Authentically Canadian, Locally Owned, Family-Founded — Exploring with Purpose, Protecting for Tomorrow.
🏆 TripAdvisor Best of the Best 2026 — Named #2 Experience in Canada
About Eagle Wing Tours
Our team
Families have a shared purpose, and so it is at Eagle Wing Tours: not only do we strive to create a successful and flourishing business but we also work to become strong advocates on behalf of the (sometimes endangered) wildlife that we encounter. Without pushing an agenda, we discuss with guests the challenges wildlife faces, the issues at play and the strategies for success that we and other stakeholders have discovered.
Eagle Wing Tours is proud to rely on word of mouth and customer referrals — #1 on TripAdvisor 18 years in a row, and now named TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best — #2 Experience in Canada (2026). Each and every guest is a VIP and considered to be a source for future business and a person with the potential to help change the future of endangered species and ecosystems. Come share in the purpose that the Eagle Wing Whale Watching Tours family lives every day!
Eagle Wing Tours is committed to providing a supportive, safe and welcoming environment that ensures respect and dignity for all employees and guests. Please see our Code of Conduct, which outlines our expectations from guests to help us meet our high standard of service.
Enjoy the very best 🙂
Don
Don is co-owner of Eagle Wing Tours and a talented jack-of-all-trades. He has owned previous businesses, but switched gears after he went on a whale watching tour years ago and knew he wanted to be part of the whale and wildlife watching community. Don also has a keen mechanical mind—he helped design and build our vessels, and along with Hung is our go-to guy for maintenance and repair. Don was born and raised in Victoria and has always had a passion for being on the ocean. He has many memories as a child of going fishing, sailing and camping with his family. He’s married to another Eagle Winger (Sandra) and has two children, Lauren (Eagle Winger) and Shane. He enjoys riding bikes, golfing, curling and being with his family and friends. He’s a very social person with a huge, kind heart. Don leads our company with his business partner Brett, working hard to protect the Salish Sea for generations to come—while giving our guests the thrill of a lifetime!
Rod
When it comes to running whale watching tours around Vancouver Island, Captain Rod is local knowledge. Rod was born and raised in Victoria and has spent most of that time on the water, from floating on logs and playing in the tides as a young boy to fishing and sailing. He’s circumnavigated Vancouver Island, sailed across the Atlantic, run icebreakers through the Northwest Passage, run BC Ferries ships through Active Pass and the Gulf Islands, worked on tugboats from Newfoundland to Wisconsin, and back and forth on the St. Lawrence Seaway. He’s also trained as an oil spill technician and is always on watch in case of an emergency on our coastline. In 2021 he spent a few months as the ecoguardian at Race Rocks Ecological Reserve, maintaining generators and solar panels, testing water salinity, monitoring the surveillance systems, and enjoying the surrounding marine life. Rod continues to be an industry protector of whales and has a deep love of the local area, and a lifelong respect for whales, birds and nature. He’s sure to entertain and educate you!
Brett
Brett brings to Eagle Wing almost three decades of award-winning hospitality experience within the whale watching industry, a creative artistic background and a Crocodile Hunter-like enthusiasm to his job. He’s notorious for going the extra mile (or many) as he paints the larger picture of the Salish Sea ecosystem and makes sure that expectations are exceeded for every guest. Brett has a boundless passion for the ocean and its wildlife, a strong belief in the power of education and an upbeat can-do attitude for real conservation action. He works hard to build relationships within the tourism industry, in the community and abroad, and serves as a board member on several organizations, including Destination Greater Victoria and the Pacific Whale Watch Association. Join him on a tour and you’ll see first-hand that whale watching extends far beyond being just a livelihood for him—it’s a way of life!
Jeff
Jeff is good dude :))
Hana
Hana grew up in Victoria, BC, and developed a passion for the ocean through a lifetime spent in and on the water—diving, surfing and sailing. She’s always been fascinated by whales, especially their intelligence, emotional depth and human-like complexity. She completed a BSc in Marine Biology and Ocean Sciences at the University of Victoria, where her research journey took her from coral reef genomics in Okinawa, Japan, to salmon and kelp conservation projects along the BC coast. Through her work studying coastal ecosystems, she came to appreciate the interconnectedness of marine life, which ultimately brought her back to her original passion: cetaceans. Joining Eagle Wing Tours allows Hana to combine her scientific background with her lifelong love of whales, sharing the incredible marine life and stories of the Salish Sea with guests while helping to raise awareness about how people about can give back to the ocean ecosystem.
