Open To Work
Juan Jose (JJ) Apestegui
San Jose,Costa Rica
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Open to workDesired start date: Flexible
Desired Job Title
Onboard Lecturer / Naturalist / Zodiac DriverExpedition Leader / Assistant Expedition LeaderLecturer/Naturalist/Zodiac driver/Ass. Expedition Leader/Firearms coordinatorNaturalist/Expedition LeaderOnboard naturalist/lecturerSalary Range
$45000/yr - $200000/yrSummary
Expedition Leader and Naturalist with 35+ years of guiding voyages across the Arctic, Antarctica, the Amazon, and other remote regions. I specialize in risk assessment, safety compliance, and guest engagement, ensuring seamless operations for leading expedition cruise companies. As a naturalist and lecturer, I deliver compelling talks on wildlife, ecology, and cultural history, fostering guest connections through storytelling. My leadership style blends operational excellence with education, training teams to uphold the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and guest service. Fluent in English, Spanish, French (B1+), and Portuguese, I thrive in multicultural environments and connect with diverse audiences. Whether briefing guests before a polar landing or navigating rainforest waterways, I bring adaptability, curiosity, and a deep respect for nature to every expedition.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
12
12
Certification
Work History
Onboard Lecturer / Naturalist / Zodiac Driver
Seabourn Cruise Line
02.2016 - 01.2026
- Led educational excursions on wildlife, conservation, and history in expedition destinations.
- Delivered engaging lectures on natural history, ornithology, and ecological topics.
- Engaged guests through informal discussions and interactive presentations.
- Documented expedition experiences, capturing guest insights and trip highlights.
Expedition Leader / Assistant Expedition Leader
Viking
11.2021 - 01.2025
- Directed itineraries and coordinated with ship management for seamless operations.
- Conducted pre-landing safety assessments and site briefings.
- Managed and trained expedition staff, ensuring operational excellence.
- Ensured adherence to IAATO and AECO regulations for responsible tourism.
Lecturer/Naturalist/Zodiac driver/Ass. Expedition Leader/Firearms coordinator
Abercrombie & Kent
01.1998 - 02.2022
- Supervised compliance with firearm safety protocols as a Bear Guard in the Arctic.
- Managed Zodiac boat operations, and conducted guided landings, interpreting ecosystems and wildlife behavior.
- Fostered guest engagement through storytelling and onboard social interactions.
- Ensured adherence to IAATO and AECO regulations for responsible tourism.
Naturalist/Expedition Leader
PONANT
04.1996 - 02.2022
- Served in leadership roles managing both land and sea expeditions.
- Delivered multilingual lectures in English, Spanish, and French.
- Performance of bear guard duties in Arctic regions.
- Coordinated logistics for land-based excursions in remote destinations.
- Ensured compliance with conservation, maritime and safety regulations.
Onboard naturalist/lecturer
G Adventures
01.2012 - 08.2015
- Delivered lectures on natural history, ecology, and cultural heritage.
- Led Zodiac excursions and guided landings in remote destinations.
- Performed Bear Guard duties in Arctic regions to ensure passenger safety.
- Fostered guest engagement through storytelling and interactive education.
Additional Expedition Roles
Travel Dynamics, Silversea, Quark, Clipper Cruise Lines, Zehgram, Cruise West, EYOS
01.1990 - 12.2012
- Held multiple leadership and naturalist positions with leading expedition cruise companies.
- Delivered lectures on natural history, ecology, and cultural heritage.
- Led Zodiac excursions and guided landings in remote destinations.
- Performed Bear Guard duties in Arctic regions to ensure passenger safety.
- Coordinated logistics and shore excursions across diverse geographies.
- Fostered guest engagement through storytelling and interactive education.
- Ensured compliance with IAATO/AECO and environmental safety standards.
Night Manager / Casino Manager
Corporación Cariari
San Jose, Costa Rica
03.1984 - 11.1988
- I was the Night Manager for Hotel Corobicí for a year and a half and then junior Manager for the casinos of both Corobicí and Cariari Hotels.
- Responsibilities included night auditing of hotel Corobici and Cariari operations, and overall supervision of the Casinos in both hotels several nights a week.
Passenger Service Agent
Air Florida Inc.
Alajuela, Costa Rica
03.1980 - 03.1984
- Service Agent at the passenger check in counter for Air Florida at Aeropuerto Juan Santamaria in Alajuela, Costa Rica.
Sales Specialist
Pisos S.A.
San Jose, Costa Rica
01.1978 - 02.1980
- My first job out of high school.
- I was in charge of production and sales of one particular line of furniture, it was a do it yourself type of furniture where we sold the parts via different retailers.
Education
Official Tour Guide Certification - Tourism, Natural History, History, Group Management, others.
01.1990
Licenciado - Bussiness
01.1986
Bachelor - Bussines
01.1984
Bachelor's degree - 1 year introductory studies (generales) and 2 Years Law School
01.1981
HIgh School diploma - General Studies
01.1977
Skills
- Team leadership and training
- IAATO/AECO environmental compliance
- Zodiac operations and polar navigation
- Public speaking and storytelling
- Bear guard and firearms safety (Arctic)
- Wilderness first responder
- Expedition planning and risk assessment
- Interpersonal skills
Certification
- International certificate for operators of pleasure craft
- Permit rent weapons in Svalbard for Bear Guard
- Senior polar guide certification
- Basic Training STCW/2010
- French Language - Level: B1+ BELT
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
French
Professional
Portuguese
Elementary
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Expedition Leader / Assistant Expedition Leader - Viking
11.2021 - 01.2025
Onboard Lecturer / Naturalist / Zodiac Driver - Seabourn Cruise Line
02.2016 - 01.2026
Onboard naturalist/lecturer - G Adventures
01.2012 - 08.2015
Lecturer/Naturalist/Zodiac driver/Ass. Expedition Leader/Firearms coordinator - Abercrombie & Kent
01.1998 - 02.2022
Naturalist/Expedition Leader - PONANT
04.1996 - 02.2022
Additional Expedition Roles - Travel Dynamics, Silversea, Quark, Clipper Cruise Lines, Zehgram, Cruise West, EYOS
01.1990 - 12.2012
Night Manager / Casino Manager - Corporación Cariari
03.1984 - 11.1988
Passenger Service Agent - Air Florida Inc.
03.1980 - 03.1984
Sales Specialist - Pisos S.A.
01.1978 - 02.1980
Instituto Nacional De Aprendizaje - Official Tour Guide Certification, Tourism, Natural History, History, Group Management, others.
Universidad Autónoma De Centro América - Licenciado, Bussiness
Instituto Tecnico De Administracion De Negocios - Bachelor, Bussines
Universidad De Costa Rica UCR - Bachelor's degree, 1 year introductory studies (generales) and 2 Years Law School
Colegio La Salle - HIgh School diploma, General Studies