From spectacular lowland rainforests on the coastal plains to 15,000-foot-high peaks, Papua New Guinea is rightly called “the land of the unexpected.” Explore the fascinating culture and villages along the Karawari River, and the spectacular flora, fauna, and unique culture of the highlands from our lodge perched high on Rondon Ridge.
Rich Pagen
Conservation Biologist
Rich first became enthralled by the wonders of the natural world around the tide pools and forests of his native New York. Since then, he has embarked on a career in conservation biology that has ranged from teaching science and environmental awareness to teenagers from Los Angeles, to traveling the coast and river deltas of Alaska’s North Slope by Zodiac to reach remote wetlands where he monitored loon nests. After such field biology projects as surveys for mammalian carnivores in the mountains of California, bird migration monitoring in Canada, and a study of army-ant-following birds in the Peruvian Amazon, Rich was drawn back to the sea where he taught marine science and island ecology on Catalina Island in California for several years. He has also conducted shipboard surveys for marine mammals and seabirds, as well tagging studies of sea turtles and pelagic sharks.
Rich's Blog Posts
All in for Subtropical Asia
Cuba: "Now is the Perfect Time to Visit!"
Like a String of Pearls: Philippines, Taiwan & Japan
Won't You Join Me?
Mudskippers: Who Says Fish Need Water?
What Was Your Favorite Wildlife Experience of 2016?
Rich's Upcoming Expeditions
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Papua New Guinea: Cultural Connections - Departure #2
September 14 — September 23, 2019 -
Papua New Guinea
September 20 — October 6, 2019Highlights of our return to Papua New Guinea include snorkeling or diving among some of the most biodiverse waters in the world; meeting friendly Trobriand Islanders; and watching the spectacular fire dances of the Baining tribe.
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Tahiti to Easter Island: Marquesas, Tuamotus & Pitcairns
October 10 — October 29, 2019Beyond the typical Polynesian paradise, one may delve deeper, to find aquamarine lagoons affording the world’s most dazzling snorkeling and diving, an intriguing Easter Island tour and the sky-piercing volcanoes of the Marquesas.
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Sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand
January 16 — February 2, 2020One of the few operators allowed to travel the far-flung isles of the Southern Ocean, join us on a journey through the Sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand, as well as Macquarie Island. Observe several albatross species, huge colonies of penguins, and island endemics including the Macquarie Island cormorant and Campbell Island snipe.
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Tanzania
February 6 — February 15, 2020Enjoy a classic, yet intimate, safari experience with stays at luxurious tented camps situated in remote wilderness areas, including an innovative mobile camp that travels with the herd for fantastic viewing of the Great Migration.
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Ultimate Seychelles with Aldabra Atoll
February 14 — February 29, 2020This magical archipelago keeps bringing us back—2020 will mark our 29th voyage! And it’s not difficult to see why we return again and again, with the Seychelles’ sublime scenery, rare and endemic species, and some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world. You’ll step ashore on remote island paradises that are impossible to reach on your own, including two full days on Aldabra Atoll.
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Philippines with Palau & Taiwan
February 29 — March 16, 2020On this exotic Philippines tour, explore mangrove forests and scenic coastlines on numerous Zodiac excursions, while nature hikes and snorkeling and diving excursions reveal the amazing biodiversity of these isolated islands. A special highlight is the opportunity to interact with native cultures whose customs are reflected in their intricate tribal dress, colorful dances, and rich folklore.
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Wild Kamchatka with the Kuril Islands
May 20 — June 4, 2020Search for the region's prolific wildlife on Zodiac cruises and naturalist-guided walks. Witness huge concentrations of seabirds in a frenzy of breeding activity, step ashore on beaches crowded with northern fur seals and Steller's sea lions, and photograph stunning scenery, including wildflower studded tundra backdropped by volcanic peaks.
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Circumnavigation of the Black Sea
June 26 — July 10, 2020Centuries of history and architecture come to life as you discover the countries surrounding the Black Sea—Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria—and its busy bazaars, archeological treasures, and stunning landscapes.
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Best of the Great Barrier Reef
July 14 — July 28, 2020Join this exciting expedition that reveals the underwater wonders of the legendary Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside marine biologist and expedition leader, Brad Climpson. Enjoy daily snorkel and dive excursions to explore pristine reefs far from the tourist track, come face-to-face with massive potato groupers at Cod Hole, and with luck, swim with curious minke whales.
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Borneo: Land of the Orangutan
August 5 — August 20, 2020Search for a huge variety of charismatic species, including orangutans, Bornean pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, clouded leopards, great argus pheasants, eight species of hornbills, and the bizarre Bornean bristlehead on this classic expedition led by naturalists Michael Moore and Rich Pagen.
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Papua New Guinea: Cultural Connections
September 4 — September 14, 2020From spectacular lowland rainforests on the coastal plains to 15,000-foot-high peaks, Papua New Guinea is rightly called “the land of the unexpected.” Explore the fascinating culture and villages along the Karawari River, and the spectacular flora, fauna, and unique culture of the highlands from our lodge perched high on Rondon Ridge.
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Melanesia, Solomon Islands & Vanuatu
September 10 — September 27, 2020Stretching from New Guinea to Fiji, Melanesia encompasses thousands of islands and a rich variety of cultures. On this voyage you’ll discover remote island communities where ancient traditions are preserved and visits from outsiders are few and far between. You’ll also explore Melanesia’s marine world—a pristine haven for three-quarters of the world’s coral species and an astounding 3,000 species of fish.
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Along the Mekong: China, Thailand & Laos
October 23 — November 9, 2020While the highlight is cruising on the legendary Mekong River, this Laos and Thailand journey also immerses guests in ancient Buddhist temples and the World Heritage Site city of Luang Prabang.