Naturalists
Naturalists
More than just nature guides, our naturalists are engaging storytellers, each with their own rich experiences and fascinating tales from the field. They are as different as their specialties—which range from geology to zoology—and their knowledge about the natural world runs wide and deep. And while they are schooled in science, they have a knack for describing species and natural phenomena in relatable ways, whether explaining the behavior of a brown bear to an elementary school student or describing the physics of glacier formation to a Ph.D. holder. They know their destination inside and out and, often, they call it home.
Our naturalists are also inspiring travel companions who participate fully in the expedition, leading excursions and also joining guests at meals or in the lounge over drinks. Each team is made of naturalists with a range of specialties, so you can set out with a botanist on a morning hike and then take an afternoon Zodiac ride with a marine biologist. Or if a naturalist shares a particular passion of yours—say birding or geology—you can choose to join the excursions they lead. Our guests have been known to book another trip just to travel with a particular naturalist again.
More than just nature guides, our naturalists are engaging storytellers, each with their own rich experiences and fascinating tales from the field. They are as different as their specialties—which range from geology to zoology—and their knowledge about the natural world runs wide and deep. And while they are schooled in science, they have a knack for describing species and natural phenomena in relatable ways, whether explaining the behavior of a brown bear to an elementary school student or describing the physics of glacier formation to a Ph.D. holder. They know their destination inside and out and, often, they call it home....
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Meet our Naturalists
Naturalist
Brenya Green
Brenya Green brings nearly a decade of experience in the small-ship expedition industry, having served in a variety of roles including Program Director, Expedition Coordinator, Guide, Lecturer, and All-Weather Zodiac Driver. Since 2016, she has worked extensively across the polar and subpolar regions as well as remote tropical destinations, including Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands, the Canadian Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Scotland, and East Africa. Brenya's background combines program operations, field guiding, and guest engagement, allowing her to create seamless, enriching experiences for travelers while ensuring operational excellence behind the scenes. She has managed complex expedition logistics, led cultural and natural history interpretation, and regularly operated Zodiac excursions in a wide range of weather and sea conditions. In addition to her on-board experience, Brenya has also worked shoreside as an Adventure Sales Specialist, bringing a guest-centered approach to both the planning and delivery of expedition travel. Her training includes certifications from IAATO and AECO, Transport Canada Marine Medical, STCW, SVOP, First Aid & CPR, and a specialized background in Community & Justice Services. She is also trained in Aboriginal Competency, Harm Reduction and Addiction 101, and De-escalating Potentially Violent Situations; skills that further enhance her ability to connect with guests from diverse backgrounds and manage complex situations with care. Brenya combines her operational expertise with a deep passion for remote environments, wildlife, and cultural storytelling, making her a dynamic and versatile member of the Lindblad Expeditions team.
Naturalist
Cornelia Besmer
Born and raised in Switzerland, Cornelia never thought that her destiny would be the Galápagos Islands. After finishing Tourism Management school in 2008 in her home country, Cornelia did some volunteer work in the Galápagos Islands and fell in love with the beautiful nature and with a local "galapagueño". She decided to stay and worked many years for the local Chamber of Tourism which supports the different Tourism Operators in Santa Cruz. Cornelia worked as a consultant, promoting sustainable practices for the local businesses. Education is a very important aspect of keeping this beautiful place as pristine as it is. After taking time out to start a family, Cornelia was certified by the National Park as a Naturalist Guide in 2017. She loves her work; every single animal and plant has a role in our ecosystem and it’s so important to keep it all in place. Her love for nature and enthusiasm is what she wants to share with our guests. "I'm so blessed to be able to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world and to contribute my part to keep it as pristine as possible."
Naturalist
Ibrahí Rodríguez Larreta
Ibrahí Rodríguez Larreta is a marine biologist with a strong commitment to ocean conservation and community engagement through science and experiential education. Originally from the Galapagos Islands, he brings firsthand knowledge of their ecological complexity and a passion for fostering environmental stewardship among both residents and visitors. His early involvement in local citizen science and environmental education laid the foundation for a career focused on sea turtle research, youth advocacy, and conservation policy. Building on this foundation, he has contributed to green sea turtle research in Mexico and Ecuador, specializing in photo-identification, population health assessments, and the effects of tourism on turtle behavior and habitat use. With support from the Scalesia Foundation and funding granted by Lindblad Expeditions, Ibrahí developed an initiative to raise awareness among Galapagos youth about threats to local green turtle populations. Now implemented in collaboration with the Galapagos National Park Directorate, the program fosters deeper connections between young islanders and their marine environment. Expanding his efforts across the archipelago, Ibrahí has supported invasive species control and ecological restoration as part of the Galapagos Program of Fundación de Conservación Jocotoco. His responsibilities include coordinating logistics for GEF-funded projects, assisting fieldwork in remote areas like Wolf Volcano on Isabela Island, and contributing to species recovery for critically endangered fauna such as the Galapagos pink land iguana. His approach reflects a belief that meaningful, hands-on experiences are essential to inspiring sustained conservation of both marine and terrestrial environments.
