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Costa rica November 2024
7 Days November 2024
Join our expedition to the Costa Rica led by Michael Bargeron, who has organized many expeditions to exciting parts of the world and teaches wildlife photography. On this expedition you will see and learn about the wondrous wildlife and flora of Costa Rica. This amazing country is the most biologically intense place on Earth holding 2.5% of the biodiversity of the entire world in just one area. This includes 140 species of mammals, 4 species of sea turtles, 463 species of birds, 10,000+ species of insects, 4,000+ vascular plants, and 700 species of trees. Our expedition will set out to see a mass Sea Turtle Nesting event known as an Arribada. In additon, we will visit Tortuguero to find many interesting plants and animals and photograph them as well as learn about their importance. Who knows, we may discover a new species! Our accomodations will be comfortable economy class to keep the budget reasonable. Prices pp dbl occ.
Itinerary
This expedition will focus on the highlights that Costa Rica has to offer with daily nature walks with expert guides as well as getting a taste of the local culture. From one of the largest nesting sites of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles in the world, to the canals, lagoon, and dense rainforest of Tortuguero National Park, this will be a once in a lifetime adventure.
Day 1: USA/SJO SJO/Tortuguero (Air Travel to Costa Rica)
Day 1-3: Exploring Tortuguero
Day 4: Exploring Arenal Volcano and Natural Springs
Day 5-7: Exploring Sea Turtle Nesting Beaches
Day 7: Return to SJO SJO/USA (Air Travel Home)
What's Included
Ground transportation by private van
Accommodations in hotels - Economy Class
Daily activities and excursions including nature walks, photography instruction, and studying nature with expert guides in search of wildlife and exotic plants.
The following are not included:
Airfare to/from SJO (San Jose, Costa Rica) or airfare SJO/, Travel Insurance, Visas, Meals, Beverages, Gratuities.
Expedition Team
Michael Bargeron will lead this expedition. Michael has traveled the world, many times with Dr. Peter Pritchard, the world's foremost expert on turtles and tortoises, to learn about these fascinating creatures and their natural habitat. He has worked on many conservation projects and has served as chair and organizer for several conferences on turtles. In his spare time he enjoys wildlife photography, his work can be found on this site. Michael did his doctoral work at the University of Southern California.
Prices and Dates
TBA
Additional Information
Interested in going? Have more questions? Please feel free to email the organizer, Michael Bargeron, at info@turtlesociety.org or you can call at 310-347-8139
Expedition madagascar APR 2025
April 2025
Madagascar has some of the highest biodiversity on the planet. Approximately 95 percent of Madagascar’s reptiles, 89 percent of its plant life, and 92 percent of its mammals exist nowhere else on Earth. From 1999 to 2010, scientists discovered 615 new species in Madagascar, including 41 mammals and 61 reptiles. This expedition will explore the wonders of Madagascar, both flora and fauna, with a focus on wildlife, especially reptiles. Expect to be amazed by this special paradise.
Itinerary
16-21 Days travelling from the top of the country to the bottom, exploring the key wildlife areas.
What's Included
Accomodations/Hotel, Ground Transport, Park Fees, Guide Fees. Airfare to Madagascar, insurance, and meals not included in price.
Expedition Team
Michael Bargeron
Prices and Dates
Dates: April 2025
Prices: TBA
Additional Information
Interested in going? Have more questions? Please feel free to email the organizer, Michael Bargeron, at info@turtlesociety.org or you can call at 310-347-8139
Exploring Aldabra Nov 2026
November 2026
The atoll is comprised of four large coral islands which enclose a shallow lagoon; the group of islands is itself surrounded by a coral reef. Due to difficulties of access and the atoll's isolation, Aldabra has been protected from human influence and thus retains some 152,000 giant tortoises, the world's largest population of this reptile. There are also globally important breeding populations of endangered green turtles, and critically endangered hawksbill turtles are also present. There are vast waterbird colonies including the second largest frigatebird colonies in the world and one of the world's only two oceanic flamingo populations. In addition, the coral reefs are teaming with sealife like nowhere else on Earth!
Itinerary
TBA
What's Included
TBA
Expedition Team
TBA
Prices and Dates
Dates: November 2026
Prices: TBA
Additional Information
Interested in going? Have more questions? Please feel free to email the organizer, Michael Bargeron, at info@turtlesociety.org or you can call at 310-347-8139
WONDERS OF AUSTRALIA Nov 2023(past)
16 Days Price TBD + Airfare
Join our expedition to the Australia led by Michael Bargeron, who has organized many expeditions to exciting locations, and planned by Australian turtle expert John Cann. On this expedition you will see and learn about the wondrous wildlife and flora of Australia with a focus on turtles. John Cann has spent most of his 80 years of life studying wildlife, especially turtles, in Australia. He has helped lay out an itinerary that will provide all the beauty and excitement Australia has to offer. Prices pp dbl occ.
