Your journey through a South Pacific paradise includes fabled Fiji and Tahiti—of course—while also immersing you in the incredible natural beauty and friendly peoples of lesser-traveled Tonga, Wallis & Futuna, and Cook Islands.
Rich Pagen
Conservation Biologist / Naturalist
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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Faces of Polynesia: Fiji to Tahiti
October 22 — November 7, 2017 -
Tahiti to Easter Island: Marquesas, Tuamotus & Pitcairns
November 5 — November 24, 2017Beyond 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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Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands
January 4 — January 25, 2018Following in Sir Ernest Shackleton’s footsteps, explore the White Continent’s rugged landscape, meeting vast penguin colonies in South Georgia and the South Orkney Islands, greeting albatross in the Falkland Islands, and enjoying every long moment of daylight in the austral summer.
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Across the Antarctic Circle: Voyage to the 7th Continent
January 22 — February 4, 2018Be one of the very few to cross the Antarctic Circle and witness one of the planet’s last frontiers. In Zodiac cruises, search for humpback, minke, and orca whales, as well as leopard, Weddell, and crabeater seals. And of course, keep your eyes open for gentoo and Adelie penguins.
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Papua New Guinea: Cultural Connections
February 17 — February 26, 2018From 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 Mount Kuta.
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Best of Micronesia: Rabaul to Palau
February 23 — March 12, 2018Snorkel or dive nearly every day as you discover the western corner of Micronesia—this region boasts more than 1,300 species of fish. You'll also meet friendly locals, who will greet you with traditional dances; search for island endemics and a multitude of seabirds; and tour the island of Pohnpei.
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Sea to Sahara: Cape Verde, Canary Islands & Morocco
April 7 — April 22, 2018Join Zegrahm Cofounder, Mike Messick, on a brand-new itinerary showcasing far-flung islands and exotic port of call. Discover Cape Verde’s charming Portuguese villages; hike through the volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands; explore magical Marrakech; and experience the undulating Sahara Desert.
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Discoveries of Coastal Europe
April 28 — May 11, 2018The coast of Western Europe makes for a sweeping journey—soak up the fine food and fantastic art, plus the myriad historical sites, from France’s Mont Saint-Michel, Spain’s Santiago de Compostela, and the French- and British-influenced Channel Islands.
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Hokkaido: Japan's Wild Island
May 19 — June 3, 2018On this brand-new voyage through one of Japan's least-developed islands, you'll be surrounded by wildlife as you search for Japanese pygmy-woodpeckers, white-tailed eagles, Eurasian bullfinches, and iconic red-crowned cranes; and explore spectacular Shikotsu-Toya National Park.
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The Untamed North: Greenland to Iceland
June 24 — July 8, 2018Greenland beckons with its glittering icebergs and wildflower-bedecked tundra, while Iceland enchants with its mighty glaciers and geothermal hotspots—hike, sail by Zodiac, photograph, and commune with seabirds in these ethereal landscapes.
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Best of the Great Barrier Reef
July 10 — July 24, 2018Join this brand-new 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
August 8 — August 23, 2018Search 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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Seychelles & Madagascar with Aldabra Atoll
October 20 — November 6, 2018Expedition Leader, Michael Moore will be leading this journey through the Indian Ocean. Enjoy snorkeling and diving in the Seychelles; spend two full days exploring the Aldabra Atoll; and discover the unique flora and fauna of Madagascar.
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Hidden Gems of the Caribbean
November 25 — December 6, 2018On our journey through the lesser-known Eastern Caribbean, we’ll venture to ports inaccessible to larger ships, affording you the chance for dazzling snorkeling, hiking, bird-watching—glimpse the St. Vincent parrot—and explorations of historic forts and peaceful colonial plazas.