Captains
As the leaders of our ships, our highly-certified captains bring a passion and knowledge of the coast that create the launching off point for a once in a lifetime trip.

Randy Burke
Randy Burke
he/him
Owner, Captain
At age 27, Randy bought Bluewater Adventures from Dan Culver and started on his journey with the company. He is also a Bluewater Captain and has taken thousands of guests on memorable adventures along the BC and Alaska coast over 20 years. He has sailed across the Atlantic and Pacific on tall ships, been an Outward Bound instructor and holds an education degree, in addition to his 500-ton Masters license. When he is not in the office or leading trips, Randy enjoys spending time with his wife, Cathy and his two daughters, Anna and Heather.

Brian Falconer
Brian Falconer
he/him
Captain
There aren’t many places that Brian hasn’t explored in his 40+ years of sailing – the Mediterranean, Caribbean, South Pacific to name a few – but the last 30 years has been devoted to exploring the incredible coastline of BC & Alaska. In addition to his many years as a captain, Brian has also operated a sail training program for youth for 17 years, led cultural eco-tours in remote villages in China & Tibet, and initially discovered the coastline of BC and Alaska as a bush pilot. One of his current passions is to be an international spokesman for cultural and natural eco-tourism and wilderness management issues. When Brian’s not out on the water sailing and leading expeditions, he works as the Guide Outfitter Coordinator, advocating for BC’s coastal carnivores, with Raincoast Conservation Foundation.

Casey Brant
Casey Brant
she/her
Captain
Based on Vancouver Island, Casey has driven whale watching boats in the Salish Sea for nearly 20 years. Her marine experience also includes a brief stint in the Navy, kayak guiding, driving crew boats and sailing around the Gulf Islands. Recent adventures include sailing to Mexico and working as Mate on a tugboat. In the winter months Casey teaches earth science and environmental science courses at Royal Roads and the University of Victoria. When not at work Casey can usually be found building something, fixing something, or out hiking with her dogs.

Gaelen Krause
Gaelen Krause
he/him
Captain, Winter Maintenance Manager
Gaelen grew up in between Victoria and Seattle, spending much of his free time exploring the Salish Sea in various types of boats. Trained as a naval architect at the University of British Columbia, he has foregone the desk after 5 years of ship design in favour of the nourishing work of exploring BC’s beautiful waters, sharing his passion for sailing this coast. When not on the water with Bluewater, look for him back-country skiing, surfing on Vancouver Island’s west coast, or enjoying the domestic pleasures of cooking, reading and playing guitar.

Jeremy Randall
Jeremy Randall
he/him
Captain
Id duis ultricies tellus pellentesque lacus. Semper elementum posuere mattis velit euismod euismod ipsum donec urna. Imperdiet feugiat aliquam faucibus et sed nisl morbi. Justo enim donec sit erat volutpat vel ornare. Dignissim ipsum cras luctus nibh sagittis. Venenatis mauris, magna pretium, amet suscipit fermentum elit, tristique. Et penatibus accumsan malesuada id nec mattis. Fermentum magna vulputate ornare risus. Sem ipsum posuere diam dolor felis id risus semper. Magna non gravida auctor adipiscing et, non convallis adipiscing.
Sodales dolor urna molestie amet, nulla feugiat egestas adipiscing justo. At vestibulum vitae sit egestas viverra elit. Adipiscing est eget integer vel lacus justo. Eu ornare pretium suspendisse a sit at egestas. Id diam tempus sollicitudin malesuada et et habitasse id. Sit felis habitant varius sed ac. Id faucibus orci, consequat scelerisque morbi at at imperdiet. Nunc nunc donec ac purus, in sociis tristique pulvinar.

John Lapp
John Lapp
he/him
Captain
John has spent the last 25 years working as a wilderness guide, lodge manager and boat captain on the coast of British Columbia as well as in Arctic Canada. John is a certified captain and instructor with Transport Canada and has skippered boats full of tourists from Haida Gwaii to Victoria. His passions include being surrounded by whales, exploring ancient First Nation villages, and tucking into a remote estuary with grizzly, black and spirit bears.
When not at the helm of a boat or in an estuary John spends the off season at his home in Kamloops with his wife and two kids when they are not busy at university. Skiing, mountain biking, birding, hiking and traveling with the family is how he spends the off season. With over 15 years of experience as a bear guide and whale guide, he is always excited to share the BC coast and its bounty of wildlife and adventure with guests from around the world.

