Javier Cando

A Galápagos-born Naturalist with more than three decades of experience, Javier has dedicated his career to interpreting the natural and cultural heritage of the islands. Raised in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, he grew up closely connected to the land and wildlife, assisting his family at the Charles Darwin Breeding Center and learning from local naturalists from an early age.

He completed his high school education in Quito and later studied tourism, officially becoming a certified Galápagos Naturalist Guide in 1992. Javier is also a certified Galápagos Marine Reserve Dive Master and has extensive experience working both on land and in the water.

Throughout his career, Javier has worked as a freelance naturalist for a wide range of expedition and tourism operators, adapting to the evolution of responsible tourism in the Galápagos while maintaining a strong focus on conservation, education and guest safety. His guiding specialties include wildlife interpretation, birdwatching, snorkeling, diving and stargazing. Over the years, he has shared the islands with travelers from around the world, helping them better understand their unique ecosystems.

Safety, respect for nature and meaningful guest experiences are central to his guiding philosophy. Javier is known for creating engaging, informative and relaxed environments where guests feel confident exploring both terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

As a native Galapagueño, he is passionate about education and bilingual communication and hopes to contribute to initiatives that expand learning opportunities for future generations in the islands.