Staff
Rachael
Marine Naturalist
Since the age of 6, Rachael has been obsessed with the intelligence, beauty and fascinating social behavior of orcas. She furthered her obsession by completing a biology degree at the University of Saskatchewan, a wildlife and fisheries conservation diploma fromLakeland College and a marine science program at Bamfield. Now in her second season with Orca Spirit, Rachael continues to enjoy the endless opportunities to spend time with orcas and other whales. Outside of work, she enjoys kayaking, snorkeling and conducting personal research about whales.
If you could be any marine animal, what would you be and why?
Orcas, because they’re the best species on earth!
Describe the whale experience of your dreams.
Swimming with southern residents, even though it’s illegal.
If whales spoke English for a day, what would be the first question you’d ask?
What was it like when you lost half of your family to the live capture for aquariums in the early 1970s?
If you could be any movie or TV character, who would you be?
Will Ferrell in Elf because he’s awesome.
Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I have a Haida art orca tattoo.
The Whale Rachael Adopted: K-21 Cappuccino.
I wanted to adopt Cappuccino because he is the first mature male in K-pod in a very long time, holding much promise for the Southern Resident population. He has a very distinct saddlepatch, so he is easy to identify. I have a soft spot for Cappuccino and his sister Raggedy because they are the only members left in their immediate family. I love how close they are as siblings; it reminds me of my own family!
Jessica
Office Administration
This is Jessica’s first season with Orca Spirit, but she’s already in love with the constant variety her job offers. One day she’s running errands, the next she’s booking trips for a flurry of cruise ship passengers. She loves going out on the boats not only for the whale watching, but also to get perspective from a customer’s point of view. With her strong retail background, Jessica’s great at offering recommendations, like where to sit, how the boats feel and how to avoid seasickness. When she’s not at work, she enjoys hanging out with friends, shopping, watching movies and going outside, when it’s sunny.
If you could be any marine animal, what would you be and why?
Dolphins because they’re really fast, they don’t take up too much room, they can do jumps and everyone loves them.
Describe the whale experience of your dreams.
I’d want to be on a smaller boat, like a Zodiac, on ahot summer day that’s not too windy, so you don’t need to wear one of those suits. There would be orcas everywhere and they would come up to the boat and do flips and crazy stuff. There would be lemonade, too.
If whales spoke English for a day, what would be the first question you’d ask?
Do you love watching us as much as we love watching you (I hope so!)?
If you could be any movie or TV character, who would you be?
A female version of Chuck Bass from Gossip Girl because he gets whatever he wants.
Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I like to play piano.
Elizabeth
Marine Naturalist
Elizabethis currently a biology student at the University of Victoria. She has tons of boating experience and loves marine life, soworking as a marine naturalist aboard a whale watching boat is the perfect combination. Plus, she gets to meet a lot people and be outside. Elizabeth especially loves fish, and has the aquariums to prove it. Her favourite tank is too big for her apartment (if it leaked, it would destroy the apartment below hers), so rather than put down a huge deposit, she’s sticking with a 30 gallon tank for now, with algae, live plants, two zebra danios and one clown loach. When she’s not working or tending to her fish, she likes to hang around with friends, go to the beach, go to music shows, read and do lots of arts and crafts.
If you could be any marine animal, what would you be and why?
A shark, because they’re so cool and they have really pointy teeth.
Describe the whale experience of your dreams.
Whales would be right outside the harbor, breaching, jumping and feasting on something freshly killed. Possibly at sunset. It would be one of the resident pods so there’d be a lot of them.
If whales spoke English for a day, what would be the first question you’d ask?
Hey Mr. Whale, how do you go about catching those salmon because they’re so darn fast!
If you could be any movie or TV character, who would you be?
House, because he has the most fun job ever and can get away with everything.
Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I’m a huge aquarium nerd.
