Extraordinary. Bespoke. Immersive. Transformational.
Celebrating 30 years of creating experiences around the world that change the way you see and feel. Leave the details to us so you are free to enjoy the ride. Relax, explore, awaken, play. We are here to make dreams come true.
Robert S. Knight
After graduating university, Robert Knight set out on a self-funded, five-year journey around the world, outfitted with a camera, journal and few necessities. During this substantial nomadic odyssey, Knight was immersed in exploration whilst developing new pathways of seeing.
“Back in the early days without the internet, I relied upon guide books, paper maps and intuition. From early on, I had a sense that investing in enriching experiences was at the core of a well lived life. For years I lived out of a backpack exploring the world on seven continents and multiple islands. I worked as a dive-master, rescue diver, and underwater videographer/photographer in the South Pacific, Caribbean and Monterey Bay.
In Switzerland, I discovered aviation in the form of Paragliding, a pure form of flight, relying solely on wind and the power of the sun. I studied ornithology (birds) to figure out how I could become a better pilot. As my love of aviation grew, I learned how to pilot small high performance planes. I put 200,000 miles on a VW Vanagon traveling across the USA from East to West coasts and from Canada to Mexico through the continental divide, hiking many thousands of miles along the way. I fell in love with the art of photography, and how it helps you connect more deeply with the world around you.
Through all these immersive journeys I awakened, and discovered a common light that connects all things. I became passionate about finding ways through my photography and writings to honor and celebrate the gift of life. I opened a photography gallery in Carmel-by the-Sea 25 years ago that still exists today. The same year I formed “Earth Expeditions”. A travel company where we design and host trips around the world sharing with friends the power and joy of extraordinary travel experiences.”
Knight resides with his wife Anna and three children Emerson, Lillian and Wylder in Carmel, California.
Edmund L. Oborny
At an early age Ed was drawn to the outdoors, spending his days in midwestern creeks and streams, chasing crawdads, turtles and all things aquatic. As he grew, so did his interest in marine biology, which led to a graduate degree in Fisheries Sciences. Ed joins Earth Expeditions with more than 30 years of environmental consulting and travel experiences across six continents.
As a co-owner in BIO-WEST, Inc., Ed has spent his career working on natural resource-based solutions for complex water issues. These studies have involved many species of fish (big and small), freshwater mussels, American eels, sharks, rays, sea turtles, and coastal birds including the iconic Whooping Crane. These animals have been studied across a diversity of habitats including small inland creeks and mountain streams, to the mighty Colorado River raging through the Grand Canyon, crystal clear spring-fed systems, freshwater swamps, coastal marshes, seagrasses and coral reefs.
Ed’s passion for natural resources and expertise has led to science and policy board appointments across the United States over his career. These unique appointments, coupled with volunteer opportunities with youth groups and schools, allow Ed a chance to share Nature with others, a passion that he intends to bring to Earth Expeditions.
“I’m often asked to share my favorite place that I have traveled, and there is simply no one answer, as it truly depends on what you might be seeking at any particular time in your life. As a glimpse into who I am, I will say that exploring tide pools early in the morning on the northern Oregon coast brings out the ‘Eddie’ in me every single time. Meanwhile, gliding with giant Manta Rays in an island channel in the South Pacific put me in a zone of tranquility, and standing on a mountain top in Tibet touched my soul. Adventures in destinations like Antarctica, Patagonia, Galapagos, and Peru have affirmed to me that the beauty of travel is that your experience will be unique and ultimately only describable by you.”
Ed resides in the Texas Hill Country west of Austin with his wife Chimene of 36 years and their wire-haired dachshund Fritz. The couple’s two children (Zachary and Lindsay) are fully-fledged and reside in Spokane, WA and Austin, TX with their significant others.
Zachary L. Oborny
With an adventurous spirit and a lifelong passion for exploration, Zachary Oborny joins Earth Expeditions as our newest Expedition Leader. His journey into global travel began early with family excursions, including favorites such as traversing glaciers in Alaska and snorkeling in oceans far from home. As a young adult Zach ventured to China, where he spent a transformative year teaching English and immersing himself deeply in the culture. That chapter of life fueled his ongoing curiosity about the world and strengthened his commitment to connecting people through authentic, meaningful travel.
Zach makes his home in Washington state with his wife Heather and their two cats Merf and Mauser. From an early age, Zach loved putting pen to paper (or asking his mother to do so) before he perfected his penmanship, which ultimately led to a degree from the Edward R. Murrow School of Communication at Washington State University. Zach believes in finding meaning in every unique day this life offers us, whether it be a walk through the family garden, hiking through the mountains, or jotting down a note in a journal.
At Earth Expeditions, Zach is dedicated to helping deliver an exceptional guest experience on every journey. Whether interacting directly with travelers or working behind the scenes, he brings enthusiasm, reliability, and a calm, solutions-focused approach to every expedition. His goal is simple: to ensure each guest feels supported, inspired, and cared for from start to finish. He is thrilled to be part of the Earth Expeditions team and looks forward to contributing to unforgettable travel experiences around the globe.
“Time is our most precious resource. Experiences are opportunities. ”
— RSK