Jonas Fineman
Jonas Fineman
he/him
Captain
Jonas has been a professional mariner for all of his adult life. Raised in a small Pacific fishing town, he took to the decks of commercial salmon trollers at an early age and quickly fell in love with life at sea. Over the years he made his way around the North Pacific on workboats before following opportunities to Atlantic Europe and Scandinavia as an officer on a 30 meter sailing vessel.
Since moving to Canada, Jonas has been leading wilderness expeditions by sailboat up and down the B.C. Coast, from the Southern Gulf Islands to Haida Gwaii and the Great Bear Rainforest. He has logged over 20,000 nautical miles on the world’s oceans, and is a respected member of the West Coast maritime community. He resides in Cortes with his family where he operates Misty Isles exploring BC’s south coast.

Neil Shearar
Neil Shearar
he/him
Captain
Neil joined Bluewater in 1999 and has been a licensed skipper for over 20 years. Neil was born in South Africa, but raised in Vancouver BC. He has ten years experience with Bluewater sharing his love of wilderness and wildlife on the B.C. coast, and has always enjoyed taking guests to the places he loves the most.
His knowledge of the coast and his enthusiasm are inspiring to all of our guests. Neil is passionate about sailing and loves to write and play music in his spare time – He always has a guitar onboard! Neil is also a Yachtmaster instructor and examiner, he volunteers for search and rescue with the Coastguard Auxiliary. Owning his own sailboat, Neil likes to spend weekends on the water around Vancouver.

Ryan Masson
Ryan Masson
he/him
Captain
Ryan grew up on Gabriola Island, one of British Columbia’s Gulf Islands. He spent his summers exploring the coast on his family’s Sailboat and fishing with his Dad. He has worked in Tourism since 2004. In 2006 Ryan bought a sea kayaking company and spent 13 years as owner and lead guide operating multi-day kayak expeditions in BC and Baja Mexico.
In the off-season Ryan is an instructor for Transport Canada teaching marine certifications and safety training courses. Ryan has been a licensed skipper since 2012 and has worked for Bluewater Adventures since 2016.

Tyler Ammerlaan
Tyler Ammerlaan
he/him
Captain

Xander Oldaker
Xander Oldaker
he/him
Captain
Xander has been a sailboat captain for 25 years and is now in his 10th season with Bluewater. His sailing career has taken him from teaching sailing in downtown Vancouver to riding out hurricanes in the West Indies to exploring the fjords of Greenland. When not sailing, Xander works as a wilderness guide leading sea kayak and hiking adventures from South America to the high arctic. Residing on Vancouver Island, Xander spends his off season with his wife Alison and two kids.
Crew & Mates
With high attention to detail and an unstoppable energy, our crew and mates are anywhere and everywhere all at once, guiding our guests and supporting their fellow crew at every turn.

Adam Wathier
Adam Wathier
he/him
Crew
Id duis ultricies tellus pellentesque lacus. Semper elementum posuere mattis velit euismod euismod ipsum donec urna. Imperdiet feugiat aliquam faucibus et sed nisl morbi. Justo enim donec sit erat volutpat vel ornare. Dignissim ipsum cras luctus nibh sagittis. Venenatis mauris, magna pretium, amet suscipit fermentum elit, tristique. Et penatibus accumsan malesuada id nec mattis. Fermentum magna vulputate ornare risus. Sem ipsum posuere diam dolor felis id risus semper. Magna non gravida auctor adipiscing et, non convallis adipiscing.
Sodales dolor urna molestie amet, nulla feugiat egestas adipiscing justo. At vestibulum vitae sit egestas viverra elit. Adipiscing est eget integer vel lacus justo. Eu ornare pretium suspendisse a sit at egestas. Id diam tempus sollicitudin malesuada et et habitasse id. Sit felis habitant varius sed ac. Id faucibus orci, consequat scelerisque morbi at at imperdiet. Nunc nunc donec ac purus, in sociis tristique pulvinar.

