Guide Bios

Allison Sayer

Expedition Guide
Wilderness Explorer

You’d never guess this native New Yorker didn't grow up in the outdoors. A former kayak guide, ski instructor, commercial fisherman, kitchen manager, freelance writer, fisheries and migratory bird researcher, naturalist, and farmer (phew!), Allison now funnels her passion for all things wild and wondrous by bringing people into the Alaska wilderness.

Allison has a Master of Science from the University of Alaska where she focused on the biochemical relationships between the ocean and the freshwater environment, and between plants and animals. She also prides herself on knowing a lot about foraging and the local flora and fauna of southeast Alaska. On and off the ship, Allison jumps at the opportunity to share facts of the outdoors to those without a science background.

When she’s not guiding expeditions, Allison spends her time skiing, kayaking, camping, paddle boarding, foraging, playing music, and cooking off the grid in the Chugach Mountains. She wants her guests to know that they shouldn’t be embarrassed if they are nervous, uncomfortable, tired, or experiencing complex emotions in a new environment or outdoor activity. Growing up as a city kid, Allison understands what that is like, and is excited to share in guests’ outdoor adventures.

Archibaldo Kirchman

Expedition Guide
Safari Voyager

A lifelong Panamanian, Archibaldo grew up in the capital city and still lives there today with his family. The canal inevitably plays an important role to locals and Archibaldo is proud of his heritage linked to the great cut. Always an avid learner, his curiosity magnetically draws him to spend lots of time outdoors and in nature.

A guide for nearly three decades, Archibaldo loves to share the history, natural world, and culture of his country with others. Though his degree from Universidad Tecnologica de Panama is in Technical Software Engineering, his experience and expertise is in the interpretation of tropical birds and ecosystems, and the history on Panama. He also holds certifications in CPR/First Aid, Basic Life Support, and his top priority in his work and travel is safety.

When he’s not working, it’s likely you’ll find Archibaldo photographing the world around him, listening to music, or dancing the salsa. He’s also an avid traveler though often times he finds himself in the guide role even when he’s not working. On a recent trip to the Caribbean with his family, they joined in for a city tour of Curazao. After asking the bus driver why he looked so nervous it turned out he spoke many languages but not Spanish—the language spoken by all the guests on his bus. Archibaldo ended up stepping in to translate along the way!

Ben Marolf

Expedition Guide
Wilderness Explorer

A native of Minnesota, Ben now lives in Salt Lake City where he spends his free time skiing, rock climbing, singing, and playing the guitar. He was even in a progressive rock band for four years called Megatherium Club. Taking a break from rock climbing and rocking out, Ben is excited for his first season in Alaska as a guide!

Ben has a BA in biology and environmental studies from St. Olaf College and a graduate certificate in environmental education from Hamline University. He is a Certified Interpretive Guide, NOLS guide, and a Wilderness First Responder. Ben has channeled his passion for the environment—particularly marine ecology—in his work as a naturalist, backpacking guide in the Rocky Mountains, and student of marine biology and terrestrial ecology on the east coast of Australia. He has also spent two weeks exploring the Great Barrier Reef.

Ben’s favorite travel memory was when he and his mentor caught a 10-foot shark. Ask him to tell you this tale of swimming into shallow waters, jumping onto the shark, flipping it upside down to put it into tonic immobility, measuring and recording its vitals and health, and safely releasing it. Ben’s motto, fittingly in line with his love of all things underwater, is when life gives you whales, make lemonade, and enjoy the whales.

Bobby DeMarinis

Expedition Guide
S.S. Legacy

“I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list!” says expedition guide Bobby DeMarinis. Bobby thinks the most rewarding part of traveling is the people you meet. No matter your upbringing or country of origin, he thinks we can all find common ground, learn from, and enjoy each other. Bobby is also a passionate mandolinist. He spent the fall of 2015 touring in a bluegrass Jerry Garcia tribute band.

An environmental educator and naturalist guide, Bobby studied environmental studies at Binghamton University and is a Certified Interpretive Guide as well as a Wilderness EMT. He is passionate about observing all wildlife, from the flashy, exciting megafauna to the small unsung heroes of our ecosystems. Bobby has been a wildlife expeditions guide in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, a naturalist guide based out of Aspen, Colorado, leading hiking, snowshoeing and skiing tours, and an environmental educator in the high desert of Southern California and the deciduous forests of the Northeast.

One of Bobby’s favorite travel experiences was during a trek through Patagonia. Along with backpacking through the Valdivian temperate rain forest, around the Chilean glacial fjords, and along the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, he completed a five day trek with an eclectic and diverse group of travelers. Coming together by chance, Bobby’s group becoming a tight-knit family exploring glacial lagoons, rappelling over raging rivers, summiting mountain passes, and cooking, eating, and laughing around the campfire. His number one rule when travelling? Get off the beaten path.

Brad Mason

Expedition Guide
S.S. Legacy

“My passion is showing people wild places.” Let this native Texan turned Petersburg, Alaska resident guide you on an adventure in the special place he now calls home. In addition to being an expert guide, Brad also boasts that he can identify scat nuggets on the trail—bonus for you! When he isn’t sharing the beauty of Southeast Alaska, you can find Brad kayaking, cooking, doing paint-by-number, playing Pac-Man, or reading.

Brad studied Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences at Texas A&M University. He now specializes in history and how it relates to the present and the future, glacier geography and changing landscapes, and land mammals. He is a NAI Certified Interpretive Guide and has worked as a ranger in Glacier Bay, a hiking guide in New Mexico, an English teacher in Ecuador, and a bartender in Colombia. This renaissance man is also an aspiring woodcarver.

Brad’s favorite travel memory was in the Platte River in central Nebraska during the annual Sandhill crane migration. He went out in the early morning to the river's edge and saw what looked like islands but turned out to be thousands of cranes packed together still sleeping. As the sun started to rise, thousands took flight in unison. Ask him to tell you all about it.