The Whale Elizabeth Adopted: L-79 Skana
I chose to adopt Skana because he is always seen in very close company with his little brother Solstice (L89) and his mother Spirit (L22). The boys both have open saddle patches which makes it quite easy to identify them; moreover, that they always travel together in a rather unusual trio, two males and one female. I always enjoy watching this little family unit, I guess I am just a sucker for Mama's boys!
Ashleigh
Office Administration
This is Ashley’s first summer with Orca Spirit, but the ocean has fascinated her for as long as she can remember. She also loves being with people, especially when she can help them have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Ashley is originally from Perth, a small city on the west coast of Australia, but has traveled extensively in the past 7 years, living in London, Florida and Sydney. Outside of work, she teaches yoga as well as ballet, jazz and contemporary dance.
If you could be any marine animal, what would you be and why?
A dolphin, because they’re so intelligent and cute.
Describe the whale experience of your dreams.
Just to be surrounded by them, especially when they’re playing.
If whales spoke English for a day, what would be the first question you’d ask?
Where do you disappear to in the off-season?
If you could be any movie or TV character, who would you be?
Any character from Lost.
Tell us a random fact about yourself.
For 7 years, I haven’t lived in one place longer than 6 months.
Kaylee
Front Office
Kaylee is originally from Gilchrist, Australia. She went to Banff for a few ski seasons, but ended up following some friends out to Victoria. Working for Orca Spirit has been fun for Kaylee not only because she gets to go on the boat whenever she wants, but also because she gets to view orcas, which she can’t see at home. In the off-season, she loves to travel—she went home for 6 months one time, and before that spent the winter in Mexico. When she’s not at work or exploring the world, you can find her near beaches, probably swimming, kayaking or surfing.
If you could be any marine animal, what would you be and why?
A dolphin, just because I like them. They're pretty.
Describe the whale experience of your dreams.
I would like to see a superpod, when all three pods are together. It happens once or twice a season, but whenever I go out on the boat it’s always over!
If whales spoke English for a day, what would be the first question you’d ask?
Can I go swimming with you?
If you could be any movie or TV character, who would you be?
Garfield, because he gets to sleep and eat all day.
Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I’m addicted to reality TV.
Brad
Captain
Captain Brad is in his 6th year with Orca Spirit. After moving to British Columbia from northwestern Ontario, he attended the Sooke Adventure Tourism School, where he learned everything from kayaking and sailing to orienteering and navigating tides, plus the business aspect of the industry. Now, he’s a Zodiac training instructor at the school. Brad used to work in pharmacy, so he loves how whale watching is always an adventure—you never go to the same place—and having the winters off doesn’t hurt, either. Brad travels in the off-season, mainly to warm places. He went to Australia last year, and South and Central Americas the winters before.
If you could be any marine animal, what would you be and why?
A sea horse, because they’re interesting.
Describe the whale experience of your dreams.
When it’s a little bit foggy and the whales are in a resting pattern, so you get 28 whales coming up at the same time.
If whales spoke English for a day, what would be the first question you’d ask?
What do you think of humans?
If you could be any movie or TV character, who would you be?
The Wolverine from X-Men, because he has a bit of attitude.
Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I used to be a dog sledder in the Rocky Mountains.
Breanna
Office Admin
Breanna is from Victoria, but came to Orca Spirit after working as an au pair in Madrid, Spain. She spent 10 months with a Spanish family, which was tough at first because they didn’t speak English and she didn’t speak Spanish. They eventually bridged the language gap, and now Breanna jumps at the chance to speak Spanish with passengers from Mexico or Spain. She loves the combination of customer service and working by water, and especially enjoys learning the little details about whales, and about boats in general.
If you could be any marine animal, what would you be and why?
A seahorse. I’ve always had a fascination with them because they’re weird and cute at the same time.
Describe the whale experience of your dreams.
I would like to fly over in a plane and see all of the orcas spelling out “Will you marry me?” There would be one at the end too, jumping and doing tricks.
If whales spoke English for a day, what would be the first question you’d ask?
