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.