Meet the Founders
Kat & Joe Nazar – Co-Founders of San Francisco Whale Tours
San Francisco Whale Tours was founded by husband-and-wife team Kat and Joe Nazar, lifelong adventurers with a shared passion for the ocean, education, and community. What began as a dream to connect people with the incredible marine life of the Bay has grown into a beloved, family-run business known for its heart, hospitality, and unforgettable experiences on the water.
With Joe at the helm as Port Captain, bringing over 40 years of maritime expertise, and Kat leading operations with creativity, drive, and a deep commitment to conservation, the two have built something truly special. Their three daughters now help run the company, keeping it rooted in family values while inspiring future generations to care for the sea.
Whether you join them on the boat, follow their marine photography, or support their community outreach efforts, you’re experiencing the passion and purpose Kat and Joe pour into every part of San Francisco Whale Tours.
Kathryn “Kat” Nazar is the co-founder and operations director of San Francisco Whale Tours, where she combines her entrepreneurial spirit, love for the ocean, and dedication to family into one of the Bay Area’s most beloved eco-tourism experiences.
Originally from Oregon and raised in California’s Central Valley, Kat moved to San Francisco after high school to pursue her dream of becoming a chef. Along the way, she explored other paths—dabbling in dental assisting, getting married, and raising three daughters—each step shaping the leader she is today.
Together with her husband, Captain Joe Nazar, Kat co-founded San Francisco Whale Tours with a shared vision of education, conservation, and unforgettable experiences on the Bay. She plays a vital role in running the business, overseeing operations, guest services, and long-term planning—all while keeping things grounded in heart and hospitality.
Kat is also a passionate photographer, capturing incredible moments with whales and marine life that support local conservation and research efforts throughout the region.
Now living in Sonoma County with her family, she enjoys gardening, baking, and spending time outdoors. She has also become a dedicated marathon runner and is currently pursuing her business degree at Sonoma State University, with the goal of earning her MBA in Business Administration to continue growing the family-run legacy.
Captain Joe Nazar
Founder & Port Captain, San Francisco Whale Tours
Captain Joe Nazar has been exploring the waters beneath and beyond the Golden Gate Bridge since 1978. A native San Franciscan, Joe is the founder and heart of San Francisco Whale Tours, a family-run eco-tourism company offering unforgettable whale-watching experiences in the Bay Area and offshore along the California coast.
With over four decades of maritime experience, Joe combines his deep knowledge of the ocean with a passion for education and conservation. He works closely with community organizations like the San Francisco Police Activities League (SFPAL) to provide youth-focused fishing and whale-watching trips, helping inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
Onboard, Joe is joined by his loyal German Shepherd, Bear, famously known as the “whale-finding dog.” Bear has become a beloved member of the crew—and when Bear recently had a litter of seven puppies, Joe adopted one to continue the tradition.
At the core of San Francisco Whale Tours is family. The business is proudly operated by Joe alongside his wife, Kat, and their three daughters, all of whom share a love for the ocean and a commitment to marine education and conservation. Together, they’ve built a company known for its personal touch, expert crews, and unforgettable encounters with whales and other wildlife.
When he’s not on the Bay, you’ll find Joe enjoying the outdoors, hiking in Lake Tahoe, and staying active in nature. His love for the water, wildlife, and family shines through in every tour he leads.
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.
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.
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!”
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.
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.