Christian Lloyd

Expedition Guide
Safari Endeavour

Christian has embodied a sailor’s dream the past few years, living aboard his sailboat. While not always the case, his boat is currently docked in Seattle. The lure of the saltwater took its hold early on in his life—Christian grew up in the town of Bellingham, Washington, situated on a bay of the same name just hop-skip-jump across Rosario Strait from the San Juan Islands.

During his university education, Christian earned a degree in materials science and engineering. Through his maritime education, he earned his Master 50 Ton Inland Captain’s license and is a certified wilderness first responder. And when it comes to the hands-on, world experience, Christian is well-qualified too—he sailed his boat solo across the Pacific Ocean.

While he sailed his boat steadfastly from Mexico to Hawaii alone, Christian can’t shake his fear for deep water. But he doesn’t let it stop him from his explorations—one of his most memorable adventure moments was diving among a group of sea turtles that, very slowly, were engaging in a bit of a sea battle. A native Northwesterner, a favorite aspect of his work is sharing the wild ocean and wilderness of Alaska with those on board with him. If you sail with him, you’ll see Christian living out his mantra—float, go, live. Does it float, will it go and can he live on it?—aboard this expedition vessel he happily can answer “yes!”

Dai Mar Tamarack

Expedition Leader
Safari Quest

Hailing from Savannah, Georgia, Dai Mar was born with a love for warm, balmy climates. For the past handful of years, he has made his home in the Hawaiian Islands, a place that inspires his life-long passion for being active in the outdoors and photographing the many wondrous places, wildlife, and marine life he encounters.

From his very first job, Dai Mar’s career has been far from ordinary. We can’t think of anyone else we know who can list catching and tagging alligators for research on their resume, nor being a professional dodgeball player for one day. His certifications include PADI divemaster, 100 Ton Master Captain’s license, National Association for Interpretation Certified Interpretive Guide, and a bachelor’s degree in marine science and marine biology from University for Georgia. In addition to his work with alligators, he’s guided eco-tours, instructed marine biology, captained whale watching and snorkel boats, sailed tall ships, and traveled throughout the world as a professional underwater photographer.

When not thinking of teaching folks about the natural world or photographing underwater creatures, you might find Dai Mar thinking about baseball. Baseball is one of his many interests and, as a volunteer for Baseball4Africa, he traveled to rural Kenya multiple times to teach kids to play. While the bonds he built with fellow players made a huge impact, he also has incredible memories of hearing lions roaring at night from his tent.

Dan Niebler

Expedition Leader
Wilderness Explorer

Growing up on the Jersey Shore, Dan has always had an affinity for saltwater. He’s lived in Tampa Bay for the last handful of years, although his love of travel often takes him on the road or sea. No matter where he goes, Dan seems to always find himself near the ocean, whether it’s the Atlantic, Pacific, or Antarctic.

Dan has a degree in marine science from Eckerd College and specializes in marine invertebrate biology and marine and freshwater ecology. He holds Wilderness First Responder, Certified Interpretive Guide, and Kayak Instructor-Level II certifications. He has worked for the PeaceCorps and as a refugee resettlement specialist. Curious by nature, Dan had the opportunity to study Ernest Shackleton's leadership style in Antarctica. He has also learned to speak Mandinka, a West African tribal language where questions about oneself are answered in proverbs.

Everyone has their own way of experiencing the wilderness and Dan’s goal is to help people find their personal outdoors style. Anything can be an adventure in his mind, and every day is worth enjoying. He’s likely to find himself getting “lost” in the woods or on the water. But, not to worry, he always finds his way back and his hobby of geocaching has made him sharp with a map and GPS!

Dawn Paley

Expedition Leader
Wilderness Adventurer

Originally from New Jersey, Dawn heeded the call of warmer climes and these days, enjoys living in the Sunshine State. Over the past few years in Florida, she’s found plenty of time to satiate a few favorite hobbies, including hunting for fossilized shark teeth in Arcadia and kayaking coastal waters.

Dawn is passionate about guiding guests on a journey to experience the great wilderness of Alaska. With certifications in sea kayaking, whitewater raft guiding, and Wilderness First Responder, she’s gotten to know the coasts of Florida and Alaska like the back of her hand—or paddle—and enthusiastically shares the unique geology and ecosystems of each area with those lucky enough to paddle with her.

When not delighting in guiding others, Dawn guides herself toward adventures across the globe. Canyoneering near Arenal, Costa Rica, glacier hiking in the Rocky Mountains, and expedition kayaking in the Everglades are just a few of the adventures she’s found herself undertaking. Highlight so far? The breathtaking experience of having a whale surface right beside her in Glacier Bay National park during her 24-day kayak trip!

Emily Fielder

Expedition Guide
Safari Endeavour

When Emily was 20 years old on a plane from Buenos Aires to Patagonia the man seated next to her said, "To travel is to love something that is never ending." Emily has since perused that never ending love, exploring the natural world and wandering through foreign cities. For Emily, nothing beats the satisfaction of facilitating travel experiences—from seeing a whale breach a hundred feet away to gaining the confidence of kayaking for the first time.

Emily is certified as a Wilderness First Responder and in CPR/First Aid, with a degree in International Affairs University of Colorado at Boulder. Her international travels have taken her to 28 countries including New Zealand where she guided tours on the rolling green farm land of the Hobbit movie set.

Emily’s number one rule of travelling is to sample the ice cream in every country. Her favorite flavor of ice cream is cookie dough but anything could happen on future adventures!

Haley Mohr

Expedition Guide
Wilderness Discoverer

A self-proclaimed "wilderness junkie," Haley was born and raised in Colorado by a mother who is an avid hiker and a father whose fishing techniques are those of a professional. Her trips to her family’s cabin in the woods and summer camps taught her knowledge and respect of wildlife at a young age. These days, she gets her wilderness fix in Alaska’s forests and waterways. For Haley, looking at different types of trees, lichens, mosses, and wildlife and then getting to experience the ocean’s intertidal life and wildlife is the best of both worlds.

