Debbie Bouma

Debbie Bouma, 37 years Polar-Expedition leader & guide. Home base is the Netherlands even though we are most of the year abroad on Expeditions in the Arctic.

Debbie has a passion for marine mammals and animal behavior, with over 10 years of experience as a dolphin trainer at Dolfinarium Harderwijk. Today, Debbie co-owns Wild-Encounters.com with her partner Johnny van Vliet, a company specializing in ecotourism and unique wildlife experiences in remote Arctic regions, including Norway, Svalbard, Greenland, and the Canadian Arctic.

The expeditions are designed to focus on educating and raising awareness among guests about animal behavior, welfare, and sustainable wildlife conservation. In Svalbard, the focus is on the natural remoteness while observing polar bears, walruses, whales and more. While winter months are spent leading snorkeling expeditions with orcas and whales in Northern Norway.

With a deep passion for animal behavior and welfare, Debbie is dedicated to bridging the gap between zoo-based expertise and the conservation of wild populations. By sharing behavioral insights, Debbie helps expedition guides and tourists observe animals in a sustainable and respectful way, minimizing disturbance to their natural habitats.