Jorge Villamarin tells Karryon Luxury how a life-changing journey through South America led to his career as an expedition guide, leader and manager – and now Pearl Expeditions’ Logistics and Operations Manager.
Jorge Villamarin was a highly qualified engineer and university lecturer in his native Colombia when he decided something was missing in his life. He was in his late 30s and while life was “solid” he felt that the spark just wasn’t there anymore. The time was right to do something different.
“So, I did what many people only dream of – I jumped on a motorbike and set out to explore my own continent,” Villamarin says. “That ride took me all the way down to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, where ships depart for Antarctica.
“That place lit a fire in me. I became obsessed with the idea of getting to the White Continent. I started knocking on every door, asking around any ship that might take me –literally anyone who’d listen. Then, by pure luck – or maybe fate – a French ship called Le Boréal had a last-minute spot open. They needed one crew member! “And just like that, I was in. My first job on a passenger vessel? Kitchen Utility. Sounds fancy, but let’s be honest: I was washing dishes and scrubbing toilets. Still, I was thrilled. I had made it on board.”
Exploring a new path
Having originally studied civil engineering in Colombia, Villamarin had spent time in Japan taking a master’s degree in geotechnics and it didn’t take long for his skills and background to be recognised by Ponant, the French cruise line that operates Le Boréal.
“During that first contract on Le Boréal, someone from the company pulled me aside and said, ‘You know, with your background and language skills, you could actually be part of the expedition team.’ What they didn’t know was that I’d already been watching that team like a hawk, secretly dreaming of joining them. So I didn’t waste a second. I sent in my CV right away.
“Next season, I was back in Antarctica, but this time, as an expedition guide. It was a huge shift. I spent six months prepping on my own – studying the region, building lectures, getting all the material ready. But honestly, the real training happened on board. “I learned by shadowing some of the best guides out there, just soaking up everything I could. Eventually, formal training and certifications became part of the deal. Not just a requirement, but something that shaped my growth in the industry – and I welcomed it.”
Living the dream
Villamarin spent the next 12-plus years at Ponant, working all over the world as an expedition guide, expedition leader and expedition manager, before joining Pearl Expeditions as Logistics and Operations Manager earlier this year.
His home base is now in regional Victoria and he became an Australian citizen in 2023. Unlike many Aussies, however, Villamarin speaks several languages – including Spanish and English fluently – and says that is a “huge plus” in the expedition-cruise industry.
“Living in Japan gave me the chance to really dive into the language – not just study it but live it. I also speak Portuguese, and I can get by in French pretty comfortably,” he says.
“I’ve always seen myself more as a traveller than a tourist. For me, it’s about blending in, connecting with places on a deeper level – and language plays a huge role in that. Sure, English is the go-to for most things these days, but I’ve always found a kind of joy in learning a new language. “Maybe it’s just me, but there’s something special about being able to say even a few words in someone else’s tongue. It opens doors.”
Rare opportunity
As anyone who has worked on a start-up knows, there are many highs and – usually – a few unforeseen challenges. When you’re talking about a new venture such as setting up the bespoke expedition vessel Paspaley Pearl, the learning curve can be steep.
“Starting from scratch in a start-up is definitely a challenge,” Villamarin acknowledges. “You’re constantly learning – figuring out new processes, discovering sides of the industry you hadn’t dealt with before. But honestly, I enjoy that part. There’s something really satisfying about learning as you go and then starting to see things take shape.
“What makes it even more special is having that blank canvas. Being able to put your own stamp on things, to help shape a product you truly believe guests will enjoy – that’s a rare opportunity. Not many people get the chance to help build something from the ground up, and I feel lucky to be part of it.
“One of the things I’m most excited about with Paspaley Pearl is her size. She is just 50 metres long, which allows us access to parts of the Kimberley coast that larger operators simply can’t get to. That opens up some incredible opportunities for more intimate, off-the-beaten-path exploration. “And when I think about dream destinations, Raja Ampat in Indonesia is right at the top of the list. It’s one of those places that has it all – raw beauty, vibrant marine life, and that sense of true adventure.”
The Paspaley difference
Villamarin says he has the utmost confidence in the leadership of this new project. He has worked with both Sarina Bratton, Pearl Expeditions’ Executive Chair, and General Manager and Head of Sustainability Mick Fogg previously.
“They are, without a doubt, two of the most experienced and visionary people I’ve met in the industry,” he says. “Their depth of knowledge and forward-thinking approach is rare and it’s clear the company is in very good hands.
“Our goal is to create something unique. Being outside the usual corporate structures gives us a kind of freedom – to think differently, to design experiences without being boxed in by the standard way of doing things. That flexibility puts us in a great position to craft a product that really stands out.
“We’re also placing a strong focus on our expedition team. We want to raise the bar, ensuring not just quality, but a truly meaningful experience for our guests.
“And then there’s the network, the local knowledge, the years of experience our leadership team brings, especially in the regions we’re operating in. That’s a huge advantage. It’s something you can’t just build overnight, and I think it’s going to make all the difference.”
For more information, visit pearlexpeditions.
Check out our review of Pearl Expeditions’ first bespoke expedition ship, Paspaley Pearl.
