Guides & Crew
An Expert Crew Ensuring a Memorable Adventure in Galapagos
We have carefully selected only the most knowledgeable, competent and hospitable captains, concierges, guides and crew in the region ensuring an ultimate experience on board.
Captains
Gerardo Duran
Captain Gerardo, a longstanding member of the Ecoventura team, brings valuable maritime expertise to his role. Apart from his sailing proficiency, he harbors a passion for both SCUBA and free-form diving. Notably, he recently earned a second degree in law, showcasing his exceptional multitasking abilities and diverse skill set.
Marlon Perez
Since 2002, Captain Marlon has been navigating ships between Ecuador and the United States, including traversing the Panama Canal. Prior to joining Ecoventura, he captained larger vessels in the Galapagos. Now, he finds joy in spending time with our nature-loving guests.
Peter Vallejo
Captain Peter, a seasoned master of the seas renowned for his skillful navigation, possesses a keen eye for creating unforgettable moments. His expertise extends to adjusting the ship’s course to offer guests breathtaking views of whales in their natural splendor. A dedicated father of three, he imparts a special warmth to family departures, ensuring that children on board receive extra care and attention for a truly memorable journey.
Henry Castro
With a rich background steering oil tankers and cruise ships through the enchanting Galapagos Islands, Captain Henry brings a wealth of nautical expertise to every voyage. Renowned for his exceptional hosting skills, he ensures a delightful experience for all aboard the Theory, paying meticulous attention to every detail.
David Escudero
With 15 years of navigating the high seas, from the coasts of Asia to the shores of America, Captain David has sailed his way to paradise. Now, discovering his haven in the Galapagos Islands, he takes joy in guiding our guests through the wonders of these enchanted islands.
Leonardo Hidalgo
Captain Leonardo has a rich background in steering oil tankers across the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. He also brings extensive experience from his time on board cruise ships, including voyages to the Galapagos Islands. Known for his kind personality and deep passion for his profession, Captain Leonardo ensures that every journey is an amazing and wonderful experience for all on board.
Concierges
Melissa Carlier
Fueled by a passion for tourism and hospitality from her youth, Melissa, earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism from ESPOL in 2008. Continuing her academic journey, she obtained an MSc. in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Edinburgh Napier University, followed by an MBA from HTMi Institute in Switzerland. Since 2017, she has excelled as a Hotel Manager aboard cruise ships in the Galapagos Islands.
María Fernanda Alcívar
Maria Fernanda holds a degree in tourism and hospitality management from UEES University. She expanded her education by obtaining master’s degrees in hospitality management and human resources from the University of Barcelona and Spain, respectively. Her fervor lies in travel, customer service, and the art of crafting unforgettable guest experiences.
Estefania Alava
Estefania graduated with a degree in Tourism and Hotel Management in 2014, diving straight into the industry thereafter. Renowned for her organizational prowess, she meticulously tends to every detail of the guest experience. Her interests extend to outdoor activities, reading, and photography.
Joselyn de los Santos
Joselyn, an alumna of Universidad Católica Santiago de Guayaquil, holds a degree in Tourism and Hotel Management. With nearly 5 years of experience at a Relais & Châteaux property in Guayaquil, she now brings her expertise to Ecoventura. Joselyn’s passions span photography, gastronomy, travel, and reading.
Jessica Jara
Jessica holds a degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management from the Catholic University of Guayaquil and an MBA from the National University of La Plata, Argentina. With over a decade of experience in the airline industry, restaurants, and events, she brings extensive expertise to her role. Her passion for hospitality has led her to her current position as a concierge on board the Ecoventura fleet, where she delights in exploring and showcasing every corner of the Galapagos Archipelago. This role allows her to combine her love for travel with her dedication to creating unforgettable experiences for her guests.
