Our Team

Our Team

Meet Our Captains & Crew!

Your Boat Captains!

They’re Salty, Impatient, Smell, Don’t Take Questions, Barely Smile, Won’t Listen, but FUN.

  • CAPTAIN KEN

    Captain Ken joined the Adventures In Paradise team in October of 2021 after retiring from a healthcare career that spanned over 30 years. After many years of owning and captaining several private boats, Captain Ken decided to turn that passion for boating into his next career path by obtaining his 50 GRT Master Captain license and joining the AIP team.

    Captain Ken spent most of his life living in Michigan, boating on the international waters of the eastern Great Lakes. In 2017, Captain Ken and his wife of over 30 years, Maureen, decided it was time to move to Florida to enjoy the year round warm weather and boating. They live in Fort Myers where they spend most of their free time together enjoying the outdoors and endless beauty of southwest Florida.

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  • Captain Evan

    I'm originally from Annapolis, Maryland, but moved to Southwest Florida at a young age.  Growing up on Sanibel Island I enjoyed riding my bike, fishing, and exploring nature; which led me to my career choice.

    In 2012, I graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology.

    In my free time I'm busy maintaining my saltwater aquarium, training bonsai trees, and throwing frisbee with my two Australian Shepherds. I mostly enjoy being with my wife and being a dad of two.

    My favorite trip with Adventures in Paradise is the Shelling cruise where we go out to North Captiva.  It gives everyone the greatest chance to see a big part of the area, and really paints a picture of our ecosystem.  Not to mention, lunch at Barnacles!

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  • Captain Noah

    I've been a licensed captain and fishing guide for the past ten years, but have been fishing Sanibel and the surrounding waters my entire life. Lucky for me I was raised on Sanibel, so the backwaters have been like a backyard, and naturally took up fishing at a young age. The result was an early appreciation for the unique waters that surround Sanibel, which has continually developed through today. I hope to pass that appreciation on to both my kids and one on the way.

    I cannot help but grin before, during and after trips because I truly feel lucky to be doing what I'm doing.

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  • Captain Larry

    I was born in Ohio, but grew up on Fort Myers Beach, fishing and exploring the surrounding waters in my own boat since I was nine years old. I spent five years active in the Navy, including time in Vietnam, followed by nine years working for NASA during the Apollo program, before returning to Fort Myers Beach with my wife and two children. I received my 100-ton Coast Guard license in 1986 and have been delivering yachts and commercial boats over much of the world ever since.

    I have operated dinner boats, casino boats, ferry boats, tug boats, dive boats and nature cruise boats in this area and the Florida Keys for many years, but I get the most enjoyment from cruises with Adventures in Paradise. As a Master Naturalist, certified by Florida State University, I enjoy showing and explaining our unique waterways to our visitors and guests, and look forward to sharing with you!

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  • Captain Jim E

    Growing up in Maryland near the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, I have always had a love for the water. Whether it be fishing on the Atlantic or sailing on the bay the mid Atlantic is beautiful country, but for me the winters were long and the summers way too short. After becoming a licensed captain my wife and I started spending our winters in the Florida Keys running dive boats, fishing and getting sunburnt in January. I WAS HOOKED!

    We moved to Southwest Florida in 1996. This area is rich with sea life, wildlife, and such a fascinating history; I continue to learn something new every day. Being part of the team at AIP is a real pleasure. I meet people from all over the world and get to experience with them our slice of Paradise!

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Your Naturalists!

They’re Team Players, Energetic, Fun, Positive, Smart, Responsible, Compassionate And Inspiring…The Waters Of Sanibel Are Their Office. They Love Their Job SO Much They Would Almost Do It For Free…Almost.

  • Thomas

    A lifetime SWFL resident, First Mate Thomas was raised around the waters of Cape Coral with his twin brother Andrew, also a First Mate for Adventures in Paradise. After years of learning about our coastal biodiversity, Thomas decided to further pursue his education at College of the Florida Keys in Key West, FL. Upon graduation he received a degree in Marine Environmental Technology and moved back to Cape Coral to share his passion of marine wildlife with those around him.
    "Of all the excursions we offer my favorite by far is the Sealife Excursion. It offers both kids and adults alike an immersive glimpse into some of the beautifully unique sea life found here in Southwest Florida." Thomas hopes to see you onboard whether it be your first trip with us, or your fifth!

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  • Michelle

    Growing up on the Atlantic Ocean of Long Island, NY is where my love for the sea began. Every season (with the exception of winter) you could find me either exploring on the boat or just relaxing on a beach somewhere!

    In 2004, I moved to SWFL to escape the cold winters and enjoy living in boating paradise!
    Being in the medical profession a majority of my life, I truly enjoyed creating a connection with others.

    In 2020, I made a decision to leave my position as a Clinical Director and embark on my life-long dream of working on the water and sharing what I love most with others.

    I began my journey working for Fury Water Sports in Key West as a First Mate & Tour Guide on the Glass Bottom Boat. I loved learning about the importance of our coral reefs and all of the amazing sea life it calls home.

    In the beginning of 2022, I began working with Adventures in Paradise as a First Mate & Naturalist. My goal is to obtain my USCG Captain’s license as well as continue my education to become a Florida Master Naturalist.

    In my free time, you guessed it, you will still find me on the water! I am a boating enthusiast as well as an avid Paddle Boarder and love exploring all of the tranquil waters and amazing nature SWFL has to offer.

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  • STEPHANIE

    First Mate Stephanie is transplant from Northwest Indiana. She spent over 20 years as a dental clinician in her home state.
    After moving to SWFL, she decided to change her career and study to become a wildlife naturalist which she has forever been passionate about. It is a pleasure to be able to share so many natural wonders with our guests while cruising around the islands.

    Stephanie joined our amazing crew at the beginning of 2022 to be a first mate and naturalist.

    Her intentions of becoming a captain are in the future and we could not be more excited to have her as a part of our team!

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  • Matthew

    I was born and raised in Fort Myers, Florida and consider myself an avid outdoorsman. I have a natural draw to the water and have a deep love and respect for the ocean along with everything it provides for us. Whether it's paddling around in the mangroves hunting for redfish, or drifting the flats looking for trout, I love it all! Fishing is one of my favorite hobbies and have been doing it for so long that it is really where I started gathering most of my knowledge about the local wildlife.

    I am currently going to school at Florida Southwestern University for my Bachelors degree and in the little free time I have, enjoy surfing on the other coast! Really I just look for any opportunity to be out in the sun! I love meeting new people and hearing new stories so make sure to say hi if you’re ever on one of my cruises!

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