Born and raised in Mexico City, Fernando moved to Puerto Vallarta in 1999 to study marine biology and pursue his love of nature. During his studies he collaborated on different research projects including humpback whale and bottlenose dolphin photo-identification and conservation of blue-footed boobies. His thesis was the first study done in the area about marine mammals. He has been a member of the Mexican Society for the Study of Marine Mammals since 2000. He splits his busy schedule between his two passions: research and guiding. Currently he is working on the humpback whale photo-identification catalog in Banderas Bay as well as guiding monarch butterfly and humpback whale trips.
Fernando was terrific. He went out of his way to make sure we were all comfortable, having a good time, seeing whales and understanding everything about the activity. He was a terrific conversationalist on the tour and at meals. He went out of his way to take us to a release of leatherback sea turtles into the ocean. We have nothing but the highest regard for him.
M. Chandler
Fernando was fantastic! He was very professional and kind, extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the natural habitats we encountered. He never got tired of answering the same questions over and over again, and nobody felt left out. Communication was clear and concise, and it was hard to believe he has only spoken English for a short time. He was considerate of each traveler's needs and safety. He is a treasure. If I only had one word to describe Fernando it would be 'joyful'.
D. Levesque
Fernando was the best Expedition Leader we have had. He joined the group and shared far more than information about the whale sharks and other environmental topics. Unlike other trips we have been on where the guide met us prior to the morning departure and disappeared upon return, the fact that Fernando joined us for meals and conversations added immeasurably to the experience.
Together, Natural Habitat Adventures and World Wildlife Fund have teamed up to arrange nearly 100 nature travel experiences around the planet, while helping to protect the magnificent places we visit and their wild inhabitants.
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