Dayana Rodriguez
Dayanna has a bachelor’s degree in international trade, but it was in the hospitality industry where she truly found her passion—creating unforgettable experiences that touch people’s hearts. Ecoventura, her third Relais & Châteaux property in Ecuador, has further fueled her commitment to providing exceptional service and crafting meaningful moments for every guest. With an adventurous spirit and a deep appreciation for different cultures, Dayanna loves sharing the wonders of the Galápagos Islands ensuring that every visitor leaves with cherished memories and a desire to return.
Naturalist Guides
Carlos Malo
A native of the Galápagos Islands, Carlos has been sharing the archipelago’s unique biodiversity with visitors for over three decades. His family settled in the islands in 1918, making Galápagos his lifelong home. With a background in environmental law, Carlos combines scientific insight and a deep passion for conservation to create enriching experiences for guests—blending storytelling, education, and respect for nature in every expedition.
José Luis “Pepe” Benavides
Known to everyone as Pepe, José Luis combines professional training in tourism with a deep love for the Galápagos. Guests appreciate his warmth and expertise, whether leading hikes on land or guiding snorkeling and diving adventures.
Antonio Gallardo
A true Galapagueño from Santa Cruz Island, Antonio has been guiding for more than 20 years. Guests appreciate his passion for the islands and the local perspective he brings to every journey, blending wildlife expertise with authentic storytelling.
Cecibel Guerrero
Certified in 2010, Cecibel—known as ‘Ceci’—delights in sharing the wonders of her home in the Galápagos. Guests describe her as knowledgeable and personable, making every outing memorable—especially snorkeling, her favorite activity.
Malena Cruz
A licensed naturalist guide since 1994, Malena brings deep knowledge of the Galápagos—from sea currents and geology to the marine reserve. Guests describe her as friendly, open, and highly knowledgeable, making every journey both insightful and welcoming.
Karina López
Born in Guayaquil, Karina combines her background in tourism with a passion for hospitality. From the very first encounter, she creates a warm connection, blending expertise with humor to make every experience engaging.
Martin Loyola
Martin has been guiding for more than three decades and is recognized as one of the most respected naturalists in the Galápagos. Guests value his warmth, professionalism, and the engaging way he brings the islands to life.
Fabrizio Prado
Born and raised in San Cristóbal, Fabrizio pursued his dream of becoming a naturalist to share the wonders of his homeland. Guests praise his enthusiasm and engaging storytelling, which make every excursion both educational and inspiring.
Fabricio Carbo
Fabricio, an Ecuadorian diving instructor and marine reserve guide, was Ecoventura’s very first guide aboard the Eric. With decades of experience—including collaborations with the Smithsonian, Audubon Society, and National Geographic—he is especially valued for inspiring families and teaching children to love the natural world.
Fernando Sánchez
With more than 20 years of experience, Fernando combines guiding with a passion for photography. Trained through a National Geographic program, he also mentors new naturalists. Guests value his eye for detail and the way he reveals the islands through both stories and images.
Antonio Adrian
Antonio has explored ecosystems across every continent, bringing a global perspective to his guiding in the Galápagos. With degrees in environmental and educational sciences and books on natural history to his name, he blends humor and storytelling to make every experience both fun and insightful.
Iván López
Iván combines his training in environmental management and photography with a passion for the sea. A certified scuba instructor and trainer, he is also known for delighting guests with his music, adding a personal and unique touch to every journey.
José Luis Castillo
Pepe Castillo, a San Cristóbal native, has been sharing the Galápagos with travelers for nearly 30 years. Guests appreciate his deep knowledge of both land and sea, as well as his friendly nature that makes every excursion welcoming and memorable.
Gustavo Andrade
Gustavo, who was raised in Guayaquil, maintains strong ties to the Galapagos. With his family rooted on San Cristobal island for three generations and his father serving as a tour boat captain, his connection to the archipelago runs deep. Despite his training in industrial engineering, Gustavo followed his passion for nature, becoming a naturalist with the Galápagos National Park Service in 2005.