Josh Bannister
Josh Bannister
he/him
Crew
Josh is passionate about activism and protecting the natural environment. He has volunteered and worked with Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) protecting endangered marine species. He grew up on the coastal water of BC and lived aboard for years on his sailboat. On weekends you can find him hiking, sailing, surfing or volunteering. Josh is excited to bring his marine knowledge and experience to Bluewater Adventures.

Mark Drozda
Mark Drozda
he/him
MATE
Growing up in the prairies with a father who loved and dreamed about sailing gave him the enjoyment of spending time on the water. While working in the IT industry many of his winter holidays were spent sailing in Florida, the Bahamas and Caribbean. In 2008, he took the leap and moved West to be closer to the water and to mess around on boats with a job as a service manager for a charter boat company. He started working for Bluewater Adventures in 2017. During his down time, you can find him at the Jericho Sailing Center sailing boats and paddling kayaks.

Nick Huebert
Nick Huebert
he/him
Crew
Originally from Abbotsford, British Columbia, Nick began his career as an electrician. In 2020, he ventured into the tourism industry and quickly realized his passion for guiding. After spending a winter at a guiding college in Vancouver, Nick transitioned to becoming a whitewater rafting guide in Squamish. Three years later, seeking a new challenge, he joined the Bluewater crew. He started by assisting with winter maintenance before stepping into the role of mate in 2024.
Nick brings a diverse range of skills and experiences to the team. His background includes an internship at an aquarium, sailing on tall ships, rowing the Grand Canyon, and even climbing the tallest Mayan pyramid.

Quinn Kuschel-Ross
Quinn Kuschel-Ross
he/him
Crew

Stephen Feng
Stephen Feng
he/him
Crew
Stephen is a naturalist from the West Coast of Canada. With a degree in marine biology and a captain’s license, he has spent nearly a decade guiding, studying, and navigating the waters of British Columbia and beyond. His deep knowledge of marine ecosystems, combined with a passion for ecotourism, allows him to connect travelers with the wildlife and landscapes of coastal British Columbia.
From researching whales off California to lecturing about seabirds in Antarctica, Stephen thrives on sharing the wonders of the natural world. He has a deep appreciation for exploring the intertidal zones of remote shorelines and believes that meaningful experiences in nature foster a greater appreciation for conservation and stewardship.
When he’s not guiding, Stephen continues to seek new ways to connect with the environment. He enjoys foraging, photography, and exploring the mountains.

Theo Deligneries
Theo Deligneries
he/him
Crew
Chefs
True magicians in the galley, our chefs create meals that rival the wildlife highlights we see each day. Returning to the boat for a thoughtfully curated meal is the cherry on top of a great day of adventuring.

Carly Anne Mersereau
Carly Anne Mersereau
she/her
Chef
Carly followed her love of bread and butter to France, where she trained and apprenticed as a pastry chef. She cut her teeth in the bakeries of Toronto before spending a decade wrangling cows and vegetables on a small Cortes Island farm. Ever-enthusiastic about feeding folks nutritious, seasonal fare, Carly is delighted to join Bluewater in their coastal adventures. When not cooking on board, you’ll find her slinging sourdough in Vancouver.

Carmen Daigle
Carmen Daigle
she/her
Chef

Claude Boucher
Claude Boucher
she/her
Chef

Emma Richmond
Emma Richmond
she/her
Chef
Born on the east coast of Australia, Emma has always had a strong connection to the ocean. Currently residing in Tofino, she was drawn to the Pacific North Coast due to its untamed oceans, wild shores, and diverse ecosystem. She has been working as a cook and more recently a pastry chef for 10 years and in this time has been drawn to experiences that help her gain deeper knowledge about life in and around the ocean and the multitude of ways that we humans connect with it. This journey pushes her to find new and creative ways to use sustainably sourced seafood (and plant-based) ingredients in her cooking, while always keeping in mind how we can contribute to the oceans’ future existence.

