Thomas Baechtold
CEO, Founder, Expedition Leader & Dive Instructor
Born and raised in Basel, Switzerland, Thomas felt the travel bug from an early age. His passion for the outdoors, wildlife and photography, has taken him across the globe. Certified as a PADI Scuba Diving Instructor in 1994, supported a new passion for the underwater world. His career as a dive instructor, dive shop manager, underwater cameraman and trip director onboard live-aboard yachts, has taken him to most diving hot spots around the planet. Thomas also spent time as a safari guide in Southern Africa. After living in Palau for 5 years, his love for travel and adventure led to a wonderful life of many exciting expeditions worldwide. Over the next 12 years, he explored and photographed all 7 continents, working as an Expedition leader, Dive leader, Zodiac driver, Photographer and general Naturalist for various high-end Expedition companies like Zegrahm Expeditions, Abercrombie & Kent and on private yachts.
Thomas’ international reputation as a freelance photographer and videographer, depicted in many publications and videos, guarantees travellers benefit from tutorials and photographic workshops above and below the water.
As the Founder and CEO of Wild Earth Expeditions, Thomas has shown strong leadership and business governance as a foundation of excellence in high-end Expedition travel. His eye for trip detail, and maximizing client comfort and experience has earned his company high acclaim and client loyalty since the beginning of Wild Earth Expeditions in 2009. His unyielding commitment to excellence now provides the benchmark for the global travel experiences of Wild Earth Expeditions.
Thomas has found the balance of his love of travel and respect for the planet’s most exotic locations, wildlife and diverse cultures and his love of family with his two daughters Estelle and Coco. When not exploring the planet on exciting expeditions, Thomas calls Coffs Harbour on the Mid North Coast of Australia home.
“Thomas, YOU are the one with the positive energy, drive and enthusiasm. You certainly gave us the holiday of a lifetime. HOLIDAY doesn’t do the adventure/experience justice. You gave us your all, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your enthusiasm and knowledge is boundless. Everybody in the world should have the Thomas Experience!”