THE STORYTELLER

Name: André Fernando Torres Reis.

Position: Guide.

Place and date of birth: Coimbra, Portugal, 17th April 2003.

Hometown: Arrôtas (Pocariça), Portugal.

Star sign: Aries.

Education: Bachelor in Biology with emphasis in the marine world, specialization in Arctic Marine Biology. Recreational diving and freediving licenses. Ship Strike Mitigation training. STCW courses: Basic Safety Training and Crowd- and Crisis Management.

Languages: Portuguese, English, Spanish, trying to learn the Japanese.

Experience: Before joining Gentle Giants, I was working with ORCA, a UK-based marine conservation charity, as an Ocean Conservationist. In this role, I served as the charity's sole representative aboard a range of platforms, including cruise ships and ferries. I conducted cetacean surveys and led all onboard scientific communication activities, including the development and delivery of lectures, workshops, and public engagement sessions focused on marine ecosystems, their importance, and the role of cetaceans within them. Before my journey with ORCA, I worked as a snorkelling and freediving guide in the Açores, where I was delivering educational briefings on marine biodiversity, ecology, local ecosystems and also interpreting natural and cultural heritage of the islands for international visitors. Alongside with that, I was guiding all in water activities. Additionally, I also have experience in Arctic field research. Started guiding for Gentle Giants in 2026.

Interests: Photography, culture, hiking, travelling, diving, watches.

Favourite Icelandic food: I really want to try the Kjötsúpa.

Favourite foreign food: Bacalhau com Natas.

Favourite band / singer: What a difficult question, I don’t really know if I have one. What I listen to depends on the mood and it goes from metal to country.