Haley is certified in Open Water Diver (PADI), First Aid/CPR/AED, as a Wilderness First Responder- National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), and by the National Society of Leadership and Success. She has worked as a lift operator at a winter park resort in Colorado, at a cheese shop, and as a steward at UnCruise before she became a guide.

Haley’s favorite travel memory is when she and her mom went swimming with whale sharks in Baja California Sur, Mexico. A pod of bottlenose dolphins passed them, then Haley and her mom swam only a couple feet next to whale sharks—the largest fish on the planet. Afterwards they shared a big hug and tears of joy as her mom said, "That was the coolest thing I've ever experienced."

Jenny Wolf

Expedition Guide
Safari Endeavour

A native of landlocked Boise, Idaho, Jenny has lived, temporarily and long term, in many beautiful places. She spent a year in Madrid teaching English to students, ages 9 to 50, and learning all the best places to find tapas and how easy European system of travel is to navigate. These days, she is based on the water, aboard the S.S. Legacy or Safari Endeavour.

Jenny holds a degree in biology from the College of Idaho and certifications in Wilderness First Responder, PADI Dive Mast, First Aid/CPR, and Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Complimented by work as an environmental educator, English teacher, farmhand in Oregon, and beekeeper Greece, her areas of specialization include geology, ecology, and history of the Pacific Northwest. She is thrilled that her job that combines a love of the outdoors, connecting people with beautiful places, her experience as an educator, and general avoidance of offices. Her favorite added bonus of working onboard: the pastry chefs make the best cookies in the world!

Her most recent off duty travels took her China and Thailand, where she spent Christmas on the Great Wall of China. Dressing as Rudolph and Santa, Jenny and her travel mate hiked a rural section of the wall where they stumbled upon a group of locals who were so enamored with their costumes, they invited Jenny and her friend to dinner of Peking Duck. Following her top travelling rule of not planning too much, Jenny wakes up each morning, eager to see the beautiful places her vessel sails, and to share the day with her fellow crew and guests.

Jeremy Saenz

Expedition Leader
Safari Explorer

A Seattleite nowadays, Jeremy grew up in Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Ogden, Utah; and Nevada City, California. He also likes to travel and does—whenever he can. He studied Spanish in Mexico and Central America and it was here that he learned about and how to live in a different culture. The food, the people, the history of the area, and time on the sunny beaches won his heart.

Being outdoors in wild places and teaching are big motivators for Jeremy. So when he goes to work, not only does he get to play outside, but he gets to share his passion. Jeremy has a wealth of experience as a guide and naturalist in Southeast Alaska and Glacier Bay National Park; and has also worked as an ESL teacher; a job coach for developmentally disabled; and a cook. Jeremy holds a USCG 100 Ton License; attended Weber State University and University of Utah; and has degrees in History and Spanish, as well as, Linguistics and ESL.

Jeremy is passionate about the role wild places play in our connection to the planet and has a favorite memory of waking up for the sunrise on top of the Temple IV at Tikal ruins in Guatemala while Howler monkeys and toucans noisily played in the jungle canopy. He’s also a fan of reading, camping, basketball, photography, cooking, and once a year, he watches the Lord of the Rings Trilogy from beginning to end. Now that’s commitment.

Jessie Mathews

Expedition Guide
S.S. Legacy

Jessie’s favorite travel memory is a whale of a tale. When she was a mate sailing in British Columbia’s Strait of Georgia, she caught sight of a humpback whale in the distance that then disappeared out of sight. Suddenly the whale surfaced on the beam and swam under her boat, coming up on the other side so close she could have touched it. Jessie’s boat watched the whale spy hop and swim for 10 minutes before it dove down and swam away. The whale could have easily upset or flooded the small boat, but instead barely caused a ripple.

When she wasn’t spotting whales in Canada, Jessie circumnavigated Vancouver Island filming a documentary about the endangered North Pacific Right Whale. Jessie specializes in coral reefs and whales and has an affinity for the Left sided Gray Whales who, like left-handed Jessie, show a side preference that’s in the minority. Jessie has a degree in marine science from Boston University and is certified as a 100 ton Inland Master/Near Coastal Mate, AB Special, and Rescue SCUBA diver. On dry land, she has walked the 550 mile Camino de Santiago across Spain.

Jessie has lived on boats for the last four years spending her free time hiking, swimming, reading, traveling, learning new things, and following her number one rule of travel: always bring a change of clothes and a snack.

John Wickham

Expedition Leader
Safari Endeavour

Meet John, a New Hampshire native with a love of technology (including drones, 3D printing, and video games), reading, fitness, Krav maga self -defense, cycling, and philosophy. Get to know John and you’ll learn his motto on and off shore, “Acta non verba. ” Deeds, not words.

John has Master of Education in natural resource recreation and tourism from the University of Georgia and is a certified Wilderness First Responder. His career has taken him from a tall ship boatswain to a lab assistant to an extra in the first Hunger Games film. John describes himself as a generalist with a love of history who has come up the ranks of UnCruise's expedition department. He’ll tell you that what we do is unique and no one does it quite like UnCruise. We couldn’t agree more.

John has lived in Seattle since 2011 and is eager to jump back into the amazing scenery of Alaska.

Kalyn Holl

Expedition Guide
S.S. Legacy

“Always bring a snack” is Kalyn’s number one rule when travelling. This Minnesota-native loves helping people get out of their comfort zone (with nourishment!) and into the wild. When you meet Kalyn you can be sure she’ll encourage you to never stop learning—she says we can always learn more and keep improving ourselves. Kalyn is extra passionate about teaching paddling skills, the medicinal properties and uses of plants, and anything about dogs.