Jeff Brandt
Jeff Brandt
he/him
Chef
Moving to Toronto after highschool, Jefffound a job washing dishes in a small Italian restaurant. The restaurant did well and Jeff loved the work, the new skills he practiced, the good food, and the “family” of the kitchen. Jeff has been the chef in kitchens in Toronto, Vancouver Island, and the Okanagan Valley, always striving for rich flavours from the best ingredients found locally.
Jeff lives in Winnipeg with his wife Michelle, where he instructs culinary arts at Red River Polytechnic. Jeff is honoured to share and facilitate learning for another generation of cooks and chefs.
Working for Bluewater Adventures marks Jeff’s third time cooking along the Pacific north coast. Jeff spent a full season at a floating eco-lodge in the Great Bear Rainforest. Hardly a coffee break went by without an amazing moment in the natural world around us. Jeff is excited about more adventures in this beautiful, wild part of the world and contributing to the memorable experiences of our guests through good food.

Kevin Stuermer
Kevin Stuermer
he/him
Chef
Kevin is an adventurer by heart and has spends his time travelling as much as he can. He just returned from spending the summer in Antarctica and made it all the way to the south pole. He is from Hamilton, Ontario where he owns/operates a manufacturing and distribution company and has been a professional chef for over 20 years, working in many countries including Netherlands, Hungary, Mexico, and USA.

Lena Bradsen
Lena Bradsen
she/her
Chef
Lena was born and raised in British Columbia, spending her time in the mountains snowboarding and cooking at various heli-skiing and cat-skiing operations, before moving to Vancouver Island.
After running a successful catering company, it was time for more adventure. She worked as a Chef at Grizzly Bear, Wilderness, and Fishing Lodges along the west coast of BC. In the winter, she cooks for surf and yoga retreats in Costa Rica.
She is excited to get back to Haida Gwaii and the Great Bear Rainforest this upcoming season with Bluewater Adventures.

Vickie Forster
Vickie Forster
she/her
Chef
Vickie is never far from the ocean. She grew by the shore on both the east and west coasts of Canada, and began sailing as a child on her family’s small sailboat. She lives in the Gulf Islands, where she loves gardening and foraging for food. Her cooking career includes being a camp cook, pastry chef training, private catering, and cooking in small restaurants. Vickie joined the crew in 2024 and found that her diverse cooking skills, love of the west coast, and “sure we can do that” attitude fit Bluewater Adventures’ style perfectly.

Leroy Lopes
Leroy Lopes
he/him
Chef
Naturalists
Bringing a wealth of knowledge spanning from the tiniest critters to the mammoth megaflora and megafauna the BC coast can showcase, our naturalists provide the natural and cultural context to all we encounter.

Alison Thieffry
Alison Thieffry
(she/her)
naturalist
Born and raised in Brussels, Belgium, Alison moved to Canada to pursue her Master’s in Geography from Laval University in Québec. She then moved out west, where she now calls Vancouver Island home. Alison has been an expedition guide in the Polar Regions, Alaska, and coastal BC since 2018. She has also been involved in a nonprofit organization working on research, conservation, and education projects, focusing on the effect of marine traffic on marine mammals in BC waters. She shares her passion of the marine ecosystem through film photography and water coloring. When she is not working, Alison enjoys hiking, skiing, and adventuring on and in the water.

Andrew MacDonald
Andrew MacDonald
(he/him)
naturalist
Sustainability, conservation and nature have been key themes throughout Andrew’s life. He is an avid artist, photographer and writer, and frequently weaves his illustrations into his naturalist presentations. He has used those skills to protect hundreds of hectares of conservation lands in British Columbia and secure funding for species at risk research and ecological restoration as an advocate, grant writer, environmental educator and conservation manager. While earning a Fine Arts Degree in Creative Writing & Art History, with a focus on the art of Coastal First Nations, he paid his way by cooking at BC Coastal fishing resorts, and remains on standby to help out in the galley. Birds have always been his gateway into nature, but he’s just as happy looking at the smallest tidepool, the biggest tree, and everything in between. When he’s not on board, he runs his own salvage-design-build company on Vancouver Island, where he lives with his wife and keeps tabs on his two adult children.

