Cristian Villarroel

Cristian grew up on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos, where his connection to nature developed at an early age. His parents taught him to respect the wildlife, landscapes and remarkable ecosystems of the islands he called home. Growing up surrounded by the Galápagos environment gave him firsthand knowledge of the archipelago and shaped his understanding of the importance of protecting its unique biodiversity.

Interested in learning more about people and human behavior, Cristian moved to Guayaquil to earn a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. His studies gave him a deeper understanding of communication and the ways people connect with one another. Ultimately, his ties to the Galápagos brought him back to Santa Cruz, where he could combine his knowledge of people with his familiarity with the islands.

Today, Cristian shares the Galápagos with guests aboard the fleet, drawing on both his local perspective and academic background. His experiences growing up in the archipelago provide a personal understanding of island life, while his interest in human behavior helps him connect with people from around the world. Through his work, he helps guests learn more about the wildlife, landscapes and communities that make the Galápagos distinctive.