Itinerary
From Sydney to The Great Barrier Reef, Australia has a lot to offer. This expedition will focus on the highlights that the Australian outback has to offer with visits to special wildlife refuges as well as getting a taste of the culture and big city gems. From the Opera House to koalas, kangaroos, crocs, and rare turtles, you will be amazed by the wonders of Australia. Specifics on the actual route and sites to be released in 2019.
Day 1: USA/Sydney, Australia
Day 2: Exploring Sydney
Day 3-5: Cairns, Great Barrier Reef
Day 6-14: Exploring Australia
Day 15: Exploring/Return to Sydney
Day 16: Sydney, Australia/USA
What's Included
Ground transportation by private van
Accommodations in hotels
Daily activities and excursions including nature walks, snorkelling, and studying nature with Dr. Vogt.
The following are not included:
Airfare to/from Australia or airfare within Australia, Travel Insurance, Visas, Meals, Beverages, Gratuities.
Expedition Team
Michael Bargeron will lead this expedition. Michael has traveled the world, many times with Dr. Peter Pritchard, the world's foremost expert on turtles and tortoises, to learn about these fascinating creatures and their natural habitat. He has worked on many conservation projects and has served as chair and organizer for several conferences on turtles. In his spare time he enjoys wildlife photography, his work can be found on this site. Michael did his doctoral work at the University of Southern California.
John Cann is Australia's foremost expert on turtles and has an extensive background working with snakes and other wildlife. Mr. Cann has written several books on turtles and will serve as an advisor for this expedition.
Prices and Dates
Dates: December 2020
Price: TBA
Additional Information
Interested in going? Have more questions? Please feel free to email the organizer, Michael Bargeron, at mbargeron@roadrunner.com or you can call at 310-347-8139
Amazon River Expedition 2019 (past)
10 Days $1,999 + Airfare
Join our expedition to the Amazon River in Brazil led by world renowned naturalist and turtle expert Dr. Richard Vogt to learn about Amazon wildlife. You will learn about the flora and fauna of the Amazon with special attention to turtles. Dr. Vogt has spent decades studying wildlife in Brazil and other parts of the world. Prices pp dbl occ.
Itinerary
The Amazon River is home to an abundance of wildlife and flora. Traveling aboard a research vessel with 18 beds in air conditioned cabins provides comfort while providing close up encounters with the wonders of the Amazon.
Day 1: USA/Manaus, Brazil
Day 2: Board Vessel/Exploring Amazon River
Day 3-8: Exploring Amazon River
Day 9: Exploring/Return to Manaus
Day 10: Manaus, Brazil/USA
What's Included
Transfers upon arrival/departure Manaus airport to vessel.
Accommodation aboard 75' research vessel with ac cabins and bunks.
All meals aboard vessel days 2-9 prepared by an international chef.
Daily activities and excursions including nature walks, snorkelling, and studying nature with Dr. Vogt.
The following are not included:
Airfare to/from Manaus, Travel Insurance, Visas, Alcoholic beverages, Gratuities.
Expedition Team
Dr. Richard C. Vogt will serve as our expert guide on this expedition. Dr. Vogt is a world-renowned research professor at the Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazonia in Manaus, Brazil and has twice altered the course of study in the field of turtle biology with discovering temperature-dependent sex determination and communication between turtles. He holds a PhD in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has published more than 100 scientific papers and books.
Michael Bargeron will serve as our expedition organizer. Michael has traveled the world with Dr. Peter Pritchard, the world's foremost expert on turtles and tortoises, to learn about these fascinating creatures and their natural habitat. He has worked on many conservation projects and has served as chair and organizer for several conferences on turtles. In his spare time he enjoys wildlife photography, his work can be found on this site and at www.michaelbargeron.com . Michael did his doctoral work at the University of Southern California.
Prices & Dates
Early-Bird Special $1,999 per person, double occupancy, if paid in full by 4/1/2019.
Price thereafter is $2,300 per person, double occupancy. Payment in full due no later than May 1, 2019
$500 deposit due immediately to reserve your space.
Dates: Aug 1-11, 2019
Space is limited to 18!
**All monies are fully refundable up until 90 days prior to voyage. Thereafter, there will be a 25% cancellation fee assessed. If this expedition is canceled for any reason, all monies will be refunded in full.
Additional Information & Photos of Past Voyages
Interested in going? Have more questions? Please feel free to email the organizer, Michael Bargeron, at mbargeron@roadrunner.com or you can call at 310-347-8139