Anne Stewart
Anne Stewart
(she/her)
naturalist
Anne, a naturalist raised on the Salish Sea in the land of the K’omox First Nation, boasts a diverse education and career. Her expertise in marine ecology (B.Sc.) and environmental education (M.A.) is backed by extensive fieldwork. Initially, she thrived as a scientific diver, exploring the BC Coast and eastern Arctic while contributing to marine biology research at institutions like the Royal BC Museum. Her publications span topics from sea otter ecology to ocean literacy.
Transitioning to a people-focused role, Anne interpreted marine and coastal ecology, while still contributing to scientific publications. Her dedication to science education shone through her work with the Western Canadian Universities Marine Sciences Society, where her program earned the Michael Smith Award and NSERC PromoScience Awards.
Drawn to Haida Gwaii in the 1970s, Anne has extensively explored the archipelago as a biologist, diver, and naturalist. She holds deep admiration for the place and its people. Beyond her scientific pursuits, Anne is an amateur artist who captures the beauty of the coast in her watercolors. A long-time resident of Bamfield, BC, she is grateful to the Huu-ay-aht First Nations for sharing their land and remains committed to sharing her coastal knowledge and passion with others.

Catherine Jardine
Catherine Jardine
(she/her)
naturalist
Catherine is the Associate Director for Data Science and Technology at Birds Canada. Her work is focused on supporting hundreds of research and monitoring projects investigating the ecology, distribution and population dynamics of all bird species through two main platforms; NatureCounts (naturecounts.ca) and the Motus Wildlife Tracking System (motus.org).
Catherine also enjoys leaving her desk! She has worked in BC’s largest seabird colony studying Rhinoceros Auklets and Tufted Puffins and participated in the 2020 and 2021 BC Marine Debris Removal Initiatives. She started working as a wildlife guide in Antarctica in 2014 and joined the Bluewater crew in 2018. Catherine loves guiding, especially in the Pacific Northwest, as a means to connect with the wildlife, habitats and people that fuel her passion for conservation. She loves to discuss amazing adaptations found in the natural world, conservation issues facing us all and solutions we can contribute to.

Grant MacHutchon
Grant MacHutchon
(he/him)
naturalist
Grant MacHutchon is a wildlife biologist and naturalist based in British Columbia’s Kootenay Region where he lives with his wife and daughter. Grant has done research/management work with numerous species throughout western Canada for over 30 years, but most of his professional career has been working with grizzly and black bears. Grant has particular expertise in the areas of population biology, habitat ecology, classification and mapping, and bear and human interaction management.
When Grant is not working with wildlife, he fills his time with training bear viewing guides for the Commercial Bear Viewing Association of BC, for whom he developed the core curriculum. He is also the Vice President for the NPO, the Safety in Bear Country Society focused on bear/human interactions and safety.

Ian Thomas
Ian Thomas
(he/him)
naturalist
Born in Vancouver, Ian has a lifelong passion for the ecosystems and wildlife of the coastal rainforest. A biologist by training, Ian received his Master’s Degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Windsor in Ontario. A biologist by training, Ian received his Master’s Degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Windsor in Ontario. Ian’s work as a wildlife biologist has taken him to wild places across Canada. From the depths of BC’s Great Bear Rainforest to the boreal forests of Saskatchewan; to Seabird Island in the Maritimes, to the cloud forests of South America, and to far-flung islands in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, these journeys have instilled in him a deep love and reverence for the dwindling wild places of the world.
Ian is a passionate bird-watcher and naturalist, as well as a fanatical big-tree hunter. He is happiest when thrashing through dense underbrush, scrambling over deadfall, and wading through icy streams in search of scarce groves of undiscovered giants that still survive in the remote corners of coastal BC.

Keith Moore
Keith Moore
(he/him)
naturalist
Current LBCS Director, Keith has been a resident of Haida Gwaii for more than 30 years. He is a Registered Professional Forester and has an MA in Geography. Since 2000, Keith has run a consulting business based in Daajing Giids that takes him across Canada and the world to work on forest certification with the Forest Stewardship Council. To date, Keith has been involved in over 50 certification projects in five Canadian provinces and several other countries.
Keith is also involved in forestry and environmental issues in BC. On Haida Gwaii, these include the campaign to protect the southern part of the islands, the Fish Forestry Interaction Program and the Strategic Land Use Plan. Keith lives with his wife, Helen, and sons Peter and Alan in Daajing Giids and is the current and founding director of the Laskeek Bay Conservation Society.

