Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Small.
Ryan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story began at Texas Southern University, where a trip to South Africa for the World Cup opened my mind to global business and cultural exchange. Houston helped me build international relationships, with organizations like Rotary Skyline supporting the foundation of my business in many ways. Since then, I’ve lived as an expat in Colombia, South África and México, combining entrepreneurship with humanitarian work to create impact through travel.
I founded Explore Tribu out of a simple observation: the global travel scene lacked spaces that truly reflected and celebrated travelers. What began as a small Afrobeats gathering in Tulum Mexico in 2020 has grown into a luxury cultural brand serving tens of thousands of people annually through luxury yacht charters, boat parties, beach club takeovers, and curated travel experiences.
Rooted in both luxury and community impact, Explore Tribu has generated 8.2 million annually in economic opportunities for its locations in Cartagena and Tulum, hiring exclusively from within the community. Today, the brand is expanding from Colombia and Mexico with plans to add more locations, aiming to redefine Black international travel as a movement that blends culture, connection, and joy.
For me, Explore Tribu is more than a company it’s a vision of global representation and intentional travel, creating spaces where people feel seen, celebrated, and transformed.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road but why complain when your in paradise. Doing business internationally always comes with challenges, especially navigating cultural differences. What works in the U.S. doesn’t always translate in other countries and adapting to each country’s way of doing business has been a constant learning process. Currency fluctuations, finding reliable staff, and managing different workplace expectations have also been major hurdles.
On top of that, there are the less obvious struggles like practicing patience, navigating trustworthy dealings, and even dealing with the so-called ‘gringo tax,’ where foreigners are charged inflated rates. Being a Black American can sometimes give me a unique advantage, but there’s also the stigma that comes with being American in today’s climate. These obstacles haven’t been easy, but they’ve pushed me to become more adaptable and resilient, which has been essential to Explore Tribu’s success
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What people should know about Explore Tribu is that we’re not just a travel company we’re a global lifestyle brand rooted in culture, luxury, and community.
At Explore Tribu, I serve as the founder and visionary, leading the strategy, partnerships, and overall direction of the company. We specialize in creating luxury cultural travel experiences everything from yacht charters and private island escapes to beach clubs and curated cultural events. What we’re most known for is blending high end hospitality with authentic cultural connection.
What sets us apart from others in the industry is that Explore Tribu isn’t just about tourism it’s about representation, community, and impact. We’ve served tens of thousands of travelers, primarily from the Black diaspora, while also generating millions in economic opportunities for the local communities we operate in. Unlike traditional travel companies, our experiences are designed to be intentional and transformative: we celebrate culture, create spaces where people feel seen, and uplift local talent and businesses. That combination of luxury, authenticity, and community impact is what makes us different.
Brand wise, I’m most proud that Explore Tribu and The Tribu Project is becoming an international staple. Our clients aren’t just coming from the U.S. they’re flying in from London, Cape Town, Lagos, and all over the world. That reach shows me we’ve built something bigger than a travel company; we’ve created a global brand that people are proud to connect with.
What excites me most is that our identity goes beyond luxury it tells a story many travelers don’t often get to see. We’ve grown from simple boat parties and excursions into a full-service international brand, one that blends culture, community, and lifestyle. Watching both Explore Tribu and the Tribu Project evolve into that kind of movement has been incredible.
What I want readers to know about Explore Tribu and the Tribu Project is that we’re more than a travel company we’re about freedom, community, and transformation. Yes, we offer luxury yacht charters, boat events, and sponsor international festivals, but at the core, we create life changing experiences. Many of our clients have gone from being travelers to becoming expats, buying property, or starting businesses abroad.
Explore Tribu is about shifting the paradigm of what travel can be it’s not just about vacations, it’s about education, empowerment, and creating moments that inspire people to live differently. That’s the impact we’re most proud of.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy is waking up in beautiful destinations, watching the sunrise, and experiencing cultures in their purest form, from the jungle to the ocean to the beach. But what brings me the greatest joy is witnessing my clients in their pure state of happiness, smiling, laughing, dancing, and sometimes even crying, as they let go of insecurities and truly enjoy themselves. When I hear someone say, “This was the best time of my life,” which happens at least once or twice a week, it means everything to me. Happiness is a decision, and I’m grateful to see people choose it, experiencing safety, freedom, and joy in the spaces I help create. That, for me, is the deepest fulfillment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.exploretribu.com
- Instagram: RyandSmall
- Other: Tik Tok : Ryandtraveler
Image Credits
Photographer: FlyFanasty_Ctg
