Imagine observing lions on the prowl in the Serengeti with a wildlife biologist, examining ancient ruins in Peru with an archaeologist, or shooting images in Paris alongside a celebrated National Geographic photographer. National Geographic's researchers, explorers, writers, and photographers have brought the world to our members for more than a hundred years. Now, our experts bring you to the planet's most intriguing places to share their knowledge and their insights. From photography to history to marine biology, our National Geographic experts are passionate about their fields, and they enrich the expedition experience through fascinating presentations and informal discussions. Meet our featured experts below, or browse by destination, specialty, or name.
Robert Hernandez
Specialties: Editor, Biologist, Naturalist
A 28-year veteran of the National Geographic Society, Rob Hernandez began as a senior editor for National Geographic magazine and later founded its International Publishing division, which publishes magazines, books, and other media in more than 35 languages. Raised in Cuba and Spain, Rob spent his early career doing ecological field research and documenting the wildlife and culture of the world’s more remote places. He filmed a television special on lions in Namibia, explored the wilderness of New Guinea, journeyed to rarely visited corners of South America, and circumnavigated the Indian and Pacific Oceans in a small sailboat for 2 years.
Specialties: Author, Adventurer
When Peter Hillary first climbed Mount Everest in 1990, he and his father, Sir Edmund Hillary—who made the first ascent of Mount Everest in 1953—became the first father and son to reach the summit. He reached the summit again in 2002 on a National Geographic-sponsored ascent later featured in the film Surviving Everest. Peter has completed more than 40 mountaineering expeditions and is deeply involved in assistance programs for the people of the Mount Everest region in Nepal.
Specialties: Marine Biologist, Photographer
National Geographic photographer and marine biologist Flip Nicklin is one of the world's leading photographers of whales. His majestic photos and amazing audio tracks of humpbacks and killer whales have appeared in numerous National Geographic publications and television specials. The North American Nature Photography Association has named him Outstanding Nature Photographer of the Year. Flip migrates with the humpbacks, spending summers in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska and winters off Maui, Hawai'i.
Specialty: Photographer
National Geographic Explorer and acclaimed documentary photographer Chris Rainier specializes in documenting indigenous cultures around the world. Chris was co-founder of the Society’s All Roads Photography Program; serves as a contributing editor for National Geographic Traveler magazine; and was a co-director of the Society’s Enduring Voices Project, which documented vanishing languages and cultures. He is the director of the Global Program for Traditional Knowledge and Sustainability at Arizona State University’s Global Institute for Sustainability, and he also directs the Last Mile Technology Program, which empowers endangered cultures to save their ancient traditions through modern technology. His numerous awards include the Lowell Thomas Award, given by the Explorers Club. He was recently elected a fellow at the Royal Geographical Society in London.
Specialties: Archaeologist, Editor
Kristin Romey directs field operations for a National Geographic–sponsored archaeological project in Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan, described as the Atlantis of the Central Asian Silk Road. Kristin speaks fluent Russian, earned a graduate degree in nautical archaeology from Texas A&M University, and is a Fellow of the Explorers Club. She was one of the first westerners to survey and excavate in the former Soviet regions of the Black Sea. Her award-winning work as executive editor of Archaeology magazine covered topics ranging from the legend of the Golden Fleece in the Republic of Georgia to the legacy of Alexander the Great in present-day Uzbekistan.
Discover the National Geographic Difference
National Geographic was built upon a passion for discovery and a desire to understand the planet on a deeper level. Our earliest explorers liked to dig in; immerse themselves in new places; and get to know the local people and their traditions, cuisine, and everyday lives. Our trips are designed in the same spirit—to draw out the uniqueness of each destination through meaningful and enriching experiences.
Explore Alongside Our Experts
Whether you’re traveling with a National Geographic scientist or photographer, or meeting local experts along the way, you’ll enjoy a personal, inside perspective on the places you’re exploring.
Get Closer Than You Ever Imagined
National Geographic opens doors around the globe so that you can enjoy access to special sites and events, as well as experts in the field—including our own grantees, whose discoveries have helped illuminate the world’s cultural and natural treasures.
Experience the World Authentically
There’s a distinct difference between visiting a place and truly experiencing it. We design every expedition to be a celebration of a remarkable destination and a genuine interaction with its culture. From the people we meet and the traditions we encounter to the way we travel and the places we stay, our experiences reflect the authentic character of each destination.
When You Travel With Us, You Make a Difference
Now, more than ever, our planet needs our help. That’s why the National Geographic Society is expanding its commitment to save wildlife, protect our oceans, and fund researchers and explorers who are pushing the boundaries of knowledge. When you travel with us, you support this nonprofit work. A portion of the proceeds from all of our travel programs help fund critical research and conservation initiatives.
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