Lianne Thompson
Lianne Thompson
(she/her)
naturalist
Lianne is a wildlife biologist, expedition guide, and photographer with a passion for exploring remote ecosystems. With extensive experience in the polar regions, Great Bear Rainforest, and Canadian Rockies, she has guided trips focused on bears, whales, birds, and the intricate connections between marine and terrestrial life. Her background in zoology and science communication fuels her dedication to conservation and sharing the stories of the wild places she works in. Lianne loves offering insights into animal behaviour while helping guests capture compelling images that tell meaningful conservation stories. She is thrilled to be part of the Bluewater team, guiding in one of her favourite ecosystems and inspiring a deeper appreciation for the natural world. When not leading expeditions, Lianne lives in interior British Columbia, where she can often be found hiking, camping, or photographing wildlife in the mountains.

Liron Gerstman
Liron Gerstman
(he/him)
naturalist
Liron has been observing and photographing the natural world continuously since he first got his hands on a borrowed camera and pair of binoculars at the age of five. His work has been experienced by millions in some of the largest museums across the world, including the Natural History Museum in London and the Smithsonian in Washington DC. Liron uses his photography and tours to educate on the importance of preserving and protecting the natural world for the continued health and existence of all who live on our planet.
As a naturalist and photographer, he feels it is his duty to show people the essence of Earth, by thinking outside the box to create eye-catching images and unique experiences that connect people with nature. Liron’s work has been widely recognized and awarded, sweeping the professional category of the 2022 Audubon Photography Awards among others. Liron uses his intimate knowledge of British Columbia’s bird, wildlife and photography hotspots to craft the best experiences possible. Liron has ornithological training from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada, and has a biology degree from the University of British Columbia.

Linda Tollas
Linda Tollas
(she/her)
resource guide
Check back to learn more about Linda Tollas

Paula Varnell
Paula Varnell
(she/her)
resource guide
Check back to learn more about Paula Varnell

Robert Davidson & Terri-Lynn Davidson
Robert & Terri-Lynn Davidson
resource guides
Check back to learn more about Robert & Terri-Lynn Davidson

Rob Lott
Rob Lott
(he/him)
naturalist
Rob is a Bluewater Naturalist when he is not busy as a marine mammal scientist working with Whale and Dolphin Conservation in the UK. “I feel incredibly privileged and fortunate to work for an organization that campaigns tirelessly for the conservation and welfare of whales, dolphins and porpoises across the world. Working for WDC also gives me the opportunity to travel widely and see these conservation measures in action.”
Before his work with WDC, he undertook a Master’s degree in Marine Mammal Science. “I have been fortunate enough to watch and photograph wildlife all over the world including Alaska, Antarctica, Australia, Canada, Iceland, New Zealand, Norway and the Bay of Biscay. In 2006, I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro on a charity trek to raise money for an African medical foundation. But it is the ocean that draws me back and the whales and dolphins that call it home. My favourite places on the planet are Northern Vancouver Island, Svalbard and South Georgia. My current role with WDC includes the Anti-Captivity Campaign and the Orca Programme.”

Sabine Moll
Sabine Moll
(she/her)
naturalist
Sabina grew up in the mountainous south of Germany, always outside in nature. She knew early on that she wanted to contribute to conservation and so she decided to get a Master’s degree in biology and work in conservation projects in Africa and the Amazon. Her quest for wilderness and untouched nature eventually led her to the West coast of British Columbia where she started working as a wilderness and bear guide in 2017. Years of being around and studying bears on this beautiful coast have only increased her fascination for them, but also all other animals and plants. This is what brought her to Bluewater Adventures, where she gets to contribute to the protection of the coastal ecosystems by sharing her knowledge and passion with travelers from all over the world. When she is not out working as a naturalist and guide, you can likely still find her in the same places, photographing wildlife, kayaking, hiking and climbing mountains.

