Thank you and Farewell to 2024!

As we wrap up the 2024 season, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you.

Thank you for sharing this incredible journey with us, for trusting us with your wildlife holidays, and for joining us in exploring the wild and wondrous places this planet has to offer.

This year has been nothing short of magical. From the breathtaking landscapes we visited to the awe-inspiring wildlife we encountered, every moment has been a reminder of how precious and deserving of protection these wild places and animals are.

It has been our privilege to share their stories with you, to show you their beauty, and to shine a light on why they are worth fighting for.

Through these journeys, we have been dedicated to showing people this incredible world without fences, one story at a time…where nature knows no boundaries and its wonders can be truly experienced.

Our mission has always been to connect people with nature in a meaningful way—to foster an appreciation for these animals and inspire a sense of stewardship for the planet we all call home.

Thank you for being part of this journey, for watching our videos, reading our blogs, and commenting on our images. Your support means the world to us.

From all of us at SDM, thank you for being part of this incredible journey.

As this season comes to a close, I’m looking forward to spending some quality time at home with my family and friends.

It’s time to recharge, reflect, and enjoy the holiday season with loved ones.

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Image by Graeme Purdy

To all of you, I send love and light this holiday season. May your days be filled with joy, warmth, and cherished moments with those you hold dear.

Thank you for being part of our adventure. I can’t wait to see what 2025 holds for all of us.

Wishing you all a happy holiday season and an incredible new year ahead!

Love and light,

SDM Crew.

2024 GROUP PHOTOS: A huge thank you to everyone who joined us in 2024. Thank you for the amazing moments and memories we shared together. Love you guys!

The Double-Edged Sword of Ecotourism... Are We Loving Wildlife to Death?

Over the past decade, social media has transformed the way we connect with wildlife.

Stunning photos and videos of humpback whales breaching, polar bears roaming the tundra, or tigers stalking through the forest inspire millions to explore these wild places.

This surge in interest has fueled a massive growth in ecotourism, bringing much-needed attention and funding to local communities and conservation efforts.

But as more people flock to wildlife hotspots, it raises an important question:

Can we love an animal to death?

Grey Whale watching off Magdalena Bay, Mexico.

There’s no denying the power of witnessing wildlife up close.

These experiences foster deep connections and inspire a sense of responsibility for protecting our planet’s most vulnerable species.

Ecotourism provides vital economic support for local communities, often funding anti-poaching initiatives, habitat restoration, and education programs.

In my opinion, ecotourism is the key to the survival of many species.

The sad reality is that governments often don’t care about wildlife unless there’s money involved. They collect revenue either from ecotourism operators or from industries like fishing or hunting—and they don’t care which one it is… as long as the money flows their way.

This means that when wildlife has economic value tied to tourism, it’s more likely to be protected.

Ecotourism not only funds conservation efforts but also creates incentives for governments and communities to prioritize wildlife over exploitation.

Yet, there’s a darker side.

Increased human presence can disrupt natural behaviors. Animals may become stressed, altering their feeding, migration, or mating patterns. Some even become habituated to humans, which can put them at risk of harm or conflict.

The truth is, most animals don’t want us there.

Whether it’s a whale avoid boats, a fox fleeing at the sight of humans, or a bird scared off its nest, these are clear signs that our presence isn’t always welcome.

And I’m the first to admit—I’ve been guilty of this. I’ve wanted to see an animal and capture their beauty through a lens, even when they’ve shown signs of wanting to be left alone.

What I’ve learned over time, however, is that the true magic of wildlife encounters happens when an animal chooses to be in our presence… or tolerates it.

Grey whale asking for a face rub.

Through patience and respect, these moments are far more rewarding and meaningful. Watching an orca glide alongside our boat without fear or seeing a bear go about its life undisturbed—that’s when you truly feel a connection to the wild.

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Despite the challenges, I firmly believe ecotourism is the only way to save wildlife.

It gives animals an economic value tied to their survival, creating incentives for protection rather than exploitation.

With respect and care, we can still visit our favorite wild places and create positive experiences for both people and wildlife.

As travelers, we hold the power to ensure that our adventures leave a positive impact:

• Choose responsible operators who prioritize animal welfare and conservation.

• Be respectful with wildlife, avoiding behaviors that may stress or scare them.

• Use social media thoughtfully—avoid tagging/sharing fragile locations to prevent overcrowding.

By treading lightly and embracing responsible tourism, we can preserve the species we love while fostering deep connections that inspire conservation.

Ecotourism has the potential to be a powerful force for good… but only if it’s done right.

