An independent scientific initiative studying whales and dolphins in the Galápagos Marine Reserve — and the research partner behind every original cetacean study published on this site. Every Nauti expedition helps fund its work.
The Galápagos Cetacea Project is an independent scientific initiative dedicated to the research and conservation of whales and dolphins within the Galápagos Marine Reserve, led by Dr. Daniela Alarcón. Nauti Expeditions collaborates directly with the program — we don’t own this research, we help fund and support it. Every original species study published on this site, including our orca social-structure findings, comes out of this partnership.
Every year, hundreds of individuals migrate through or reside within the Reserve to feed, socialize, mate, and raise their young. As top predators and ecosystem engineers, whales and dolphins play a vital role in keeping the entire marine food web healthy — protecting them means protecting the ecosystem everything else here depends on.
More than 24 known cetacean species have been recorded in the Galápagos Marine Reserve — including humpback whales, sperm whales, orcas, bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, Bryde’s whales, and several oceanic dolphin species.
Extraordinary journeys should leave more than unforgettable memories — they should leave a lasting positive impact. Every tour booked through Nauti Expeditions contributes directly to supporting ongoing cetacean research, marine conservation, and environmental education in the Galápagos Islands. This isn’t an abstract sustainability claim — it’s a direct line between the trip you book and the science getting funded.
Nauti’s own conservation initiative, launched in partnership with the Cetacea Galápagos Program. Through guided excursions, participants learn about whale and dolphin biology firsthand while directly supporting essential research and conservation work.
10% of Bubble Netting Program profits go directly to the Cetacea Galápagos Program — bringing tourism operators, local communities, and scientists together to protect the Galápagos National Park and Marine Reserve.
The Cetacea Galápagos Program brings together marine scientists, naturalist guides, students, photographers, communicators, and partner institutions working collaboratively to advance the understanding and conservation of whales and dolphins in the Galápagos Islands
Founder & Research Director
Daniela Alarcon is a PhD researcher specializing in marine conservation and the ecology of migratory species. She leads the Cetacea Galápagos Program, conducting research on whales, dolphins, and sea turtles while advancing marine science, environmental education, and community-based conservation throughout the Galápagos Islands.
Meet Daniela Alarcon →
This research is conducted in partnership with the Galápagos Science Center, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), the University of the Sunshine Coast (Australia), and with the support of the Galápagos National Park Directorate — real institutional partners whose involvement anchors this program in genuine, peer-reviewable science rather than marketing.
No — it’s an independent scientific initiative led by Dr. Daniela Alarcón. Nauti Expeditions is a partner and funder, contributing a share of tour and Bubble Netting Program profits directly to its research.
More than 24 known cetacean species have been recorded in the Galápagos Marine Reserve, including humpback whales, sperm whales, orcas, and several dolphin species.
The Bubble Netting Program lets guests join guided excursions focused on whale and dolphin biology, with a share of proceeds directly funding the Cetacea Galápagos Program’s ongoing work.
Planning a Galápagos trip can feel overwhelming. We’re here to help you choose the right cruise or island-hopping experience based on your interests, travel style, dates, and budget.
Tell us about your travel plans, and we’ll create a personalized Galápagos itinerary tailored to your interests, travel dates, and budget.
San Cristóbal, Galápagos
Ecuador EC20035
+593 98 643-3143
info@nautiexpeditions.com
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