Snow Goose

This 65' steel motor-vessel was built in Alaska in 1973 as a private yacht. Ideal for research and education programs, she sleeps 12 passengers in 6 private cabins (double occupancy), with 3 heads and two showers. The main deck features a spacious, airy salon, natural history library, galley and dining area. Large windows provide great viewing on all sides with easy access to the deck. The upper bridge deck provides a good vantage point for spotting wildlife and comfortable seating for passengers who wish to get involved with the navigation of the ship. Snow Goose is a US Coast Guard certified passenger vessel. The Snow Goose runs Southeast Alaska departures along with the Island Odyssey.

Mothership Kayaking Trips

Are you interested in chartering the Snow Goose for a Mothership Kayaking Adventure in the San Juan Islands or Southeast Alaska? Contact our office for details 1.888.877.1770

Your Snow Goose Crew

	Paul Brown - Captain Paul began working on boats in Alaska as a teenager, and has been exploring Alaska's waters ever since. Paul is a Coast Guard licensed Captain, and during the busy summer season he navigates the Alaska expeditions with his knowledge and enthusiasm for the landscape. During the winter months, Paul explores the waters in and around Puget Sound, runs the Snow Goose for the Marine Science program, and helps care for the Snow Goose's maintenance needs. An Oregon native, a Washington resident, and an Alaskan Captain - Paul has an eye for adventure and a love of the outdoors.

	Dan Liden - Captain / Owner A graduate of Environmental Education, Dan has interpreted the environment as a naturalist in Baja, Maine, Puget Sound, and Alaska for 14 years. With his teaching endorsement, he has brought his experiences into the public schools as a math and science teacher. He continues his love of the outdoors by working part time on the Snow Goose as a marine science educator in the fall and spring and as a captain in the summer in Alaska.

	Ian Jansma - Mate Ian grew up in rural Vermont and, after studying philosophy in New York, found his passion for the sea and coastal wilderness in Alaska. Unable to decide whether he likes the sea or the mountains more, Ian spends most of time where the one meets the other: on the rugged coasts of Alaska and British Columbia. Having discovered his passion for nature guiding and also for seafaring, Ian has found his ideal career path. He is also a passionate conservationist and dedicates much of his time volunteering for environmental organizations to help protect coastal rainforests and wildlife. Ian is always eager to trade stories and share experiences with fellow travelers and nature lovers.

	Kate Poss - Cook Kate returns to cook for a second season aboard the Snow Goose after discovering that it is the best job she's ever had. Her interest in cooking began when she could first help her mom stir batter. Growing up in the Midwest, she was influenced by her German grandparents and their love of hearty meals with relatives and friends. Kate worked for a local Whidbey Island chef who catered weddings and private parties. She reads cookbooks like novels and enjoys hosting parties with family and friends.While cooking aboard the Snow Goose, she is thrilled to see humpback whales outside the galley window, and enjoys baking a batch of cookies to greet guests returning from a kayak trip. She looks forward to cooking for you.

	Mikkel Hong - Cook Mikkel Hong loves to cook and loves Alaska! Whether he is whipping up pizzas from scratch and finishing them on the grill or leading a hike to a hot springs, Mikkel is a cheerful, enthusiastic, and helpful presence on the boat. He never ceased to be amazed at the plentiful salmon, halibut, and crab that SE Alaska has to offer. In his winter life, he is studying to become a middle-school social studies teacher.

	RJ Rex - Naturalist RJ grew up in Minnesota. There he earned a degree in classical guitar performance while working part time as a naturalist for the parks. Then he moved to Washington to explore the Cascade Mountains via hiking boots and backcountry ski. Now he has an Earth Science teaching endorsement and works for a variety of outdoor education programs, including the Snow Goose Marine educational program. “I first experienced Alaska in 2004 while backpacking the inland tundra of Denali National Park. The next the summer was in the icy fjords of Glacier Bay as a deckhand/naturalist. My appreciation and comprehension of Southeast Alaska’s amazingly rich and complex environment only continues to grow, year after year, exploring aboard the Snowgoose!”

	Michael Peterson - Deckhand Michael is a biologist who has spent the last six months working with the wolf project in Yellowstone National Park. Prior to working with wolves, Michael completed a Masters degree in Environmental Science researching the ecological role of Pacific Salmon and how they transport important nutrients from marine waters back to their spawning stream ecosystems. His Masters degree was conducted at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington, where he was also able to spend time teaching local 6th graders about their watersheds and the ecology of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands. Michael also enjoyed teaching marine biology and coastal ecology on public wildlife cruises and to classes of students as an instructor at a non-profit marine institute in Dana Point, California.

	Sarah Hardee - Naturalist Sarah is currently working towards her MS in Marine and Estuarine Science from Western Washington University. She has found it rewarding to bridge the gap between science and education and spent a year in a middle school classroom as a visiting guest scientist. She has always loved the outdoors and has made a career out of studying nature and getting other people excited about the natural world around them. After graduating from Whitman, Sarah worked in southern California as a science instructor at a non-profit marine institute teaching kids and adults. She has spent several summers working as a naturalist and a kayak guide in the San Juan Islands and now recently has begun exploring the exciting ecosystems of southeast Alaska.

Please note that for all Snow Goose trips bedding is now provided.