Expedition Team
A diverse team of experts accompanies this expedition — seasoned naturalists, undersea specialists, and researchers — who will share their knowledge and insights with you and bring each destination to life. Listed below are some of the experts and the departure date(s) they will be joining.
Flip Nicklin
National Geographic photographer and marine biologist Flip Nicklin is widely regarded as one of the world's leading photographers of whales. His majestic photos and amazing audio tracks of humpbacks and killer whales have been featured in numerous National Geographic magazines and television specials. Flip migrates with the humpbacks, spending summers in the Pacific Northwest and the Gulf of Alaska, and winters off Maui in Hawaii.
Carlos Romero
Carlos was born in Quito, Ecuador. When he was four years old he moved with his family to Caracas, Venezuela, where he grew up. The wonders of this beautiful tropical country had a profound influence on his later passion for nature. Carlos returned to Quito to study biology and specialized in the fauna of Ecuador. His field of study was Zoology with particular emphasis on vertebrates. He has what is often deemed a very peculiar favorite: bats. He has become a specialist in this unusual field. Carlos has taken part in various scientific projects and expeditions with the Biological Sciences Department of Quito's Polytechnic University. He has published several scientific papers, including one about the bats of Galápagos and one about the vampire bat on mainland Ecuador. During his free time, Carlos works on various scientific projects in ecology, genetics and distribution of various vertebrate species.
Tim Laman
Field biologist and wildlife photographer Tim Laman received his Ph.D. in biology from Harvard University and is a Research Associate in their Ornithology Department. His scientific research has been supported by several grants from the National Geographic Society's Committee for Research and Exploration. Tim is currently focusing on photographing and writing for National Geographic and other popular magazines to promote the conservation of endangered species and habitats. His photographs have received recognition in various competitions such as the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Nature's Best International Photographic Awards.
Michael Melford
National Geographic photographer Michael Melford has produced over 30 stories for National Geographic Traveler magazine, including eight covers. Some of Michael's recent assignments have focused on America's national parks, and the need to preserve them. Michael has produced photography for eight books for National Geographic, including three on Alaska, his favorite being Treasures of Alaska, for which he spent four months traveling to every corner of the state. This past year, he traveled to Russia and Israel for upcoming articles for National Geographic magazine. When not shooting for National Geographic, Michael enjoys giving seminars and workshops on photography, and sharing both his love of nature and his extensive knowledge.
