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Captain & Crew
OUR CAPTAINS
Our Captains ensure that our high standards for safety and ethical bear and wildlife viewing, are always met. Their strong leadership, vast knowledge of the natural and cultural histories of our coast, their passion for the coast and its wildlife, and their great sense of humour, keep our guests coming back. On board the ship or on shore in B.C.'s most remote and spectacular locations, our Captains bring out the best and inspire all of us as they lead by example.
As fully certified bear guides, our Captains have high standards for bear and wildlife viewing. All of our bear viewing departures or trips where we could encounter bears, are led by our Captains/bear guides and sometimes other certified bear guides. Before guests go ashore for the first time where there may be bears, guests are briefed on our best practices for bear viewing. To further ensure the safety of our guests, our group sizes are limited to 2 - 5 guests. This allows our guide(s) to provide the highest level of safety to our guests, while having the least impact on the lands we visit and the animals we view - something that is extremely important to us. Our small groups also ensure a more intimate experience for our guests and unparalleled opportunities for our photographers.
Owner and Captain, Eric Boyum 
When asked for the most memorable memory from her recent trip with us, a guest said:
"What stands out most, is Eric, himself: his caring, respect and love of people, animals, the flora and fauna, and the Great Bear Rainforest. His love shows through in everything he does."
All of us that work with Eric at Ocean Adventures also know this to be true. No matter how tired or how busy our Captain Eric is, he always has time to listen or to help.
We could easily extol his decades of experience and his numerous qualifications, because there are many, but it is Eric's leadership, passion, dedication, and hard work that makes working and traveling with him, a very real and meaningful experience.
In the Office & On-board,
Trish Boyum
Helping Eric with the running of the company, marketing and trip reservations, is Eric's long time partner and wife, Trish Boyum.
After having grown up on cattle ranches in B.C.'s interior, Trish now calls the coast her home, and is passionate about the preservation of its wildlife and intact rainforests.
Brought up in the interior of the province means that supporting projects there too is important to Trish — projects that Wayne McCrory of Valhalla Wilderness Society, leads. Wayne, passionate about the preservation of B.C.'s wilderness and wildlife, has been instrumental in gaining protection for many areas of our province. Trish and Eric feel honoured to call Wayne a friend and mentor.
Trish has retired from the galley on board the Great Bear II but will still be working on board the Great Bear II as a crew person, naturalist and photographer.
For those that might like some photographic instruction in the field, Trish would be happy to assist when she is working on board.
See Trish Boyum's Facebook Page for updates on timely environmental issues.
"Every time I look into the eyes of Grizzly Bears, like this young female, through the lens of my camera, I'm filled with joy, wonder and a soul-filling gratitude.
After spending time with these bears, I hope our guests will understand what I have come to understand about Grizzly Bears... that they are intelligent, good-natured, perceptive, gentle, sometimes funny, and among the most endearing beings I've come to know."
...from Trish
When you have any questions about our trips, the food our chefs create for you, or any logistical questions, Trish is happy to answer them.
If you have traveled with us in the past, and would like one of Trish's recipes, please feel free to contact her for that as well.
If you are planning a Custom (Private) Charter with us,
Trish would be happy to discuss your food and beverage preferences.
Chef Marianne Abraham
Marianne has been cooking in beautiful locations for 25 years, with a particular love for the Central Coast of BC.
She got her start cooking in the film industry, moved on to having her own catering company, is now in her 20th year of backcountry work, and has been involved in the production of the hugely popular Whitewater Cooks cookbook series.
Marianne is a true Kootenay girl, relishing all the recreational opportunities that abound there year round. She lives with her dog, Moose and 2 cats, and enjoys much loved visits with her extended family, who live nearby.
Chef Simon Lasenby
Simon has 10 years of experience in the culinary industry and received his Red Seal chef training from the Canadian Culinary Institute, demonstrating his mastery of kitchen management, food safety, and culinary techniques.
Simon loves seeking adventure and discovering hidden treasures throughout BC, all the while following his passion for cooking and intriguing people's tastes buds.
Always learning and never stop exploring!
Chef Jennifer Perpick
Jennifer has been feeding hungry skiers, hikers and nature lovers in the mountains of BC and Alberta for over 25 years.
Professionally trained in both culinary and pastry, cooking in wild and wonderful places feeds her soul.
Jennifer lives in the Kootenays with her husband and 2 daughters, where they ski powder all winter , and spend summers hiking and boating.
She is passionate about the wilderness of BC and loves exploring. Jennifer is very excited to join the crew at Ocean Adventures.
Chef Darren Stevely
Darren has been a long time friend of Trish and Eric's so they knew that the combination of his cooking skills, his personality, and his great sense of humour, would make him a great Chef on board Great Bear II. Darren loves to look after our guests and keep us all laughing!
Cindy Lewis, Crew Member
Cindy joined Ocean Adventures in 2016 as a very accomplished Chef, providing guests with tasty, beautifully prepared food. (For example, if you've ever had even a bite of her Roasted Vegetable and Goat Cheese Frittata, you will never forget it!)
In 2022, Cindy decided to switch it up and began crewing and assisting the Captain with guiding, giving her more time out in the field for photography and inspiration for her painting. Learn more about Cindy's painting and photography here:
https://www.instagram.com/cranberry.coho/
Cindy's love of and respect for nature, her infectious laugh, her generosity and creativity, continue to contribute to our guests' experiences.
Marjan Watt, Crew Member
Marjan's passion for exploring our coast was found some years ago when she joined Eric and Trish for a journey in the Great Bear Rainforest.
She has travelled the world extensively from the sub Arctic to Antarctica to Africa, but finds B.C.'s coast the most alluring and returns year after year.
She loves to help people discover our coast and all its magic while ensuring the guest experience on each trip is second to none.
We are very excited to welcome Marjan back for her fifth season with us a crew member!
"Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts."
~ Rachel Carson
Photo Credit: S.Adams & T.Valentine
Experience the Wild ...in Wilderness !
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