Dolphin swimming & Marlborough Sounds cruises: Dolphin Watch Naturetours

Your Hosts

Captain Paul and Claire Keating (Directors)

Paul's enthusiasm and fun loving exterior belies his 22+ years experience at sea; a global career that spans Master of Super Yachts (www.yachtcaptain.co.nz ), marine engineer, professional diver, and deep sea fisherman. With 3,500+ dive hours spent underwater and decades of sea time on the ocean Paul is happy to tell stories about his adventures .....and yes he knows the billionaires' holiday secrets!

He returns to Marlborough with his wife Claire (a keen diver and previously a successful lawyer) and daughter Sophia; all water babies with an adventurous spirit. With this business they hope to help educate and provide access to the fantastic local ocean environment that the region has to offer.

Working closely with the Department of Conservation to promote the special flora and fauna on the remote Marlborough Sounds islands is one of Paul's pet projects. Its time to give something back; Preservation of the ocean environment and land conservation are paramount in order for future generations to be able to experience what we have today.

Glen & Marion McNeilly (Directors)

Glen and Marion have always held a strong passion for the ocean, and have spent most of both their personal and professional lives working and exploring on and in the sea. We became involved in the business because of its feel go factor, when you see the profound effect nature has on people you know it's an amazing experience.

We hope to educate people about the bird & sea life in the Marlborough sounds and emphasis the importance of rare species such as the Okarito Kiwi, South Island Saddle backs, King shag and Hector dolphins. We are essentially advocates for these endangered species...people talk about the plight of the Panda bear, but the should protect the species on our back door firstly and foremostly.

The rest of the team

Natasha Horne (Guide)

Dolphin Watch Naturetours: Natasha Horne

Natasha began working for Dolphin Watch in 2002 and will be returning for her fifth summer season with the company. A zoologist by training, she has been lucky enough to research, raise, rescue & rehabilitate animal species from all over the globe! With Natasha's enthusiasm and her passion for wildlife and conservation, you'll be sure to go home feeling both educated and inspired!

Amy Brown (Guide)

Amy is passionate about conservation, especially the protection of all our wildlife! She loves to educate people and get them out there to experience it for themselves.

Being a Marlborough resident all her life she passes on her in depth local knowledge, guiding now in her 5^th summer season with Nature Tours.

After completing an Outdoor recreation and Leadership course 8 years ago she started working for the Department of Conservation (DOC). Having worked with DOC for the past 7 years her expertise and enthusiasm will ensure all guests get 1^st class information. Her natural energy extends to her personal life which includes marathon running, kickboxing, netball and now an accomplished Salsa dancer.

General

Our staff members are carefully chosen for their enthusiasm and interest in the wildlife and history of the area. They undergo rigorous training to ensure that their knowledge is detailed, accurate and interesting! Confident in the water, they will put you at ease, help to make your experience rewarding and memorable and, above all, fun!