The best Kaua’i boat tour experiences all start with an exceptional crew.

When guests board any Blue Dolphin Charter vessel, they experience more than just a catamaran or raft ride and a stunning coastline—they are welcomed by a tight-knit team of ocean lovers, storytellers, captains, and caretakers who bring the tours to life every day.

Whether it’s your first dolphin sighting or your hundredth snorkel, the crew is what makes every experience personal, memorable, and deeply rooted in Hawaiian hospitality.

Without further ado, it’s time to meet some of the Blue Dolphin Charters Crew!

Joe – Captain + Crew Manager

Years with BDC: 22

Joe joined as a summer deckhand at 18 and now serves as both Captain and Crew Manager. He’s the architect behind many of the training protocols still in use today. “By 22, I was asked to manage a million-dollar company with few resources… Terry and Dave’s mentorship helped us build something amazing.” A committed advocate for local youth, he shows them that a dream—even from small beginnings-can grow into a career on the sea.

Cole – Captain

Years with BDC: 12

Starting on deck and rising to catamaran captain, Cole credits the team’s support for his growth. “The company offers incentives and bonding experiences that keep us motivated,” he says. What brings him the most joy? “Seeing the smiles of passengers after a great day at sea.”

 

Kealoha – Captain

Years with BDC: 5

After 13 years elsewhere, Kealoha has thrived at BDC. “In five years, I’ve grown more here than ever,” he says, thanks to a team that cares about your family and purpose. One unforgettable day: “Found a Yeti bag, the boat caught fire, and a bird pooped on my head… classic BDC story.”

Jsea – Captain

Years with BDC: 4

Driven to be the first woman in the company to helm a catamaran, Jsea achieved that milestone with the help of mentors. Beyond that achievement, she notes two additional highlights of her time with BDC were swimming with a shark during a Niʻihau trip and crewing alongside founder Terry Donnelly—moments that defined her career.

Dave – Operations Manager

Years with BDC: 29 (since 1996)

A fixture at Blue Dolphin Charters for nearly its entire existence, Dave’s decades of expertise ensure the fleet remains safe, reliable, and seaworthy. He recalls building the Blue Dolphin II as a career-defining project. “That was huge—for me and the company.”

Chip – Maintenance Manager

Years with BDC: 13

From boat mechanics to mentoring the crew during dry dock, Chip’s pride and joy lie in knowledge sharing and team growth. “Seeing employees take ownership during dry dock… that’s what makes it special.”

Heather, Jade & Bri – Reservationists

These smiling voices are your first contact and set the tone for your entire trip.

• Heather enjoys meeting guests from around the world.
• Jade modeled patience and confidence after snorkeling with manta rays at Niʻihau.
• Bri thrives off the team’s energy—”they make work fun.”

 What Makes BDC’s Crew Stand Out

• Certified & Trained: Every staff member is CPR, first-response, and scuba-certified, with ongoing education.
• Storytellers & Educators: Expect engaging local legends, geological insights, and friendly jokes along the Nāpali Coast
• Family Culture: The crew bonds through events like mountain tubing, BBQs, and dry-dock days, as much about connection as teamwork.
• Deep Local Roots: Many crew members are Kaua’i born and raised, who’ve grown and built careers at BDC.

Join the ‘Ohana

From daily adventures on the water and technical troubleshooting to laughter-filled crew outings, the team’s passion for the ocean and their care for one another are the secret ingredients to every Blue Dolphin experience.

So next time you step aboard, know that the people guiding your day are not just experts doing their jobs well—they’re ‘ohana.