Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor icon Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor

Celso Montalvo

Celso was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador. At the age of nine he arrived in the Galápagos for the first time and he was profoundly touched by nature, observation, and isolation.  When he saw the sharks, rays and turtles swimming in the bay, he was triggered by a sense of wonder that he did not feel before.  Celso believes education is key to preservation. After graduating from the Naval Academy at the age of 17 he moved to New York to continue his education.

Combining his passion for the sciences and his joy in explaining facts about nature, he completed the naturalist guide course presented by the Galápagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station. He is also a certified photo instructor trained by the National Geographic Society and has developed a photography field guide to promote understanding of the islands’ wildlife. 

Throughout the years he has been involved in many important and unique events and has assisted on several movie productions, documentaries and educational films.  Celso has also produced his own movies about the places he visits around the world that he presents at local schools in the Galápagos.

In addition to the Galápagos, Celso has explored Alaska, Antarctica, Egypt, West Africa, and South America and he has visited many states in the U.S. He is fluent in English and Spanish.

Celso is currently living in Tampa, Florida. He commutes to the Galápagos every other month.

My upcoming expeditions

Galápagos Aboard National Geographic Endeavour II

Sep 27 2024
Nov 29 2024
Dec 6 2024
Dec 13 2024
Dec 20 2024
May 31 2024
Jun 7 2024
Jun 14 2024
Sep 6 2024
Sep 13 2024
Sep 20 2024

Galápagos Aboard National Geographic Endeavour II + Peru's Land of the Inca

Sep 27 2024
Nov 29 2024
Dec 6 2024
Dec 13 2024
Dec 20 2024
May 31 2024
Jun 14 2024
Sep 6 2024
Sep 20 2024

Wild Galápagos & Peru Escape

Jul 5 2024
Jul 19 2024

Wild Galápagos Escape (7-Day)

Jul 9 2024
Jul 23 2024

Wild Galápagos Escape (8-Day)

Jul 18 2024
Jul 27 2024
Aug 1 2024