Derek
Derek is one of our senior naturalists and a certified captain. Derek was born on Vancouver Island and spent his youth on the back roads, lakes and ocean in the region. Along with a lifetime of outdoor experience, he’s a graduate and a guest instructor at the West Coast Adventure College. More than 20 years as a certified marine naturalist in the Salish Sea has led Derek to realize his most enjoyable passion is sharing his wealth of knowledge and experiences directly with Eagle Wing guests “on the deck.” Many other marine certifications allow him to fill the roles of Second Captain and First Mate on our vessels as required. The off-season is split between time in the area, and time at his winter location in the tropics. He’s also in the rotation to serve as the ecoguardian at Race Rocks Ecological Reserve. His personal passions include fly-fishing, canoeing and flying kites.
Val
Val’s first encounter with a wild killer whale took place in 1986 when a large male known as Ruffles (J1) swam right under the small boat she was in. She was instantly smitten! Since then, she’s been in and around Victoria’s whale watching industry, blending her skills and experience in writing and photography with a passion for whales and all things marine. Val is our Communications Specialist and Lead Photographer, co-leads our Research Team and writes many of our blogs and photo posts on social media. She’s one of our senior marine naturalists, has a biology degree and has almost 40 years of experience as a science writer and editor. She’s written a booklet on whales, dolphins and porpoises of BC and hundreds of articles on BC’s killer whales. She spent several years volunteering at the Vancouver Aquarium, where she worked with young harbour seals and sea lions. She’s one of few people on the planet who can say they’ve bottle-fed a Steller sea lion pup on their lap! Val loves sharing British Columbia’s stunning marine environment and its wildlife with our guests and social media followers!
Peter
Peter grew up in Victoria and started with Eagle Wing in 2014, working in the office. Since then, he’s worked in almost every role, including answering phones and emails, driving the shuttle van, doing maintenance work in the shipyard, training new marine staff, and driving boats. At one point he also took photos. In addition to his work at Eagle Wing, Peter also works for the Victoria Pilot Boat as an engineer and deckhand. When he’s not working, Peter can usually be found surfing, sailing, riding bikes or trying to escape winter in the tropics. When asked what keeps him coming back to Eagle Wing every year his answer is usually: “I get to have more fun and see more cool things in a week at work than most people do in a lifetime. And for some reason they pay me for it!”
Sydney
Sydney is a marine biologist focusing on marine ecology and conservation in the Pacific Northwest. Since joining Eagle Wing in 2014, she’s explored a wide range of opportunities in marine conservation and environmental stewardship, shaping a career grounded in both science education and community connection. In the summer months, Sydney leads our community outreach events, including Ocean Week Victoria and World Ocean Day at Fisherman’s Wharf. In the fall and winter, she co-leads the “Exploring the Salish Sea” school outreach program, inspiring local youth to better understand and care for their surrounding marine environment. Since its launch in 2018, the program has connected more than 12,000 students to their “big blue back yard.” Sydney has found her true passion in marine education—especially working with younger generations. She believes that connection to place is at the heart of conservation: “We build those connections through experience. With a deeper understanding, we can inspire and empower people to protect the ocean in their everyday lives—and maybe even in their future careers.”
Clint
Clint was born on Vancouver Island and has always had an affinity for the ocean and wildlife. Hiking the beaches of Vancouver Island and enjoying all the West Coast has to offer sparked his passion for adventure. Following his service in military search and rescue on Vancouver Island, Clint added wildlife photography to his skillset and became an incurable killer whale addict and advocate for the diverse ecosystems of the Salish Sea. He’s been in and around the Victoria whale watching industry for years, and when not out on the water applies his considerable photography talents to land-based wildlife, notably grizzly bears in northern BC. Clint is always excited to share his knowledge of Vancouver Island, whales and the Salish Sea with passengers!