Kalyn has a BA in sociology from the University of Minnesota and is certified as an EMT, CPR/BLS and by the American Canoe Association in Coastal Sea Kayak Level 2 and in Trip Management and Leadership. Kalyn’s work experience includes kayak guide, naturalist, dog musher, and dog caregiver at an animal sanctuary.

When not exploring the wilds of Minnesota and Alaska, Kalyn enjoys paddling, reading, mushing, games (video and table top), and photography. She also has a second stomach for dessert - specifically Chunky Monkey ice cream and chocolate.

Kati Powell

Expedition Guide
Wilderness Adventurer

Kati grew up in Boise, Idaho, and in the off-season still calls the City of Trees home. She found her UnCruise home in a special way—sharing memories with her mom. The duo took a cruise to Alaska together and she made fast friends with the crew, who encouraged her to come work with them. That’s a story we love to hear!

If work involves the ocean, Kati is happy to do it! She has a bachelor’s degree in biology and geology from the University of Oregon and holds USCG 50 Ton Master’s—inland, Wilderness First Responder, and PADI divemaster certifications. She knows a thing or two about cetaceans, having worked as a whale-watching naturalist and has of in-depth information to share on these giant mammals. Kati has guided sea kayak trips out of Sitka, and when she’s home teaches SCUBA classes.

A self-described snort-laugher, we bet you can’t help but giggle along with her once she gets started. Full of bright energy, Kati’s enthusiasm for the outdoors and marine life is as infectious as her laugh. Her feet must itch a lot, too—they say it’s a sign of travel and she seems to get in plenty of it! On a recent trip to Iceland, she hiked to the summit of the Porsmark volcano. Kicking a hole in the snow and sticking her hand inside, she discovered it was warm—a holdover from the 2010 volcanic eruption. It was the perfect reward for this geology fan.

Kelly Sutter

Expedition Guide
Wilderness Discoverer

This natural teller of riddles and random facts grew up in Key Largo, Florida. Kelly has kept her personal basecamp close to home and she lives just north in Miami Beach these days. She balances out her golden-sandy beach time with lush, green temperate forest spending her summers in Alaska.

Kelly explored the very opposite side of the country from home, choosing Alaska Pacific University in Anchorage for school where she earned her degree in outdoor studies and environmental science. As part of her program she enrolled in an expedition leadership course that took her deep into the Talkeetna Mountains for a 170-mile trek. For 21 days, she fine-tuned her orienteering, route planning, and guiding skills, not to mention learned about flora and fauna in-depth. Kelly is also a certified Wilderness First Responder, ACA SeaKayak Level 1 & 2, and National Association of Interpretation interpreter.

If asked whether she prefers seeing the world on her own two feet or from the cockpit of a kayak, Kelly might have to give it some thought. She once spent 21 days kayaking through the Bahamas where she had the chance to spear hunt a lionfish. This invasive species is damaging coral reefs and the encounter gave her the opportunity to teach her group about this predatory intruder. And then they cooked it over a fire and ate it for dinner! How’s that for commitment to invasive species eradication?

Lauren Cutler

Expedition Guide
Wilderness Explorer

“Be present. Learn. Get outside the comfort zone.” Those are Lauren’s rules when travelling. An adventurous soul from California, Lauren has always been attracted to the unbeaten path. She’s travelled the world, continuously fascinated by the history of people and places. Lauren believes that everyone has that glint of wild in them and can’t wait to trade travel tales with you on board.

In addition to a BA in economics and a minor in anthropology, Lauren was a track athlete—pole vault and javelin—at the University of Hawaii, Manoa. Outside of the classroom and field, she is certified as a US Coast Guard 100T Master and as a NOLS Wilderness First Responder.

Lauren’s travels have taken her outside of the US to Norway where she had the opportunity to camp and play above the Arctic Circle. When not circling the globe or guiding guests through Alaska, Lauren lives in Hawaii where she snorkels, dives, surfs, runs, hikes, rappels, slack lines, fishes, and writes in her free time. Her motto? Everything happens as it should.

Lilly Stewart

Expedition Leader
S.S. Legacy

Born in Franklin, Ohio, Lilly grew up on her family’s farm milking goats and playing around the Great Miami River that flows right through the small city. On and off, she has set down her anchor in her hometown over the years, and interspersed some of that “off” time living in places like Arkansas, traveling through Europe, and even living for a bit in Peru with a local family.

Lilly has an environmental biology degree from Hendrix College and Wilderness First Responder and Interpretive Guide certifications. She has studied Lewis & Clark history, WWII, and Columbia River ecology at great length and loves to see the rivers change throughout the seasons aboard the S.S. Legacy. Lilly’s drive for outdoor-oriented work has led her to many interesting opportunities. She was an education coordinator and deckhand on the historic schooner Roseway, led camping adventure tours in the U.S. and Canada, was a stream stewardship assistant in the Catskills, and a field technician at Bandolier National Monument. She also once had the unusual job of paint scraper at Orville Wright’s mansion.

Lilly’s travel motto is “plan in advance, but enjoy spontaneous accidents that happen along the way.” A perfect example—on one of her 21-day, cross country road trips guiding European travelers, she got to throw a wedding in Las Vegas. What started out as a joke, teasing a pair of engaged travelers, became a full-fledged mission. They threw a bachelorette party in New Orleans, found a second-hand tuxedo in Texas, and a vintage wedding dress in New Mexico. The happy couple tied the knot in a pink Cadillac in at a Las Vegas drive-through chapel with the entire tour group in attendance. We’d say Lilly has some spectacular on-the-go planning expertise!

Liza Mora

Expedition Guide
Safari Voyager

Growing up in Costa Rica, Liza has had a close relationship with the land for her entire life. The daughter of a farmer, she continues to help her family with their cocoa and cattle farm. While she has travelled extensively throughout the years, she’s happy to be rooted in the land of pura vida for a steady few years now.

