ABOUT US
Meet the Team Behind
Wild Avalon Expeditions
OUR COMPANY ETHOS
Wild Avalon Expeditions was founded on a shared passion for wildlife, education, and Newfoundland’s extraordinary coastal environment. We believe the most meaningful experiences happen when adventure, science, and local knowledge come together.
Our goal is to provide immersive, educational expeditions that go beyond sightseeing. Whether searching for whales, seabirds, icebergs, or hidden ecological treasures, we want every guest to leave with a deeper understanding of the natural world and a stronger connection to the wild places that make Newfoundland so special.
By combining professional scientific expertise with decades of local maritime experience, we strive to deliver authentic, engaging, and unforgettable adventures that showcase the very best of coastal Newfoundland.
Michael O'Brien
CO-FOUNDER & CO-OWNER
Born and raised in Bay Bulls, Newfoundland, Michael O'Brien has spent a lifetime on the water. Coming from a family with deep roots in the local fishing and tourism industries, he developed a love for boats and the ocean at an early age. At just 14 years old, he began guiding visitors through the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, sharing the seabirds, whales, and coastal landscapes that had always been part of his backyard.
After high school, Michael obtained the marine certifications required to work as a Rescue Specialist and Rescue Specialist Coordinator with the Canadian Coast Guard. He later built a successful career in the offshore oil and gas industry, while continuing to captain bird- and whale-watching tours whenever the opportunity arose.
Today, with more than 30 years of boating and guiding experience, Michael has returned full-time to what he loves most: helping people discover the wildlife, culture, and natural beauty of Newfoundland’s coastline. His extensive local knowledge and lifelong connection to the region make every expedition both authentic and unforgettable.
TayloR BROWN (PHD)
CO-FOUNDER & CO-OWNER
Originally from southwestern Ontario, Taylor Brown happily transplanted herself to coastal Newfoundland in 2024 after completing her PhD research on puffin and storm-petrel behaviour in Bay Bulls. A professional ornithologist, she has spent more than a decade studying birds and ecosystems across Canada and the United States.
Throughout her career, Taylor has worked on a diverse range of research and conservation projects, including studying owl and songbird migration in Nova Scotia, monitoring shorebird nesting success in northern Manitoba, practicing falconry in British Columbia, and helping deliver a bird-banding community science program for the Smithsonian Institution in Massachusetts.
Passionate about all things biological, Taylor’s true calling lies at the intersection of conservation and education. Whether through scientific research, public speaking, nature-inspired art, writing, or guided expeditions, her goal is to inspire curiosity, understanding, and appreciation for the natural world. Co-founding Wild Avalon Expeditions has given her the opportunity to combine these passions while sharing Newfoundland’s incredible wildlife with visitors from around the world.
