Meet Your Guides

Born and raised on San Cristóbal Island, Martin is a third-generation Galapagueño whose life has been shaped by the ocean and the wild beauty of his home. For him, guiding isn’t just a job, it’s a way to share the magic of the islands while inspiring others to protect them.

As a naturalist guide, he sees himself as an interpreter of nature, helping guests understand and experience the Galápagos through hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, and more. Martin has worked in tourism for over eight years, guiding travelers through the Galápagos and helping them connect deeply with its landscapes and wildlife.

Before becoming a guide, Martin lived briefly in Ecuador's capital, Quito. But the call of the islands was too strong. Returning home, he committed himself to sharing the Galápagos with visitors from around the world. He believes that involving local people in tourism creates not only economic opportunities but also a sense of belonging and a shared duty to protect the islands for future generations.

Martin has worked with Galakiwi since 2022. Guests love his active spirit, adventurous energy, and easy smile. He’s always ready to jump into a new activity, communicate openly, and share facts grounded in science, because, as he puts it, “there’s no better feeling than letting nature surprise you.”

The ocean is Martin’s favorite place, and his hobbies reflect that bond. He loves surfing, especially alone, early in the morning or late in the afternoon, freediving, and sailing. Raised surrounded by the Galapagos’ natural wonders, Martin is deeply committed to conservation. He believes local communities play a vital role in protecting the Galápagos, and he loves showing guests how tourism can be a positive, educational, and culturally enriching experience.

His favorite animal? Tiger Sharks, because they are incredibly majestic and powerful predators, and being in the water with them makes him feel humble and mindful of their home the ocean.

What Martin hopes every traveler takes home:

"The importance to keep natural places as natural as possible and that humans (we) are key characters to make it posible."