Sarah Smith

PADI Scuba Instructor / Naturalist Tour Guide

San Diego Metropolitan Area

About

I have been sharing my passion for the ocean as a naturalist and scuba instructor for more than ten years. I've lived and worked in Baja California Sur, Southeast Alaska, and Southern California My experience includes working as a whale-watching guide and serving as a Marine Mammal Observer on marine construction projects. In 2019, I earned my commercial captain’s license, expanding my experience on the water. I also manage social media for a tour company in Cabo San Lucas, where I create engaging, educational content about the natural history of the region. My deep commitment to conservation drives my work, as I believe that education is the key to inspiring others to protect our oceans.

Experience

  • Naturalist Tour Guide at Searcher Natural History Tours
    Mar 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 5 mos

    Serving as a naturalist guide aboard the 95 foot vessel "Searcher" on multi-day whale watching tours out of San Diego, CA, cruising down the Baja Peninsula into the Sea of Cortez and disembarking in Cabo San Lucas. Guiding passengers on hikes and snorkeling excursions along the way. Giving presentations about the flora and fauna of the region.

  • OUPV "Six Pack" Captain at Freelance
    Jul 2019 - Present · 7 yrs 1 mo

  • Retail Salesperson and PADI Scuba Instructor at Sea Shanty Scuba
    Mar 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 5 mos

    Retail sales in a Scuba shop. Teaching PADI Scuba courses.

  • Tour Guide / Naturalist / PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer at Adventures in Baja
    Jan 2020 - Present · 6 yrs 7 mos

    Working as a freelance tour guide and scuba instructor on trips in and on the water in Cabo San Lucas, Cabo Pulmo, La Paz, and La Ventana.

  • Memory Developer - Contractor at Sunday
    Sep 2025 - Jul 2026 · 11 mos

    Training next-generation home robots to understand and replicate human skills.