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.

Boat Captain Angel making an announcement

Meet Captain Angel!

Captain Angel 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.

Meet Captain Sondra!

Captain Sondra earned her bachelor’s degree in Marine Science from Eckerd College and has worked in fisheries research with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Mote Marine Laboratory. She also volunteers with Mote Fisheries and the Sarasota Estuary Program, reflecting her dedication to local waters. Since joining SBE in 2009, Sondra has shared her knowledge with guests aboard Miss Explorer, creating fun and educational experiences. She especially enjoys exploring sandbars at low tide and discovering the unique marine life they reveal.

Meet Captain Carlo!

Captain Carlo grew up in Massachusetts, where he studied Criminal Justice and spent five years as a reserve police officer. After working in leadership roles in retail and hospitality, he realized his true passion was being on the water.

Captain Carlo made the move to Florida to turn that passion into a career. After earning his Captain’s License, he’s been running boats and helping people experience Florida’s beautiful waterways ever since.

When he’s not on the water with guests, Carlo volunteers with the AMI Turtle Watch & Shorebird Monitoring program, helping with sea turtle rescues whenever they’re needed. He’s also a student pilot working toward his private pilot license.

Whether he’s fishing, taking photos, creating content, or just enjoying life outdoors. Captain Carlo loves to help people have a safe, fun, and memorable day on the water while sharing the places he loves.

Meet Captain Justin!

Captain Justin Harden moved to Florida from Wisconsin in 1996 and has called the Sunshine State home ever since. Dedicated to pursuing a career on the water, he spent a year working aboard a cruise ship to earn his captain’s license. Today, Justin is a proud

husband and father of two who enjoys spending quality time with his family camping and traveling.

What Justin enjoys most about working for SBE is sharing the excitement of each trip with passengers. Seeing their reactions when the nets come up full of marine life makes every day on the water rewarding and memorable. His passion for the ocean, combined

with his experience and enthusiasm, helps create unforgettable experiences for everyone on board.

Meet Captain Billy!

Was raised on the backwater bayous and the gulf coast of southern Louisiana. Have been on boats my entire life. Have a 100 ton masters license, a certified NSBC boating instructor, a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and open water scuba certified. Have a very strong passion for our marine ecosystem.

Meet Captain Jennifer!

Jennifer Callison’s adventurous spirit has taken her from Minnesota and Texas to Florida, where her love for the water became both a career and a way of life. A professional captain for more than a decade, she has navigated rivers, lakes, sounds, and the open ocean, and especially enjoys sharing memorable experiences, wildlife encounters, and new discoveries with others.
Beyond the helm, Jennifer’s passion for nature continues through kayaking, hiking, skiing, gardening, creative projects, exploring new places, and spending time with animals. At SBE, she combines her experience as a captain with her love of nature and her enthusiasm for helping others appreciate the incredible world around them.