Selena
Having worked in all aspects of the hospitality and tourism field, Selena‘s passion for guest services is her main priority! She’s lived and travelled to many destinations around the world, and that has helped her understand the needs of guests from different backgrounds and countries. Her priority is to ensure that their time with Eagle Wing Tours is the best possible experience! She always goes above and beyond to ensure that guests experience that “Wow” factor. With a diploma in hotel management under her belt, she decided to go one step further, getting a bachelor degree in science with a minor in hospitality and tourism management. Working at Eagle Wing is a perfect mix for her passion for nature, being outside and being on the water!
Airlea
Born and raised on Vancouver Island, Airlea has always felt a strong connection to the ocean and the sense of home it provides. As a child, her favourite animal was the whale shark, sparking a lifelong fascination with marine life. With a background in customer service and tourism, she’s excited to combine her experience with a passion for helping guests create special memories on the water. When she’s not at work, she enjoys hiking local trails, crocheting, and spending time with her cat, Benny.
Rachel
As co-owner Brett’s wife, one of Rachel‘s main jobs is to keep him in line. Somebody has to! Rachel is a professional wife and mom (of four kids, if you include Brett) who also multitasks by managing Eagle Wing’s reservation software system, does the company’s bookkeeping, and administers the payroll. In other words, she makes sure that the administrative components of our company are ship-shape and running smoothly. Rachel’s many behind-the-scenes contributions ensure that our guests are able to experience an unforgettable Salish Sea adventure!
Russ
Russ has been a captain and wildlife guide on southern Vancouver Island since 2007. He’s always been passionate about the wildlife, ecosystems and history of the Salish Sea. In the winter he mixes things up a bit by working down in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia Island as an expedition guide. Ask him how many photos of penguins he has! Prior to guiding, Russ worked as a firefighter and paramedic in the southern US before moving back to Canada to join the Coast Guard Marine Search and Rescue team. He’s been active in several conservation groups over the years, including salmon enhancement projects and beach cleanups. Russ loves adventure and has an uncanny knack for finding whales. He’s known for his witty commentary and enthusiasm, which is why guests on his tours are in for an epic experience!
Mel
Mel has loved animals since she was a little girl. Growing up just outside Toronto, she started working with and learning from horses. This led her to 10 years of experience as a horseback guide in Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand and Botswana. She’s logged thousands of hours in the saddle, leading and educating guests through national parks and game reserves worldwide. After graduating with a bachelor of science degree in marine and freshwater biology as well as animal biology, Mel followed her passion and moved to Victoria to pursue a career on the ocean with her favourite animal, the humpback whale. As one of our amazing marine naturalists, she uses the powerful platform of ecotourism to educate the public on the importance of our big blue backyard. She’s also a captain-in-training and pursuing her goal to acquire her 60-ton ticket! On each tour, she hopes guests experience that “magical moment” which will inspire them to save and protect the oceans!
Sierra
Growing up on Vancouver Island, Sierra made a deep connection with the outdoors. At a young age, she went on her very first whale watching trip in Maui and witnessed a humpback whale and her calf breaching side-by-side. She later went snorkeling and heard humpback whales vocalizing for the first time. These experiences blossomed into a deep love for the ocean and greatly influenced her career path. Sierra completed the Level II Adventure Tourism Program at West Coast Adventure College and started her career at Eagle Wing in 2017. She’s now a captain with her 60-ton ticket! Sierra loves to talk to guests about the rich history and biodiversity of the Salish Sea. Through these experiences, she hopes to foster a deeper connection and passion for our beautiful blue back yard!
Tomis
Tom grew up near Niagara Falls in Ontario where he fostered a love for whales at a young age. As his knowledge and passion deepened, he realized how important it was to keep whales thriving in the wild. Tom’s dream of seeing killer whales in the wild was finally fulfilled on a trip to Vancouver Island in 2018 when he went on a tour with Eagle Wing. Along with a passion for whales and wildlife photography, Tom has a love for teaching and sharing knowledge with people. He holds a Bachelor of Science in geography and a Bachelor of Education, and is a certified teacher. Being a naturalist provides the perfect opportunity to combine his passions and make the ocean his classroom. Tom enjoys helping guests have an amazing experience like he did on his first tour back in 2018!
