Ian Strachan is an expedition leader, nature photographer and logistician whose career has taken him from the icy frontiers of Antarctica to the coral-rich seas of the South Pacific. Currently serving as Director of Expedition Development at EYOS Expeditions, Ian designs and leads private and research voyages in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments. His work blends exploration, science, and storytelling, creating transformative experiences for travelers while ensuring safety, environmental stewardship, and deep engagement with the natural world.
Before joining EYOS, Ian spent more than a decade working with several leading operators in the expedition world, where he served as a naturalist, photo instructor, cold water diver, and UAV pilot. His ability to interpret wildlife behavior, operate in extreme conditions, and connect guests to the natural world made him a trusted leader across polar and tropical regions alike.
Ian’s field expertise spans all seven continents, including extensive work in the polar regions, Micronesia, French Polynesia, and the Kimberley coast of Australia. Whether operating a drone in a calving fjord or guiding a Zodiac through Antarctic ice, Ian combines technical precision with a passion for discovery.
In 2018, Ian was recognized as a National Geographic Explorer, receiving an Early Career Storytelling Grant to document glacial activity in Southeast Alaska through aerial cinematography. He has worked with major wildlife documentary productions providing support and imagery to reveal some of Earth’s most unique ecosystems.
He holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100 Ton Master’s License, FAA Part 107 UAV Pilot certification, and is a Senior Polar Guide with the Polar Tourism Guides Association. A graduate of Wheaton College (MA) with a degree in Psychobiology/Neuroscience and minors in Astronomy, History, and Environmental Studies, Ian continues to bridge the gap between science and storytelling, inviting others to experience the planet’s wildest places with curiosity and respect.