Our Story
Adventure is in our DNA
Virgin Adventures is on a quest to turn adventure travel into a force for good.
The idea for crew-led adventures began in 2008 when Virgin Atlantic pilot Chris Hall started organising off-duty trips for his crew mates. These experiences combined challenging activities with opportunities to explore local communities, all while raising funds for meaningful local causes and international charities.
The concept resonated with his colleagues and friends. Nearly 3,000 people have joined more than 85 adventures across the world since then, fuelled by Chris’s passion and supported by fellow crew member and travel enthusiast Terri Spargo-Thompson. Together, they nurtured the idea into something much larger, purposeful adventure with real social impact.
In 2026, with encouragement from Sir Richard Branson, Virgin’s original Chief Adventurer, and the wider Virgin Group, the vision expanded again. Virgin Adventures was created, opening these unique experiences to the entire Virgin family.
Our story, from airplanes to adventures
2000s
2008
The first adventure
45 adventurers, including the flight crew who flew out together climbed Mt Fuji. Karaoke, camaraderie and doing good. Ten Fuji climbs later, the tradition continues.
2010s
2010
First Mount Kenya Climb
65 adventurers climbed Africa’s second-highest mountain, raising money for Virgin Atlantic Foundation and it's supported charities.
Sparking a legacy: over 10 adventures have followed in the region, including epic cycles and marathons.
2011
First UK adventure
Some of our keen cycling community tackled the Coast2Coast, the classic 140-mile route from Whitehaven to Whitley Bay, crossing England in one epic ride.
2011
First adventure in India
65 cyclists took part in Ride India, raising funds and donating bikes to local charities.
Since then, the region has hosted 10+ adventures, from cycle rides and festivals to auto-rickshaw challenges.
2011
Nairobi Marathon
23 adventurers took on the Nairobi Marathon, tackling everything from the full marathon to the half and 10K distances. Running through the heart of Kenya’s capital, the group came together in true Virgin spirit, pushing personal limits while running for a bigger purpose. Funds raised supported Free the Children, Virgin Atlantic’s charity partner at the time (later known as WE).
2012
First adventure in China, Trek the Great Wall
60 adventurers met in Shanghai before heading to Beijing for an unforgettable first China adventure. Over four days, the group trekked along some of the Great Wall’s most spectacular stretches from remote, crumbling outcrops to beautifully restored, picture-perfect sections, all set against the rugged Mongolian hinterlands. Fundraising supported WE, Virgin Atlantic’s charity partner.
2013
First adventure in USA, cycle Boston to New York
Over four days, the group rode 260 miles, leaving the buzz of Boston behind and pedalling through leafy countryside across four states, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York. The journey culminated in a spectacular group ride into Manhattan, crossing the Queensboro Bridge and finishing in Central Park. Fundraising supported WE, Virgin Atlantic’s charity partner.
2014
Cycle South Africa
Our first adventure to connect with Virgin Limited Edition, Sir Richard Branson’s collection of unique luxury retreats in some of the world’s most breathtaking locations.
The trip included a stay at the exclusive safari lodge Ulusaba and raised funds for Pride n Purpose, a non-profit supporting disadvantaged communities around the Sabi Sand Reserve.
2015
First Climb Morocco adventure
A tough winter climb of Africa’s highest peak, finished with a celebratory stay at Virgin Limited Edition's stunning Kasbah Tamadot, a magical Moroccan retreat in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.
Seven editions in, this adventure has raised significant charitable funds and built powerful ties with the Eve Branson Foundation, supporting communities in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains.
2016
First BVI, Caribbean sailing adventure
Bringing together first-time sailors with experienced skippers to explore the British Virgin Islands, learning the ropes and forming a tight-knit community.
An unforgettable experience, capped off with Richard welcoming the group to his home, Necker Island, for a celebration in true Virgin style.
With seven BVI sailing adventures to date, flotillas reaching 140 sailors, and strong ties with the Unite BVI Foundation supporting the purpose behind the trip, we continue to lock in this signature Virgin Adventure year after year.
2017
Cancelled BVI, Carribean Sail due to impact of Hurricane Irma
In place of the adventure, and in the wake of the devastation, 25 sailors travelled to the BVI to volunteer at Brigado Flax High School, helping with clean-up projects. Chris, founder, calls it one of his proudest moments of adventure purpose, a true demonstration of the Virgin spirit.
2018
First Cycle West Coast, USA
Riding from San Francisco International Airport, taking in California’s icons before crossing the desert and finishing at Virgin Galactic’s spaceport in Mojave.
2018
African Spokes event, bike Nairobi to Cape Town
Adventurers joined for part of the three-month ride from Nairobi to Cape Town taking in seven countries, over two epic months, finishing at Virgin Limited Edition property, Mont Rochelle.
2018
First Climb Kilimanjaro
Over 30 climbers joined this inaugural ascent, taking on the famous Machame route, also known iconically as the “Whiskey Route.”
2019
First High Alps Hike
50 adventurers hiking from through the Swiss and French Alps, finishing at Virgin Limited Edition property, The Lodge.
2020s
2022
Inaugural ride from Las Vegas to Virgin Galactic's HQ
The first adventure to recommenced after Covid-19, was the inaugural ride from Las Vegas to Virgin Galactics HQ Spaceport in New Mexico.
A shared vision
During the BVI Caribbean sail, Chris and Terri met Richard on Necker Island to share their vision for Virgin Adventures, seeding the idea of taking Have Fun, Do Good to the wider Virgin family.
February 2026
Virgin Adventures is born
With 89 adventures since 2008 and over £1 million pounds raised for charities around the world. It's an exciting time for Chris, Terri and the team to deliver adventures under the Virgin name. The mission remains the same: Have Fun, Do Good.
In 2026, with the support of their good friend Richard and the Virgin Group, Virgin Adventures is born, opening up these experiences beyond crew, to friends, family, and the entire Virgin community across the globe.
