Q: Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
A: Nature and Oceans Adventures (NOA) is a global leader in experiential learning, offering custom-designed programs that blend expert coaching, eco-travel, sustainable living, hands-on learning, and marine conservation. Established in San Francisco in 2019, NOA operates in multiple locations worldwide, providing high-quality, safe, and engaging programs for youth and families.
Our mission is to inspire personal growth, leadership, and global citizenship through immersive experiences in marine biology, permaculture, and sustainability. With both in-person and online programs, we equip participants with the skills to address global challenges and drive transformative change for a sustainable future.
NOA’s unique programs allow participants to explore Earth’s marine biodiversity hotspots, from California’s kelp forests to Polynesian coral reefs. Through expert guidance, responsible tourism, and conservation work, we help protect species found nowhere else on Earth while fostering a deep connection between people and the natural world.
Q: Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
A:
Marta Fabregas
Chief Executive Director of NOA
Marta Fabregas is a dedicated leader in marine conservation, education, and sustainable living. Originally from a coastal town north of Barcelona, Spain, she earned degrees in Biology and Marine Sciences from the University of Barcelona, later expanding her expertise through international research on bottlenose dolphins in the Mediterranean.
Her passion for ocean conservation led her to become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor and volunteer in wildlife conservation projects across Thailand, Argentina, Mexico, and India. In 2007, she co-founded Nature and Oceans of the Americas in Costa Rica, focusing on marine conservation, environmental education, and permaculture.
After moving to California, Marta founded Nature and Oceans Adventures (NOA) in 2019, further advancing her mission to inspire sustainable living and environmental stewardship. She also pursued a Master’s in Psychology and Life Empowerment Coaching, as well as an Ayurvedic Health Coach certification. As an educator, she integrates marine biology, conservation, and sustainable living into experiential programs, inspiring individuals to create meaningful change. Her leadership at NOA reflects her lifelong commitment to fostering harmony with nature and empowering future generations.
Q: What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
A: The inspiration for founding Nature and Oceans Adventures (NOA) stemmed from recognizing a lack of connection between the scientific world, local communities, and international education. I saw the need for a more holistic approach—one that blends conservation science with cultural understanding and hands-on experience.
At NOA, we believe that lasting conservation happens through deep connection—both with ecosystems and the people who have protected them for generations. Our programs are built on three key pillars:
• Local Partnerships: We collaborate with community conservation leaders and local and international scientific organizations to integrate traditional ecological knowledge with modern science.
• Cultural Immersion: Participants live like locals, learning traditions and experiencing firsthand how communities have historically lived in harmony with marine environments.
• Sustainable Tourism: We promote responsible travel that supports local economies while minimizing environmental impact, demonstrating how tourism can be a powerful tool for conservation.
Our journey began in Costa Rica, where we focused on protecting endangered sea turtle species, supporting sustainable practices, and fostering connections between communities and marine conservation. Through this work, we saw firsthand the power of integrating science, local knowledge, and hands-on experiences to create lasting conservation impact.
This experience inspired us to expand our mission beyond Costa Rica. Today, Nature and Oceans Adventures (NOA) is dedicated to growing our educational programs worldwide, aiming to reconnect more people with ocean and land conservation, sustainability, and global environmental stewardship. By blending scientific research, community engagement, and immersive experiences, we empower individuals to become active participants in protecting our planet.
Q: What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
A: Stay True to Your Mission – Build your business around a clear purpose and values. Passion and authenticity will keep you motivated and attract like-minded people who support your vision.
Embrace Challenges as Learning Opportunities – Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with obstacles. See setbacks as opportunities to adapt, learn, and grow. Flexibility and resilience are key to long-term success.
Build Meaningful Relationships – Success isn’t just about what you know, but who you collaborate with. Foster strong connections with mentors, partners, and your community. Collaboration and shared knowledge can open doors and drive impactful change.
Q: What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
A: Adaptability & Problem-Solving – The business landscape is constantly evolving, and successful entrepreneurs embrace change, think creatively, and find solutions to challenges as they arise.
Leadership & Communication – Inspiring a team, building relationships, and effectively conveying your vision are essential. Strong communication and leadership skills help you gain trust, motivate others, and drive your mission forward.
Resilience & Perseverance – Entrepreneurship comes with ups and downs. The ability to stay focused, push through setbacks, and keep learning is crucial for long-term success. Resilient entrepreneurs turn failures into stepping stones toward growth.
