Rodrigo Martinez Catalan

Growing up in a small town in inner Spain, Rodrigo has always been captivated by natural wonders. After the completion of his studies, he decided to explore the world and has worked in places such as Iceland, Portugal, South Africa, and Argentina. He has helped to develop citizen science initiatives, collaborated with different cetacean-related research projects, and guided wildlife tours, all while learning about the different cultures of the places where he worked.

His home now is in Vestmannaeyjar, a remote archipelago off the southern coast of Iceland, where he works as a Nature Specialist, monitoring the iconic Atlantic puffin. Rodrigo collaborates with other local initiatives such as the Icelandic Orca Project as skipper and research assistant. He has presented various photographic exhibitions and wildlife presentations and coordinates two citizen science initiatives. One that monitors cetaceans called “WhaVe” and one that monitors pufflings (young puffings) during the fledging season called “The Puffling Patrol.”

He is passionate about photography and in his pursuit of the perfect wildlife shot from sea, he ended up owning a local kayak company. Kayak & Puffins (what a catchy name!) has given him the opportunity to develop his passion for the oceans and share it in an educational way with many curious minds.

Exploring new places allows us to open our minds to experiences and there is nothing that Rodrigo loves more from guests than watching the first genuine reaction when they unveil one of the many hidden natural wonders that our planet has to offer.