Eclipse Travel

What Eclipse Travel does

Eclipse Travel, trading as Vivid Expeditions, is an Australian-owned, privately held specialty travel agency headquartered at Level 5, 115 Pitt Street, Sydney. Founded in 2012 and ATIA-accredited (A10902), the company designs and sells tailor-made itineraries, small guided group tours, and small-ship expedition cruises to seven continents with a stated focus on Antarctica, the Arctic, Africa, Latin America (including Galapagos), and Asia-Pacific. The company serves approximately 25 staff across director, product, operations, design, reservations, IT, marketing, and finance functions, and reaches customers in Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Canada via dedicated local phone numbers, a downloadable travel-guide funnel, and a network of reseller travel agents.

The operating platform is a custom Ruby on Rails web application hosted on Heroku (tripezey.herokuapp.com), surfaced to consumers as a website with a holiday finder, cruise finder, and package-finder filtering 1,182 packages by destination, country, budget, and duration, and accessed by clients and agents via dedicated client and agent portals. Revenue is generated primarily through commissions from hotels, safari camps, activity operators, cruise lines, and ground handlers, supplemented by wholesale airline agreements and agent-channel commissions; pricing ranges from $541pp (South America) to $85,000pp (premium polar expeditions), with a price-assurance guarantee that locks exchange rates at the time of deposit and protects clients from currency surcharges.

The company is 100% independently owned with no disclosed external funding, led by Directors Matt McMillan and Tim Farquhar and General Manager Hilary Dubyk (promoted 2025 following a brand refresh and digital transformation). Distribution runs through direct sales (website, phone, email), a B2B travel-agent channel with wholesale pricing, agent portals, branding options, and a stated commitment not to poach agents' clients, and a content marketing engine spanning SEO, social media, downloadable travel guides, and newsletters. Eclipse Travel maintains industry affiliations (CATO, IGTOA, SATSA) and 12 conservation charity partnerships, positioning responsible tourism and ethical wildlife experiences as core brand pillars.

Name

Eclipse Travel

Legal name

Vivid Expeditions trading as Eclipse Travel

Website

https://eclipsetravel.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Eclipse Travel is an Australian-owned, independently operated specialty travel agency that designs and sells tailor-made itineraries, small group tours, and small-ship expedition cruises to Antarctica, the Arctic, Africa, Latin America, the Galapagos, and Asia-Pacific, serving adventure and wildlife travelers across Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Canada.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Adventure Travel Services

NAICS

Tour Operators (56152), Travel Agencies (561510)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Adventure & Expedition Travel Agencies (THAKAFAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Adventure & Active Travel Agencies (THAKABAD), Adventure & Expedition Custom Itinerary Planning (THAKAOAC), Multi-Activity & Expedition Packages (Guided Adventure Trips) (THAJABAL), Bespoke Multi-Day Itinerary Planning & Custom Tour Design (THAJALAB)

Keywords

• Tailor-made adventure travel
• Expedition cruise booking
• Polar travel services
• Safari tour packages
• Remote destination travel

Headquarters

HQ city

Sydney

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Travel Partner Commissions: Eclipse Travel earns commissions from hotels, safari camps, activity operators, cruise operators, and ground handlers. Part of their product team's role is to negotiate rates and commissions with suppliers during contract agreements and quality check visits. They generally receive industry-standard commissions, with some close partners offering higher commissions which are often passed on to clients as additional savings.
2. Wholesale Airline Agreements: The company has wholesale agreements with select airlines and can pass on fare savings to clients. While agents usually prefer to book their own flights, Eclipse Travel leverages these agreements to offer competitive airfare pricing.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Eclipse Travel is a Sydney-based travel agency that designs and sells tailor-made itineraries, small-group guided tours, and small-ship expedition cruises to remote destinations, with a particular focus on Antarctica, the Arctic, Africa, Latin America, the Galapagos, Asia-Pacific, and total solar eclipse events. The company curates 1,182 packages across all seven continents, supported by a custom booking platform, a client portal, and a travel agent portal, and earns revenue primarily through supplier commissions and wholesale airline agreements.

