Ivan Vasquez

Iván grew up in San Cristóbal, Galápagos, amongst a family of artists. From an early age, he explored different art tools to express his creativity and his admiration for the natural world, going from painting to music, and to then discover a camera which would later connect him with expedition vessels and wildlife videography and photography. He started a music band called Arkabuz and recorded two albums with inspiration from Galapagos. The band toured all over the country and received several prestigious awards, including best band in the country for 2008.

Iván is an avid nature photographer and environmentalist. Since 2010, he started working on expedition vessels capturing the pristine wildlife of the islands. In 2015, he moved to California where he obtained a diploma in Film and Television Production, thus expanding his knowledge and opening possibilities in filming worldwide. After returning to the Galapagos, Iván started working for National Geographic – Lindblad Expeditions both in Galápagos and in Alaska. He started working as a video chronicler in 2021 and he became a naturalist/photo instructor in Alaska in 2023. As a result of his passion for sharing his knowledge of the natural world, Iván obtained a degree as a National Guide in Ecuador, as well as a Galápagos Naturalist License in 2025.

Iván also promotes cultural development in Galapagos through a media production company that he started with his brother on San Cristobal Island. Named “Archipelago Films”, the aim of the company is to help develop film within the local community and provide communication services to local agencies, institutions and NGOs.