Boat Captains

Our captains combine expert seamanship with a love for the bay. They ensure every cruise is safe, educational, and fun, guiding you through the beautiful waters of Sarasota while helping you spot local wildlife along the way. Our captains combine expert seamanship with a love for the bay. They ensure every cruise is safe, educational, and fun, guiding you through the beautiful waters of Sarasota while helping you spot local wildlife along the way.

Boat Captain Angel making an announcement

Meet Captain Angel!

Our Lead Captain has been with Sarasota Bay Explorers since 2022. Originally from Colorado, Angel spent 18 years working as a coal miner before taking the helm! When he’s not captaining, his favorite hobby is restoring classic cars.

Captain Sondra holding a pufferfish and pointing to a dolphin in Sarasota Bay

Meet Captain Sondra!

She is one of our amazing captains for the Miss Explorer and has worked as a biologist/narrator on our sister vessel, LeBarge, since 2010! Originally from Virginia, Sondra earned a Bachelor’s in Marine Science at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg. She previously worked in fisheries research at FWC and Mote Marine Lab prior to joining the company. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering at Mote in dolphin and fisheries research. Her favorite thing to do is take passengers to the sandbar to explore the seagrass for sand dollars and seahorses!