Lili
Although Lili didn’t grow up on the coast she’s always been drawn to the ocean. This began with a childhood love of sharks and grew into a keen interest in all marine wildlife. Her journey into the whale world began when she interned with the University of Victoria Whale Research Lab in 2015. One look at a single grey whale launched an obsession! Lili continued down the whale path working with the SeaWatch Foundation in Cardigan Bay, Wales, studying bottlenose dolphins and educating the public. Lili started her whale watching career in Victoria as a naturalist in 2017, and years later her heart still skips a beat when she encounters a whale. In 2018 Lili earned her 60-ton captain’s ticket and is now a captain at Eagle Wing. As a naturalist, she combines her knowledge of science and her passion for photography and storytelling to inspire others to protect the ocean.
Brian
Raised in Ontario, Brian developed a love for the ocean from an early age. Growing up, he looked forward to visiting family on Canada’s East Coast, where whale watching became a favourite family tradition and sparked a lasting passion for marine life. After high school, he moved to Halifax to attend Saint Mary’s University before making the journey to Victoria. With over five years of customer service experience, Brian enjoys creating memorable experiences for guests and sharing his passion for the ocean.
Lauren
Lauren graduated from Victoria’s Camosun College with a Bachelor in Business Administration, with a major in marketing. She’s been part of our company for several years and started out as a volunteer before getting hired! She enjoys dancing, drawing, painting…pretty much anything creative. Outdoors, she likes to swim, hike and walk. Lauren loves making guests happy by sending them out to explore the Salish Sea. She’s passionate about the natural world and wants to protect it any way she can. As a vital part of our team, enjoys learning new things about the wildlife and sharing this knowledge with our guests!
Joe
Joe grew up on BC’s north coast, arrived in Victoria in the late 2000s, and started putting his biology degree to work in ecotourism in 2015. He worked his way up to captain after a few years as a deckhand and naturalist, small vessel skipper and mate, and has now joined Eagle Wing! He has spent over five years-worth of off-seasons and days off as a field biologist with local non-profit organizations, particularly focusing on local humpback and killer whale population ecology. Joe’s passion for the ocean and its conservation is met only by his belief that education is the best way to accomplish it, and he strives to give each guest a fully encompassing experience of the Pacific coast and its incredible ecosystems.
Trev
Trev has always had a love for living creatures—even many Homo sapiens— and has more than 25 years of marine ecotourism under his belt in the Salish Sea. Trev hails from the prairies of Saskatchewan where he learned to ski in -40-degree winters and persistent winds (blowing wheat fields feel like the sea!). Many road trips to the BC coast hooked him. After earning a degree in marine biology from the University of British Columbia, his passion for ocean creatures spurred him to a master’s degree in marine resource biometrics. He later serendipitously ventured into whale watching, and there was no turning back. He’s worked on several ecotourism boats out of Oak Bay and Victoria and now, lured by fantastic people and fantastic boats, he has strung his hammock at Eagle Wing! For off-season adventure he delves into overland/oversea tours of Mexico, Central America and South America!
Chrystelle
Chrystelle grew up in the country outside Ottawa and spent most of her childhood outdoors exploring nature. She was fascinated by whales from a young age, but it seemed like a distant dream, living so far from the ocean. As she grew up, her love for animals and nature led her to a veterinary technician diploma, and later, a degree in science with a major in biology. In 2020, Chrystelle visited Victoria and fell in love with the island. She moved here the following year with her partner and their dogs. She loves to travel, eat fresh local foods, and spend time with her dogs, chickens and ducks. She’s always striving to achieve a more sustainable lifestyle. She loves sharing her knowledge with people and raising awareness for wildlife, conservation and sustainable living!
