Visit the last unexplored places on Earth in ‘Expedition with Steve Backshall’

There are still parts of our planet yet to be discovered. Explorer and naturalist Steve Backshall pursues incredible journeys and world firsts — unclimbed peaks, unexplored cave systems and uncharted landscapes — setting foot where no human has been before. “Expedition with Steve Backshall” comes to Arizona PBS Wednesdays at 9 p.m. starting Jan. 15. 

In this global series, adventurer and naturalist Steve Backshall ventures into undiscovered territory, endures extreme physical challenges, encounters extraordinary wildlife and teams up with remarkable people along the way. From free-diving in underground river systems and descending deep into the caves of the Maya underworld, to kayaking Himalayan whitewater and scaling unclimbed Arctic peaks, these expeditions push Backshall and his expert crew to the limit.

If you’ve enjoyed the series so far, get the book/DVD set as a token of our appreciation for supporting Arizona PBS.

Jan. 15: “Oman – Desert Canyon”

Follow Steve Backshall to Oman, where he plans to drop nearly 400 meters into the deepest canyon in Southern Arabia. In the scorching desert heat, Steve and his team will explore an area where no human has ever set foot. Watch online.

Jan. 22: “Greenland – Frozen Frontier”

Accompany Steve Backshall to Greenland, where he aims to kayak across the world’s largest fjord during the Arctic’s most volatile and dangerous time of the year — the spring melt — in an attempt to understand how rising temperatures impact the area. Watch online.

Jan. 29: “Suriname – Lost World”

Travel to the Guiana Shield with Steve Backshall, whose mission is to discover its abundance of wildlife and natural wonders. He travels deep into the untouched jungle, finding animals that have never encountered humans. Watch online. 

Feb. 5: “Mexico – Flooded Caves”

Dive into a network of unexplored caves under the Yucatan Penninsula with Steve Backshall. After trekking through kilometers of scorpion-infested Mexican jungle to reach the caves, he faces the terror of being lost in an underwater silt cloud. Watch online.

Feb. 12: “Borneo – Dark Shadow”

Follow Steve Backshall as he drops down a sinkhole to explore a series of underground Bornean caves threatened by deforestation and limestone quarrying. The journey may lead to the potential to explore other undiscovered subterranean worlds. Watch online.

Feb. 19: “Bhutan – White Water”

Join Steve Backshall in the foothills of the Himalaya, where he plans to kayak the last unrun river in Bhutan, which runs through the country’s steepest gorge. Before his attempt, Steve seeks blessing from a local Buddhist monastery. Watch online.

May 6: “Mexico – Maya Underworld”

Return to Mexico, where Steve Backshall explores a honeycomb of subterranean Mexican caves that the ancient Maya believed were a portal to a terrifying underworld. In a dark and flooded cave, Steve finds incredible never-before-seen artifacts. Watch online.

May 13: “Greenland – Ice Mountain”

Follow Steve Backshall as he tries to summit a remote and unclimbed mountain in Greenland’s Stauning Alps. After facing quicksand, a river and a glacier to reach basecamp, the climb gives Steve a unite insight into a fast-changing environment. Watch online.

MORE: Support Arizona PBS and get the book/DVD set.

May 20: “Suriname – Ghost River”

Join Steve Backshall in a region of Suriname that’s so remote, it could conceal undiscovered natural wonders. He and his team travel deep into the jungle to kayak an unnamed river. The journey results in a surprise beyond their wildest dreams. Watch online.

May 27: “Oman – Desert Fortress”

Visit the remote and impenetrable Dhofar Mountains in Oman, where Steve Backshall hopes to become the first to climb unexplored cliffs. Along the way, he encounters one of the rarest animals on Earth. Watch online.

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