Naturalist icon Naturalist

Giovanni Cappelli

Gio, a seasoned naturalist with an unyielding passion for the great outdoors, has built his life around a profound connection to nature. Raised in upstate New York, his formative years were marked by an innate fascination with the natural world, a curiosity that would shape his career and adventures. Upon graduating from the State University of New York, Gio's journey took him to the rugged landscapes of northern Maine, where he served as a hunting guide in the pristine Allagash wilderness. This early exposure ignited his commitment to conservation biology, prompting him to further his education in fisheries science.

For 15 years, Gio dedicated his expertise to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, working tirelessly as a biologist across diverse ecosystems, from the Green Mountain National Forest of Vermont to the depths of the Grand Canyon. Not content with confining his passion to the terrestrial realm, Gio, an avid free diver and spearfisherman, has delved into the mysteries of marine ecosystems. His pursuits have taken him across the globe, from competing in the US Spearfishing Nationals to spearfishing expeditions in Thailand, Mexico, and Hawaii. Gio holds two spearfishing records in Arizona, a testament to his mastery of the underwater world. In 2020, fueled by an insatiable wanderlust, Gio bid farewell to his role at the Fish and Wildlife Service. Opting for a life under sail, he and his wife embarked on a remarkable journey to explore and spearfish the world's oceans. With over 10,000 offshore sailing miles under his keel, Gio continues to merge his love for adventure with a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship.