until today, they are handpicked by the company’s founders
Quasar Expeditions' guides are an elemental part of our adventures. This is why our founders continue to hand-pick and carefully select only the most knowledgeable, professional and friendly naturalists in the region.
Our naturalists are professionals, with a firsthand experience of the destination, who provide you with an authentic understanding of the natural wonders you will explore every day. They are all very well versed in safety and first-aid, so you know you are in great hands while on your adventure.
Richard Dawkins
WORLD'S LEADING EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGIST AND PAST TOUR LEADER
Deeply impressed by Ecuadorian stewardship of the priceless heritage of Darwin’s Galapagos. Also by the Ecuadorian naturalist guides who accompany visitors. They are prodigiously knowledgeable, constantly updating their knowledge. Humorous. And boundlessly enthusiastic.
meet your guides
Rafael Pesantes
From a very young age he showed a deep interest for biology and for the Islands he calls home.
Years Guiding in Galapagos: 23 National Park Certification: Level 3
Known as "Rafa" by his friends, he was born in San Cristobal Island, Galapagos. This led him to take his first course to become and Galapagos naturalist guide in 1987 and has been guiding in the Islands ever since. Rafa has also been a naturalist guide in Costa Rica & Panama and he's an expert birdwatcher - having taken several specialization courses in Washington, USA. In 2000 Rafa won an award for excellency in guiding given by Prince Henry of Luxembourg.
Bolivar Sanchez
Boli became a Galapagos National Park guide in 1993 and has been leading groups from all over the world ever since.
Years Guiding in Galapagos: 17 National Park Certification: Level 3
Bolivar, known as "Boli" by his friends, was born in the port city of Guayaquil, Ecuador. Bolivar received a degree in Biology at his Universtiy and also has degrees in Conservation and Geology. His passion in Galapagos is snorkeling and he is also an avid photographer.
Alex Cox
During his 26 years guiding in Galapagos, Alex has led countless trips to Darwin’s famous laboratory of Evolution.
Years Guiding in Galapagos: 26 National Park Certification: Level 3
Alex Cox was born in San Cristobal island, Ecuador, in 1961 and became a Galapagos National Park guide level II in 1989. In 1997 ascended to Naturalist guide level III obtaining the first place.
He is an avid conservationist that has been raised in the Galapagos Islands and speaks fluent English.
Cristina Rivadeneira
At age 11 Cristina took her first Galapagos tour and fell in love with the Islands.
Years Guiding in Galapagos: 20 National Park Certification: Level 3
Because of her fluency in German, English and French she was able to work as a translator in the Galapagos. In 1996 her dream came true and she was able to go the Naturalist guide course and has been working as a naturalist since then. She received a postgraduate diploma in Environmental management by Maastricht School of Management in The Netherlands in 2010. When she is not working she likes to travel, she has been around the world exploring remote places such as Africa, The Antartica, South America, Asia and Europe. Her passion is nature and wildlife that's why she enjoys diving, birdwatching, hiking and kayaking.
Samuel Quiroz
Sam cares deeply about the preservation of the islands and their unique ecosystem...
with its many fascinating creatures and diverse plant life.
Years Guiding in Galapagos: 24 National Park Certification: Level 3
Samuel Quiroz has lived and worked in the Galapagos Islands for the last 24 years. He has a college degree in biology and has been a Level III Guide the highest qualification available through the Galapagos National Park Services during all of this time. His English is also excellent.
Mr. Quiroz has a deep-seated love of the islands and he is quite enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge with you. He cares deeply about the preservation of the islands and their unique ecosystem with its many fascinating creatures and diverse plant life. With Galapagos Essence you will experience a unique opportunity to feel part of the preservation of this historic place.
Roberto Plaza
Roberto`s passion for nature started as a young boy, when his father took him for...
three months each summer to live on a pristine, isolated beach on Ecuador's coast.
Years Guiding in Galapagos: 20+ National Park Certification: Level 3
Now a local Galapagos naturalist, Roberto received a degree in biology, with an emphasis in ecology and sustainable development, from the Latin University in Costa Rica. Since 1994, he has worked as a certified naturalist guide for Galapagos National Park, and also acts as a Park consultant in matters related to tourism management and conservation. His other interests include photography, playing guitar, sailing and surfing.
Crew, Staff & Personnel
YOUR SECOND FAMILY AT EACH DESTINATION
Our crew, staff and personnel are expertly trained both in high standards of service and in safety. They aim to exceed your expectations but will put your safety first and foremost. From the moment you decide to contact us, our supporting staff will make the booking and pre-trip process simple and effortless. Your requests will be handled professionally and in a timely manner. We understand that your experience starts now. To this very day, our founders hand pick the staff and personnel that will serve you. The basis for selection is actually quite simple: love for their job and love for the destination. You will get to know the quality of people that serve you. You will find out that, in their hearts, they are good people, willing to accommodate you in any way possible. They want nothing more than to leave you with an experience that will last a lifetime.
A Family
the backbone of our business
Behind all that Quasar stands for and behind the passion of our day-to-day efforts, lies the backbone of our business; a family.
Book With Confidence, Explore With Peace of Mind 