Product overview

Eclipse Travel is a travel agency specializing in tailor-made travel experiences and small ship expedition cruises to remote destinations worldwide. The company offers a portfolio of destination-focused products organized by geographic region: African Safari & Tours, Antarctica Cruises & Travel Tours, Arctic Cruises & Travel Tours, Central America Tours, Galapagos Islands Tours & Cruises, South America Tours & Travel Packages, Total Solar Eclipse Travel Packages, and Asia-Pacific Expedition Cruises. These core products are complemented by Travel Guides (informational resources) and a Client Portal for customer access. The company positions itself around three travel styles: Tailor-made Itineraries (personalized), Small Guided Group Tours (shared experiences), and Small Ship Expedition Cruises (remote exploration). The Tripeze platform powers customer and agent-facing portal services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• African Safari & Tours Tailor-made safari adventures and small group tours across Africa, including destinations such as Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Victoria Falls, with options ranging from budget to luxury accommodations. Targeted at adventure travellers and wildlife enthusiasts seeking African safari experiences.
• Antarctica Cruises & Travel Tours Small ship expedition cruises to Antarctica offering access to remote wilderness areas, wildlife viewing, and polar exploration experiences with various duration and ship options. For adventure travellers seeking polar and wildlife experiences.
• Arctic Cruises & Travel Tours Small ship expedition cruises and tours to Arctic regions including Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland, Alaska, and the Canadian Arctic, featuring wildlife encounters with polar bears, walruses, and Northern Lights viewing. For adventure travellers seeking polar experiences.
• Central America Tours Tailor-made adventures and expedition cruises covering Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama, featuring Mayan ruins, volcanoes, rainforests, and Caribbean beaches. For adventure and cultural travellers.
• Galapagos Islands Tours & Cruises Small ship cruises and land-based tours to the Galapagos Islands with options ranging from budget to luxury, featuring wildlife encounters with giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and Blue-footed Boobies. For wildlife enthusiasts and adventure travellers.
• South America Tours & Travel Packages Comprehensive travel packages covering Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and other South American destinations including Machu Picchu, Patagonia, Amazon Rainforest, and Iguazu Falls. For cultural and adventure travellers.
• Total Solar Eclipse Travel Packages Specialized tours positioned for viewing total solar eclipses, including 2026 Spain/Greenland/Iceland, 2027 Egypt/Morocco, and 2028 Australia eclipse tours combining astronomical events with destination exploration. For astronomy enthusiasts and adventurous travellers.
• Asia-Pacific Expedition Cruises Small ship expedition cruises exploring Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea, featuring remote coastlines, ancient reefs, and diverse cultures in the Asia-Pacific region. For expedition cruise travellers.
• Travel Styles Three distinct travel formats: Tailor-made Itineraries (fully personalized), Small Guided Group Tours (intimate group experiences with pre-organized logistics), and Small Ship Expedition Cruises (remote destination exploration). For individual travellers, couples, families, and groups seeking specified service levels.
• Travel Guides Expertly crafted travel guides providing destination ideas, information, and inspiration for early holiday planning stages, covering Antarctica, Arctic, Central America, East Africa, South America, and Southern Africa. For early-stage travel planning and inspiration.