Liza earned a bachelor’s degree in tropical biology with an emphasis in sustainability from the University of Costa Rica. She has worked extensively in the field as a researcher for the Peregrine Fund in Panamá studying Harpy Eagles, for the University of California-Davis studying mammal behavior and seed dispersal in Belize, and with International Student Volunteers in Australia, Dominican Republic and Costa Rica.

With a motto like “live, explore, enjoy!” it’s no wonder Liza has made her way to far corners of the globe. While working in the Carnavon Gorge in Queensland, Australia, she was mesmerized by the 30,000-year-old aboriginal art and the rich cultural history of the land. She was also delighted to see platypus in the wild there too. Passionate about scuba diving and whitewater kayaking, she won the Pan-American Rafting Champion title in 2008/2009.

Lucy Marcus

Licensed Expedition Guide
Wilderness Adventurer

Originally from Berkeley and San Francisco, Lucy also spent time growing up in London and Scotland. As a semi-professional snowboarder, she lived for a time in the mountain states of Wyoming and Utah, as well as Lake Tahoe, California. A new resident on Oahu in the Hawaiian Islands, Lucy lives in a prime spot for exercising her diving and snorkeling habits.

Lucy earned a masters in marine biology from James Cook University. She is a licensed Master 50 ton inland and Mate 50 ton near coastal, and is certified Wilderness First Responder, CPR/AED, PADI Dive Instructor, AAUS Scientific Research Diver, Marine Naturals, PSIA Snowboard Instructor, and Massage Therapist. Her previous work experience is heavily linked to the marine world—a marine biologist in the U.S. Virgin Islands, dive instructor and marine debris technician in Hawaii, adventure guide in Cuba and Costa Rica, and filmmaker/marine biologist in Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands among others. She has been a massage therapist for nearly two decades and in the off season, funds her snowboarding habit with massage work.

Wildflowers, mushrooms, wildlife… Lucy is a keen observer of the wild environment around her and is excited to share what she finds with others. Her motto “seas the day!” motivates her adventurous spirit and has led her to many unique places. On a scuba diving trip in Palau, she had the opportunity to swim in a lake on an uninhabited island full of golden sting-less jellyfish. Swimming through them was like swimming through a cluster of soft marshmallows.

Mareth Griffith

Expedition Guide
Safari Explorer

After growing up in West Virginia, Mareth tapped into her wanderlust and a few of her homes after her youth include Scotland, the Shetland Islands, and Northern Ireland where her neighbors included 2,000 puffin, 80 cattle, and the ghost of a black horse whose hooves could be heard galloping across the heather. She’s lived in Southeast Alaska most—her love affair with The Great Land has made it her on-again, off-again home for the past near-decade.

Mareth’s work history is just as diverse. Her Bachelor’s in music and technical theater from Smith College is paired with Wilderness First Responder, Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support, and American Canoe Association Coastal Kayak Level 2 and Day Trip Leader certifications. She’s guided adventurous souls through Alaska and New Zealand for many years as a naturalist and deckhand. In between seasons she’s likely guiding at a Northern Ireland seabird colony, or working at wilderness lodges, aquariums, or whale-watching day tours. More than anything, she loves sharing Alaska with first time visitors.

A classically trained violinist, Mareth makes a point to make time for playing music, writing, and reading. She also carves out time to experience the wilderness on her own, and is very excited about an up-coming 100-mile village-to-village hike along the west coast of Scotland she’ll be doing with her mom. Chocolate is her self-admitted kryptonite, and if you share a square with her, she’ll likely share the details of her many travel escapades with you!

Marika Powers

Lead Expedition Guide
Wilderness Explorer & Safari Endeavour

Having professional photographers as parents, Marika grew up exposed to natural beautiful places. Her youth was spent in Northern California and paddling around Hawaii. And unlike most teenagers, on her 18th birthday, she turned down a car in favor of a kayak. Marika’s been paddling ever since. Today, she calls both Northern California and Alaska home, but the Aloha spirit still calls her back to Hawaii.

Marika received a science degree at University of Hawaii and one in parks and recreation management from Northern Arizona University. She is certified in First Aid/CPR, as a Wilderness First Responder, Hawaii Eco Tour Operator, and Leave No Trace Trainer. Her lifelong deep love of the outdoors shaped her career path and sharing the great outdoors with others is what Marika likes best about it. She’s had heaps of opportunity leading people on meaningful and exciting experiences—throughout Alaska as a hiking, kayaking, or camping guide; lei greeter in Maui; and in Patagonia, developing a multi-sport expedition itinerary and helping out with the documentary “Crossing Patagonia.”

Traveling, backpacking, kayaking, biking, and surfing top Marika’s favorite-things-to-do list and her adventures generally pack an extra punch. She once spent over 70 nights in a tent in the Alaska wilderness and another time, awoke one night during a wild storm to find a river forming around her tent and her riverbank encampment washing away. This gal knows adventure and is super excited about sharing the wonders of the wilderness with you.

Mark Cassio

Expedition Leader
Safari Quest

Mark loved growing up in Massachusetts, and he equally loved the change of scenery in a new home—Maine, New Hampshire, Arizona, California, Alaska, and Washington. And he’s a modern-day explorer primed for adventure (even when it includes a bear and a raft)—Costa Rica, Hawaii, Mexico’s Baja California, and the Canadian Rockies near Banff National Park.

A certified Wilderness First Responder and graduate of Fitchburg State College with a BA in journalism, Mark’s journey has been one of knowledge. He was an interpretive guide in Alaska’s Brooks Range Mountains based 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle; an outdoor science teacher leading 10-12 year olds on interpretive hikes in California’s San Bernardino Mountains; rode a Harley to school each day as a Montessori teacher of 3-6 and 10-13 year olds in Phoenix; and was a news and sports reporter for New Hampshire daily paper. His breadth of experience easily translates to others and given the chance to interact and educate, inform and entertain about new and unique places… then Mark’s your man.

