Latest Updates
Now enrolling for Fall and Winter 2024. Join an Adventure with us or contact our Team to learn more about our programs.
What Are We Doing at NOA?
NOA empowers individuals from diverse backgrounds to actively participate in wildlife conservation through eco-travel experiences and hands-on fieldwork with trained professionals. We are committed to fostering global citizenship and culturally immersive experiences with local communities.
Marine Biology and
Terrestrial Conservation
We advocate for and actively work to preserve marine and terrestrial ecosystems, empowering students to become stewards of conservation and wildlife protection.
Environmental
Responsibility
Upholding environmental and social responsibility, we instill values that promote a balanced relationship between humanity and the natural world, inspiring positive change.
Global
Citizenship
We cultivate global citizenship by immersing students in diverse cultures, nurturing compassion for all life forms, and fostering a sense of responsibility towards the global community.
Think and Act Global
Our mission extends beyond traditional travel experiences—we aim to empower students to actively participate in marine conservation and sustainability initiatives while gaining insights into becoming contributors to a global society.
In the spirit of addressing pressing global issues, such as habitat and biodiversity loss leading to an increase in endangered species, climate change and educational inequality, we believe in tackling these challenges from the grassroots level. By providing students with immersive international travel experiences, we offer them the opportunity to engage with local communities, learn about sustainable practices, and contribute to initiatives aimed at creating positive change. The NOA Foundation envisions a future where there is sustainable and harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.
Together, let's cultivate a future where the principles of education, sustainability, and global citizenship unite to shape a world of empowered citizens dedicated to making a lasting difference. Uncover how your support for NOA Adventures can contribute to locally-driven, outcome-oriented solutions that transcend borders and create a sustainable impact on our planet.
Why Support NOA Fund?
When you contribute to the NOA Foundation, your investment goes beyond monetary value—it becomes a catalyst for meaningful change. Your donation provides ambitious underprivileged youth with a unique and transformative opportunity to embark on immersive educational travel experiences, fostering personal growth and global awareness.
Additionally, your support fuels the ongoing vital initiatives of the organizations we collaborate with working to conserve natural habitats and protect endangered species in 5 different countries. Lastly, your contribution is also allocated to compensating passionate, highly qualified educators who lead these transformative experiences, ensuring accessibility to all students regardless of their socioeconomic status or diverse backgrounds.
Join us in investing in the visionaries who will shape a more sustainable, globally conscious future.
Local Leadership Spotlights
Marc Aquino
Marc Aquino Baleytó, a marine scientist passionate about sharks, has extensive experience in marine conservation and research. His academic journey includes a Master's in Marine Resource Management Sciences and ongoing doctoral research on white shark habitats. Marc's diverse skill set and dedication, contributes significantly to worldwide marine conservation efforts.
Marc Aquino Baleytó loved nature from his earliest youth. He was born in a village on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea where he developed his great passion for the sea and especially for sharks. He began his Bachelor of Marine Sciences at the University of Cádiz and finished at the Autonomous University of Baja California in Ensenada on an exchange scholarship. Marc also volunteered in conservation campaigns, underwater censuses and research with seagrass, fish, cetaceans, Humboldt squid and sharks. In 2016 he completed his Master's Degree in Marine Resource Management Sciences, studying the bioaccumulation of mercury in the white shark and pinnipeds of Guadalupe Island.
In January 2017 he started his doctorate in Marine Sciences studying the habitat use of the white shark in Isla, Guadalupe. Throughout this trajectory, he has strengthened his skills in outdoor fieldwork, both marine and terrestrial. He is a Dive master, commercial diver, little boat skipper, WFR by NOLS, field guide, sailor and, above all, a lover of nature.
Baruch Figueroa Zavala
Baruch is a marine biologist specializing in coral reef management and rural development. With experience in marine conservation projects and certifications as a DiveMaster, he's also skilled in environmental education and underwater photography. Passionate about wildlife and landscapes, Baruch's contributions extend to initiatives like the Healthy Reefs Initiative and Chasing Coral documentary, alongside interests in surfing, painting, and salsa dancing.
Baruch, interested in marine and coastal environments from a young age, holds a degree in marine biology from Universidad del Mar in Oaxaca, México. He continued his master studies at National University of Costa Rica and El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Quintana Roo, México, specializing in coral reefs management and rural development. He is a certified PADI DiveMaster and AGRRA certified trainer. Baruch has worked in a variety of marine conservation projects in the Mesoamerican Reef area, ranging from monitoring and evaluation of reef communities, seagrass and coral reef restoration to conducting research on marine turtles, mangroves and inland-forests. He has collaborated with coastal management specialists in the design and implementation of Marine Protected Areas. Baruch enjoys teaching marine environmental education, coral reef monitoring and reef fish ecology as well as swimming, surfing, diving, snorkeling, wake and paddle boarding. Baruch is a passionate wildlife and landscape photographer/videographer; some of his latest contributions include providing visual and data materials for the Healthy Reefs Initiative and for the Exposure Labs’ Chasing Coral documentary. He also enjoys painting, listening to music, chatting with his mates, watching a good indie film, going out for salsa dance and a good read.
