All our captains are US Coast Guard licensed and are experienced naturalists as well as enthusiasts. They have spent countless hours exploring, guiding and educating families from all over the world.
 Captain Tom Doyle has been an island resident since the mid 80s. He grew up in Oregon and then moved to Hawaii where his love of nature and water sports grew. After moving to Hilton Head, he began by creating a kids' sailing camp and he was the first captain on the island to conduct dolphin tours. On numerous occasions he has been asked to participate with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, including marine wildlife research and protection, and he is an active member of the South Carolina Marine Stranding Network. Tom has worked with film crews from the National Geographic, BBC and the Discovery Channel assisting as a boat guide to film South Carolina's unique dolphin behavior. Tom has spent well over 25 years exploring and sharing his passion of the local waterways. In fact, more times than not, you can spot him with his lovely wife and two crazy kids enjoying time on the water! |
 Captain Scott is a long time resident of Hilton Head and has well over 10 years of experience on the waters in and around the island. He attended Vanderbilt University and has furthered his education by being on the water daily for years guiding and educating families on our unique and amazing eco-system. His experience as well as his knowledge of the dolphins and the low country is a gift he enjoys sharing with others. |
 Captain Andrea has been on the island since 2003 but her education and experience began long before that. She received her degree in Marine Science and Education from Hampshire College and worked in sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation at the New England Aquarium and rehabilitation center. She worked on the Mystic Whaler and has gone on ocean going deliveries and research vessels. She also participated with Tom Doyle on dolphin rescue and research trips and helps with the marine mammal stranding network. She is an amazing guide as well as a dedicated wife and mother of two wonderful little boys. |
 Captain Heath has been enjoying and exploring the waters of Hilton Head for years. His unique and entertaining approach is highly enjoyable. He has a very broad experience from fishing vessels to tour boats. He is also a local entrepreneur and would love to share stories. |
 Captain Abby grew up on Hilton Head Island and has been guiding and educating people all his life. He has traveled the world in pursuit of water sports and adventure. Abby received a degree from University of Tennessee in finance and works at Marriott International. He has continued to educate and entertain people just for the enjoyment of being on the water and around the amazing dolphins. |
 OPERATIONS MANAGER Jana moved to Hilton Head Island right after college where she obtained a bachelors degree in biology. Being from a military family, she grew up all over the world and has continued to travel the globe. Jana, co-founder of Commander Zodiac, has managed the office and helped guests arrange their excursions from the beginning. She is a loving wife and devoted mother of an awesome boy. |
We visited 7/10/2011 and had Captain Abby as our Captain. We couldn't have had a more enjoyable time. Abby was informative, fun, and knew how to cater to the two 4-yr olds on the boat. He made their first time viewing dolphins a spectacular event, which made it even more special for their parents watching their joy. Thanks to all…
Hey, you’re the goto eprext. Thanks for hanging out here.
I wanted to thank Captain Scott for a great dolphin tour back in mid-August. My 3 year old son and 4 year old neice were SO excited to meet a real captain, and get to see so many dolphins (and a shark's shadow). It made our first trip to Hilton Head a huge hit and a great memory we will all have for years to come. Thanks Scott!
Sarah, Cecilia, Celia and Matthew
Bedford, KY