The guides who know this land and love sharing with visitors
From naturalist guides to captains and crew, our team is trained, prepared, and passionate about sharing Southeast Alaska safely and in small groups.
Safety-first. Small groups. Deep local knowledge.
Three decades of Alaska waters and trails
Wilderness medicine trained and rescue certified
Scientists who document what we discover
Photographers with an eye for wildlife
We have some of the best excursions in Juneau, Alaska
Our Guides Stand Apart
Three core commitments that define every Gastineau Adventures experience
Training
Rigorous safety standards
Every guide completes wilderness first aid and advanced interpretation training
Expertise
Deep local knowledge
Born and raised in Southeast Alaska. They know the land, water, and wildlife intimately
Connection
Small groups mean personal attention
With 12-20 guests maximum, every person gets genuine interaction and care
Meet Our “A” Team
Each guide brings years of experience and genuine passion for Alaska
Adonis Scalia
Naturalist Science Guide
I moved from my home state of Mississippi in 2022 to study at UAS. Now, I’m a recent graduate with a degree in Marine Biology and a minor in creative writing. I’m passionate about unifying science and communication because I believe that science should be accessible to everyone! In my free time, I enjoy lying […]
Gustavo Esteves
Naturalist Photography Guide
Born in Brasil, I moved to the U.S. in 2014 and haven’t stopped moving since. After living in several states and earning a B.S. in Marketing from Colorado State University, I went full-time nomad from van life to exploring the world abroad. Funny enough, it was snowboarding that drew me into the outdoor industry, despite […]
Madison Strohecker
Naturalist Science Guide
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, I studied Environmental Studies at Eckerd College and have been working outdoors ever since. From snowboard instructing to wetland education to event coordination, my work has always been rooted in nature and connecting people to it. The goal is to explore as much as I can! At this time I’ve […]
Ashlynn Antoni
Director of Marketing
At every turn, I find myself captivated by the breath-taking beauty of Alaska, and inspired by the incredibly kind and welcoming people.
Robie Janes
General Manager
I grew up in Juneau and love everything it has to offer. When out of the office during the summer, you can find me out hiking, boating, or camping with friends. During the winter I’ll be up at Eaglecrest, our local ski area. I started working at Gastineau Guiding at 14 and for a couple […]
Richard Stokes
Lead Naturalist Guide
Richard has been a naturalist guide with Gastineau Guiding for 21 seasons.
Scott Ranger
Lead Naturalist Guide
“It rained the whole time and I’ve been in love with the place ever since.”
Solveig Erngren
Naturalist Photography Guide
Hiya! I’m Solveig, pronounced Sol-vay. I grew up along the coast in Southern California, fostering a love for all things nature. I have a degree in biology and a love for animals, plants, insects and trying to make the world a better place for all of life’s creations. I may not be a native to […]
Theresa Miller
Naturalist Guide
I’ve lived in Juneau over 40 years, where I married and raised two sons. I was a stay at home mom and homeschooled my boys from crib to college. In 2020, I retired from teaching and now spend winters traveling in the southwest visiting and hiking national monuments and parks. During the summers I love […]
Emma Good
Naturalist Guide
Marine biologist with 12 years leading whale tours. Loves sharing humpback behavior.
Denny Corson
Naturalist Guide
30-year Alaska native. Knows every channel and current in Southeast Alaska waters.
Kelby Randall
Naturalist Science Guide
Howdy y’all! Coming at you from Juneau, the place I call home. Originally, I’m from Illinois, but I left in search of the mountains, glaciers, & oceans — I haven’t looked back once.