Sharon Kay
Sharon Kay
(she/her)
naturalist
Sharon is all about exploring the coast while connecting with people and laughing a whole lot along the way. She has been working on the water as a wildlife guide and research scientist for the past 9 years. Sharon worked for many years as a whale watching guide around Vancouver Island and developed a healthy obsession for the giants of our waters. Her research interests have been ever changing, starting with her work as a disease ecologist studying sea stars and the intertidal life of the B.C. coast.
Sharon now works in ocean conservation monitoring the health of BC’s killer whales and humpbacks, using drone-based photography. She is working towards her Master’s degree, researching prey sharing behaviour and social systems of killer whales. In between research and adventures on the water, Sharon can be found at local markets where she runs her own painting and photography business, Sharon Kay Art.

Stefan Himmer
Stefan Himmer
(he/him)
naturalist
Stefan started his connection with nature at a very early age assisting his father in photographing birds and nature in Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba. He completed an education in field biology and then studied fish ecosystems in NW Ontario, Nunavut, NWT and BC. In 1990 he started studying grizzly bears in the Khutzeymateen Valley and then moved to Bella Coola where he lived and worked with the grizzlies of the Central and North coasts until 2003.
He now resides on a biodiverse 29 hectare property with his limnologist wife, Eva Schindler, near Nelson, BC. He continues to assist other biologists with wildlife and fisheries research and management projects. He uses his experience as a biologist and naturalist in his personal endeavours as well. He has a large food garden, picks wild mushrooms and plants for personal use and commercially, is an avid backcountry skier and hosts large parties with Eva of where he puts on unique pyrotechnical (fire) shows and generally pursues the life well lived.
Bluewater Office
Making the magic happen behind the scenes, the small but mighty Bluewater office staff works year-round at Bluewater home base in North Vancouver.

Cathy Burke
Cathy Burke
she/her
Accounting
Cathy spent her youth on the Eastern Shores of the United States. It was here she developed a love for sailing, the ocean and the wilderness. She was an Outward Bound sailing instructor in Maine and then joined the crew aboard the tallship Sea Cloud and sailed the high seas for many months. Cathy also has a degree in Landscape Architecture. In her time away from managing the company books, she is managing her family of four and energetic dog, Merlin.

Erin Boyle
Erin Boyle
she/her
Marketing & Travel Trade
Joining us in June 2009, Erin brought with her a fondness for the BC Coast, a passion for travel, and a love for the outdoors. She combines years of experience in hospitality with her degree in Marketing with the hopes of providing Bluewater guests an amazing travel experience from start to finish. Erin loves critters, great and small, skiing, foraging, cooking, music and adventuring in general.

Heather Burke
Heather Burke
she/her
Client Care
Heather did her first Bluewater trip at 5 months old and subsequently grew up onboard Island Roamer and Island Odyssey. She returned to Vancouver and joined the Bluewater Adventures team in 2017 after completing her Bachelors of Science degree at McGill University. She has a passion for wildlife, history, and exploring. When not working or travelling she is adventuring locally, watching reality TV, or entertaining her cat, Clooney.

Holly Campbell
Holly Campbell
she/her
Logistics Coordinator
Holly is thrilled to be joining the Bluewater Adventures team in the spring of 2021! Holly has worked in the outdoor industry for a little over a decade as an outdoor education instructor through the spring, fall, and winter seasons in the Algonquin Highlands, a whitewater canoe guide leading multi-day trips through Ontario and Quebec, and as a program manager striving to make nature and outdoor recreation accessible for all while working at CNIB Lake Joe and the Canadian Cancer Society’s Camp Goodtimes. Holly’s hope is that Bluewater Adventures trips can expose more people to the natural world which may inspire stewardship and connection with our beautiful coast. When not making Excel sheets in the office, Holly can be found skiing, biking, hiking, gardening, petting every dog she walks past, and chasing her toddler, Max, around the forest.
Careers
Become a member of the Bluewater Crew. Typically hiring in the fall, we are always happy to look at applications year-round to find folks who are a good fit.
Current OpeningsAbout Us
Celebrating 50 years in eco-tourism, Bluewater Adventures is a true pioneer of the small-ship, slow travel industry, and takes our responsibility as coastal stewards to conserve and protect our fragile coastal ecosystems seriously.
Who We Are