I would ask them if they are aware of all the people watching them from all over the world.
If you could be any movie or TV character, who would you be?
Blair Waldorf because she’s powerful, conniving, and lives such a glamorous lifestyle. It would be entertaining to be her for a day.
Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I have a Persian cat named Buddy. We found him in a box on the side of the road when he was a baby. He really likes being in boxes now, which is weird.
Rodrigo
Zodiac Extraordinaire/First Mate
Rodrigo is originally from Cozumel, an island in the Mexican Caribbean, but he arrived in British Columbia by “traveling and nature.” He actually didn’t mean to come to Victoria—he was going to Asia and got sidetracked. But now that he’s here, he feels lucky to be able to go out on the water every day and hang out with whales. In Mexico, he worked in the dive industry and with sailboats, so he chose whale watching because he really likes whales, wildlife in general and playing in the water. Outside of work, he bikes a lot, has coffee, goes out fishing, takes his dog for runs and rides unicorns on the beach.
If you could be any marine animal, what would you be and why?
A dolphin, because they’re smart and they can live in warm water. And they have long lives.
Describe the whale experience of your dreams.
I would like to ride on the back of a blue whale.
If whales spoke English for a day, what would be the first question you’d ask?
I would ask a transient orca if they eat tourists.
If you could be any movie or TV character, who would you be?
I wouldn’t be any! I would just be myself.
Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I have a ridiculous amount of plants in my house.
Mercedes
Marine Naturalist/Office Admin
Mercedes first saw Free Willy when she was four years old and she’s wanted to travel to the Pacific Northwest ever since. She’s volunteered in aquariums, studied wildlife conservation in university, interned at the Whale Research Centre on San Juan Island and taken day courses on identification, surveying of marine animals and marine rescue. Originally from Blackpool, England, Mercedes specifically chose Victoria because it’s gorgeous and has an abundance of whale watching companies. She loves to talk to people about whales, educate them and make a difference. Her second love (other than whales) is movies.
If you could be any marine animal, what would you be and why?
I would be an orca because they’re awesome. They’re intelligent, a top predator (I don’t want to be eaten) and have a great social system. And they’re pretty.
Describe the whale experience of your dreams.
Diving with them would be amazing but terrifying.
If whales spoke English for a day, what would be the first question you’d ask?
I would probably talk to Granny because she’s old and so wise. She’s seen everything, so I would ask her about her life and what she thinks of humans and their relationship with whales over the years, especially the whole captivity thing.
If you could be any movie or TV character, who would you be?
The girl in Free Willy 2 because she gets to swim with the whales and kiss Jesse James Richter. Or, I would be Dr. Who’s assistant.
Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I’m wearing whale socks.
The Whale Mercedes Adopted: J-16 Slick
The reason I picked Slick, is because she is a good Mom. I like to see her little family when we are out on the water. I also think she is very pretty!
Amy
Marine Naturalist
Because Saskatchewan has no whales, Amy left her hometown of Saskatoon to attend the Sooke Adventure Tourism School. At first she wasn’t sure which specific outdoor industry she wanted to work in, but after talking to Brad, a captain with Orca Spirit and instructor at the school, she decided to share her enthusiasm and knowledge as an marine naturalist. She loves meeting people and seeing the excitement on their faces every time they see the whales because it’s just as exciting for her. Outside of work, she loves playing soccer and taking pictures.
If you could be any marine animal, what would you be and why?
A starfish because they’re really colourful.
Describe the whale experience of your dreams.
I want to see them all jumping in unison and breaching at the same time.
If whales spoke English for a day, what would be the first question you’d ask?
I’d ask them if they liked Michael Jackson, and if they enjoyed the song from Free Willy and would dance to it.
If you could be any movie or TV character, who would you be?
I’d be some kind of Disney creature just to sing the happy songs, like one of the birds or one of the bunnies.
Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I used to think there were hyenas living under my bed.