He’s also a lucky guy, particularly lucky to be a food seller in the ball park grandstands the year the Arizona Diamondbacks won the World Series. Mark got to attend all four games played in Phoenix, including the championship-clinching Game 7 victory. A fan of stick and ball sports, Mark also enjoys playing cards, watching movies, snorkeling, hiking, backpacking, camping, and a good ‘ol city walk.

Megan Addison

Expedition Leader
S.S. Legacy

A life-long Pacific Northwesterner, Megan grew up in Seattle and after a few years in Bellingham, has made her home in Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula. She’s got a bit of a gypsy soul about her, which inspires her to head out on adventures as often as she can, leaving her black cat Cricket to keep the home fires burning.

Megan holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology, a master’s degree in environmental education, and has earned a Washington State teaching certificate. She is also a certified Wilderness First Responder. Megan has worked in environmental education centers in the North Cascade Mountains and in the San Juan Islands, and has run education programs on a 100+-year-old tall ship. While she started out wanting to be a classroom educator, she found her favorite “classrooms” were in the woods and on the water—she loves to share her enthusiasm for the natural world with others.

Megan has special experience for navigating the often drippy climates. Not only is she from the renowned rainy region of Washington, but on a trip to Nepal, one of her favorite memories was being caught in a torrential downpour while exploring Pokhara. Her latest adventure dropped her deep in British Columbia’s Selkirk Mountains for a week of backcountry skiing among a sea of mountain ridges. With these experiences under her belt, we think she’ll be ready for any conditions Southeast Alaska throws her way.

Megan Moran

Expedition Leader
S.S. Legacy

Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Megan has lived in some special places far from her hometown, including Egypt and South Africa. Having seen incredible changes within herself in many ways over the years, Megan is motivated to help others find that amazing inner transformation that happens when people connect to a new experience.

It all started for Megan one fateful summer when she began guiding. That summer, the outdoor and adventure bug bit her hard. Fast-forward to current times and Megan is now a well-seasoned guide, adventure seeker, and creator of happiness. Not long ago, she worked with Operation Smile Egypt, an NGO that provides free cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries to children in over 50 countries. She also led over 30 trips for 13-year-old kids (talk about patience!) throughout the Americas and Australia. And don't forget the art degree from University of Wisconsin, a masters in Education from Sierra Nevada College, and her Wilderness First Responder certification.

When not focused on helping other people experience new, happy adventures, Megan can be found creating her own. Hiking, biking, snowboarding or reading, whichever the chosen activity, if it provides an adventure, she’s in! Some of her favorite activities have included swimming with whale sharks in Mozambique and sampling the culinary delights of new countries, namely the street food variety.

Michelle Dutro

Expedition Guide
Wilderness Explorer

Moss, rain, towering evergreens—Michelle is a Pacific Northwesterner through-and-through. A native of western Washington, she grew up on the east side of Lake Washington and nowadays, lives on the west side in Seattle. She spent a short time living in San Francisco, where, lucky for us, she came to the realization that an outdoor-oriented job was a real opportunity she could pursue!

Michelle has a degree in journalism and sociology from Western Washington University and is certified in First Aid/CPR/AED and as a Wilderness First Responder. While as a youngster, she had her heart set on being a champion Iditarod sled dog racer—she even had a framed newspaper clipping from 1925 announcing the statue of Balto—work as a camp counselor and instructor in the San Juan Islands and as a kayaking instructor and operations coordinator for the REI Outdoor School flipped the switch. Experiences outside can change lives and she is passionate about guiding for the opportunities it gives to help others find new ways to see the world through wilderness adventures.

Backpacking, tide pooling, and hunting for agates are just a few of her hobbies. And then there’s travel. Some of her most meaningful experiences have come from her personal journeys—both near and far from home. A couple of her favorites include studying journalism abroad in Rabat and Casablanca, Morocco and learning Arabic, and on a four-day kayaking trip in the San Juans, she and a friend came across a harbor porpoises herding and hunting fish.

Mike Justa

Expedition Guide
S.S. Legacy, Wilderness Explorer, Wilderness Adventurer, Safari Endeavour

A sucker for whales, Mike’s favorite travel memory is jumping and laughing in the soft sand of Isla Magdalena after watching baby gray whales playing in the waves. He’ll tell you that since joining the UnCruise community he’s learned how important it is to be present in the moment. Mike believes the rewards come when the “now” is the focus. We couldn’t agree more—nothing sounds more “now” than watching whales play.

Mike has a BS in marine biology from the University of Rhode Island and is certified as an Open Water Diver (PADI), a Wilderness First Responder, Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), and as a Washington state emergency substitute teacher. With specializations in marine biology, marine mammals, ecology, and birds, Mike has combined his talents inside and outside of the classroom as a substitute teacher, summer camp counselor, whale watch naturalist, kayak guide, and hiking guide.

When not introducing guests to the wilds of Alaska and Baja, Mike lives in Seattle where he spends his free time reading, walking, hiking, skiing, swimming, kayaking, birding, and exploring any way to get outdoors. His number one rule when traveling is, “think, pack light, listen, and say yes.” We hope Mike packs a couple musical instruments, too. He plays lead egg shaker and harmonica in a band!

Nathan Silverglate

Expedition Guide
Pacific Northwest, Alaska

True to his motto “keep learning, keep moving, and keep exploring,” Nathan lives for outdoor adventures. From family vacations camped out in sleeping bags on the beaches of Mexico to trekking through the Himalayas, Nathan has always gravitated towards last minute, minimally planned adventures. He’ll admit he can't stand being in one place for too long.

Nathan has a BS in biopsychology from the University of California-Santa Barbara as well as varied work experience as a kayak guide in Santa Barbara’s Channel Islands, summer camp counselor, and medical assistant and medical scribe. He is certified in WFR, CPR, AED, and as an Epinephrine auto injector.

