Meet Our Crew
Every naturalist we use is an expert at narrating. They can tell you everything you ever wanted to know about geology, natural history, sea birds, great white sharks, other sharks, whales, dolphin, porpoises, fish, coastal landmarks, and the Farallon Islands. If you aren’t sure what you are seeing, feel free to ask. Our trips are meant to heighten awareness and education of all the marine and wildlife around you.
Capt Joe, Born & Raised in San Francisco.
Joe, is to the core a Child Welfare Activist !
Since 1978 Joe has been heading under the Golden Gate Bridge on inspected passenger vessels!
Joe in his spare time loves gardening & visiting nurseries.
He’s also passionate about dancing the night away in SF”s rave culture, his genre is Gymcore.
Eat , Sleep , Rave repeat!
Sophie grew up next to the ocean which sparked her passion of marine life and drove her to study wildlife ecology and conservation. We call her whale magic because she is known to find whales from miles and miles away. A whale has never escaped her eye! When she’s not on decks sharing her passion for whales with you, she can be found in the forest or rollerblading around North Beach.
Michael Pierson is an experienced naturalist aboard our Golden Gate Whale Watch. In addition to several hundred trips led on the water with San Francisco Whale Tours and the Oceanic Society, he has also worked as a wildlife curriculum developer for the National Park Service on Alcatraz Island and has served several multi-week rotations on the Farallon Islands. Michael is an experienced wildlife data recorder submitting reports to ensure whale-safe shipping and fishing practices in the San Francisco Bay Area. Michael spends his free time attending local lectures and webinars so he can relay the newest, most accurate facts and data every time he is out on the water.
Olivia, Sophie’s big sister. Loves whales and learning languages. Her goal is to learn whale, but until then she continues on her mission to show you why whales are so awesome!
Nate Durand is a dedicated naturalist and whale watching guide with SF whale tours, where he has been captivating audiences for the past 3 years. With a degree in biology and outdoor education from the University of Minnesota, Nate combines scientific expertise with a passion for marine conservation. Know for his enthusiasm and engaging story telling Nate delights in sharing the wonders of the marine environment with curious people, inspiring a deeper appreciation for our oceans and the incredible creatures that inhabit them.
Chelsey Growing up by the water, Chelsey developed a deep love for the ocean. Whether tide pooling, diving, or whale watching, she can often be found in, on, or near the water. Her career journey has been shaped by a dedication to bridging the gap between scientific research and public engagement. She is committed to making science more accessible to underrepresented groups, simplifying complex scientific concepts for the public, and inspiring people to connect with and care for our planet through conservation and sustainability efforts. She’s taught in a variety of settings including aquariums, classrooms, museums, and on boats. She’s studied Marine Protected Areas in Southern California, spent a marine biology focused semester on Catalina Island, researched coral reefs in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, and studied seaweed in the intertidal zone of San Francisco Estuary where she got her Master’s in Interdisciplinary Marine and Estuarine Sciences. She loves being on boats and has been a naturalist and deckhand in Long Beach, CA and Seward, AK before joining San Francisco Whale Tours.
Michelle Kim Drake is a geological oceanographer, science educator, and bay area native. She has a Master’s degree in marine science from Moss Landing Marine Laboratories and a PhD in ocean science from UC Santa Cruz. She has been with San Francisco Whale Tours since 2008 and her favorite animal is the Blue Whale.
Hi my name is Ella and I am one of the naturalists working for San Francisco Whale Tours! I am currently studying Marine Biology at Cal State Long Beach. I am a San Francisco local and have been learning about the ocean my entire life. I’m so excited to guide you on your tour of the San Francisco Bay!
Jamie recently moved to San Francisco after completing her Chemistry degree at UC Santa Barbara. She’s been an animal-lover her whole life, and especially loves whales and dogs. She wants to pursue marine science research one day to learn more about all the ocean’s creatures. When she’s not whale-finding, she loves to cook for her friends, explore the parks of San Francisco, and try all the best restaurants around.
Mandy Hansen is amazed by nature, especially by the ocean and whales. They’ve both captivated her imagination since childhood. She loves sharing that fascination with others. She is a marine biologist who has studied gobies in Hawaii, bat rays in Catalina, sharks in California estuaries, and more. She loves working on a boat and believes “every day on the water is a great day!”
Bob is San Francisco Whale Tours most senior employee. Bob has held every position in company throughout the years . On the docks he’s known as English Bob ! Currently Bob is in charge of customer experiences , Pre & Post departure!
You might see him at SFWT Ticket Booth or on the boat ! He’s going to have big smile & ask you how you’re doing ? Bobby comes from the securities field. SFWT allows him to pursue his passion being an Advent birder.
Matt is San Francisco Whale Tours onsite head of Engineering Department! Thousands of passengers come across the Decks of The Kitty Kat. To the awe of the passengers Kitty is loved & well taken care of. Matt is known to the crews on the docks as NASCAR – his technical & mechanical skills allow the Kitty Kat to run seven days a week up to five trips a day ! Very few Engineers can attest to that ! Even tho, Matt is most most humble person ever not wanting recognition which he deserves! He usually deflects the spotlight to our first class offsite support Helmets Marine & Bay Ship Matthew is a Rockstar!
Racers , Start your Engines !
“It’s an amazing career that connects people to the ocean.
In my free time I love to golf , cook & listen to classical music.”
