EXPEDITIONS
For some, the necessity is obvious. For others, it clambers and slithers into their consciousness not unlike a welcomed, yet complicating virus. A little thought in the back of your head, that grows from a pipe-dream into a want, a want into a necessity. Sometimes, a necessity into an unapologetically unhinged lifestyle.
We seem closer than ever, physically. Yet, many apprehensively whisper that we’ve entered an unprecedented era of utter complacency, begrudgingly complimented by a lackadaisical acceptance of mediocrity.
Humanity is a nomadic species which has spent the vast majority of its time here on Earth exploring beyond the horizon, relishing in the hazy smoke of the unknown and the clarity of community. We expanded from Africa to every corner of the globe through sheer instinctual will; we are today modern humans with ancient minds. That voice inside of your head saying “go” isn’t an annoying inconvenience designed to inhibit productivity. It is, literally, the dying breath of individuality and creativity being crushed by the oppression of self.
In other words, let’s explore the world together!
Calling all students, researchers, citizen scientists, budget travelers and those have “seen it all”. IMPORTANT: this is not an “ecotourism” or standard field herping expedition. It is a scientific collection permitted, rugged, 3-week deep dive through 4 different exceptionally under-surveyed regions of Northern Peru; alongside and supported by the internationally recognized Peruvian Institute of Herpetology (IPH).
Joining this expedition implies you will be on a team responsible for discovering reptile and amphibian range extensions, new records for the entire country of Peru, and very likely one or more new species to science itself. This is the first time IPH has allowed citizen scientists and students from abroad to participate in such groundbreaking research, and the expedition has been designed in such a way that by joining us, you’re presence alone will be making the entire project a reality.
This expedition may be eligible for certain students to earn academic credit.
Ten days under the sprawling canopy of Earth’s oldest extant rainforest, Sumatra’s Gunung Leuser ecosystem. This novel experience boasts a variety of high-profile targets (King cobras, dragon snakes, coral snakes, leaf-nosed vipers & kraits). The expedition is also operated in tandem with a local wildlife rehabilitation NGO and anti-poaching team, and remains our most impactful project towards conservation! If you haven’t had enough of Indonesia afterwards, consider joining our herp & dive “add-on” to Komodo, Rinca & surrounding islands.
Southern Africa is ripe with untouched, under-surveyed, and severely threatened habitat home to a nearly incalculable host of herpetofauna. We’ll first explore the Victoria Falls region, traveling via 4x4 to a remote lodge situated on a seemingly endless expanse of private land. The second half of the expedition will take us to a tropical rainforest deep in the Eastern Highlands, where we launch our search for the infamous Gaboon Viper.
Join our quintessential search for the world’s largest lizard- the Komodo dragon. On this optional addition to the Sumatra trip (Dec. 1-10), our group will jump on a homey liveaboard boat bound for Rinca, experiencing truly world-class scuba diving along the way. On Rinca and Komodo, we’ll search for treasures such as the blue phase Trimeresurus insularis (a vibrantly blue viper found nowhere else on Earth), Timor pythons, Komodo dragons, and Siamese Russel’s vipers. Underwater, expect white-tipped reef sharks, manta rays, octopus, and cuttlefish; among so, so much more.
By size : species ratio, Ecuador is the most biodiverse country on Earth. Here, we present an 11-day deep dive, covering 3 unique biomes. And who better to guide it with us than our good friend, biologist, naturalist, award-winning photographer (featured on BBC’s Planet Earth), and all-around Neotropics expert Jaime Culebras!
From Quito, we travel to the ethereal cloud forest of Mindo, where dozens of endangered endemics call home (such as the Pinocchio Anole) as well as other high-elevation specialists (Ecuadorian Toad-headed viper, Eyelash viper, Andean snail eater). You might think it can’t get any better, but our next stop is the critically imperiled Chocó Biogeographical Region, in search of eyelash boas and Chocóan Bushmasters. Finally, we’ll book it to the lower Amazon basin. Expect astounding biodiversity from every angle (potential for South American bushmasters, Fringed-leaf frog, dwarf caiman, Brazilian rainbow boa, Emerald palm pit viper, green anacondas).
It’s happening! We’re tag-teaming this one with Wes, Jeff & Mike; creators of the award-winning podcast “Tooth & Claw”, to offer a Herping (searching for reptiles & amphibians) + Scuba Diving Expedition into the heart of Indonesia’s most iconic region. Enjoy 3 stages of adventure: initially launching from Flores island in search of Javan spitting cobras, Lesser Sunda island pit vipers (yellow & green phase), as well as gorgeous Timor pythons- among so much more.
From Flores, we jump onto a cozy liveaboard situation, where the team will embark on 4 days of scuba diving, herping and exploring 3 different islands. Of course, we will primarily target the enduring & emblematic Komodo dragon- while under the waves, we’ll pursue reef manta rays, gentle giants known for their peaceful and curious behavior.
Back on Flores, we’ll head inland to stay & herp at a luxury, off-grid ecolodge- one that backs up to an entire mountain range. Space is limited. Don’t miss this!
Embark on an enriching herping journey through Suriname, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Amazon. Offering a unique haven to naturalists, herpers, and explorers, we’ll delve into the untouched wilderness where Serpentine’s most productive and popular herping tour ponders the secrets of South America’s ancient, teeming primary rainforests.
Are you searching for something else? We cater to everything from providing resources for production companies (including BBC, Apple TV, & Carbon TV) to family/friends expeditions, research projects, private endeavors, and more. Our logistics capabilities reach all across the planet.