Billy Maquilon
Billy has been guiding in the Galápagos for nearly three decades, combining his background in sciences with a lifelong passion for the islands. Guests value his deep knowledge and the engaging way he shares stories of the archipelago.
Jeffo Marquez
Born and raised in the Galapagos, Jeffo combines his background in environmental management with years of guiding experience across the islands. Formerly a National Geographic Photo Instructor, he’s known for his enthusiasm and sharp eye for wildlife—guests often say every outing with him feels like a masterclass in nature.
Jorge Torres
Born and raised in San Cristóbal, Jorge is a third-generation Galapagueño with over 30 years of guiding experience. Guests value his unique perspective, enriched by travels abroad, which always reaffirms the Galápagos as unlike anywhere else in the world.
Gustavo Barba
Raised in the Galápagos, Gustavo has been sharing his love for these islands for over two decades. Guests often highlight how his clear snorkeling instructions and fun approach make every excursion unforgettable, blending discovery with conservation.
Chefs
Cristhian Murrieta
Christian’s journey into the world of gastronomy began in 2012 when he enrolled in formal studies at UEES College in Guayaquil. Following this, he continued to refine his culinary expertise at various restaurants, exploring a wide range of styles from Italian to Peruvian cuisine. Throughout his culinary journey, he has maintained a profound connection to his Ecuadorian roots, a passion he wholeheartedly shares with Ecoventura’s guests since joining the company as a Chef in 2017. His unwavering passion for the culinary arts continually motivates him to further his education and skills.
José Villavicencio
In 1988, José began his culinary journey at Guayaquil Hotel as a kitchen assistant while attending The Chef’s School. After dedicating over a decade to honing his skills, he transitioned to UEES (Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo) in 2000. Serving as head chef and later as executive chef until 2016, José cultivated his expertise. Now, he thrives at Origin, curating exceptional culinary experiences for our guests.
Johnny Rivas
Born and raised in Guayaquil, Johnny has almost 20 years of experience as a professional chef. Fueled by a relentless drive for innovation, he has made waves as an international chef, gracing luxury cruises for nearly a decade. His culinary prowess extends beyond the high seas, as he’s also a seasoned contender in local culinary competitions.
Arturo Peñafiel
A passionate culinary artist, Chef Arturo discovered his love for cooking at an early age. After high school, he pursued his culinary journey by studying International and Haute Cuisine, as well as Bar and Restaurant Management. He began his career as a Chef at a local company and, in 2005, joined Ecoventura’s fleet. With over 19 years of dedicated service, Chef Arturo consistently receives exceptionally high ratings from our guests.
Estuardo Vilela
Since his youth, Estuardo has been captivated by the art of cooking. His culinary journey commenced in one of Guayaquil’s esteemed hotels, where he absorbed invaluable knowledge and skills. In 2014, an exciting opportunity beckoned as he joined Ecoventura’s fleet, where he has since been immersed in the wonders of the enchanted islands.
Erick Vanegas
Born and raised in Guayaquil, Erick began his gastronomy journey 21 years ago with a passion for cooking. Throughout his career, he has pursued academic training and has worked in high-end restaurants and international hotel chains, currently making his mark on luxury yachts. Through his dedication and passion, Erick has not only transformed the way we view food but also inspires future generations of chefs to explore and reinvent gastronomy.
Rest of the Crew
Victor Borbor
Carlos Bacilio
Luis Avilés
Alvaro Mucarsel
Pablo Clavijo
Rafael Galarza
Martires Caicedo
Luis Espinoza
Johnny Araujo
Edison Sande
Carlos Rios
Alberto Orejuela
Richard de la Cruz
Maria Mieles
Joshua Maquilon
Guillermo Reina
Alexander Arteaga
Daniel Paredes
Fernando Lino
Bolivar Zavala
Marcelo Santos
Luis Cantos
Stalin Cobos
Miguel Jalca
Jorge Irigoyen
Cristian Contento
Xavier Cordova
Sebastian Galarza
Victor Suarez
Paul Soto
Farley Salazar
Luis Vera
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