The Whale Amy Adopted: K-37 Rainshadow
I adopted Rainshadow because he's one of the more recent additions to K-pod. I hope that he continues to grow and stay healthy so he can grow up strong and one day help out in increasing the populations!
Lyle
Captain
Being from Victoria, Lyle has always loved the ocean. He used to do a lot of diving, but the captain tickets he got for diving work eventually led him to the world of whale watching. Lyle sees it as a good way to get out on the water every day and view whales and wildlife without harming anything. He loves the daily activity and the change he sees from day to day, plus he gets to talk to people all over the world and educate them about whales. Outside of Orca Spirit, Lyle does commercial diving, including environmental assessments and fish surveys. He’s also an accomplished wildlife photographer with portfolio that includes underwater videography for National Geographic and the BBC.
If you could be any marine animal, what would you be and why?
A Stellar sea lion because they’re the bears of the ocean. They have a pretty good time.
Describe the whale experience of your dreams.
I’d like to see resident orcas underwater, but only if they were in a good mood.
If whales spoke English for a day, what would be the first question you’d ask?
I’d ask them to teach me something, because from I’ve observed, they know so much. Especially Granny, who is over 100 years old.
If you could be any movie or TV character, who would you be?
Scuba Steve.
Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I can hold my breath for 4 minutes underwater.
John
Owner/Operator
John founded Orca Spirit Adventures in 1996 as a way to share the beauty of the West Coast with other people. He loves the enthusiastic response he gets from passengers onboard the tours! He has over 25 years experience in the marine industry, including previous experience as a commercial fisherman, so it’s no surprise that he loves being out on the water. Even when he’s not working, he’s probably out sport fishing.
If you could be any marine animal, what would you be and why?
A Stellar sea lion because they’re like a big bear. And they eat a lot of salmon.
Describe the whale experience of your dreams.
My favourite thing to see on the water is the interaction between mother and calf, especially when the mothers teach the calves how to fish (tiring the fish, pushing the fish in front of the calf to take, the calf feeding).
If whales spoke English for a day, what would be the first question you'd ask?
What do you think of the Canucks logo?
If you could be any movie or TV character, who would you be?
Captain Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean.
Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I like dark chocolate.
Lauren
Director of Sales & Marketing
Lauren was born and raised in Port Alberni, the Salmon Capital of the World. Her love of orcas began at a young age, when her dad introduced them to her as a child. They went to aquariums and on whale watching trips, and even adopted J22 (Oreo). Now, having worked for Orca Spirit since 2003 and earned a Bachelor of Elementary Education, she has the opportunity to introduce passengers to the orcas and watch them become emotional on the tours. Orcas are so beautiful in their natural habitat and it’s something she wishes everyone could see. Outside of work, Lauren spends her time learning how to do “boy things” with her 19-month-old son, including catching bugs, digging in dirt and watching Bob the Builder. She’s also a HUGE Seattle Seahawks fan.
If you could be any marine animal, what would you be and why?
Dall’s Porpoise, because they have similar markings to Orcas but are little like me.
Describe the whale experience of your dreams.
Best experience whale watching was a special moment with Faith (L57). I was sitting by myself on the bow of the Orca Spirit and Faith was traveling by himself and rolling and playing in some bull kelp. At one point he rolled over on his side and looked straight up at me on the boat. It was like he was just as curious of me as I was of him. AMAZING MOMENT!
If whales spoke English for a day, what would be the first question you'd ask?
Where do you go when we can’t find you?
If you could be any movie or TV character, who would you be?
Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman (Dirty Dancing).
Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I love cats.
Christian
Skipper/Marine Naturalist
Christian has been a skipper/marine naturalist with Orca Spirit for 10 years. He was born and raised on the west coast of Canada and has spent most of his life working on the ocean as a biologist, skipper, environmental consultant and/or adventure guide. These positions have taken him to some of the most beautiful, remote corners of the world including Alaska, Nunavut, the Russian Arctic, the North pole, Svalbard, Iceland, Greenland, Baffin Island, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica. Christian’s passion for nature and its inhabitants is matched only by his passion for painting. In his spare time, he enjoys capturing the moments in nature that inspire him and putting them on canvas. It is his hope that people will find that same inspirations in his paintings and perhaps have it spark a greater respect and appreciation for the natural world.
