Marc Goddard, Co-FounderCo-founder Marc Goddard began river guiding in 1986 on rivers across the western United States before heading overseas to guide on the Zambezi, where he spent two years and created the first Zambezi highlight film. His passion for wild rivers then led him to Chile’s Bio Bio River, where he founded Bio Bio Expeditions. After the river was dammed, Goddard moved operations south to the Futaleufú, helping build one of the world’s premier riverside glamping camps.
That evolution, from guide to expedition operator, became the foundation for Bio Bio Expeditions Worldwide and its unique model: combining high-adventure travel with continuing education.
How does the company integrate accredited education into high-adventure travel experiences today?
Today, the company designs expeditions for doctors and veterinarians that integrate accredited learning into the journey. Through wilderness and travel medicine lectures or international veterinary seminars, professionals gain hands-on, field-based education in remote destinations, far from traditional conference rooms.
Small groups, expert faculty, strong safety standards and deep attention to detail define every trip. Bio Bio Expeditions either partners with trusted local guides or sends experienced team members to ensure quality and consistency across all destinations.
Why are long-term local partnerships important for delivering consistent expedition experiences globally?
Long-standing relationships are central to the experience. In places like Peru, where the company has operated since 1994, and across other regions it has visited for over 20 years, Bio Bio works with multi-generational local partners. These connections create a level of trust, cultural depth and logistical expertise that few operators can match.
This approach also supports local communities. The company prioritizes hiring local staff and has contributed to education, infrastructure and financial support, even continuing to pay partners through COVID. These investments strengthen the communities that make each expedition possible.
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We take travelers to exotic destinations, blending adventure with world-class lectures, ensuring every journey is safe, fun and deeply enriching for all involved.
In what way does the model drive repeat participation and long-term engagement among professionals?
The model has proven highly successful. Many trips sell out a year in advance, fueled by word-of-mouth referrals among medical and veterinary professionals who return and recommend the experience to colleagues.
Bio Bio Expeditions Worldwide continues to expand its destinations and programming while staying true to its mission: delivering meaningful continuing education through immersive, high-quality adventure travel.
“We take travelers to exotic destinations, blending adventure with world-class lectures, ensuring every journey is safe, fun and deeply enriching for all involved,” says Goddard.
