Celso Montalvo

Celso was born in Ecuador and first arrived in the Galápagos at age nine, joining family members already living in the islands. The islands' way of life, wildlife, silence and emphasis on careful observation left a lasting impression. Encounters with ecologically naïve wildlife awakened a sense of wonder that continues to shape his work with visitors.

After graduating from the Naval Academy at 17, Celso moved to New York to pursue higher education. He later returned to the Galápagos, where he has devoted more than 26 consecutive years to the islands and to National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, combining an interest in science with a talent for communicating the connections within nature.

His education, career and field experience have shaped a commitment to science, conservation, coexistence and respect for all living things. In Ecuador, Celso completed the Galápagos National Park's rigorous naturalist guide course. He is also a certified field educator and photo instructor, trained by the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C.

Celso helped develop an official Charles Darwin Research Station photography field guide supporting conservation and public understanding of Galápagos wildlife. He has contributed to documentaries, educational projects and film productions, produced short films about places he has worked and visited worldwide and presented at local schools.

Beyond the Galápagos, Celso has explored every continent and both polar circles, along with many U.S. states and national parks worldwide. He currently resides in Tampa, FL, traveling regularly to the Galápagos and other international destinations.