Sam
Although Sam grew up between two Great Lakes in Ontario, a passion for the ocean was sparked by his family’s love of travel when he saw his first whale off Nova Scotia. He’s since watched whales in Alaska, Hawaii, Iceland, New Zealand and Norway. After earning a Fish and Wildlife Diploma and an Ecosystem Management Diploma from Sir Sanford Fleming College in Ontario, he moved to Halifax to work for the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change. The gorgeous Atlantic Coast fuelled his passion for a bigger voice in conservation. He’s found that voice at Eagle Wing, where he’s helping to introduce thousands of people—including schoolchildren—to the spectacular wildlife of the Salish Sea!
Carol
Carol grew up in a sailing family, so being on the water is a natural fit. In 2015, she decided she wanted to study marine biology so she packed up her things and moved to Canada from Italy. After earning her biology degree from the University of Victoria, she knew that not only did she want to be on boat and be with whales, she wanted to teach. How to combine them all? Whale watching of course! When Carol isn’t on a boat, she’s usually enjoying the outdoors, hiking, or at the beach…and, of course, looking for whales!
Natalie
Natalie grew up in a small town outside St. John’s, Newfoundland where much of her time was spent outside exploring the forest behind her house or by the ocean exploring the shorelines. Spending summers and Christmas holidays visiting her grandparents in Labrador further fueled her love for the sea. When she visited Vancouver Island in 2020, she fell in love with the coast and decided to attend Westcoast Adventure College. She graduated in April 2023. Says Natalie: “I’m always trying to live a more sustainable lifestyle. I love sharing my passion for the ocean with people from all over the world while also raising awareness of marine conservation issues.”
Emma
Originally from Victoria, Emma has always had a deep connection to the ocean. Every summer growing up, she went whale watching with her family. Even though she’s the only one in her family who gets seasick, she quickly discovered that being out on the water is where she feels most at peace. Emma has studied anthropology at the University of Victoria, working toward her dream of becoming a bioarchaeologist. She recently spent some time in Poland, participating in a field school focused on mortuary archaeology, where she gained hands-on experience excavating human remains and studying burial practices—an exciting step forward in her career. When she’s not studying, working or planning for her next adventure, Emma enjoys morning walks with her cat, Maverick, She’s also into reading, archery and hiking—with anyone who’s up for the challenge!
Caio
Caio was born in Brazil and raised between Brazil and Argentina where he has had a deep passion for whales since he was age five. In 2014, he moved to Canada to pursue his dream to be closer to whales. Over the years he has collaborated with several non-profit organizations and whale researchers in Argentina. He’s currently providing support for the creation of a Brazilian killer whale catalogue. Caio, who holds a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and a post-graduate degree in business and human resources, started working as a volunteer at Eagle Wing in 2021. He’s since joined our boat team and is making his lifelong dream come true—every day!
Jo-Anne
Jo-Anne’s passion for the ocean and all of its inhabitants started when she lived in the Cayman Islands in the late 90s, early 2000. She became a scuba instructor and spent as much time as she could in the water. She moved to Victoria in 2003 and has since been in the whale watching industry as both a captain and a naturalist. Jo-Anne is a strong proponent of ocean conservation through education. She believes that there’s no better platform than Eagle Wing whale watching vessels to inspire people to help protect our oceans. Jo-Anne did a trans-Atlantic crossing in 2016 and now spends the off season sailing the Caribbean, scuba diving and doing beach clean-ups where possible.
Ryleigh
Born and raised in the Yukon, Ryleigh didn’t acquire an appreciation for the ocean until she attended Westcoast Adventure College in 2016. Fueled by a passion for conservation, she took classes on sea kayaking, sailing and even marine mammals.
This sparked an interest in whales she never knew she had! Working in the whale watching industry since 2017 has done nothing but strengthen that love for educating people about marine animals and the environment around them. Ryleigh is currently working toward an undergraduate degree in environmental studies and anthropology at the University of Victoria. When not working, Ryleigh can be found birdwatching, cuddling her cats or playing trivia in a local pub!
Evan
Hailing from the swamps of Hamilton, Ontario, Evan found his love for nature at an early age wandering the forests of the Niagara Escarpment. His love affair with the ocean began in Mexico where he encountered his first coral reef. A few years later he found himself in Thailand where he would eventually live and become a scuba dive instructor on the small island paradise of Koh Tao. He’s also spent ample time diving the kelp forests of the Canadian west coast. His passion for marine life naturally led him to encounters with various whale species that would ultimately change the course of his life forever. Evan has been a whale watching guide and captain in Victoria for seven years. When he’s not working he can usually be found canoeing, hiking, biking or tending to his artistic pursuits.
