Nat Hab’s 25 Best
Adventure Photos of 2025

In 2025, the natural world revealed itself in countless soul-stirring moments — and the Nat Hab community was there to capture them.

From the Arctic tundra to Antarctica’s ice caps, our travelers, guides and staff shared a record 298,134 photographs through the Adventure Portal, each one reflecting an intimate wildlife encounter and a deep connection to place.

From this remarkable collection, we’ve selected 25 images that stand out not only for their beauty but also for the stories they tell about exploration, wonder and the importance of protecting our planet.

These photographs offer a glimpse into a year well traveled and a world worth conserving.

United States of America

Photographer: Mike Hillman, Nat Hab’s Photography Expeditions Director

Nat Hab Trip: Grand Canyon, Bryce & Zion

Story Behind the Shot: “Bryce Canyon National Park has a knack for making even a casual walk feel mildly heroic. I stopped here because the hoodoos stack up like an impenetrable stone wall, and the trail pulls the eye straight toward it, begging to be used as a leading line. Waiting for them to space out along the trail; each moving uphill at their own pace, giving the sandstone wall a clear sense of scale. This is a place that shrinks people without even trying.”

Photographer: Rob Hafey & Susan Hicks, Nat Hab Guests

Nat Hab Trip: Yellowstone Wolf & Wildlife Photo Expedition

Story Behind the Shot: “Sometimes it’s ok to stand alone.”

Photographer: Jen Kampmann, Nat Hab Field Team Coordinator & Photo Expedition Leader

Nat Hab Trip: Grand Canyon & Sedona Escape (discontinued). Visit U.S. National Parks Tours for similar itineraries!

Story Behind the Shot: “Antelope Canyon is one of the most visually striking landscapes I’ve ever photographed — and also one of the most challenging. Midday light can be harsh, and even a sliver of bright sky can overpower the frame. To make this image, I angled my camera upward, slowly shifting position and peering through the viewfinder until I found the narrow sweet spot where no sky entered the frame, only light reflected softly off the canyon walls. In these conditions, I chose a higher but tolerable ISO, knowing I could manage noise in post-processing, paired with a mid-range aperture and a 1/60 second shutter speed (my personal limit for maintaining sharpness while handholding). The result reveals flowing curves sculpted by water over millennia, rather than the chaos of direct light.” 

Photographer: Ellen Bennett, Nat Hab Photo Expedition Leader

Nat Hab Trip: Glacier & Waterton: An International Treasure

Story Behind the Shot: “My guests and I were aboard the Morning Eagle on a short voyage across Lake Josephine in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park on a calm morning in July. The water was glassy smooth, and the clouds were building. A few passengers returned to their seats from the bow of the boat, allowing me to grab my camera and dash up. It must have looked precarious to some to see me holding my fancy Nikon as far as my arm could reach off the side of the boat over the water, but I needed to keep the bright white nose of the vessel out of the frame. As I often say, in photography, you have to risk it for the biscuit. Responsibly, of course.”

Photographer: Pamela Coyle-Toerner, Nat Hab Guest

Nat Hab Trip: Nat Hab’s Alaska Bear Camp

Story Behind the Shot: “While part of our group was touring the original homestead, I stayed behind, relaxing on the camp deck. The nicknamed camp favorite bear, Pebbles, wandered nearby, then veered toward the last of the Fireweed blooming beside camp. Seeing where she was headed, I grabbed my camera and captured the moment. It was truly magical.”

Canada

Photographer: Petr Gheorghe, Nat Hab Photo Expedition Leader

Nat Hab Trip: Churchill’s Belugas, Polar Bears & Arctic Wildlife

Story Behind the Shot: “I always wanted to capture the curious face of Churchill belugas underwater. You can see them projecting echolocation to the camera, looking at it, trying to taste it, to figure out what it is. It is exactly the same interaction I have experienced while kayaking with Belugas or when I was fortunate enough to go Beluga boarding (snorkeling – part of a photo group program). They were literally inches away from my face. We communicated for minutes, but couldn’t understand each other. Churchill has some very friendly, curious and cheeky belugas.”

Photographer: Leah Pengelly, Nat Hab Expedition Leader

Nat Hab Trip: Canada’s Premier Polar Bear Adventure

Story Behind the Shot: “My guests and I were fortunate to observe this young polar bear over two days as he rested near the Great White Bear Lodge. During that time, the bear curled up beside a large rock, using it as a pillow while he slept, earning him the affectionate nickname Rocky. After hours of patient observation, Rocky eventually lifted his head and wandered over to our Polar Rover, offering guests an incredible up-close encounter. He didn’t stop there, spending time exploring the lodge and investigating other rovers, putting on a memorable show for everyone watching. Moments like these, unrushed, respectful, and on the bear’s terms, are what make time in polar bear country truly special.”