Naturalist
Adrian Bowen
Adrian was born on the island of Barbados. He always enjoyed the Caribbean culture and exploring its diversity. His interest grew deeper during his years as a student living in Cuba, there he interacted with many people from many islands, each proudly representing their respective cultures. There he learned how much he connected with each one of them yet appreciated how distinct and uniquely beautiful each one of them is. He describes the Caribbean as a tapestry woven together with many beautiful stitches. In his many experiences through eastern Caribbean and Central America, he was amazed by the unique different cultures, especially the diversity in languages, creoles and dialects. He also really appreciates the many rich varieties of vegetation, spices, and foods. Having spent over 20 expeditions tours and diving more about the Caribbean region, it is his pleasure and honor to showcase the many wonders of it with you. He looks forward to interpreting the cultural norms and history along with the many journeys that await.
Naturalist
Isabel Sanchez
Isabel Sanchez grew up in the wild beauty of Baja California, where her love for the outdoors began at an early age and has only grown since. Exploring tidepools, hiking desert trails, and learning from the land sparked a lifelong passion that led her to a career in guiding. For the past 37 years she's been sharing that passion with guests from around the world. Guiding has taken her across diverse landscapes in both Mexico and the United States, each place adding to her knowledge and appreciation of the natural world. She has a special love for desert environments, with their quiet strength, surprising diversity and deep cultural roots. Over the years, Isabel has immersed herself in the study of plants, ethnobotany, geology and local history, always eager to share the stories and science that bring these landscapes to life. Whether she's pointing out a cactus used for centuries in traditional medicine or explaining the forces that shaped the desert over millennia, her deep connection to the land and her love of sharing it with others is why she has brought a sense of wonder and fun to every adventure she has led as a naturalist guide for 27 years. What Isabel enjoys most is helping people feel at home in the landscapes she holds dear. Warm, knowledgeable, and endlessly curious, she's all about creating memorable experiences and sharing the joy she's felt in nature since childhood.
Naturalist
Patrick Hanson
The lakes, rivers, and seasons of Minnesota are what formed Patrick's relationship to the natural world as a child. A fondness for water and a curiosity of mountains led him to Washington State in 2010 where he helped restore salmon habitat with Washington Conservation Corps and became entranced with the native flora of the Pacific Northwest. Through connections and curiosity, he wound up in Gustavus, Alaska in the summer of 2012 completing an immersive 24-day wilderness sea-kayaking course in Glacier Bay National Park. It rained nearly every day on that trip, but the magic of coastal Alaska had cast its spell, and he came up the next summer to lead sea-kayaking trips out of Haines, Alaska and in Glacier Bay National Park. After a brief stint in Bellingham, Washington and the San Juan Islands, Patrick moved full time to Gustavus in 2016 and continued to lead multi-day sea-kayaking trips for Spirit Walker Expeditions in some of the most remote wilderness areas of Southeast Alaska. His passion is connecting people with the natural world through his love of plants, cooking, and foraging. Outside of guiding he has worked as a gardener, a baker, a coffee roaster, a newspaper editor, a painter, a coordinator for the National Park Service, and as an expert in craft beer at an independent wine shop. Currently he is based in Tucson, Arizona (a UNESCO City of Gastronomy) where he is continuing to feed his curiosity of wild plants and embrace the uniqueness of the Sonoran Desert.
Naturalist
Daniel Calvopiña
Daniel was born and raised in the Galápagos Islands, where the extraordinary landscapes and wildlife shaped his passion for nature from an early age. This connection inspired him to dedicate his career to guiding and conservation, becoming a licensed Galápagos Naturalist Guide and National Tourism Guide. He holds a degree in Tourism Management and Environmental Preservation and a Master’s in Sustainable Destination Development. In addition to guiding, Daniel has held professional roles in public institutions in the Galápagos, where he contributed to tourism planning, sustainable development, and social projects for the local community. These experiences strengthened his leadership and teamwork skills, while reinforcing his commitment to the balance between conservation and community well-being. Daniel enjoys introducing travelers to the wonders of Galápagos through interpretive walks, snorkeling adventures, and engaging conversations. He combines academic knowledge with storytelling to make science and conservation accessible and enjoyable for guests from all over the world. For him, each expedition is an opportunity to spark curiosity, create memorable experiences, and encourage a deeper appreciation for the Galápagos and their protection for future generations.
