About
Ecotourism and Nature Travel Tours
GL Explorers is a division of World Events, formerly Orchids and Egrets. A leader in Nature Travel since 1997, taking our guests on environmentally responsible programs to some of Florida’s and Puerto Rico’s most remarkable places. World Events was founded by Wilfredo Pabon, who has been a part of the group travel industry for over 12 years with a specialty in sightseeing tours & educational tours for adults. Wil has been developing educational programming for Road Scholar (Adult Lifelong Learning) for over eleven years.
Our goal is to enhance our customer interest, understanding, and appreciation for the natural and cultural wonders of the world. Our programs include destinations like Key West, Key Largo, Naples, Ft. Myers and Miami in Florida and San Juan, Ponce, La Parguera, Guanica, Fajardo, Culebra in Puerto Rico. Our Exceptional naturalist guides focus on enriching our guests’ educational experiences, and to have great fun.
With GL Explorers, you explore natural wonders and interesting cultures in a small group. Come explore with us.
Our Group Leaders
Alberto Melendez
Alberto is a certified Advanced Open Water Scuba Diver and a Florida master naturalist. He has been leading kayak and snorkeling explorations in the Orlando area for over eight years. A ‘tree-hugger’ since the term became popular, he enjoys introducing folks to the inside story of the critters, salt marsh, and history of the area.
Cindy Hackney
She is a Southwest Florida eco-tour guide, specializing in birding and Everglades nature interpretation for 14 years. She has led interpretive hikes in the Fakahatchee Preserve and the Corkscrew Marsh Watershed, kayak paddles in Rookery Bay, and birding trips in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Hendry counties.
Howell Geib
Originally from New England, Howell Geib is trained as an Architect from Tulane University and works to pursue his passion for the intersection of the natural world and the built environment. He continued his education in Sustainable Development and International Relations, pursuing development programs in Africa, the Caribbean, and Western Europe. Throughout his career, he has lived in France, Hawaii, and Haiti. When not introducing our participants to the natural world, Howell lives on a Biodynamic farm in Upstate New York.
Heather Hamilton
Florida native Heather has been exploring the beaches, lakes, and forests of Florida’s wilderness since she was a little girl. As an experienced camper, hiker, biker, kayaker, fisher, and photographer, Heather has seen Florida in just about every light on her extensive travels throughout the state. She studied culinary arts at the Art Institute in Fort Lauderdale and became a cook and pastry chef, but she changed careers several times before embracing her passion. She became a Master Naturalist and full-time Florida guide.
David Sienkiewicz
David is an experienced Tour Director and Travel Industry, Professional. He has successfully managed tours from the planning and development stages to the successful leadership and implementation of tour programs. His experience as a tour leader spans 30 years and has included outdoor adventure tours and motorcoach tours of the United States and Canada., luxury cycling and walking tours in Italy, and hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing tours in Yosemite NP and other national parks throughout the Western US.
Dave was certified as a Professional Tour Director through the International Tour Management Institute. He has traveled extensively and has been to all 50 states, 6 Canadian provinces, and 22 countries abroad.
Interested?
or give us a call at 800-971-3884