Q: How many hours do you work a day on average?
A: My schedule varies each week, but I try to balance productivity with time in nature. In the mornings, I dedicate focused hours to important tasks. By midday, I take a break to go out in nature, which helps me recharge and stay inspired. In the evenings, I shift my focus to teaching my online programs, connecting with students, and sharing knowledge. Rather than counting hours, I prioritize efficiency, creativity, and a rhythm that aligns with my energy and purpose.
To what do you most attribute your success?
A: I attribute my success to a deep passion for conservation and education, combined with resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose. My commitment to bridging the gap between science, local communities, and experiential learning has driven me to create meaningful programs that inspire change.
Additionally, spending time in nature keeps me grounded and motivated, while surrounding myself with a network of like-minded individuals, mentors, and partners has provided invaluable support. Ultimately, success comes from staying authentic, open to learning, and dedicated to making a positive impact in the world.
Q: How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
A: We market Nature and Oceans Adventures (NOA) through a combination of online and in-person strategies. Our website, www.noaadventures.com, serves as a central hub for information, showcasing our programs and values. We also maintain an active Instagram channel to engage with our community and share inspiring content related to marine conservation and sustainable living.
Additionally, I personally reach out to schools, offering programs and visiting them in person to establish direct connections. I also participate in nature and ocean protection events, which allows us to partner with like-minded nonprofits and organizations. This face-to-face networking has been particularly successful in expanding our reach and building long-term relationships with those who share our mission.
Q: Where did your organizations funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
A: Our organization’s funding has come from a mix of grants and strategic partnerships. We obtained a grant from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in San Francisco to support our marketing efforts, which helped us grow our visibility and reach. We also received a small grant from the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco to design marine biology presentations specifically for the Northern California coast—this was an exciting opportunity to create educational content that ties directly into our mission.
Currently, we are applying for additional grants to fund NOA Fund projects, which will allow us to expand our impact and reach more communities. Although we have not actively sought out investors, we have prioritized building relationships with organizations that share our vision, and those partnerships often lead to funding opportunities, as well as valuable support for our initiatives.
Q: What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
A: The best way to achieve long-term success is to stay committed to your vision while being flexible and adaptable in your approach. Here are a few key principles:
1. Focus on Purpose and Values – Build your business around a mission that you deeply care about. When your work aligns with your values, you’re more likely to stay motivated and resilient through challenges.
2. Continuous Learning and Adaptation – The world is always changing, and so should your business. Stay curious, be open to new ideas, and embrace change. This keeps your business relevant and evolving.
3. Build Strong Relationships – Long-term success relies on a network of people who support and believe in your mission. Cultivate relationships with mentors, partners, employees, and customers who share your vision and can help elevate your work.
4. Be Resilient and Patient – Success doesn’t happen overnight. Stay patient, persevere through setbacks, and always look for opportunities to grow and improve.
5. Balance Growth and Sustainability – Aim for growth that is sustainable both for your business and the world around you. Invest in processes, people, and practices that foster long-term success without compromising the values that got you started.
Q: Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
A: In 5 to 10 years, I see Nature and Oceans Adventures (NOA) growing significantly, with partnerships established with 20 or more schools across North America, Asia, and Europe. These schools will participate in our abroad programs yearly and engage in online enrichment programs during the school year, strengthening the global community of future environmental leaders.
We also aim to train educators from these schools in experiential learning, climate change, and sustainability programs, equipping them to lead the next generation of conservationists. Additionally, we are working hard to raise enough funding through the NOA Fund to support over 1,000 students per year in fully funded programs, ensuring that financial barriers don’t prevent anyone from participating in this transformative experience.
This vision is all about expanding our reach, empowering educators, and making our programs accessible to even more students who will help create a sustainable future.
Q: Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
A: Excluding my own, I greatly admire Where There Be Dragons and the Ecology Project International (EPI).
Where There Be Dragons is a leader in global educational travel, offering immersive programs that deeply connect students with local cultures and ecosystems. Their commitment to experiential learning and global citizenship aligns with values I hold dear, and their approach to responsible travel and cultural exchange is truly inspiring.
Similarly, Ecology Project International (EPI) is an organization that I respect for its dedication to environmental conservation and education. They provide opportunities for young people to engage in hands-on conservation projects around the world, empowering them to actively contribute to preserving the planet’s biodiversity. The way EPI combines youth education, conservation, and community collaboration is a model of success for creating meaningful change.
