Meet Ecoventura’s first Naturalist Guide, Sofia, Featured in a New Video

 

With 31 years as a guide in the Galapagos, Sofia Darqua is one of the most dedicated and experienced guides on our cruises. In fact, Sofia, together with Fabricio Carbo, was the first certified naturalist guide to work on an Ecoventura vessel on board the MY Eric on the inaugural departure back in January, 1991.

That is 27 years of incredible service sharing her knowledge and love of the Galapagos Islands with our passengers!

Sofia was born and raised in Quito, Ecuador so you could say the love of this land is in her blood. Ever since she was young, Sophia knew she wanted to work with animals. Her Biology teacher encouraged her to explore her passion and love for the unique fauna and environment here in the Galapagos.

She traveled to Spain and attended the University in Madrid. After graduating with a focus on Tourism and Hotel Management, she spent a few years in France before returning to Ecuador.  

In 1987, Sofia trained with the Charles Darwin Research Station and Galapagos National Park to become a licensed Naturalist guide in 1991 with Ecoventura on the Eric and now she is guiding on board our luxury expedition yacht, the MV ORIGIN, that launched in 2016. 

In 2000, she left Galapagos to raise her son but continued to work for several years, as a tour leader in the Amazon Rainforest and the Galapagos. Over those years she co-founded and served as director of Fundacion Accion Amazonia, a non-profit, private organization created to support the local indigenous communities of the Amazon rainforest. She also served on the board of directors of the Ecuadorian Ecotourism Association and helped to develop several ecotourism based projects on the mainland.

Sofia now lives on Santa Cruz Island, serves as the president of the Galapagos Naturalist Guide’s Association (AGIPA), and works as a freelance naturalist guide for various tour companies in Galapagos including Ecoventura.

Because she is fluent in English, French, and Spanish, Sofia has hosted and educated visitors from all over the world. She continues working for the cause of conservation and protection of this unique archipelago.

Sofia shared with us that she enjoys working with us because we are committed to helping to conserve these islands. From banning plastic straws to staffing two naturalist guides on every vessel, we are always aiming for the best in terms of the service, education, and experience for our guests.

We are proud to have Sofia as part of our team here at Ecoventura and we look forward to many more years working side by side with her.

Ready to join Sofia and Ecoventura for an adventure in the Galapagos Islands? Reach out to our team and let’s start planning your next vacation!