Martin Loyola, born on the mainland of Ecuador and raised in the Galápagos Islands, has a bachelor’s degree in tourism from the University of Guayaquil. With over thirty years of experience, he is one of the most sought after and respected Licensed Naturalist Guides in the Galapagos Islands.
Karina Lopez was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism and Hospitality, a second technical degree as a Professional Guide of Ecuador, and a third diploma in French language at the Alliance Francaise.
Ecuadorian, Diving Instructor and Marine Reserve Guide. The 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.
Luis Fernando has been a Galapagos National Park Naturalist Guide for 17 years and throughout the years he has had the opportunity to become a photography instructor in a training organized by photographers from the national geographic society. He continuously supports the national park along with other colleague trainers in workshops in order to train local naturalist guides.
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. Sofia lives in Santa Cruz Island, and is the president of the Galapagos Naturalist Guide’s Association (AGIPA). Read More
Just like Darwin, he has always been looking for higher adventures, travelled to all continents and been in most ecosystems so far. He has degrees in environmental and educational sciences, and a couple of published books on natural history. He believes that humour and non-formal education are valid tools to teach about our world. He is a National Geographic Diver Specialist and photo instructor.
After working as a guide trained by the Galápagos National Park Service and the Charles Darwin Research Station, Ecuadorian-born “Ceci” Guerrero has spent years leading tourists through this pristine destination. Certified since 1992, she guided for nearly a decade before taking time off to raise her two children. Now that she’s back, she loves sharing her home with guests, especially while snorkeling (her favorite excursion).
After studying environmental management, tourism, and photography, Ivan became a licensed guide in 2005. He loves being on the water and is a certified scuba instructor and trainer. Music is another of his passions, and he regularly entertains guests with his original songs.
After studying professional tourism guiding at university, Malena became a licensed naturalist guide in 1994. Be sure to ask her about her favorite Galápagos topics of conversation (sea currents, geology, and the marine reserve). When she isn’t guiding, Malena manages her family’s hotel on San Cristobal Island, and enjoys reading, music and fishing.
Raised in Guayaquil, Gustavo has always had close links to the Galápagos: his family has lived on San Cristobal island for three generations, and his father was a tour boat captain., Though trained in industrial engineering, he pursued his love for nature and has been a naturalist with the Galápagos National Park Service since 2005.
Billy studied chemistry, biology and environmental sciences in university, and has an unlimited passion for the Galápagos. He’s a traveler at heart and spent four years exploring Europe and the United States before returning to the Galápagos. He has now spent nearly three decades guiding, making him a true expert in the region.
Captain Jhon, who was born in Quito, served as third/second and first mate in tanker ships around Asia and America for several years. He discovered his true passion for sailing after visiting the Galapagos Islands where he fell in love with its wildlife and wonderful local people. Nowadays, he can be seen showing guests the wonderful enchanted islands on board the Evolve.
Captain David, served as third/second and first mate in tanker ships around Asia and America for 15 years. He found Paradise in the Galapagos Islands and now he enjoys showing our guests the enchanted islands on board.
Captain Henry, of theory Yacht, was born in Guayaquil Ecuador, and currently splits his time between Ecuador and Omaha, Nebraska. He has experience on oil tanquers and cruise ships going around Galapagos Islands, also is an excellent host and pays attention to details so everyone has a nice experience on board Theory Yacht.
Captain Peter is an experienced navigator (he’s even changed course mid-sailing to give guests a better view of breaching whales), and as a proud father of three, he gives extra attention to children onboard during family departures.
Captain Gerardo, of the Origin, has served in the Galápagos Marine Reserve and worked for Ecoventura for more than a dozen years. His other passions? Swimming, diving (both SCUBA and free-form) and studying law—this incredible multi-tasker is finishing a second degree as a lawyer.
Since 2002, Captain Marlon has been sailing ships between Ecuador and the United States, even navigating the Panama Canal. Before joining Ecoventura, Marlon captained larger vessels in the Galápagos. Now, he’s delighted to spend time with our nature-loving passengers.
Born and raised in Ecuador, Maite got her degree in tourism and hotel management in 2015. A sea lover and specially fascinated by whales, enjoys outdoor activities and she is always looking for ways to improve service and ensure optimal guest satisfaction. A problem solver, detail-oriented and passionate about hospitality will always find a way to make sure our guests have a great experience on board.
Maria Fernanda borned and raised in Ecuador, graduated from tourism and hospitality management at UEES university. Since she was very young she knew she loved being around different kind of people and learning about their cultures. She got a master’s degree in Hospitality management at Barcelona’s University in Spain and later a Human resources master’s degree also at Spain. Passionate about traveling, customer service, learning new things and always making memorable moments for guests.
In 2014 Estefania got her degree in Tourism and Hotel Management and since then she have worked in this industry. She consider her self as an organized person and she likes to focus on the minimum details of the guest experience. Her passions are outdoors activities, reading and photography.