Jennifer Monge Forbes
Jennifer Monge Forbes, a local tour guide in Costa Rica, owns a Caribbean restaurant and a medicinal tea company. With over seven years of experience in energetic healing and metaphysical practices, she promotes unity with nature and creates healing spaces in her community.
Jennifer Monge Forbes is a local tour guide in Costa Rica. She owns and manages El Pilón, a Caribbean Restaurant in Limón, Costa Rica, and owns a medicinal tea company, FLORABUNDA. Jennifer is also a certified Metaphysical and spiritual healer and has been practicing different modalities of energetic healing for over seven years. Since she started these practices, she found true meaning and purpose in life by helping others to live in union with nature without boundaries of race or social class. She is committed to sharing this powerful way of living and to create healing and positive spaces in her community. Jennifer completed a full course in Bioenergetics and Extrasensory Perception, which granted her the title of Healer and Instructor from the Academy of Metaphysical and Spiritual Sciences School of Budapest.
Raul Cuatrecasas Abad
Raúl Cuatrecasas Abad, a dedicated biologist from Barcelona, serves as a local tour guide for NOA in Ecuador. His journey began with a biology degree in Barcelona, followed by wildlife experiences in Ireland and Ecuador. Passionate about conservation, Raúl continues to explore and protect Ecuador's biodiversity, driven by his love for nature.
Raúl Cuatrecasas Abad is a NOA local tour guide in Ecuador. He is a passionate biologist from Barcelona. With a love for wildlife instilled in him from a young age, Raúl embarked on a journey of discovery that has taken him across continents.
After completing his biology degree at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, Raúl ventured to Ireland, where he immersed himself in the world of wildlife at Dublin Zoo for nearly a year. It was during this time that he explored Ecuador, a country renowned for its breathtaking biodiversity.
Enchanted by Ecuador’s natural wonders, Raúl found himself drawn to YanaCocha Biopark, where he began a captivating exploration into wildlife management and animal behavior. Fuelled by his passion, he furthered his studies at the University of Hidalgo in Mexico, specializing in wildlife management and conditioning.
Today, Raúl continues to pursue his lifelong passion for wildlife conservation and exploration, driven by a deep-rooted commitment to protecting our planet’s precious ecosystems.
Marta Fabregas
Passionate Marine Biologist, Educator, and Sustainable Living Advocate, Marta Fabregas, founder of NOA, blends her passion for marine biology and education to inspire others. With a background in Biology and Marine Sciences, Marta's journey includes global wildlife conservation work and founding a marine conservation nonprofit in Costa Rica. Her commitment to sustainability and holistic health, alongside her experiential teaching methods, makes Marta a transformative educator shaping the next generation of environmental stewards.
Marta Fabregas, a dedicated marine biologist, educator, and founder of Noa Adventures and Academy, has spent her life immersed in the wonders of the natural world. Born and raised in a coastal town north of Barcelona, Spain, her love for nature, wildlife, and the ocean has been a guiding force throughout her journey. Marta's academic pursuits led her to the University of Barcelona, where she earned her degree in Biology and a Master's in Marine Sciences. Fluent in Catalan, Spanish, English, Italian, and French, Marta's international perspective was further enriched during an exchange program in Italy, where she studied the distribution of bottlenose dolphins in the Mediterranean.
Her exploration extended beyond academia as Marta became a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, diving into a lifelong passion for the oceans. During her studies, Marta traveled extensively, volunteering in wildlife conservation projects in places like Thailand, Argentina, Mexico, and India.In 2007, Marta embraced a nomadic lifestyle, working as a freelance tour guide and environmental teacher across Spain and Latin America. Her journey eventually led her to Costa Rica, where she co-founded Nature and Oceans of the Americas, a marine conservation nonprofit. She dedicated over six years to supporting marine conservation projects, environmental education in local schools, and local permaculture initiatives.
Marta's commitment to sustainable, healthy lifestyles extends beyond her environmental work. She completed a Masters in Psychology and Life Empowerment Coaching in Mount Shasta, California, and an Ayurvedic Health Coach program in Arcata, California. She currently teaches marine biology, conservation, natural medicine, scuba diving theory and more, using experiential education methods that empower students to engage actively with their learning.
A Wilderness First Responder, skier, diver, and yogi, Marta's current passion lies in inspiring others about sustainable living initiatives and fostering harmony with nature. She believes that positive change starts with healthier lifestyles, spending time in nature, and doing what one loves. Marta Fabregas is not only a dedicated advocate for marine conservation but also a transformative educator inspiring individuals to navigate their own path towards the life they dream of living.
