Crew

Aracely Rojas [ go top ]
Aracely was born in Nicaragua and moved to Mexico in her teen years where she went on to study marine Biology in La Paz's nationally acclaimed university. Through her studies she has now focused her life on the outdoors and in particular, marine protected areas in the Gulf of California. This in turn, has led Aracely to participate in research projects involving coral and rocky reef systems, whale behavior and marine conservation. She frequents the ocean bottom scuba diving for work and for pleasure.When guiding for BOA she particularly enjoys watching people's reactions as they discover the abundant life in the coastal waters of Espiritu Santo Island. She interprets each kayak trip as another great opportunity to teach and learn more with every group.

Bernardo Cruz [ go top ]
Bernardo moved from Mexico City to Baja California Sur back in the mid 90's and he immediately began his kayaking career with BOA. His biology degree specializing in Mexican birds enables Bernardo to add a fascinating addition to all his trips. A hike into the interior of the Baja islands or peninsula will be rewarded by his in depth knowledge of not just every bird you may see or hear, but all the vast variety of plant life. Bernardo's devotion to Ornithology currently has him out in some remote bird hide gathering data for a non profit organization interested in the protection of Baja's beautiful natural areas and wildlife.

Christian Zavala [ go top ]
Christian is yet another of our bi-lingual marine biologist guides. However his reputation is quietly being extolled as Baja's Dub side!! In other words his variety of Eskimo rolling techniques and other kayak skills is none less than impressive. Christian's formal background in Kayak instruction has been gained by undertaking several programs with NOLS ( a US school of outdoor educators) and before becoming a kayak guide he put his bachelors in marine biology to good use as a certified Dive Master – also out of La Paz. He draws his vast experience from both the Sea of Cortez and various expeditions off the west coast of British Columbia. When not guiding trips for BOA guests and university groups Christian is gainfully employed by NOLS.

Diego Pertusso[ go top ]
Originally from Uruguay, Diego has now taken up permanent residence in Baja California Sur. Naturally as a professional surfer he has chosen to reside on the Pacific coast of Baja where he is chief lifeguard of the main Todos Santos beach. Diego began guiding trips in La Paz over 10 years ago and has a marvelously charming approach to hosting trips. Perhaps it's the South American style! His expertise in the field and knowledge of the area will quickly make you feel that you are in very safe hands.

Francisco Yuen [ go top ]
Francisco is one of our 'local guides.' He was born and raised in La Paz and has been guiding for BOA since December 2005. He also helps in a local 'ONG' focused on supporting local communities and environmental issues in the Region. This enables Francisco to fulfill one of his passions; helping with marine scientific projects by monitoring and gathering census information through the Baja California Sur's University. Francisco also has an audiovisual project for underwater wildlife film productions, social documentaries and advertisements. Being president of a young cultural movement for 3 years in the capital of the state, he has produced free public events as independent cultural promoter. He is actively involved in the organization of environmental public forums for the protection of natural local areas, and local workshops with various NGO's including the National Geographic Society.

Leah Blok [ go top ]
Leah is our token Canadian guide, born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia. After years of instructing on the mountains, she has now taken a liking to Baja's warm winters. Leah has a diploma in Outdoor Recreation Management from Capilano College in BC and has been kayaking since 1996. She loves being outside in any kind of weather and is a keen kayaker and rock climber. She has a profound interest in marine life and is especially interested in the Humpbacks and Orcas. Leah has been working with BOA since 2006.

Manuel Rodriguez [ go top ]
Manuel joined the BOA team back in 2002 and has quickly worked his way up to becoming one of the most experienced local guides in Baja. He was born and grew up on the peninsula and not surprisingly is very proud and passionate about Baja’s unique natural history and wildlife. Always preaching the beauty of the peninsula, Manuel allows people to appreciate the beauty from a naturalist perspective and enjoy the cultural experience that visiting Mexico represents. "This is a world vast and beautiful. I went to sea and was forever changed; all around us is a planet of different species, magnificent with grace or strangeness."- Manuel Rodriguez

Mario del Angel [ go top ]
Mario grew up in Mexico City but at every opportunity he escaped the concrete jungle to bike and climb in the surrounding mountains. When he finally moved to La Paz in the summer of 2006 he quickly became an invaluable member of the BOA team. His first years were spent in logistical support but it was inevitable that someone possessing so much passion for the outdoors, would sooner or later earn him a place in the 'field'.
Mario is as comfortable under the water as on it and delights in helping new comers discover the pleasures of snorkeling in the famous under water world of the Sea of Cortez. You will find that his genuine enthusiasm to assist others creates a reassuring feeling that you are undoubtedly in the best possible hands.