Joselyn graduated from Universidad Católica Santiago de Guayaquil and has a degree in Tourism and Hotel Management. She always knew that she wanted to dedicate herself to hospitality and quality service. She enjoys anticipating her guest’s needs and making them feel well cared for. Before joining Ecoventura, she spent almost 5 years working at another Relais & Châteaux property in Guayaquil. Her passions are photography, gastronomy, travel and reading.
Fernanda is a go-getter and has always felt a deeply connection with the sea, she considers a detail-oriented and quality service sight as her biggest assets. In 2016, she pursued a bachelor’s degree in Tourism from ESPOL and she’s thankful to have found the place where she can mix her passion, her love for the sea and skills altogether. Fernanda's interests involve: scuba diving, art, reading and travels.
Cristhian Murrieta is a passionate person for culinary arts; he began his studies in 2012 at Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu santo (UEES) learning different processes and techniques. After his studies he began his gastronomic practices at Salinas Yatch club “Ecuadorian cuisine” in 2013, in 2014 he joined a Peruvian franchise restaurant “Tanta” in Ecuador for about 2 years.
Born and raised in Guayaquil, Johnny has almost 20 years of experience as a professional chef. Addicted to innovation, Johnny is an international chef who has sailed on luxury cruises for almost 10 years and has been part of several local culinary competitions. He is into sports like soccer, volleyball, and is an excellent swimmer.
José entered the Guayaquil Hotel in 1988 as a kitchen assistant while stydying at the chef's school until 2000. A couple of years later, he started working at UEES (University of specialties) as head chef and executive chef from 2004 to 2016. He now loves working from the Origin, offering our guests the best culinary experience.
From an early age, Estuardo has been interested in cooking. When he finished high school, he started studying gastronomy focusing in both hot food and patisserie. His work experience started in one of Guayaquil's most renowned hotels where he learned and gained vast knowledge. In 2014 he got offered a job on Ecoventura’s fleet and have been working in the enchanted islands ever since. "Here, I have mixed both mainland's flora and fauna with Galapagos original products creating an amazing fusion."
Daniela studied Tourism and Hotel Management in Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo (UEES). Afterwards, in 2017 she achieved her Masters Degree in International Tourism Management in Barcelona, Spain. She joined the team of Ecoventura in 2018 as a Concierge for the ORIGIN. Her passions are photography, traveling and scuba diving.
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Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, SAN CRISTOBAL (Chatham)
Leon Dormido (CN) SAN CRISTOBAL
Prince Philip’s Steps (CA, SN, PR, KY) GENOVESA (Tower)
Darwin Bay (CA, SN, PR, KY), GENOVESA
Las Bachas (CA, SN) or Black Turtle Cove (PR) SANTA CRUZ
Cerro Dragon (CA, SN) SANTA CRUZ
Punta Vicente Roca (PR, SN) or Elizabeth Bay (PR) ISABELA
Urbina Bay, ISABELA (CA, SN) (Albemarle)
Punta Espinosa (CA, SN), FERNANDINA (Narborough)
Tagus Cove, ISABELA (CA, SN, PR, KY)
RABIDA Island (CA, SN, PR, KY) (Jervis)
Puerto Egas (CA, SN), SANTIAGO or Black Turtle Cove (PR)
CCFL (Darwin Station) SANTA CRUZ
Highlands of SANTA CRUZ (Indefatigable
Interpretation Center (CA), SAN CRISTOBAL
Activities: circumnavigation (CN), shore excursion (CA), snorkel (SN), kayak/SUP (KY), Panga ride(PR).
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, SAN CRISTOBAL (Chatham)
Leon Dormido (CN) SAN CRISTOBAL
Punta Pitt, (CA, SN, PR, KY) SAN CRISTOBAL
Cerro Brujo (CA, SN, PR, KY) SAN CRISTOBAL
Punta Suarez (CA), Osborn Islet (SN) ESPANOLA (Hood)
Gardner Bay (CA, SN, KY), Gardner Islet (SN, PR) ESPANOLA
Punta Cormorant (CA, PR), Devil’s Crown or Champion (SN), FLOREANA
Post Office Bay (CA, SN), Baroness Point (PR, KY) FLOREANA
Tortoise reserve & Highlands (CA) SANTA CRUZ
Charles Darwin Station (CA) Puerto Ayora, SANTA CRUZ
Sombrero Chino (SN, PR, KY), Las Bachas (CA, SN) or Black
Turtle Cove (PR) Bartolome (CA, PR, SN)
South Plaza Island (CA)
North Seymour (CA, PR, SN)
Interpretation Center (CA), SAN CRISTOBAL
Activities: circumnavigation (CN), shore excursion (CA), snorkel (SN), kayak/SUP (KY), Panga ride(PR).