Captain Dan Szymczak has been enamored of the sea since his grandfather, a fisherman and clammer, first showed him a chart of Long Island Sound. Dan spent his youth in southern Connecticut on both fresh and saltwater kayaking, sailing, and fishing. His love of water sports, craft cocktails, and trivia will help make your vacation unparalleled.

While teaching English literature and public speaking at several colleges in New York City, Dan couldn’t help but feel the desire to be on the water, and this led to his career in yachting, working on a schooner in Manhattan. He then transitioned into eco-tourism, where he wowed guests by driving them to see cracking glaciers and breeching whales in Southeast Alaska and mega pods with thousands of dolphins in the Baja peninsula. He’s also an accomplished expedition leader, leading hikes to spot local wildlife, and he has extensive knowledge of both birds and sea life alike.


Chef Vanessa Aders
Chef Vanessa was raised in rural Indiana waterskiing, wakeboarding, and tubing with family dreaming of being a mermaid when she grows up. She enjoys activities and adventures that allow her to connect with nature, wildlife, and each other: scuba, snorkel, free diving, SUP, kayaking, and yoga, even hiking, biking, and jogging while ashore.

Having lived and traveled all over the world, Vanessa is inspired by Earth’s abundant flavor pallet that she experiences through many cuisines and cultures. She is passionate about supporting local farmers and finding the freshest, most nutritious ingredients for flavorful meal combinations that keep guests nourished and energized. She welcomes the challenge of creating something new and is open to your creative ideas and dietary preferences.

She spent her corporate career improving operational and relational processes to create a more sustainable, compassionate future. Vanessa lives intentionally to minimize waste and maximize local economies. In her free time aboard, you can find her dancing, writing, or doing yoga, and she welcomes all to join in on the fun! Vanessa is enthusiastic about life and enjoys connecting through special meals, adventures, and relaxation!