With patience, respect, and a focus on responsible travel, we can continue to explore the wild places we love while ensuring wildlife thrives for generations to come.

Thank you for reading.

A Month and a half of Adventures... From Anacondas to Right Whales!

We are gearing up for the next month and a half of epic adventures.

We’re about to embark on back-to-back trips that promise incredible wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable moments.

It’s going to be so good, and I can’t wait to share this journey with you all.

Week 1: Swimming with Anacondas in Brazil

We kick off our adventure in Brazil diving with anacondas. For the first week, we'll be diving in the clear waters of the Formoso River in the heart of the Brazilian Pantanal.

Here, we'll search for the elusive green anaconda, the largest snake in the world. There's something truly thrilling about being in the water with these massive ancient predators.

It’s an experience that challenges our perceptions of snakes and allows us to see them in a whole new light.

We'll also be on the lookout for other fascinating creatures, like giant anteaters, dwarf caimans, capybaras, and a plethora of bird species that make this region so unique.

Week 2: Jaguars and Maned Wolves in the Northern Pantanal

From the water to the dense, lush forests of the Northern Pantanal, our second week will be all about big cats and other iconic wildlife.

This region is one of the best places in the world to photograph jaguars in their natural habitat, and we’re hoping for some spectacular encounters.

There's nothing quite like the thrill of spotting a jaguar stalking through the underbrush or lounging by the riverbanks.

But jaguars aren't the only stars of the show. We’re also on the lookout for giant river otters, caiman, capybaras, tapirs, and the elusive manned wolf, with its long legs and striking red fur.

Week 3 and 4: Exploring the Amazon River with Botos

Our adventures continue as we head deeper into Brazil, this time to the Amazon River. For our third week, we will be immersed in the dense, vibrant rainforests of the Amazon, home to some of the most diverse wildlife on the planet.

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Our primary focus will be the Amazon river dolphins, or botos, known for their playful behavior and distinctive pink color.

We have back-to-back trips planned, which gives us ample opportunity to photograph and interact with these incredible dolphins in their natural environment.

Alongside the botos, the Amazon offers an array of wildlife encounters, from colorful macaws, caiman, curious monkeys that are seen regularly at our eco-lodge.

A big goal for me while in the area is to see and photograph a sloth. There are three different species that can be found in the area we will be visiting. I really dont care what species we find. I just really want to photograph one.

Weeks 5: Right Whales in Argentina

After four weeks in the wilds of Brazil, we are flying to Argentina for one of the highlights of our season: spending time diving with right whales in Patagonia.

This part of the journey is truly a dream come true for me. There's a particular magic in observing these gentle giants up close, watching them breach, slap their tails, and with our special government permits, swimming alongside these gentle giants.

We will be based in the Peninsula Valdés, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where these whales come to breed and give birth. It’s a unique opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in a protected environment, and it always leaves me in awe of the beauty and complexity of the natural world.

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Magellanic penguin in Patagonia

These trips are more than just a chance to see incredible wildlife; they’re an opportunity to connect with nature, to learn from it, and to help protect these wild places and the wildlife that inhabits them.

As much as we are here to enjoy and photograph the wildlife, we also have a responsibility to protect it.

Ecotourism plays a vital role in conservation efforts, providing financial support for the communities and the protection of habitats and wildlife.

My hope is that these adventures inspire you to appreciate the beauty of our planet and to consider how you, too, can contribute to preserving what remains of our wild places.

Stay tuned for a lot of photos, blogs and videos from our adventures, and thank you for reading and joining us on this journey!

A Day with Black Bears in North Carolina’s Alligator River Wildlife Refuge

There’s something truly magical about spending a day looking for black bears in the Alligator River Wildlife Refuge. This place has become like a second home to me, where every bend in the dirt road promises a new adventure. I love it out here… the air is fresh, the bears are curious, and every moment feels like a gift.

Morning: The Journey Begins

My day starts early, just as the first light of dawn begins to break. I leave my hotel room, grab a quick breakfast, and head out with my gear. There’s something special about these early mornings; they always feel full of promise, where anything can happen. The drive to the refuge is quiet and quick, and I take in the peacefulness of the landscape waking up around me.

With my camera ready beside me, I hop into my truck and head out along the dirt roads of the refuge. The Alligator River Wildlife Refuge is one of those places that feels like it belongs to another time—wild, untamed, and full of life.

I’ve been coming here for a few years now, and yet, every trip feels like the first.

