Daniel Keegan

Daniel was born in Ontario, Canada, to an Ecuadorian mother and Irish father. Raised in both English and Spanish, he grew up with a deep curiosity and love for the outdoors. After visiting the Galápagos every year since birth, Daniel moved with his family to San Cristóbal, where he and his younger brother attended local schools. From a young age, he expressed his passion for nature, often teaching classmates about biology and physics.

 

Daniel studied Environmental Management at the USFQ Galápagos campus, where he participated in a range of conservation projects—from tagging sharks and rays to joining international workshops focused on microplastic pollution. He graduated at the top of his class while balancing roles as a research assistant, fisherman, and surf guide—experiences that deepened his connection to nature and the local community. After university, Daniel traveled and worked in the United States and Canada, pursuing his love of climbing and winter sports while preparing to return home as a licensed National Park Guide, eager to share his knowledge and passion for the islands.

 

His time in mainland Ecuador and Canada further fueled his interest in the mountains. Now an ACMG-certified climbing instructor, he aspires to become a full mountain guide, alongside his work as a Naturalist Guide in the Galápagos. Blending science, conservation, and adventure, Daniel’s path reflects a strong commitment to connecting people with the natural world and inspiring others to experience it with respect and curiosity.