Guides, Captains & Crew

Sofía Darquea

Naturalist Guide since 1987 (Patrimonio Turistico II)

Sofia was born and raised in Quito, but left for Spain to attend the University in Madrid. After graduating in Tourism with a degree in Hotel Management, she spent a few years in France, before  returning home to Ecuador and started working as a guide in Galapagos and as a Tour Leader in the Amazon Rainforest. She was co-founder of Fundacion Accion Amazonia, a non-profit, private organization created to support the local indigenous communities of the Amazon rainforest and on the Board of Directors of the Ecuadorian Ecotourism Association.  Sofia lives in Santa Cruz Island, and is the president of the Galapagos Naturalist Guide’s Association (AGIPA). Being fluent in English and French as well as Spanish, Sofia has hosted and educated visitors from all over the world and continues in her efforts to guarantee the conservation and protection of this unique archipelago. VIDEO

Gustavo Castro

Naturalist Guide since 1996 (Patrimonio Turistico 1)

Cecibel Guerrero

Naturalist Guide since 1992 (Patrimonio Turistico II)

Ecuadorian born, “Ceci” spent 15 years in Toronto, Canada, where she studied Business Administration. After attending the course given by the Galapagos National Park Service, she guided until taking time off to raise her two children.  Back since 2008, she loves sharing her home with guests, especially when snorkeling – her favorite activity while guiding.   “If you love wildlife, people and photography, this is the ideal job for you, I feel blessed and honored to work in one of the most pristine places on earth.”

Yvonne Mortola

Naturalist Guide since 1984 (Patrimonio Turistico II)

First licensed to guide in 1984, Yvonne has been recognized for her work as a naturalist both by the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galapagos National Park. She has contributed her expertise to a number of courses, seminars, and scientific research projects with Wake Forest University study of Nazca Boobies and Albatrosses.  Yvonne, who was born in the States, grew up in Guayaquil and studied in Germany.  She founded the Swimming Club “Syrius” and the Sailing Club “Aeolian” to engage local children in the sporting community and Scalesia Education Foundation.

Karina Lopez

Naturalist Guide since 1999 (Patrimonio Turistico Level II)

Born in Guayaquil, Karina studied tourism and hospitality, and earned a second degree as a professional guide, plus a diploma in French.  She moved to San Cristobal and made this small island her home, falling in love with the island’s nature and marine life.  She has led trips in the Galapagos, the Amazon, and the Sacred Valley in Peru.  Equal to her passion for bird watching, Karina is a certified dive master naturalist for the Marine Reserve.  She enjoys the  magical experience of swimming with sea turtles, frolicking with playful sea lions, and searching for the elusive Galapagos penguins.  Her other passions include travel, photography, creative writing, cooking traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, and playing soccer.

Fabricio Carbo

Naturalist Guide since 1984 (Patrimonio Turistico II)

Ecuadorian, Diving Instructor and Marine Reserve Guide. First guide of Ecoventura on board of the “Eric”. I’ve worked with groups of the Smithsonian, Audubon Society, Nature Conservancy, among others, and collaborated in a marine life documentary for National Geographic. I like to work with families and to teach kids to love nature. Firm lover and protector of the Galapagos Islands since my first visit back in 1983.

Jose Benavides

Naturalist Guide since 2007 (Patrimonio Turitico I)

A fifth-generation descendant from San Cristobal Island, Jose has a degree in tourism management and is a proficient snorkeler, swimmer, surfer and scuba diver.   He takes pride showing the wonders of his birthplace with visitors from around the world, and has extensive knowledge of the region.   He lives in Guayaquil with his wife and son.

Jose Luis “Pepe” Castillo

Naturalist Guide since 1997 (Patrimonio Turistico I)

Ecuador-born Pepe grew up on San Cristobal Island, where he fell in love with nature. He decided to pursue a career as a naturalist guide after he got his degree in Hotel Management and later studied computer science and Italian as a third language.  He is active in  FEDEGAL conservation group since 1995.  Onboard, you’ll hear him tell enchanted stories about the Galapagos with topics ranging from giant tortoises to astronomy and geology.   Pepe also enjoys a game of chess, playing the guitar and swimming with sharks.

Freddy Vargas

Naturalist Guide since 1984 (Patrimonio Turistico II)

Born and raised in the Galapagos, Freddy went to university in Quito before returning to the archipelago to work at the Charles Darwin Research Station. There, he conducted research with scientists from around the world, and developed a keen interest for wildlife, motivating him to take up guiding. He enjoys water activities such as surfing, snorkeling and fishing, as well as horseback riding when on vacation in the highlands of Santa Cruz.  He lives in Guayaquil with his family, but plans on moving back to the islands once his children are through with college.

Magdalena “Malena” Cruz

Naturalist Guide since 1994 (Patrimonio Turistico I)

After studying Professional Tourism Guiding at university, Malena became licensed as a naturalist guide. Her favorite Galapagos topic of conservation include sea currents, geology and the marine reserve.  When she is not guiding, she manages her family’s hotel on San Cristobal Island, and enjoys reading music and fishing.

Ivan Lopez

Naturalist Guide since 2005 (Patrimomio Turistico I)

After studying environmental management, tourism and photography, Ivan became a licensed guide in 2005.  He loves being on the water, and is an accomplished diver, certified SCUBA instructor and Master Trainer.  Music is another of his passions, and he often entertains guests with his beautiful original songs.

Billy Maquilon

Naturalist Guide since 1989 (Patrimonio Turistico II)

Billy studied chemistry, biology and environmental sciences in university, and has an unlimited passion for the Galapagos.  He took four years to travel abroad, throughout Europe and the US, before returning to the Galapagos, where he has now spent nearly three decades guiding, making him a true expert in the region.  Billy is also certified as a SCUBA Dive Master.

Maria "Gaby" Espinoza

Naturalist Guide since 1990 (Patrimonio Turistico II)

With degrees in science education and teaching, Gaby’s love for nature and commitment to island conservation motivated her to become a guide.  Along the way, she’s taken courses in tourism management, literature, and human relations.  Gaby received a scholarship to study at the University of Northern Iowa and is fluent in English- and also German. Her passion is showing the Galapagos to guests, and inspiring them to help conserve our fragile world.

Antonio Adrian

Naturalist Guide

Antonio is Ecuadorian, although he was raised in Catalonia. He earned three science “A” Levels in Canterbury, UK, and studied  four years in medical school in Barcelona, Spain. He then dropped out; like Darwin, he was looking for higher adventures. He has traveled all continents and met most ecosystems so far, and he is based in the Galápagos.

He has degrees in environmental and educational sciences, and a couple of published books on natural history, but he believes that humor and non-formal education are also valid tools to teach about the greater world. He is a National Geographic Diver Specialist, and Photo Instructor, and his personal assets are a bike, a hammock and a very large ocean.