Ava Newell
Dock Representative
Hi! I’ve lived in Juneau for the past 8 years, but have also lived in a handful of other places such as Sitka, Homer, California, Connecticut and North Carolina. From moving around and living in so many cool coastal towns, I have been very interested in nature from a young age. Because of this I […]
Rachel Levy
Naturalist Photography Guide
I moved to Juneau last year from South Florida and I’m a filmmaker and have produced two documentaries in Hawaii and Tanzania focused on environmental justice. Recently I’ve gotten into block-printing and I host “open-carve” nights on Douglas once a month. You might even find some of my prints in shops downtown! My two truths […]
Dana Golebiewski
Naturalist Science Guide
As a volunteer naturalist for Boulder County, I have dedicated myself to studying and preserving the natural world around us. That experience has provided me with in-depth knowledge of local ecosystems, wildlife, and conservation efforts. Guided by a fervent desire to share the wonders of the outdoors with others, I am committed to putting that […]
Julian Caballero
Naturalist Photography Guide
Coming from a Cuban immigrant family in Miami, I always loved the outdoors and when I came of age spent my summers driving across the country and pursuing adventure! Studying film in New Orleans, I spent my time in the city as an educator and environmental documentarian (with a sprinkle of freelance photography). Now my […]
Rylee Gibbs
Naturalist Science Guide
I am Rylee Gibbs (she/her). I come from the panhandle of Florida. While there, I worked at a Wildlife Sanctuary after graduating from the University of West Florida. I have always had a strong passion about the conservation of our natural world, especially our creatures that inhabit it. In coming to Juneau, I wish to […]
Stella Dawson
Naturalist Guide
I began guiding to combine my love of wild nature with my skills as a journalist for communicating great stories. I have led backpacking trips in the White Mountains and Green Mountains of New England and trekked widely in Europe and the Americas. I trained as a naturalist on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, where […]
Larry Talley
Naturalist Guide
I was born in Ketchikan and had my childhood in a floating logging camp in the Ketchikan vicinity. Growing up on the water I didn’t learn to ride a bike or play basketball — and in fact am still somewhat inept in those areas — but I learned to love the water and the outdoors. […]
Bryce Breslin
Captain
Hello! I grew up running around barefoot in the swamps and beaches of South Florida. I’ve been in love with the outdoors my whole life, which led to me working as a whitewater raft guide for over a decade. (Not in Florida.) As well as working on powerboats and sailboats. Traveling as often as I […]
Katherine Nieuwlandt
Naturalist Science Guide
Hi y’all, my name’s Katie. I’m from Longmont, CO, where I grew up alongside my older brothers to love all things outdoors. I recently graduated from Colorado State University, where I grew passionate about conservation; I love learning about the world around us and how we can help protect it. I hope to one day […]
Daniel Bauer
Naturalist Photography Guide
Born in Peru. I’ve been in the US for 24 years. With a media production background, I decided to walk into the unknown in 2022 by thru hiking the Appalachian Trail, GA to ME in 200 days straight. A new me, thirsty of adventure brought me to Alaska to find a new home away from […]
Jessy Goodman
Naturalist Science Guide
In my regular life, I teach and run the Writing Center at UAS Juneau. My favorite classroom, though, is a boat. I don’t have a formal science background, but I love telling stories — and my favorites are about Alaska: the Tongass, the ocean, the wildlife (esp. my whale friends), and the cultural past and […]
Olivia Kraft
Lead Daily Coordinator
Originally from Southwest Virginia, I moved to Juneau in the summer of 2022 to work seasonally here at Gastineau Guiding. Like many others, I immediately fell in love with everything that is Southeast AK and have since decided to call Juneau home. I work behind the scenes at our office — coordinating with our cruise […]
Alyssa Hetherington
Naturalist Science Guide
Hello my name is Alyssa and I am one of the naturalist science guides on the team! I am originally from Marietta, Georgia and graduated from Brevard College with a degree in Biology. If I am not working, I’m most likely hanging with friends, playing soccer, or on an adventure somewhere outdoors. I first came […]
Greg McCormack
Naturalist Science Guide
Greg has worked as a naturalist on small-ship adventure cruises from the Arctic to the Antarctic. He worked as a park ranger in a dozen national parks and California state parks and he did a recent educator stint with NOAA. He has worked as an Alaskan river guide, kayak expedition leader, and as a divemaster […]
Emma Hertel
Naturalist Guide
Originally from Pittsburgh, but I’ve always been drawn to the water. As a diver, former mermaid, and captain, my journey has been shaped by the ocean, and now I’m passionate about sharing the wonders of nature in a more personal way as a naturalist! This is going to be my third season in Juneau and […]
Collin Taylor
Naturalist Photography Guide
Born and raised in Colorado, I grew up in the mountains and learned a great respect for nature. I started documenting my backpacking trips in Colorado with a point and shoot over a decade ago. That passion for photography has evolved into a career. I’ve been living on Maui the last 5 years teaching photography […]
Corban Stearns
Naturalist Science Guide
