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!
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.
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.
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!”