Hi, my name is Gonzalo, I was born in the middle of the desert in North Chile, in an oasis city called Calama or “Ckara ama” which in indigenous language means, “where the waters shelters”, at 2300m asl. So I grew up exploring the longest river in Chile that passes by my city, the “Loa River ” and gazing at the starriest night sky in the world, becoming a self taught astronomer too; here it began my connection with whales somehow. In the 2k were found the remains of a huge whale back bone. For me this was fantastic because it was the very symbolic confirmation that the ocean was there millions of years ago.
After studying a little bit of Psychology and Sound I studied Tourism and I became a Guide. Shortly after, I decided to change my life and became a diver and with this, a whale watching guide (Pationate about the ocean since I was a child, with my dad we used to watch “the underwater world of Jacques Cousteau”). At this point, I was fortunate to have lived for 4 years with some ancient-indigenous fishermen-divers from the desert coast of northern Chile called “Camanchacos”. Due to the existence of a national park and marine reserve here, I had to learn about whales and marine life on site, so I became certified as a whale watching guide by the National Park ranger system. But I also learned from marine biologists who came from the University of Valparaíso to conduct research. With them I strengthened my knowledge linked to marine sciences and collaborated with the logistical part of the research as a crew aboard one of the vessels operated by locals.
Later, to expand my experience, I traveled -from a feeding ground in Chile to a mating/calving ground- in northern Peru to work with humpback whales there. Following their migratory route, I also visited and conducted research to create a personal database related to the whale watching industry, tourism and infrastructure in Puerto López, Ecuador and Bahía Solano, Colombian Pacific. After this, I made a big leap and I moved to Europe where I did 2 whale watching seasons 2020/21 as a spotter/guide/crew working for a Baltimore company in West Cork, paradise for the Minke whale and the common dolphin, and then I did the Winter Whales of Norway in 2022-23 working for an Aurora and Whale Watching Company in Tromsø.
I also enjoy photography, music, crafts, surfing, outdoor activities, cooking and relaxing. Albeit I also really enjoy the valuable time that people give with a guide. I really appreciate that, equal as the natural life that I enjoy big time.
Since the beginning of my career I’ve been a freelance whale watching guide, so e.x. Now I will be fully available until July ’24 where I’m seeking to do a new season in Los Organos, Peru and then exploring Brazil’s southern coastal line to watch Southern Right Whales passing by through Uruguay to be by late September in Peninsula Valdes where I’m praying to get the job.
At the moment I’m in Patagonia taking a sided experience working with a renowned hotel in Torres del Paine National Park as an excursion guide, and I’m looking forward to my next goal to get to Antárctica and New zealand 😉
For more information and updates of my availability, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Love Nature and Whales
Gonzalo
I am working as a Skipper and Certified Marine Guide, I seek a new position with a WCA Responsible Whale and Dolphin Partner. With me I carry my WCA Training Record book which has all my training records and qualifications.
I would like to continue having tasks signed off in WCA Training Record Book while I work for a WCA Partner. This will allow me to continue my Career path with the WCA as a Responsible and Certified Marine Guide.
Address
No 1 Wellington Street, Picton 7220
New Zealand
Phone
Course Director Paul 0064 (0) 297770088
Call NZ Time between 0800 – 1800