The Galapagos Islands are brimming with history, geology, biology, and, yes, even legends and myths; however, not all of this can be. They are easily identified on the surface. Scientists have spent centuries studying the natural processes that occur in the Galapagos Islands, and the stories run deep. Galapagos naturalist guides use their years of experience to interpret and reveal the stunning heritage of the archipelago. Your naturalist guide will be your eyes and ears to this world, interpreting the islands’ secrets to painting a vivid picture of them all. However, truly great naturalist guides don’t just guide; they create a memorable experience that meets the needs of all of their guests while monitoring the conservation and preservation of the Galapagos National Park.

The Galapagos National Park requires that a naturalist guide accompany visitors at all times while within park boundaries. These guides are specially trained to act as your personal Galapagos interpreter. In a basic sense, they are responsible for teaching visitors about the islands and adapting their itineraries to the needs of their audience. However, to truly become an exceptional naturalist guide, it takes years of experience, a passion for the islands, and vast knowledge.

There are three levels of certification for Galapagos naturalist guides, and with each level of accreditation comes more significant experience and training. Apart from having worked for several years as a tourist guide, many naturalist guides also grew up in the archipelago. These are people that spent their childhoods amidst Galapagos sea lions and listening to the ancient legends of pirates and whalers. Their love for the Galapagos may have become evident through hobbies such as photography, hiking, or scuba diving. Many naturalist guides continue with their hobbies alongside their careers. They don’t only know the name of each creature you come across, but also their story, sharing the role each one plays in the delicate balance of life on the Galapagos.

Truly excellent naturalist guides work to enhance their professional skills and experience through workshops and training programs. The Galapagos National Park provides a variety of workshops with the Ecuadorian government and international organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund. The objective of these workshops is to improve the professionalism of the guides and work on areas such as information management, protocol, and interpreting techniques, as well as environmental education and conservation. This helps the guides to effectively communicate with their guests and better their needs to enhance their Galapagos experience.