s West Fjords. Known for its rugged terrain and striking landscapes, the West Fjords are an ideal setting for travelers looking to combine their love of nature with their creative passions. This tour immerses participants in the process of knitting a traditional Icelandic sweater, offering both relaxation and challenge in equal measure.
Both tours cater to a variety of skill levels, from beginners to more experienced knitters. The relaxed pace of the tours ensures that participants can enjoy the beauty of the landscape, connect with one another, and share their love for knitting in a supportive, creative environment.
Why Iceland? A Perfect Backdrop for Creative Adventure
Iceland’s unique blend of dramatic landscapes—volcanic mountains, glaciers, geysers, and lush valleys—provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable creative retreat. Beyond the beauty of the land itself, Iceland’s strong cultural ties to knitting and textile arts offer a rare opportunity to engage in a centuries-old tradition that is both meaningful and rewarding. For women seeking more than just a knitting class, these tours provide an opportunity to become part of a community that celebrates creativity, learning, and adventure.
The immersive nature of these Iceland knitting tours extends beyond the workshops themselves. Travelers will experience the country’s culture through its people, its food, and its deep connection to the land. Local guides offer insights into Icelandic history and traditions, making the experience even more enriching. The tours also emphasize the importance of sustainable travel, ensuring that participants leave only positive impacts on the environment and the communities they visit.
For many participants, the sense of camaraderie and connection with other women is one of the most rewarding aspects of these tours. As Tara Short, CEO of Green Edventures, explains, “When women come together, something extraordinary happens—they lift each other up, inspire courage, and encourage one another to step out of their comfort zones to achieve what once felt impossible.” This spirit of mutual support is a hallmark of all Green Edventures’ tours, and the Iceland knitting trips are no exception.
Commitment to Sustainability and Responsible Travel
Green Edventures is deeply committed to the principles of sustainable tourism. The company ensures that all tours, including the Iceland knitting experiences, adhere to ecotourism standards, which emphasize responsible wildlife observation, conservation, and reducing the environmental footprint of travel. Participants are encouraged to respect the local environment and community, and Green Edventures works exclusively with local operators and accommodations to support the local economy and promote sustainable practices.
The company’s environmental education initiatives further support its mission, helping participants understand the ecosystems they visit and their impact on the world around them. Whether trekking through the rainforests of Costa Rica, exploring the wilds of East Greenland, or learning to knit in Iceland, Green Edventures provides travelers with the tools and knowledge to engage with the natural world in a meaningful and responsible way.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Green Edventures
With a growing reputation for its innovative approach to travel, Green Edventures continues to expand its offerings to meet the evolving needs of its travelers. The company’s Iceland knitting tours are just one example of how Green Edventures is blending creative pursuits with educational travel, providing unique and enriching experiences for women around the world. Tara Short’s vision of sustainable tourism, combined with her passion for empowering women through adventure, is clearly resonating with travelers, and the future of Green Edventures looks brighter than ever.
For more information about Green Edventures’ Iceland knitting tours and other educational adventures, visit Green Edventures.
Green Edventures’ dedication to sustainability, eco-tourism, and empowering women through meaningful travel experiences continues to set the company apart as a leader in the industry. Through thoughtful, responsible travel, Green Edventures is shaping a future where adventure, creativity, and sustainability go hand in hand.