Rafael Camposeco [ go top ]
Rafael Camposeco is an archaeologist from the rural state of Michoacan. His fascination in tracing the origins of human beings in America led him to Baja California Sur where he fell in love with the beautiful contrast of the ocean and desert landscape. Following his university studies, Rafael gained an opportunity to work as an archaeologist in the Sonora desert as well as in the Cape Region of Baja. He then began guiding for B.O.A. in the winter of 2002 learning not only the secrets of kayaking, but also the greatness of the Sea of Cortez. Rafael's passion for the outdoors is immediately apparent and his vast knowledge of the natural history that extends into modern day life in Baja is inexhaustible. He loves to talk with guests about the extraordinary fauna and flora and his explanation of how the former inhabitants of Baja lived off the land is intriguing - make sure you ask!

Sergio Jauregui [ go top ]
Sergio began guiding with BOA back in the mid 90's and has probably led more expeditions to Espiritu Santo Island and the southern Baja peninsula than any other guide in Mexico. Needless to say his knowledge of the local area is extensive and his wit and charm has attracted so many people to return many times to be guided by this master of entertainment! His entrepreneurial skills have led him to start his own adventure company in Baja but 'by special request' he is still known to make an appearance for our repeat guests.

Tania Muñoz [ go top]
Tania's childhood and school years were spent between La Paz and Mexico City but once she 'flew the nest' it was an easy decision to make her own home in just La Paz! She quickly secured work with a tourist company owing to her excellent English language skills. She then became involved in the translation of two local magazines that are fishing guides with focus on prestigious international competitions, events that are instrumental in raising funds for much needed emergency medical equipment in the municipality. After completing this charitable work she was invited to join the BOA team in the winter of 2009.
Tania is now responsible for receiving inquires, all hotel arrangements and general office administration for our busy La Paz booking office. When she is not at BOA, you'll find her at the beach or exploring a new area with the guides and her daughter. Tania's insatiable quest for knowledge and determination to help has already made her an invaluable member of the BOA team. She looks forward to greeting all our guests and helping them find their feet in La Paz.

Tulio Lot [ go top]
Tulio Lot is one of BOA's invaluable biologists and he has developed an 'encyclopedia of knowledge' relating to the ornithology in Baja California Sur.     His passion for observing sea birds at close quarters, led him to spend two months on a remote island off mainland Mexico where quite literally his only companions were the sea birds.    Tulio's dedication to kayaking and adventure has  taken him off to British Columbia, Canada and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in Britain.      One of his future plans is to paddle the entire Baja Coast in the Sea of Cortez.

Alvaro Falcón [ go top ]
Alvaro Falcon is our longest serving member of staff having dedicated many years of his life to serving up fantastic meals on our fully catered trips. In fact we started doing our "fully catered" trips with Alvaro back in 1997 and he has delighted literally hundreds and hundreds of our guests with his fine cuisine. As a local from La Paz and with over 40 years fishing the Sea of Cortez it's no wonder many of our guests return year after year just to eat his wonderful seafood dinners, never mind the kayaking! Affectionately known by our regulars as abuelito (grandpa) or "Mommy" he brings a delightful sense of humor that enhances all our trips. Once you meet your trip head cook, you know you'll be in good hands.

Alvarito Falcon[ go top ]
No surprises here, Alvarito Falcon is the son of Alvaro! After many years of assisting his father on fully catered trips he is now often head chef. But his real pleasure is taking people fishing and delighting in helping our guests land their first Sierra or Trigger fish. He modestly contributes bountiful supplies of freshly caught fish or shell fish practically on demand! His eagerness to assist others enjoy what he has been doing for a living most of his adult life leaves many guests declaring it was one of the main highlights of their trip.

Ricky Falcon [ go top ]
Yet another son of Alvaro has come to join the BOA team! Ricky is our newest boat driver and chef's assistant but no stranger to the ocean having spent most of his growing years out fishing with his dad! He used to be the manager of all the beach operations out at Tecolote (local La Paz beach) so he is very familiar with the tourist industry and in particular aquatic sports. His careful and professional attitude to all aspects of our service is providing an invaluable support to the BOA team.

Manuel Higuera [ go top ]
Manuel Higuera is another of the long term crew beginning his career with BOA back in the 90's. His primary role is to ensure that each and every kayak, tent, stove (and all the other thousands of gear items) are fully functional. But you may well find him captaining one of our motor boats, servicing a van, repairing a fiberglass kayak, teaching some-one to fish, assisting the guides pack up (and clean up), checking that every trip is fully equipped, helping someone with their Spanish pronunciation and providing the essential support to ensure the success of every expedition.

Mario Winkler [ go top ]
Mario Winkler is another one of our long serving crew members and having worked along side Alvaro for years he has an amazing flair in the kitchen. He is also a fisherman from La Paz who has plied the ocean for most of his life. Mario is an outstanding boat captain and is our main 'shuttle driver' captaining our 400hp express motor launch that takes our guests to and from the island at the trip beginning and end. His safe judgement and good humor provides a totally reliable and enjoyable support to our expeditions to Espiritu Santo Island and re supply service along the Baja coastline.

The rest of the crew will be added soon!