Be sure to ask Nathan about his favorite travel memory: night scuba diving in a tiny island on the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua. In the bio-luminescent water, he was surrounded by filaments with glowing beads travelling downwards. He describes feeling like an astronaut floating through the universe with endless stars shimmering around. Perhaps as a reflection of time spent in these magical waters, Nathan’s number one rule when traveling is “go with the flow.”

Nikki Baran

Expedition Guide
Wilderness Adventurer

A native New Yorker with a taste for the outdoors, Nikki’s travels have taken her to 23 countries including Australia’s Sunshine Coast. She loves educating people, especially children, about the outdoors—because kids ask the best questions! Get Nikki talking about her passion for getting outside and she may quote Mark Twain, "A man who keeps company with glaciers comes to feel tolerably insignificant by and by." Nikki says there’s no "office" more humbling or interesting than hers.

Nikki studied tourism and recreation management at Niagara University where she was also a Division 1 diver and competed in the one and three meter springboard. On dry land, Nikki is certified as a Wilderness EMT, EMT 1 in Alaska, and as a Ropes Rescue Technician. She’s also a member of the Skagway Volunteer Fire Department and works in their Fire, EMS, and Search and Rescue departments.

When she’s not in Alaska, Nikki resides in Key West, Florida where she soaks up the sun paddle boarding, hiking, camping, scuba diving and, of course, travelling. Her motto is “Be a willow tree, not an oak tree. Flexibility is a must especially when traveling!”

Sarah Bernstein

Expedition Guide
Safari Explorer

Nature has its own way of keeping balance, and so does Sarah. And the two are usually intertwined. Sarah lives in the Bahamas, grew up in Colorado, but if given the chance, she could likely be from just about anywhere—a result of all the traveling and schooling she did abroad.

Sarah spent time at school and adventuring in Central and South America. Teaching English and surfing in Mexico. In Costa Rica, working in sea turtle conservation and monkey rehabilitation. And has even led research expeditions studying giant tortoises in the Galápagos! Other jobs include scuba/snorkel /kayak guide; marine researcher; and marine science, astronomy, and physics teacher. Touting degrees in political science and Latin American history from Evergreen State College, and a Master’s in education—environmental education and sustainability curriculum—from the University of Washington, she’s also a certified Wilderness First Responder, BCU (British Canoe Union) level 3 coach, and an EMT. When it comes to inspiration, Sarah makes connecting with and becoming stewards of nature an easy choice.

This singing nature-nerd gets excited about everything (and makes up songs about everything too)—she’s especially fond of barnacles and moss. Imagine her excitement kayaking in the middle of a super pod of over 90 orcas, with a female teaching her baby to hunt among them. Sarah knows a lot about astrology, and loves a good sunset and bioluminescence. Making art block prints, jewelry out of found objects, paddle boarding, reading, hiking, cooking, and gardening all top her favorite-things-to-do list.

Sarah Friedlander

Expedition Leader
Safari Endeavour

Sarah hails from just outside of Washington, DC in Herndon, Virginia, and attended university in her home state. When she took a global development class in Bangladesh, she discovered there were many places she might like to call home for a while. Having spent time traveling near and far, she’s still deciding where she’d like to settle down next and has spent the last two years happily blowing with the wind.

Sarah earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science and also holds her Wilderness First Responder and First Aid/AED certifications. This wild planet is her favorite classroom and she’s not only taught others, but learned so much through her past jobs working in outdoor education and leading adventure trips.

When not pointing out wildlife and natural wonders to Un-Cruise Adventures guests, Sarah spends her time surfing or sailing, getting creative knitting or painting, or challenging friends to a good game of cards. She also spends her time dreaming up travel—one of her favorite things. At the top of her list of favorite travels are Myanmar and Malaysia where she got to experience new cultures, visit relatives, and took time to watch the sunset nearly every night.

Sarah Zaubi

Expedition Guide
Wilderness Adventurer

No matter where Sarah goes, she always comes back to Alaska. Sarah hiked over 200 miles in the state last season, including five trips across the Chilkoot Trail. She has worked as an Alaskan guide for six seasons, exploring new places and introducing people to her favorite part of the world. Alaska is also where she met some of her favorite co-workers to date, wild Dusky Dolphins. Fun fact: the more absurd noises you make in the water with your snorkel, the more likely they are to swing by and make much more elegant noises back at you.

In addition to dolphin-speak, Sarah specializes in 1898/9 gold rush history, Tlingit (Jilkaat Kwaan) culture and lore, and edible and medicinal plants. She has a BA in English and gender politics from Monmouth College and is certified as Wilderness First Responder, PADI Divemaster, and in Swiftwater Rescue. Sarah’s unique skillset has led her to work as a dive master, glacier guide, ski resort mountain host, canoeist, horseback guide, yacht deckhand, dolphin whisperer, and night janitor.

Sarah has an identical twin sister who is also working in the fleet, so if you see her and she doesn't answer, it's probably not her! When you do catch Sarah, ask her to tell you about the time she got a gold tooth on a Honduran Island.

Shane Walston

Expedition Guide
Safari Endeavour

Meet Shane, a kayaking, fly-fishing, mountain biking Texan who loves to work with people when they're on vacation. What’s the appeal? When we’ve detached ourselves from the stresses of day-to-day life, we're more relaxed and willing to learn something new. Settle in a kayak and let Shane show you the ropes—or rather, paddles.

Shane has been a sea kayak guide for the past seven years as well as managed a kayak company in Qatar. He has a degree in environmental science from Stephen F. Austin State University and is a certified Wilderness First Responder, ACA Level 3 Coastal Kayaking Instructor, and ACA Level 3 Trip Leader.

The first time Shane ever sea kayaked was in New Zealand. Watching the guide, he observed how knowledgeable she was about the flora and fauna of the area and thought to himself, "I can do this, seems so easy." He’s learned a lot since, including at his first job as a kayak guide in Ketchikan where the weather and wildlife is a bit different from New Zealand. Returning to The Great Land, Shane’s excited to adventure and paddle with you in Alaska.