Central & South America

Photographer: Megan Brief, Nat Hab’s Digital Marketing Coordinator

Nat Hab Trip: Jaguars & Wildlife of Brazil’s Pantanal

Story Behind the Shot: “As we drifted along the Cuiabá River in the early morning light, a family of giant otters swam beside us hunting for fish. Known as ariranha, meaning ‘water jaguar’ in the indigenous Tupi language and Onça-d’água or ‘jaguar of the water’ in Brazilian Portuguese, these mustelids are friendly but ferocious when it comes to protecting their family. Despite their intimidating exterior, giant otters face numerous threats, including poaching and contaminated water and fish from mining operations, logging, and other forms of habitat destruction alongside their river homes.”

Photographer: Richard Brewer, Nat Hab Guest

Nat Hab Trip: Natural Jewels of Costa Rica

Story Behind the Shot: “In my experience, on a Nat Hab trip, one should be ready for a magic moment around every corner. In this case, it was rounding a bend on a canal in the Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica. We came across this Red-eared Slider basking on a log with an entourage of butterflies vying for pole position. Cooperative subjects that they were allowed us to observe them to our hearts’ content.”

Photographer: Gustavo Andrade, Nat Hab Photo Expedition Leader

Nat Hab Trip: Galapagos Discovery: The Nat Hab Experience

Story Behind the Shot: Gustavo’s family history in the Galapagos spans more than a century. After earning degrees in industrial engineering and business, he left the corporate world in 2005 to become a certified naturalist guide in the islands he had known since childhood. He pairs deep ecological knowledge with a focused passion for wildlife photography, using the camera as a storytelling tool to reveal both the iconic and lesser-seen sides of the Galapagos.

Photographer: Lynne Bergbreiter, Nat Hab Guest

Nat Hab Trip: Galapagos Wildlife Photo Expedition

Story Behind the Shot: “The Galapagos Islands are an amazing place for photography, and Nat Hab’s photography trip gave me a wonderful opportunity to get close to nature. Our three guides helped us reach the locations and provided suggestions for some great experiences. Although I was looking forward to seeing all the animals, I was particularly hoping to see flamingos in a natural setting. We struck out at a few of their usual locations, but finally were rewarded when we visited Santa Cruz. It was early in the morning, so we had good light, and the flamingo was busy feeding. We did a short hike and returned to find it showing off for us.”

Europe

Photographer: Lianne Thompson, Nat Hab Photo Expedition Leader

Nat Hab Trip: Iceland: Circling the Land of Fire & Ice

Story Behind the Shot: “Whale watching in Iceland’s Westfjords is unlike anywhere else. You are alone, except for the whales. On this day, it didn’t take us long to find a small group of curious humpbacks. They dove, showed tails, and surfaced right next to our boat. When one exhaled close enough to feel the mist on my face, it turned an ordinary day at sea into something unforgettable.”

Photographer: Anthony Amsel, Nat Hab Photo Expedition Leader

Nat Hab Trip: Iceland: Circling the Land of Fire & Ice

Story Behind the Shot: “Meet the ‘clowns of the sea’! Puffins may look like they’re always dressed for a party with their colorful beaks and bright eyes, but these little seabirds are serious survivors. They can flap their wings up to 400 times per minute and dive over 60 meters underwater to catch fish! With their tuxedo feathers and vibrant beaks, puffins look like nature’s little jesters…but don’t be fooled. Beneath that adorable exterior is a bird that braves freezing oceans, dives 200 feet for fish, and returns every year to the same cliffside home. Puffins are proof that resilience can come wrapped in charm.”

Photographer: Alexandre Bilodeau Desbiens, Nat Hab Photo Expedition Leader

Nat Hab Trip: Iceland & Greenland: A Nordic Discovery

Story Behind the Shot: “Exploring Greenland’s fjords is always an adventure, and the icebergs roaming the Arctic waters are a big reason why. However, it can be challenging to convey all of their beauty and uniqueness, including their colors, textures, movements, and — possibly most of all — their size. Using our Zodiac as a scale and a telephoto lens from a distance allowed me to compose a shot that incorporated all those layers. And remember, 85-90% of an iceberg’s mass is underwater…”

Photographer: Simon Roberts, Nat Hab Guest

Nat Hab Trip: Ultimate Iceland Photo Expedition

Story Behind the Shot: “I struggled with a bad back on this trip, made worse by using a heavy medium format camera along with a heavy tripod to get the most from the unique Icelandic landscapes, rather than the micro four thirds kit I’m used to using for wildlife. So I was hobbling about on the dunes at Vestrahorn with hardly anyone there but our group, occasionally crossing paths with them or our two photography guides to exchange comments and suggestions. As with the rest of the trip, we visited at carefully planned times — both dawn and dusk here — and were blessed with great conditions at this very popular spot.”

Asia

Photographer: Edward Savage, Nat Hab Photo Expedition Leader

Nat Hab Trip: Wild China Photo Expedition

Story Behind the Shot: “One highlight from our time on the China Photo Expedition was our night photography walk inside the old walled city. For this shot, we took escalators and stairs up five stories through a shopping mall to get to a viewpoint of the ancient bell tower of Xi’an. The roundabout had a constant flow of traffic from all directions, and using a long exposure, I was able to capture the streaks of car headlights, which I felt added to the colorful night lights of the street and bell tower.”