Naturalist
Joaquin Berdonces
Joaquin grew up between New York City and the Galápagos Islands in a multinational family, moving between urban life and island landscapes. He attended high school in New York City, but the islands always drew him back. He began diving at 13 and has since explored many of the Galápagos’ dive sites, developing a lasting fascination with the islands’ marine ecosystems. He is a National Guide of Ecuador and the Galápagos National Park, and enjoys sharing stories about the wildlife, geology, and history of the islands with guests. Guiding allows him to connect with people from around the world, and he often finds that he learns as much from them as they do from him. When he’s not guiding, he enjoys exploring new dive sites, searching for wildlife, and travelling to new destinations. Balancing land and sea, learning and sharing, continues to keep him inspired.
Naturalist
Daniel Keegan
Daniel was born in Ontario, Canada, to an Ecuadorian mother and Irish father. Raised in both English and Spanish, he grew up with a deep curiosity and love for the outdoors. After visiting the Galápagos every year since birth, Daniel moved with his family to San Cristóbal, where he and his younger brother attended local schools. From a young age, he expressed his passion for nature, often teaching classmates about biology and physics. Daniel studied Environmental Management at the USFQ Galápagos campus, where he participated in a range of conservation projects—from tagging sharks and rays to joining international workshops focused on microplastic pollution. He graduated at the top of his class while balancing roles as a research assistant, fisherman, and surf guide—experiences that deepened his connection to nature and the local community. After university, Daniel traveled and worked in the United States and Canada, pursuing his love of climbing and winter sports while preparing to return home as a licensed National Park Guide, eager to share his knowledge and passion for the islands. His time in mainland Ecuador and Canada further fueled his interest in the mountains. Now an ACMG-certified climbing instructor, he aspires to become a full mountain guide, alongside his work as a Naturalist Guide in the Galápagos. Blending science, conservation, and adventure, Daniel’s path reflects a strong commitment to connecting people with the natural world and inspiring others to experience it with respect and curiosity.
Naturalist
John Pailthorpe
John spent the early years of his life in London, before an inspirational teacher took him to the highlands of Scotland on a school adventure trip. From then on the natural world has been his passion. After teacher training in Bangor, North Wales, John began a thirty-year career in outdoor education centres and schools, teaching and leading children and adults in such pursuits as mountaineering, rock climbing, kayaking, and sailing throughout the U.K. and Europe. During this time John took time out to be part of six polar scientific expeditions, as a field assistant/guide. Two of these were with the British Antarctic Survey; the first a two-month field expedition to the Eklund Islands on the Antarctic Peninsula; the second, eight months as part of a king penguin and elephant seal study on South Georgia. He served as a boat skipper/field guide on a geological expedition to the northwest of Svalbard. More recently, he took part in three expeditions to the Greenland ice cap for the Scott Polar Research Institute of Cambridge, as part of the European Space Agency's “Cryosat” project. John is well aware that his career, and the wonderful experiences it has included, all began with one special teacher. With this in mind, he likes nothing more than to pass on his enthusiasm for nature and all things outdoors, with the intention of promoting an awareness and caring attitude towards the natural environment.
Naturalist
Madalena Patacho
Madalena was born and raised in Portugal. Her childhood was spent in Belem, surrounded by Portuguese maritime history, always dreaming about exploring the oceans. Her love for nature has led her to study biology and later to take a Master’s in management of natural resources, specialized in ecotourism. She has lived on Príncipe Island, off the west coast of Africa, working with local communities on a responsible tourism project. She is inspired by the principles of ecotourism and is always looking for the best ways to contribute and leave a positive footprint everywhere. To travel around the world is her biggest passion, connecting with different cultures, exploring the wilderness and having a taste of local genuine experiences. Following this passion has allowed her to extensively explore Latin America, Asia, Europe, Africa and the Arctic. Her knowledge and enthusiastic storyteller talks have taken her to several universities, lecturing about ecotourism, sustainable tourism and nature conservation. When she is not exploring the world, she dedicates her time to Ocean literacy and environmental education working as a marine educator with a variety of audiences raising awareness on ocean conservation.
Naturalist
Benjamin Ayala
Ben is a German-Ecuadorian naturalist guide who grew up on San Cristobal, the eastern-most island of the Galápagos Archipelago, home to the political capital of the province. He was raised on the small Pacific island by his mother, herself a naturalist guide, but would frequently travel to Germany to visit his mother’s family there. This dual upbringing gave Ben a passion for travel to faraway places to explore both the natural world and different cultures. The more he travels, however, the more he comes to appreciate and cherish his home islands and their unique and magical natural environment. He currently splits his time between working as a Galápagos National Park naturalist guide and an ocean wildlife conservationist. His work as a conservationist with international NGOs has led him on adventures as varied as confronting the whale poachers of the Antarctic coast to collect illegal drift nets in the high seas. Defending the oceans, from which his home, the Galápagos Islands, were born and depend, is his great passion. In his free time, he enjoys photography, free diving, sailing, and surfing.
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