Taylor Loyden

Expedition Guide
Wilderness Discoverer

Growing up in a place nicknamed the “Sunshine City”, Taylor spent many a day outside. From St. Petersburg, Florida, the hometown of her youth, she heeded the call of the mountains—she loves climbing and snowboarding after all. These days, she lives 7,000 feet above sea level in Park City, Utah.

Taylor earned an environmental business degree from University of North Florida. She has certifications in Wilderness First Responder, Non-violent Crisis Prevention and Intervention, and Swift Water Rescue. She’s put those skills to use as a ropes course facilitator, environmental education ranger, and as a wilderness field instructor with Outward Bound for at-risk groups. Taylor’s areas of specialty include apex predators, native lore, and environmentalism. In all of her work, she is constantly motivated to keep learning—about her surroundings, wildlife, and himself.

Her rule of the road is to have a plan, but leave room for whim and wonder—and call mom occasionally. She recently had the opportunity to follow her travel rule on a mountaineering expedition in Patagonia. A 2a.m. “alpine start” had Taylor and her team hiking up a small volcano. Trekking across a snowfield, they were treated to a meteor shower and arrived at the summit just in time to see the sun beginning to rise over the Andes. There’s magic everywhere!

Teresa Whipple

Expedition Guide
Safari Endeavour

A Tennessean by birth, Teresa has traveled to all seven continents and has lived on four. Throughout her travels, she always finds herself coming back to the Pacific Northwest—the best place on earth, in her opinion. Embracing the “small living” lifestyle, Teresa is an expert at minimalist packing and makes her home ship-to-ship these days.

With her passion for all things wild, it seemed to Teresa that the guiding profession chose her to take it on as her vocation. She has guided at all ends of the earth including Tide Rip Grizzly Tours on Vancouver Island, British Columbia and Estancia Rincon Chico in Patagonia, Argentina. In addition to her in-the-field experience, Teresa received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics and has her 50 Ton captain’s license. She is also certified in Small Vessel Operator Proficiency, American Canoe Association Kayak Level 2, and as a Wilderness First Responder.

With her not-so-secret love of language, it’s no surprise that Teresa spent time in the Shetland Islands of Scotland learning to properly intonate Gaelic words. What may come as a slight surprise, though, is her amazing aptitude for speaking whale. Yes, we did actually mean “whale.” Ask her demonstrate when you see her aboard your ship.

Travis Hidahl-Patten

Expedition Guide
Wilderness Adventurer

A native of Duluth, Minnesota, Travis describes himself as an open book. He loves sharing his travel stories and hearing others’ adventures. He lives by the motto, “every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home.”

Travis has a degree in environmental science from Western State Colorado University and is certified in SCUBA NAUI and as a Wilderness First Responder and Waterfront Lifeguard. He worked as a paperboy, Segway tour guide, ski instructor, and a marine science instructor on Catalina Island before coming aboard with UnCruise as a guide specializing in marine science.

Travis’ favorite travel memory is in Indonesia. He arrived late to an overcrowded train station where he barely managed to find the right platform and saw the long line of cars pulling away 200 yards ahead. Knowing it was late and there wouldn't be another train until the next afternoon, Travis slipped off his flip flops for better traction and sprinted barefoot toward the caboose. He caught up to the last car, threw his backpack inside, and jumped in. Only after he sat down did he realize he was on the wrong non-stop overnight train going the wrong direction. But it all worked out. Travis met other backpackers and ended up having a great time in a place he hadn't intended on being.

Tyler Stern

Expedition Guide
Wilderness Adventurer

Growing up in San Diego, California, Tyler had a strong connection with the water. Beach volleyball, surfing, body surfing, scuba diving, fishing—anything outside was something he wanted to do. These days, he lives out of a suitcase most of the year finding unexpected opportunities by following his personal #1 travel rule—be flexible!

Tyler has a degree in finance from San Diego State University and is a Wilderness First Responder. He’s been a kayak and glacier hiking guide in Valdez and Chilean Patagonia, a kayak guide and whale watching naturalist in the San Juan Islands and a kayak, snorkeling, and whale watching guide in San Diego. We sense a theme… and think he’s also earned the title of Mr. Kayak. Tyler specializes in marine life, ecosystems, tides and currents, and of course, technical kayaking. Sharing his passion and knowledge with others and helping them build a connection with the natural world are what motivates him each day.

Tyler believes where there’s a will, there’s a way. This guiding principle once found him following the same migration as an arctic tern. Really. Be sure to ask him about it, and he’ll give you the exciting play-by-play. Another guiding principle is his belief that one should travel to Mexico more often than one already does—as we write this from rainy Seattle, we couldn’t agree more!

Wilson Barrett

Expedition Guide
Wilderness Explorer

Wilson is a true native Seattleite and has continued to live in the area on and off for the past handful of years. During one of the “off” periods he lived in Peru during a study abroad program and these days his habitat changes by the sailing season, with the down times bringing him back to the Evergreen State.

Highly experienced in the travel industry, Wilson’s education includes the formal kind—he has a degree in recreation and tourism from Western Washington University, and holds a number of certifications—Wilderness First Responder, Red Cross lifeguard instructor, First Aid/CPR/AED, and PADI diving. He also has the practical experience having worked as a kayak guide in Hawaii, senior lifeguard and lifeguard manager, and guiding aboard cruise vessels. Over the years, Wilson has specialized in eco-tourism, anthropology, coastline wildlife, and paddle boarding

It also happens that Wilson specializes in embarking on travel adventures himself. One such trip took him and a few cousins to Baja by van for the surfing and kiteboarding, as well as into a few arroyos where they got stuck on washed out roads. On another kind of adventure, he coached swimming for the Special Olympics—and there can be no greater reward than watching others reach a hard-earned goal while also having fun!