Ixora Berdonces

Ixora was born in the Galapagos Islands, back when the streets were made of sand and gravel. Void of TV and tablets, her childhood friends and pristine natural surroundings made for an inspiring upbringing. She was always drawn to the ocean and her local environment, with her first adventures taking place underwater, in mangrove estuaries, and perched in treetops. Not surprisingly, she was scuba diving before the age of 12 and led her first diving trips as a Dive Master in the Galapagos Marine Reserve when she was 18. 

After getting her bachelor's degree in Marine Ecology, she was appointed by the Ecuadorian government to lead the National Marine Ecosystem Cleaning Project. She later returned to her “Enchanted Islands” to work at the Charles Darwin Station on the Marine Invasive Species Project. 

These experiences impressed on Ixora just how vulnerable marine ecosystems are to external forces. Now, she is part of the Lindblad-National Geographic family and is eager to share her experience and knowledge. She is excited by the opportunity to guide new visitors and watch as these incredible islands inspire in them the same love and respect for nature that they have instilled in her.