Who is Erick Higuera?
I am a Mexican marine biologist, underwater cinematographer, photographer, and conservationist based in Baja California, Mexico.
For more than two decades I have worked throughout the Gulf of California, Guadalupe Island, Revillagigedo, and the Mexican Pacific documenting marine wildlife and contributing to research on species such as manta rays and killer whales.
My work brings together marine science, field research, and natural history filmmaking. I collaborate with production teams, researchers, and conservation organizations to document marine life responsibly and accurately in Mexican waters.
Because I understand the species, the regulations, and the logistics of working in Mexican waters, I am often brought into productions early to help plan sequences before filming even begins.
Quick Facts
Profession: Marine Biologist and Underwater Cinematographer
Based In: Baja California, Mexico
Primary Regions: Gulf of California, Guadalupe Island, Revillagigedo, Mexican Pacific
Specialties: Marine wildlife behavior, underwater cinematography, natural history production
Research Focus: Manta rays, sharks, and killer whales
Affiliations: National Geographic Explorer, Nauticam Ambassador, SDI | PADI | TDI Instructor
Awards: Recognized by international film festivals and organizations including Sea Heroes, Cannes Corporate Media Awards, Green Screen, Best Shorts and Wildlife Film Festival Rotterdam.
My Path Into the Ocean
I grew up in south central Mexico, but the ocean eventually pulled me to the Baja California Peninsula.
I moved there in 1997 and began studying marine biology while spending as much time in the water as possible.
Diving quickly became a way to observe how animals behave in their natural environment. Over time I began documenting those encounters with a camera.
Today my work combines marine biology, underwater cinematography, and field production across the Mexican Pacific.
Work in Science + Film
Marine Biology
My training in marine biology shapes how I approach ecosystems, species behavior, and field decisions.
Natural History Production
My work has contributed to major natural history productions with organizations such as BBC Natural History Unit, National Geographic, Silverback Films, and Terra Mater.
Underwater Cinematography
I film marine wildlife throughout the Mexican Pacific including sharks, manta rays, whales, dolphins, and other large pelagic species.
Experience Snapshot
National Geographic Explorer
I am a National Geographic Explorer working on marine wildlife research and conservation in the Gulf of California and the Mexican Pacific.
Marine Biology & Field Research
My background in marine biology shapes how I approach filming wildlife. Years of field observation allow me to recognize patterns in animal behavior that get the shots.
Scientific Publications
Observations from my field work have contributed to peer-reviewed research published in journals including Ecology, Frontiers in Marine Science, and Aquatic Mammals.
International Media Coverage
Research from my work in the Gulf of California have been featured by The New York Times, CNN, The Washington Post, Forbes, and Live Science.
Nauticam Ambassador
I work with Nauticam as an ambassador for underwater imaging systems used by filmmakers and photographers around the world.
Selected Awards & Recognition
My work has received international recognition and awards – both in film and major wildlife photography competitions.
Planning a Natural History Shoot in Mexico?
If you are planning a natural history production or need underwater filming support in Mexico, feel free to reach out.
Awards + Recognitions
My work has been recognized internationally across natural history filmmaking, underwater cinematography, and conservation storytelling. I’ve won many awards in both photography and cinematography.
A few of the highlights are below:
Selected Awards
- Gold World Medal — New York Festivals TV & Film Awards (Whale Wisdom)
- Best Wildlife Film — New York Wild Film Festival (Whale Wisdom)
- Best Marine Film — Green Screen International Nature Film Festival (Whale Wisdom)
- Flamingo Award (Animal Behaviour) — Wildlife Film Festival Rotterdam (Whale Wisdom)
- Gold Dolphin — Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards (Nature, Environment & Ecology)
- Advanced Diver Magazine/Voice of the Ocean Winner — ADEX
- Multiple International Film Festival Awards — México Pelágico
- Award for Excellence — Stan Waterman at Beneath The Sea
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Erick Higuera?
I am a marine biologist, underwater cinematographer, and National Geographic Explorer based in Baja California, Mexico. My work combines marine research, field observation, and natural history filmmaking focused on marine wildlife in the Mexican Pacific.
Has Erick Higuera contributed to scientific research?
Yes. Observations from my field work have contributed to peer-reviewed studies published in journals such as Ecology, Frontiers in Marine Science, and Aquatic Mammals, particularly involving manta rays and killer whales.
What makes Erick Higuera different from other underwater filmmakers?
My background in marine biology and long-term field research allows me to understand animal behavior and environmental conditions in ways that help productions film responsibly and accurately. I often contribute to research as well as filmmaking.
What kinds of productions does Erick Higuera work with?
I collaborate with natural history production companies, researchers, conservation organizations, and media teams interested in documenting marine wildlife and ocean ecosystems.