Quantifiable outcome

• No currency surcharges after deposit payment - exchange rate locked at time of deposit
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA)coreOthersATIA accreditation validates Eclipse Travel's financial stability and professional standards. Companies seeking ATIA accreditation are vetted against 8 selection criteria including business compliance, commercial safeguards, workforce development, dispute resolution and complaints handling processes.
• International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEclipse Travel is a proud member of IGTOA, which works to preserve and protect the Galapagos Islands by promoting responsible, well-regulated, low-impact travel and supporting critical conservation initiatives and scientific research.
• SATSA (Southern African Tourism Services Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEclipse Travel follows SATSA's Human-Animal Interactions Framework for Africa trips, providing an ethical, Africa-specific approach to evaluating wildlife experiences as part of their animal welfare policy.
• AkashingaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA pioneering all-women anti-poaching ranger program in Zimbabwe, protecting wildlife while empowering disadvantaged women through employment and training. Eclipse Travel supports this charity through monthly donations.
• Amazon Conservation TeamminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorks closely with Indigenous peoples of the Amazon to protect rainforests, strengthen land rights and preserve traditional knowledge. One of Eclipse Travel's monthly charity partners.
• Antarctic Science FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharitable foundation funding scientific research and innovation that protects Antarctica's unique ecosystems and supports global climate understanding. Eclipse Travel's monthly charity partner.
• Charles Darwin FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConducts scientific research in the Galapagos to protect endemic species, restore fragile habitats and preserve one of the world's most important natural laboratories. Eclipse Travel's monthly charity partner.
• Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA Uganda-based nonprofit linking community health, gorilla conservation and sustainable livelihoods to protect endangered mountain gorillas. Eclipse Travel's monthly charity partner.
• EcoLogic Development FundminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmpowers rural and Indigenous communities in Central America and Mexico to conserve forests, restore degraded lands and build sustainable livelihoods. Eclipse Travel's monthly charity partner.
• MicroLoan FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides small loans and business training to women in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe to help them build financial independence. Eclipse Travel's monthly charity partner.
• OceanitesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA science-based nonprofit documenting the impacts of climate change in Antarctica through long-term penguin monitoring and ecosystem research. Eclipse Travel's monthly charity partner.
• One Heart FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAn organisation delivering education, housing and opportunities for vulnerable children and youth in Kenya, helping break the cycle of poverty. Eclipse Travel's monthly charity partner.
• Osa ConservationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOperating in Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula, this organisation protects one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth through rainforest restoration, wildlife monitoring and community programs. Eclipse Travel's monthly charity partner.
• Torres del Paine Legacy FundminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports conservation and community-led sustainability projects in Chilean Patagonia, including trail restoration, habitat protection and Huemul conservation. Eclipse Travel's monthly charity partner.
• Village EnterpriseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA leading poverty-alleviation organisation that helps ultra-poor communities in Africa start sustainable businesses through training, mentorship and seed capital. Eclipse Travel's monthly charity partner.
• Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO)coreOthersEclipse Travel displays the CATO membership badge, indicating membership in the Council of Australian Tour Operators trade association.
• Local Ground Operators and SupplierscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEclipse Travel has sourced leading products and best local operators including hotels, safari camps, activity operators, cruise operators, and ground handlers to ensure hassle-free adventures. Regular quality checks are conducted on all partners.
• Select AirlinesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEclipse Travel has wholesale agreements with select airlines and can often pass on fare savings to clients. Primarily used when agents prefer Eclipse Travel to handle flight bookings.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Swoop Antarctica: UK-based polar specialist selling Antarctic and Arctic expeditions to international travellers. Highly comparable in specialism, customer demographic, and product mix.
• Intrepid Travel: Melbourne-headquartered global adventure travel company offering small group tours across Latin America, Africa, and the polar regions. A direct competitor in adventure-travel category with similar responsible-tourism positioning and overlapping destinations.
• World Expeditions: Australia-based adventure travel company offering small group tours, tailor-made itineraries, and expeditions to Latin America, Africa, and polar regions. Overlaps with Eclipse on destination portfolio and customer demographic.
• Tucan Travel: UK-based adventure tour operator focused on Latin America, Africa, and Asia with small group tours. Comparable in destination focus and group tour model.
• Chimu Adventures: Australia-based travel company specialising in Latin America, Antarctica, and the Arctic with similar tailor-made and expedition cruise offerings. Most directly comparable peer in product, geography, and customer base.
• Adventure Life: US-based adventure travel company specialising in Latin America, Africa, and polar expeditions through tailor-made itineraries. Comparable in product mix and target customer.
• Aurora Expeditions: Australia-based polar expedition cruise operator offering Antarctica and Arctic voyages. Competes directly in Eclipse's polar product category and is a peer supplier; now owned by Intrepid Travel.
• Wild Frontiers: UK-based adventure travel company specialising in off-the-beaten-path destinations including Africa and Latin America. Comparable in tailor-made approach and remote-destination specialism.
• Adventure World: Australia-based wholesale and retail travel agency operating in Africa, Latin America, and polar destinations. Competes on similar supplier relationships and travel agent channel plus direct consumer sales.

Broad incumbents

• G Adventures: Global adventure travel incumbent offering small group tours across Latin America, Africa, and beyond. Broader and more mass-market than Eclipse but directly competes for similar customer segments and destinations.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/eclipsetravel
• Facebookfacebook.com/EclipseTravelCompany
• Instagraminstagram.com/eclipsetravel
• Xx.com/eclipsetravelau
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/eclipse-travel

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Eclipse Travel