As I drive slowly, the crunch of the tires on the gravel almost seems too loud in the stillness. I wish I could keep my windows rolled down, but the horse flies here can be brutal sometimes. A small price to pay to find magic in wild places.

I keep my eyes peeled, scanning the sides of the road for any signs of bear activity. And then, there it is—a black bear grazing on tall grasses on the side of the road. My heart skips a beat. These moments are what I live for.

I stop the truck, grab my camera, and step out, staying close to the vehicle just in case. The bears here are used to people, but I never want to take that for granted.

Some of the bears here are shy, but most have become comfortable with our presence. I crouch down to try and get a low-angle shot. The bears back is to me. It stops eating, turns around to look at me. It watches me for a few seconds, then decides it wants nothing to do with me and disappears into the forest.

I drive on. Sorry I disturbed your breakfast buddy.

I drive for a couple hours, the day is heating up and not much is going on, so I decide to break for lunch, but Ill be back in a few hours, when the sun starts getting low. Late afternoons are always good here.

Later That Day.
I spend the afternoon driving through the refuge’s diverse habitats—dense pine forests, open fields dotted with wildflowers, and wetland areas where great blue herons stand perfectly still, like statues. Every corner of this place has its own story, its own secrets waiting to be discovered.

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It’s not just about the bears, although they are certainly the stars of the show. Along the way, I spot a barred owl hunting crayfish in the canals on the side of the road. The owl is completely relaxed around people.

A few cars see me stopped and drive up to see what I am photographing. The wildlife here is abundant and awe-inspiring, and I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of it, even if just for a day.

Continuing down the road, I turn a corner and spot another black bear up ahead, right near one of the many irrigation ditches filled with water. I recognize this bear—one of the regulars. I’ve seen it many times before. I stop the truck and quietly get out to get a better view.

When dealing with predatory animals, I never forget what they are or what I am doing. I have had encounters with this bear for the past three days… She is well-behaved, very well-mannered, and comfortable around people. 

I jumped back in the car and moved ahead of the bear. I know where she is going… it is time for her afternoon bath. 

I stop the truck close to the area where I think she will stop at and get out.

Sure enough, she wades into the ditch, plopping down with a contented huff. For a good twenty minutes, I watch this bear take a bath. This is one of those simple joys that never gets old. It’s funny, almost endearing, to see this powerful animal so at ease, splashing around like a kid on a hot summer day.

There’s a sense of peace in these moments, a feeling that everything is exactly as it should be. I snap a few photos, but mostly, I just watch, soaking it all in. After a while, she finishes up, shakes off the water, glances in my direction for a second, then lumbers back into the forest to find a place to bed down for the night.

As the day begins to wind down, I make my way back to a familiar clearing where I’ve seen bears before. The golden hour light bathes everything in a warm glow, and I know this is my last chance for a sighting today. I park the truck and settle in, feeling that familiar mix of hope and anticipation.

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Just as the sun is dipping below the horizon, I see a few bears walking out of the forest. It is mating season so they approach the open fields cautiously. One of the bears is walking in my direction, making its way through the tall grass. I try not to move too much, not wanting to disturb the moment. The bear stops to eat wild-growing blackberries in front of me. I am on fire, and snap photo after photo.

Another bear decides it does not like the vibe and desides to walk back into the forest. But before it disappears, it walks over to a pine tree on the edge of the forest, stands up and begins scratching its back. I fire away! It is an amazing scene, and I am so appreciative of my luck. I just keep saying to myself, I hope some of these images are in focus.

After a while, I stop shooting and just watch the rest of the evening’s stories unfold. There’s something so pure about watching wild bears being bears. It’s these quiet, intimate moments that stay with me long after I’ve left the refuge.

Reflections at the End of the Day

Back at the hotel, I kick off my shoes and reflect on the day. I have to admit, there’s something comforting about returning to a warm, comfortable room after a day out in the wild. I go through the photos I took, reliving each moment—looking to see if I captured anything special… and I definitely did!

Tracking black bears in the Alligator River Wildlife Refuge isn’t just about finding the bears—it’s about being fully present in the moment, feeling the earth under your feet, and understanding that you are a part of something much bigger than yourself. It’s a reminder of the beauty of the natural world and our place within it.

What’s truly remarkable to me is that these wild places still exist, so close to human habitation. They offer a glimpse into a world that is both fragile and resilient… a world we are privileged to share. 

To me it’s a reminder that we need to coexist with these incredible creatures and protect the last of these wild places. They are vital not just for the wildlife that calls them home, but for us as well, as they remind us of what it means to be truly alive. 

Today was a good day. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.