Earthwatch Expeditions

In Costa Rica’s Monteverde region, native bees move among cloud forests, farms and restoration sites, pollinating plants across tropical ecosystems and agricultural regions. Valerie Peters, Ph.D., the Lead Scientist on our Earthwatch Expeditions Bees, Birds & Wild Beauty in Costa Rica, examines how climate change and habitat loss affect pollinators and the landscapes that depend on them. With more than 20 years of experience in tropical ecology research, Peters also shares how participants collect bees, document pollinator activity and contribute to long-term research aimed at protecting pollinator diversity. 

What can Baja’s marine giants reveal about a changing ocean? Lenin Oviedo, Ph.D., Lead Scientist for our Whales, Dolphins & Whale Sharks of Baja adventure, takes you into the waters of Baja California Sur, where Earthwatch Expeditions travelers work alongside researchers studying marine wildlife. Discover how you'll photograph animals for identification and use hydrophones to listen beneath the surface while exploring the Sea of Cortez and Pacific coast. Plus, learn how hands-on research helps scientists understand the impacts of warming seas and growing tourism.

Can degraded savanna be restored — and how quickly will wildlife return? Antonio Uzal, Ph.D., Lead Scientist for our On Safari with Big Game in Kenya adventure, takes you inside an ambitious rewilding project in the Greater Maasai Mara, where Earthwatch Expeditions travelers work with scientists and Maasai landowners to restore vital habitat. Discover how you'll survey elephants, giraffes, zebras and other wildlife, monitor recovering savanna and experience Kenya beyond a traditional safari while playing a direct role in conservation.

Experience the Amazon through the eyes of scientists on an immersive riverboat expedition through one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Earthwatch Expeditions Director of Research Stan Rullman, Ph.D., and Nat Hab Chief Sustainability Officer Court Whelan, Ph.D., share how travelers work alongside researchers, gain rare access to wildlife and Indigenous communities, and contribute to meaningful conservation science. Search for pink river dolphins, monkeys, macaws, sloths, caimans and more while discovering what makes this Earthwatch Expeditions journey unlike any other Amazon experience.

How do you protect sharks in waters where people also depend on fishing? Join internationally recognized shark scientist Demian Chapman, Ph.D., for a behind-the-scenes look at the research guiding shark conservation in Belize. Learn how scientists work alongside local fishing communities to track shark populations, movements and habitat use, and discover how travelers on our new Earthwatch Expeditions adventure work shoulder to shoulder with the research team—measuring, tagging and releasing sharks while contributing to the science that helps protect them.

Spend a week alongside scientists studying North America's fascinating forest owls. Nat Hab Expedition Leader Mike Hillman and Dave Oleyar, Ph.D., the lead scientist for our new Earthwatch Expeditions adventure in southeastern Arizona, share a behind-the-scenes look at how participants help monitor whiskered screech-owls, northern pygmy-owls, elf owls and other forest species. Discover what it's like to take part in real wildlife research, learn how scientists locate nests and track owl populations, and find out how your fieldwork contributes to long-term conservation.

What does it take to study one of the ocean's most intelligent and elusive predators? Join marine biologist Filipa Samarra, Ph.D., founder of the Icelandic Orca Project, for an inside look at one of the longest-running studies of orcas. Discover how researchers identify individual whales, track their movements, study their diets and social relationships, and investigate the challenges they face. You'll also learn how participants on our new Earthwatch Expeditions adventure to Iceland work alongside Filipa's team, contributing to research that deepens our understanding of these highly social marine mammals.

What does it feel like to step beyond traditional nature travel and become part of a scientific research team? Earthwatch Expeditions by Nat Hab offers a rare opportunity to access remote and secluded study sites, have close encounters with wildlife and work alongside scientists. From monitoring and measuring sea turtles in Costa Rica to restoring elephant habitat in Kenya, these trips only require curiosity and a desire to learn—no prior experience necessary! Learn more in this riveting conversation between Court Whelan, Ph.D., Nat Hab's Chief Sustainability Officer, and Stan Rullman, Ph.D., Director of Research for Earthwatch Expeditions.

In 1971, Earthwatch set out to place everyday citizens alongside scientists in the field—a model that inspired Ben Bressler and helped shape Natural Habitat Adventures. Today, that legacy continues with Earthwatch Expeditions by Nat Hab, blending hands-on research with conservation travel. Join Ben Bressler and Earthwatch Expeditions’ Managing Director Renata Haas and Director of Research Stan Rullman to learn how you can work with scientists and contribute to conservation research in places like the Amazon, the Arctic, Africa and beyond.