Photographer: Peter Ramsden, Nat Hab Photo Expedition Leader

Nat Hab Trip: Borneo Wildlife Photo Expedition

Story Behind the Shot: “There aren’t many moments that bring time to a standstill in this lifetime. A chance meeting with a flanged male Orangutan will be one I carry forever. Everything stopped, conversation fell silent, the rapid fire of cameras, a mechanical chorus born of awe. It was his time to move on, nighttime drawing closer, a bed yet to be made. The group stood in amazement as he effortlessly climbed up into the canopy. Just like that, he was gone. Our group turned to look at each other, and laughter replaced the silence. The kind that has you folded over, clutching at your sides, gasping for breath. Day one welcomed us kindly.”

Australia

Photographer: Matt Cornish, Nat Hab Photo Expedition Leader

Nat Hab Trip: Australia South: Tasmania, Kangaroo Island & the Great Ocean Road

Story Behind the Shot: “Hanging out with mum, this Bare-nosed Wombat Joey was found exploring the grazing fields of Cradle Mountain National Park. Naturally curious, these cute Australian marsupials are a crowd favourite with guests.”

Africa

Photographer:  Court Whelan, Nat Hab’s Chief Sustainability Officer & Photo Expedition Leader

Nat Hab Trip: Tanzania’s Great Migration & Ngorongoro Crater

Story Behind the Shot: “When we saw the male lion eyeing the top of the kopje (local word for rock boulder), as if to climb it and sit, with the sun setting and clouds starting to pop, we knew this was going to be something special. And this guy delivered…with an effortless pounce, he then sat peacefully, looking around at his kingdom for the better part of an hour…he was the boss, and it was magnificent.”

Photographer: Matt Meyer, Nat Hab Photo Expedition Leader

Nat Hab Trip: Ultimate Gorilla Photo Expedition

Story Behind the Shot: “A quiet, unguarded moment with a young male mountain gorilla in Rwanda, captured while guiding a recent Ultimate Gorilla Safari for Natural Habitat Adventures. In the early stages of his “teenage” years and not yet a dominant silverback, he is on the cusp of becoming a family blackback, his steady gaze hinting at the strength and confidence he will soon grow into.”

Photographer: Adam Morse, Nat Hab Guest

Nat Hab Trip: Tanzania Migration Photo Expedition

Story Behind the Shot: “CHAOS: A photo of a Mara river crossing involving between 15-20,000 animals in one crossing. The thundering herd fills the air with dust from the dry Serengeti on a blistering morning. Once the first wildebeest commits to the river, a panic ensues. They all want to follow, but are afraid. The tension and internal dilemma are visible in their behavior. Panic, stop, go, stop, go, then the leap of faith. Sometimes off a cliff; sometimes into the river; sometimes onto another wildebeest. It is a race to the other side. Then once they make it across the river, the panic sets in. Did their family and friends make it? They run back to the edge, calling maaaa! Running in circles, wandering around in a panic without direction. This is the Maasai Mara River crossing!”

Photographer: Arnold Hardy, Nat Hab Guest

Nat Hab Trip: Secluded Botswana Safari

Story Behind the Shot: “This photo was taken on the Zambezi River in late September 2025 on an evening boat cruise. We saw several groups of hippos, and this large male gave us a warning sign not to get any closer to his family! We had a great adventure on our trip, and our guide, Ona, was excellent!”

Photographer: Mark Smith, Nat Hab Guest

Nat Hab Trip: Epic Botswana & Namibia Safari

Story Behind the Shot: “Our first drive of the trip was in the Kulala Wilderness Reserve in the Namib Desert. We saw many of the desert-adapted animals, including these Burchell Zebra, in the evening light. A wonderful start to a great trip.”

Photographer: Paul Kirui, Nat Hab Photo Expedition Leader

Nat Hab Trip: Pride of East Africa: Kenya & Tanzania

Story Behind the Shot: “As the sun dipped below the endless Serengeti horizon, I found myself sharing the moment with a quiet companion — a graceful giraffe silhouetted against the golden light. We were both staring at the setting sun! Sometimes, nature gifts us these perfect pauses…moments to simply stand still and watch the world fade into dusk.”

Antarctica

Photographer: Colby Brokvist, Nat Hab Photo Expedition Leader

Nat Hab Trip: Sailing Antarctica: A Polar Wildlife Expedition

Story Behind the Shot: “This was an image that I envisioned for years and was finally able to pull off. In Antarctica, we camp for one night to experience the peacefulness and immerse ourselves in it. Often, wildlife appears along the coastline, and when the sun sets, it remains visible for hours at this latitude. Finally, this past season, everything aligned to make one of the most magical images in my collection. And imagine the fun of being there to watch these penguins waddle around in the late, lush light!”

Join Us on a Nat Hab Photo Expedition in 2026!

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