2025 A Year of Wonder

 

2025 was a year of journeys that stirred our hearts, expanded our horizons, and left us marveling at the extraordinary natural world. From the deep blue of the ocean to snowcapped volcanoes and vibrant cultural encounters, we explored places where nature dazzles and adventure sparks connection.

To all our Wild Earth Explorers, thank you for bringing your curiosity, courage, and love for the planet - your spirit makes every expedition unforgettable.

A Journey Through 2025

Wild Encounters Across Continents

In Mexico, the ocean came alive. We swam alongside thousands of mobula rays dancing in sunlit waters, felt our hearts race while observing a pod of orca at sunset. We shared close encounters with majestic grey whales and their calves in San Ignacio Lagoon, and snorkeled with playful sea lions in the azure waters of the Sea of Cortez. Dives in Socorro brought unforgettable encounters with gentle oceanic manta rays, playful bottlenose dolphins, and an incredible array of sharks - a truly adrenaline-filled marine wonderland.

MEXICO - March 2025

Across to Oceania, the Indo-Pacific revealed its hidden treasures. In Palau, walls of reef sharks patrolled crystal-clear waters, while spawning snapper aggregations left us in awe. Kayaking, snorkelling, and scenic flights showcased the magical rock islands and pristine reefs.

PALAU - May 2025

In the Philippines, we enjoyed spectacular muck diving and snorkelled vibrant coral gardens. Highlights included swimming with countless green sea turtles, marvelling at cryptic creatures like frogfish, seahorses, and nudibranchs, and encounters with majestic whale sharks feeding in crystal-clear waters.

PHILIPPINES - May 2025

In Komodo National Park, reef manta rays glided around gracefully in the shallows, while octopus encounters -including mimic and wonderpus - entranced us. On land, we got up close to Komodo dragons, hiked to hidden waterfalls, met the remote tribes of Alor, and watched rare Omura’s whales lunge-feeding in Kalabahi Bay - a reminder that wonder exists both above and below the waves.

INDONESIA - July 2025

Madagascar revealed a world of extraordinary wildlife and landscapes, from sun-drenched beaches to dry spiny forests and lush tropical rainforests. Highlights included the haunting calls of Indri lemurs, the playful antics of Sifakas, and an incredible variety of chameleons, from the tiny nose-horned chameleon to the massive Parson’s chameleon. Baobabs glowing at sunset and the island’s unique flora and fauna made every step a discovery, creating memories of a truly magical and otherworldly place.

MADAGASCAR - September 2025

Ecuador’s biodiversity took our breath away. In the Amazon, giant river otters, playful squirrel monkeys, and elusive sloths shared their homes with vibrant toucans and blue macaws. Cotopaxi revealed its snow-capped majesty in the afternoon sun, while dawn cloud forest hikes rewarded us with dazzling displays of hummingbirds, tanagers, trogons and the iconic Andean cock-of-the-rock mating dance.

ECUADOR - November 2025

The Galapagos offered unforgettable wildlife encounters above and below the waves. Snorkeling brought us face-to-face with playful sea lions, feeding marine iguanas, mola mola, sharks and green sea turtles, while on land we delighted in the antics of blue-footed boobies and penguins. Darwin and Wolf dazzled with schooling hammerheads and majestic whale sharks, creating memories of a truly extraordinary archipelago.

GALAPAGOS - November 2025

Cultural Connections

Every journey was also a journey into human stories. In Alor, we were welcomed by the Abui tribe, gaining insight into ancient traditions, daily life, and a deep connection to land and sea. In Madagascar, time spent with local communities offered a richer understanding of the island’s unique cultures, rhythms, and relationship with nature. High in the Andes, we met farmers who shared their way of life along the Avenue of Volcanoes, teaching us how generations have lived and worked in harmony with the mountains.

As we reflect on 2025, we celebrate the wild encounters, cultural connections, and magical moments that defined our year. Thank you for being part of these adventures and for inspiring us with your curiosity and love for the natural world.

LOOKING AHEAD

As we turn the page on a remarkable year, a few new horizons are beginning to take shape!

We’re excited to share a selection of upcoming adventures that are currently in the planning stages. Many of our expeditions fill well in advance, with just one room remaining across our 2026 adventures (Iceland), and several 2027 journeys already sold out. If any of the destinations below spark your curiosity, we’d love to hear from you. Expressing your interest ensures you’ll be the first to know when bookings open. Below, you’ll find the adventures that still have availability:

2027
St Helena & Mozambique – remote Atlantic island & shark diving expedition
Australia – Minke whales, reef & rainforest
Australia – Uluru to Kakadu & the Kimberley
Tonga – snorkel alongside humpback whales, tropical islands
Tibet & Bhutan – Himalayan landscapes, monasteries, hiking & culture

2028
Maldives (South) – luxury liveaboard & big-animal diving
India – tigers, snow leopards, rhinos, elephants & wild landscapes
Palau – reefs, walls, mantas, & spawning aggregations
Philippines – magic muck, turtles, whale sharks & thresher sharks
Primates of the World – 2 back-to-back expeditions to Borneo, Uganda & the Congo
Solomon Islands – remote reefs, tropical islands, WWII history & culture
Indonesia – North Sulawesi, Triton Bay to Raja Ampat
Australia – Christmas Island & Cocos (Keeling) Islands

2029
Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica
Lord Howe Island – rare ecosystems & marine life
Indonesia – Wakatobi & Komodo - a marine-lovers paradise
Africa – Botswana & Zambia safari, South African sardine run & sharks
Ethiopia – ancient cultures & tribal traditions
Brazil – the Pantanal wetlands
Ecuador – Amazon, cloud forest, volcanoes & Galapagos

Express your interest

 
 

From all of us at Wild Earth Expeditions, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a 2026 filled with wonder, discovery, and connection.

With love and gratitude,
The Wild Earth Expeditions Team

 
Thomas Baechtold