Annie Van Dinther1999
Annie is a naturalist, writer and expedition leader whose life has been shaped by tides—ocean, wilderness, human story. A Nat Hab employee since 1999, she has guided our guests through some of the world’s most remote, soul-stirring ecosystems.
Annie began her career guiding Cape Cod whale-watching tours, where her dual biology and geology degrees met the wide-open classroom of Stellwagen Bank. She rose to head naturalist, teaching marine biology, mentoring interns from whaling nations, researching humpback whales and learning to read the sea.
Since joining Nat Hab, Annie’s path has spanned the polar bear tundra of Churchill, moss-draped rainforests of British Columbia, harp seal nurseries of the Magdalen Islands, volcanic cradle of the Galapagos, icy seascapes of Antarctica and wild places in between. Her work pulses with deep reverence for animal behavior, ecological nuance and human stories.
An award-winning writer, Annie holds a master’s degree in creative writing, where her critical thesis explored the neurobiology of metaphor. Obsessed with how brains build meaning and how animals communicate and operate, she brings an inquisitive rigor to every conversation. She is also an eager photographer and strives to tell stories that foster deep and meaningful connections.
Annie is a mother of three and lives with her family in Homer, Alaska, where she moves between bear trails and berry patches, field notebooks and paddleboards, drawn always to the places where wilderness can’t be ignored. When not guiding, she is often wrist-deep in Alaskan soil, tending garden beds or foraging for wild plants, connected to seasons and cycle, presence and patience.
What Our Guests Say
Annie was amazing! Her knowledge and passion for Churchill and the polar bears was exceptional. I felt extremely confident that we were in very good hands and were getting the very most out of our time in Churchill. Also, I thoroughly enjoyed the night she shared with us her own story about her first time in Churchill and how she became an Expedition Leader. She's a fantastic storyteller and it really was a special story to hear.
Wow, this woman is fantastic. She is so knowledgeable about the animals, the area, the history and the people. I am so glad Annie was our guide—we had a wonderful experience. She knows where to look for the animals, and when to stay out late and watch for the aurora. She was always reachable, always kind and whatever little thing you needed, she was right there. I have never taken a "first class" trip and I will rethink my future trips. Thank you so much, from a very, very satisfied guest.
Annie is very enthusiastic and excited about her work. It's infectious and makes everything a lot of fun. She is also super concerned about all the travelers and makes sure that people are getting exactly what they need.