Jason Heilmann

Growing up in northern California, Jason developed an appreciation for the natural landscapes of the Pacific coast. While attending university, he met and later married an Ecuadorian woman whose family was from the Galápagos Islands. That connection eventually brought him to Ecuador and, in time, to one of the world's most celebrated natural environments.

After settling in the Galápagos, Jason found his niche in the islands' unique marine environment and became a professional scuba diver. He volunteered as a dive assistant on a variety of scientific projects, further deepening his interest in natural history and conservation. In 1999, he completed the Galápagos National Park naturalist training program, beginning a career dedicated to interpreting the islands both above and below the water's surface.

Over the years, Jason expanded his work beyond the Galápagos, serving as a naturalist, undersea specialist and expedition leader in destinations including Alaska, British Columbia, Cuba and Antarctica. His experience working alongside researchers and exploring diverse marine ecosystems has provided a broad perspective on wildlife and conservation. In 2010, he earned certification as a Photo Instructor through a training program developed by National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions photographers. The program provided him with the skills to help travelers better understand photography, composition and visual storytelling.

Today, Jason enjoys sharing his knowledge of wildlife, ecosystems and photography with guests, whether exploring on land or underwater. More than three decades after first arriving, he still considers the Galápagos his home.