Have you ever dreamed of finding whales from your own boat—but weren’t sure where to look?

Look no further! With years of experience on the water throughout the Salish Sea and Puget Sound, I can help you locate whales and wildlife while sharing the experience with your family and friends.

Traditional whale-watching tours often cost $150+ per person and don’t include personalized photography. When you hire me, you not only save money if you have a group of four or more—you also get your own dedicated wildlife photographer to capture every moment: the animals you encounter, your vessel, and candid memories of your passengers. All from the comfort, privacy, and flexibility of your own boat.

As an experienced naturalist, I can share fascinating insights about the ecosystem beneath your hull, fun facts about the wildlife we encounter, and—when whales are in the area—the names, histories, and unique characteristics of individual whales.

This service makes an unforgettable gift, a family outing, a friends’ adventure, or a special occasion experience.

Whales and wildlife are seen year-round, so any month can offer a memorable adventure. If you have a preferred date, let me know; otherwise, we can plan with some flexibility to maximize the likelihood of sightings.

Pricing & Flexibility:

This experience includes 5 hours on the water. A $300 deposit is required at booking and $300 due the day before your excursion

If you’d like additional time, each hour past the 5-hour mark is offered at a discounted rate of $100/hr. When scheduling allows, you may also extend your trip the day of—perfect for those epic days when the wildlife is spectacular and you want to stay out longer. Additional hours would be billed after your trip if extended.

Things to Know:

While I will always do my best to find wildlife, whale sightings can never be guaranteed. Orcas travel more than 100 miles in a single day, and baleen whales are often migratory (though juveniles may remain locally year-round). The speed and range of your boat, as well as the port you depart from, also influence what wildlife we may encounter.

If you’re curious about the likelihood of seeing certain species on your preferred date, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to discuss what marine mammals are typically present in your area at that time of year.

Weather can also be a factor; occasionally, small-craft advisories help ensure safe boating conditions.

Wildlife Regulations:

I strictly follow all marine wildlife viewing guidelines to ensure both your safety and the animals’ well-being. I use a rangefinder to help maintain the correct distances—getting us as close as legally and safely allowed.

• Baleen whales (humpback, gray, minke, fin): 100+ yards

• Transient / Bigg’s killer whales (orcas): 200+ yards

• Southern Resident killer whales (endangered): 1,000+ yards

No harassment of seals, sea lions, or porpoises will be tolerated. If any marine mammal surfaces within regulatory distance, we will shift into neutral and wait for them to pass.

Cancellation Policy:

• Full refund for cancellations or rescheduling 4+ weeks in advance

• $150 fee for cancellations 2–4 weeks before the trip

• $300 fee for cancellations or rescheduling within 2 weeks of the date

Weather & Safety:

Any cancellation or rescheduling initiated by me due to weather or safety concerns is fully covered at all times.

In Summary:

• 5-hour private experience aboard your boat with a professional wildlife photographer and naturalist

• Personal whale-spotting guide with extensive experience in the Salish Sea & Puget Sound

• Wildlife locating + naturalist interpretation. Ecosystem facts, whale behavior, individual whale IDs when possible

• Full photography coverage of wildlife encounters and candid photos of your boat, guests, and the entire adventure

• All digital downloads included – every edited image from your excursion is yours to keep

• $50 store credit toward any printed photo gift from my shop

• Save money compared to group whale-watching tours (ideal for groups of 4+ people)

• Flexible scheduling to increase the chances of whale sightings

• Optional trip extensions at a discounted $100/hr for time beyond the included 5 hours (when scheduling allows)

• Ethical, legal, and safe wildlife viewing with strict adherence to distance regulations and use of a rangefinder

• Available year-round – whales and wildlife can be spotted in any season

• Perfect for celebrations, gifts, family outings, and unforgettable on-water adventures

Our pets are family, and they deserve to be celebrated with beautiful, personality-filled portraits. This pet photography session is designed to capture your companion exactly as they are—playful, quirky, regal, goofy, snuggly, or spirited. Whether your pet loves posing proudly, running full speed, or quietly watching the world go by, I take the time to create images that showcase their unique charm.

During your session, I work at your pet’s pace to ensure comfort, safety, and plenty of positive experiences. We can photograph them at home, in your favorite outdoor spot, or another location that brings out their natural joy.

Pricing:

$100 per hour appointment slots and includes all digital downloads from the photo shoot