Liam
Liam grew up in Calgary, Alberta. Frequent trips to Vancouver Island led him to fall in love with the ocean and all the creatures it holds. His passion for marine life and whales grew further with an early encounter with killer whales off the San Juan Islands that left him wanting to discover more. In 2018, he moved to Victoria to study marine biology at the University of Victoria. He’s since taken every chance he can to learn more about whales, their behaviour, and the role they play within ecosystems. Since joining Eagle Wing, he’s been enthusiastic to learn more about the Salish Sea’s many organisms, as well as the efforts that must be made to conserve them for generations to come!
Jennifer
Jennifer’s joy and passion for all manner of nature and wildlife began at a young age and never really stopped! She moved to Victoria to earn a BSc in biology and environmental studies from UVic. Along with studying frogs and dolphins in Costa Rica and birds in Alberta, Jennifer honed her skills in science communication (including a stint in standup comedy!) and began her whale watching career in 2010. Jennifer has spent over a decade on the water working as a naturalist, deckhand, first mate and training as a captain, but was irrevocably drawn toward education. Jennifer now has her BEd from UBC and works as a science teacher during the school year. But she hasn’t been able to stay away from whales! She works at Eagle Wing during the summers and loves every minute, using her teaching skills and sense of humour to connect with adults and children alike!
Laura
While growing up in Switzerland between lakes and mountains, Laura quickly developed a love for nature. Before moving to Canada, she spent a lot of her time on the water by being involved with the Sea Scouts and with Search and Rescue in Geneva. She’s been living on Vancouver Island ever since, completing her BSc in marine biology at the University of Victoria. She naturally found her way to the whale watching industry. Laura is passionate about wildlife conservation and community-based research and loves to communicate her enthusiasm for nature to
others. Outside work she sails, snorkels, climbs, and enjoys breaking a bunch of plates to make mosaics—or her new obsession: making lampshades from scratch!
Maddie
Bringing over five years of experience in customer service, along with a BSc in marine biology from the University of Victoria, Maddie’s enthusiasm for marine conservation, strong communication skills and commitment to sustainability make her an excellent fit for our team and mission. Originally from Ontario, Maddie has worked in a wide range of service roles across the country—from hotel and restaurant hospitality to produce management—earning a reputation for professionalism, adaptability and outstanding guest care. She’s also certified in First Aid/CPR, as well as open water and dry suit SCUBA diving. Maddie is thrilled to combine her passion for the ocean with her customer service background in a role that supports both people and the planet.
Molly
Originally from the UK, Molly comes to us with a strong background in wildlife storytelling, both on screen and on the water. Before moving into marine guiding, Molly worked as a wildlife documentary filmmaker—including as lead researcher on Whale with Steve Backshall, a global series exploring whales around the world. Since arriving in Canada, she’s completed a season with SpringTide and Orca Spirit as a marine naturalist, where she delivered engaging wildlife interpretation and top-tier guest service both on deck and at the front desk. Molly brings a unique blend of scientific knowledge, field experience, and exceptional communication skills, and we’re thrilled to have her onboard our team.
Tilly
Born and raised in Montréal, Tilly’s love for being on the water started with dinghy sailing. In 2012, she spent a year sailing across the Atlantic Ocean on a tall ship. After this experience, there was no turning back; the ocean had become her happy place! She earned a marine biology degree in Nova Scotia, then fell in love with whales and Vancouver Island when she moved to Tofino in 2018. Since then, she’s logged thousands of nautical miles exploring the world’s ocean. She completed her divemaster in Honduras and has worked as a marine guide on the Great Barrier Reef and in New Zealand. Tilly recently decided to “come home” and Eagle Wing seemed like the perfect fit. She strongly believes in the power of sharing knowledge, fostering connection to our environment, and raising awareness about marine conservation through experiential education—one person at a time!
Emma T.
