Ben Raines

Explorer, storyteller, and environmental journalist, Ben Raines has spent his career uncovering the mysteries of the past and the wonders of the natural world. In 2018, he led the discovery of the Clotilda, the last known ship to bring enslaved Africans to the United States—a moment that reshaped history. His book, The Last Slave Ship, chronicles this incredible find and the enduring legacy of its survivors.

Ben’s work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and on National Geographic and PBS. As a filmmaker, he has brought to life extraordinary stories with documentaries like The Underwater Forest and America’s Amazon, captivating audiences with stunning underwater cinematography. A U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain, he navigates the backwaters of Alabama, leading others to the hidden beauty of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta.

With a background in journalism, filmmaking, and scientific research, Ben has earned national recognition for his work. Whether diving into ancient underwater forests, exploring lost shipwrecks, or shedding light on environmental conservation, Ben Raines brings a passion for discovery to Wisdom Harbour—one story at a time.

BenRaines.org

Content from Ben

Nature’s Hidden Wonders with Ben Raines

Nature’s Hidden Wonders with Ben Raines

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Tune in to hear Ben explain why Alabama is one of the most biologically diverse places in America, how the Gulf Coast ecosystem is being changed, and what scientists are discovering in Alabama’s rivers, forests, and bays. Listen as Andy and Ben also discuss Ben’s discovery of the Clotilda—the last known slave ship to arrive in America—along with the remarkable story of an underwater forest hidden beneath the Gulf of Mexico. Hear Ben share unforgettable stories from the Delta, surprising wildlife encounters, and why he believes Alabama may be one of the most overlooked natural treasures in the world.

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The Underwater Forest

The Underwater Forest

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Hidden beneath the Gulf of Mexico, an ancient cypress forest lay untouched for over 60,000 years—until a powerful hurricane revealed its existence. Just off the Alabama coast, this prehistoric relic, once teeming with life, now rests 60 feet below the surface, offering a rare glimpse into Earth’s distant past. How did this forest survive beneath the sea? And what secrets do its tree rings hold about ancient climates and rising sea levels?

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