If you could be any marine animal, what would you be and why?
I would be a humpback whale because they have disproportionately large appendages,
they are easily misunderstood and go that extra mile for the ones they love.
Describe the whale experience of your dreams.
It already happened! Essentially, I played fetch with a transient killer whale.
If whales spoke English for a day, what would be the first question you'd ask?
Are you jealous of the fame that Free Willy received when basically it was all because he was a slow swimmer and was captured, put in a children's pool and forced to eat the whale's equivalent of peasant food?
If you could be any movie or TV character, who would you be?
Not Willy.
Tell us a random fact about yourself.
When I sleep, I snore, and it sounds like a whale exhaling through its blowhole. This is not a joke!
Corey
Marine Naturalist
Corey is a proud Vancouver Islander, born and raised in Victoria. He has a biology degree from Vancouver Island University (formerly Malaspina University-College) and in addition to sharing his knowledge with Orca Spirit passengers, he currently teaches secondary science and math in the Victoria area. Corey spent several years as a fisheries observer, traveling the coast of British Columbia and monitoring commercial fishing catches in a number of different fisheries. He chose to work in the whale watching industry because it combines his fascination with all things marine and his enjoyment in educating people about the marine environment. He loves meeting people from around the world and opening them up to just how truly amazing whales are and what we can do to save them. In his spare time, Corey enjoys scuba diving, whale watching and photography.
If you could be any marine animal, what would you be and why?
It’s kind of obvious, but I would be an orca. After hundreds of trips they continue to amaze me.
Describe the whale experience of your dreams.
Too many to mention! Last year, we had a trip where we saw over 40 resting orcas (an inspiring sight), followed by an incredible humpback experience with a mother and calf breaching over 40 times combined.
If whales spoke English for a day, what would be the first question you'd ask?
What happened to Ruffles and Faith? They're just hanging out somewhere, right?
If you could be any movie or TV character, who would you be?
Matt Hooper, the shark biologist from Jaws—one of my favourite movies. I always wanted to study sharks, and he was luckily enough not to get eaten.
Tell me a random fact about yourself.
I am a proud new father of an 8-month-old future cetologist (whale biologist)!
The Whale Corey Adopted: J-42 Echo
I adopted Echo because I have had some of my best whale watching experiences with the J-16 matriline, that Echo is a part of. I enjoy her acrobatic and playful nature.
Alex
Shuttle Driver
Alex is in his second season with Orca Spirit. After moving to Victoria from Alberta in 1992, Alex was immediately bitten by the "boat bug" when he visited nearby Fisherman's Wharf. He has loved being around boats and the ocean ever since, and he enjoys the opportunity to go out on whale watching tours whenever he's not busy shuttling tourists back and forth from their hotels to the Orca Spirit docks. Alex came to professional driving as a bus driver/tour guide, which combines his interest in both human and natural history with his enjoyment of showing visitors the wonders of Victoria and Vancouver Island.
If you could be any marine animal, what would you be and why?
A dolphin, because they seems so free and joyful, and have a highly evolved and complex social structure. They also don’t have to pay taxes.
Describe the whale experience of your dreams.
My dream would be to be rescued by a pod of dolphins if I accidentally fell off a ship far out to sea. We’d become fast friends along the way, and I’d learn their language.
If whales spoke English for a day, what would be the first question you'd ask?
Doesn't it drive you nuts that you can only turn off one half of your brain while sleeping?
If you could be any movie or TV character, who would you be?
Father Mulcahey the army chaplain from the TV series M*A*S*H.
Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I can wiggle my ears while playing the banjo.