Emma has always been passionate about the ocean and the abundance of marine life it contains. She studied marine biology at the University of Victoria and has spent the last several years working in ecotourism. She’s been lucky to explore much of the BC coastline —from Victoria to Prince Rupert and Haida Gwaii—and meet many of the wildlife species that call it home. Emma feels most at home on the water. She learned how to sail at the age of eight and for seven years lived on a sailboat with her family. One of many trips they did was a circumnavigation of Vancouver Island. Her favourite part about being on the water is seeing whales, and she still gets excited on every encounter. She’s passionate about conservation and education, and loves sharing her knowledge of the marine environment with anyone who might be interested!
Jason
Jason brings a wealth of experience in hospitality, customer service and team leadership — both on land and at sea. He’s worked in a variety of tourism environments, from Banff National Park to Vancouver Island. Originally from rural Manitoba, he grew up far away from the ocean and dreamed about moving to the west coast. He’s been proud to call Victoria home for the past decade and loves showcasing the city and region to visitors from around the world. He’s known for his professionalism, adaptability and positive energy, and he’s passionate about helping guests have memorable, meaningful experiences. Jason is a strong advocate for ocean conservation and sustainability and enjoys spending time on the beach spotting marine wildlife!
Allen
Keaton grew up on the coast of Vancouver Island, spending countless summers exploring local waters with family and building a lifelong connection to the ocean. Inspired early on by stories from his stepdad, who used to run whale watching tours, he developed a passion for the marine industry and the wildlife found throughout the Salish Sea. After earning his Bridge Watch Rating, Keaton gained professional marine experience working with Hullo (Ferries) before continuing his maritime training through the Western Maritime Institute and Camosun College, where he’s currently working toward his 60-ton Master certification. Keaton has also worked in restaurant management and bartending, where he discovered how much he enjoys connecting
with people and creating memorable guest experiences. Combining strong local knowledge, customer service experience and a genuine enthusiasm for coastal wildlife, Keaton is excited to continue growing within the whale watching industry and share the waters he’s called home for years.
Jess
Originally from Edmonton, Jess is currently studying marine biology with a minor in ocean science at UVic. With hands-on experience as a research assistant in paleobiology and biostratigraphy, she brings valuable research skills and passion for marine science. Jess also has a background in guest services, having worked as a brand ambassador and sales lead. Her ability to connect with people, manage responsibilities in fast-paced environments, and adapt to new challenges makes her a great fit for our dynamic team. As a volunteer at the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, she enjoys being involved in the community and educates the public on the local marine life. She has a great appreciation for the ocean and says: “I want to help others experience the wonders of the Salish Sea and share knowledge about the unique environment we’re lucky to call home.”
Marina
Marina graduated from the University of Victoria with a BSc in biology with a marine concentration. Throughout her degree, she strengthened her passion for the ecology, wildlife and cultural history of the Salish Sea through field courses, research, conservation work and community education. Her experiences have ranged from studying marine invertebrates and zooplankton at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre to volunteering at salmon hatcheries, conducting forage fish surveys, and participating in archaeological fieldwork at Coast Salish archaeological sites. Growing up in Victoria, Marina has always loved sharing her enthusiasm for nature and helping others foster connections with the environment. Eagle Wing is a perfect fit because it blends her passion for marine wildlife conservation, education and inspiring others to protect our oceans! Outside work, Marina likes to freedive, spearfish, hike and explore Vancouver Island’s coastline looking for critters!
Tianda
Tianda’s journey to British Columbia began in 2010 when she left Saskatchewan and followed her heart to a new chapter on the coast. She’s spent years in the tourism industry, working with boats of all sizes, and has found her home at Eagle Wing. Tianda assists with the stories and photos you see online, along with the responses to our guest reviews. She also lends a hand with sales and wherever else the team needs her, always happy to jump in. When she’s not at work, Tianda is at home with her family. She has two young boys who keep her busy and inspire her love of the outdoors. Whether it’s camping, exploring the coast, or simply being out in nature, she has a deep appreciation for the wild spaces and marine life that make this part of the world so special. Her warmth, creativity and genuine care for both guests and crew make her a valued part of the Eagle Wing family.