Hi there! My name is Corban and I am one of the naturalist science guides here! I was born here in Juneau, but I lived in Washington from 11–18. I am a current student here at UAS, and I am studying Biology. Outside of work I love everything outdoors — usually during the summer I […]
Tristan Gibbs
Naturalist Hiking Guide and Dock Representative
Hi! I am Tristan Gibbs, and I have lived my entire life in Kansas. I was raised by an avid outdoorsman and rock climber and spent every summer of my life outside rock climbing and hiking in the mountains. I have spent the last year and a half working at Wichita’s local rock climbing gym […]
Rob Peterson
Naturalist Science Guide
Hello! My name is Rob. I grew up in Utah among the high mountains and spectacular rocky landscapes. I developed a taste for tour guiding in the summer season of 2022 when I first started Deckhanding in Juneau. I lead scuba charters in the Caribbean during the off season but I’m always drawn back to […]
Tana O’Leary
Naturalist Science Guide
I’ve lived in SE Alaska for 15 years, delighting in the region’s beauty and abundance. I’m a mother of three and also work with a local nature education nonprofit for kids. As a Forest Ecologist, my background includes leading hikes with the National Park Service, guiding canoe expeditions, studying endangered birds on the volcanoes of […]
Sam Orseno
Naturalist Photography Guide
Hello, my name is Sam, and I’ll be a naturalist photographer guide this summer. I was born and raised in Pennsylvania and attended school in North Carolina for sports management with a minor in media production. I have been doing seasonal work in the outdoor industry. I have worked as a media specialist for an […]
Haylee Jameson
Naturalist Science Guide
Hi there! My name is Haylee and this will be my first season in SE Alaska. My background is in accounting and corporate consulting, but my passion for marine ecology and adventure won out over office life. I am particularly passionate about our planet’s polar regions, and most recently was working in Antarctica at McMurdo […]
Nyah Martin
Naturalist Science Guide
I’ve been lucky to call Juneau, Alaska, home for nearly my entire life! I recently graduated from Colorado State University, where I studied economics, journalism, and media. As a Native Alaskan — Tlingit Raven of the T’aaḵdeintaan, X’ákw Hít — I hold a deep love and respect for the beauty of Southeast Alaska, and I’m […]
Kristen Cooney
Naturalist Photography Guide
My love for the wild started early — romping around in the creeks and forests of Pennsylvania since I knew how to walk. That childhood obsession evolved into a lifelong pursuit as a wildlife photographer and naturalist. My work has taken me from misty Central American cloud forests to the vast Pacific Ocean. I earned […]
Josh Wallace
Naturalist Photography Guide
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, I moved to Seattle, Washington, at the age of 28, where I lived for eight years. In 2016, I gave away all my possessions except for what could fit into two bags, becoming a vagabond. What was meant to be a one-year sabbatical turned into a 63-month-long journey. As […]
Zoey Eckman
Naturalist Science Guide
Hello! I’m originally from St. George UT but decided to come up to the last frontier and chase some (whale)tail with my partner back in 2022. Although my last two years in Juneau were spent giving only whale watching tours, I know a lot about the local plants, birds and glaciers and I’m SO EXCITED […]
Elisabet Mandl
Naturalist Photography Guide
Originally from Broomfield, Colorado, I grew up spending a lot of time hiking, camping, and enjoying the outdoors! I am a photographer and videographer with a love for telling or hearing a good story. I recently graduated from Colorado Christian University and have been traveling and working remotely since! Ask me about the Pittsburgh Steelers […]
Daniela Shuping
Naturalist Photography Guide
I’m Dani! I grew up in a military family and moved around a handful of times as a kid. Most of my childhood was spent in Germany among forest trails and old castles! I then moved to Maryland where I studied photography in high school, and then animation at the Savannah College of Art and […]
Malia Fletcher
Naturalist Science Guide
I grew up in Seattle where I fell in love with the ocean and all the life it holds. That passion led me to UC Santa Cruz, where I earned a degree in Marine Biology. Now, I get to share that love not just for the marine world but all that Juneau has to offer! […]
Randy Brannan
Dock Representative and Hiking Guide
Having grown up in Phoenix, AZ and serving in the Army in Georgia and Texas, I had my fill of the heat and sought a change — leading me to Juneau in 2017. Captivated by its beauty, I developed a deep passion for the outdoors. I enrolled at the University of Alaska Southeast, earning my […]
Natalie Book
Naturalist Photography Guide
Hi y’all! I was born and raised on the wooded hills and wide valleys of central Pennsylvania and studied biology-vertebrate physiology at Penn State University. I stumbled upon photography while conducting field research in the Masai Mara and have been honing the art since. This is my first summer in Juneau and I am thrilled […]
Sara Garrido
Naturalist Science Guide
Hi Everyone! My name is Sara Garrido and I am originally from Southern California, and am currently enrolled in Oregon State’s Ecampus. I am studying Fish and Wildlife Conservation, and have a special interest in Transient Orcas. I also love to go out on trail runs, hikes, and I love to read. I hope to […]
Tatum Hartlieb
Dock Representative and Hike Guide
I’m a full-time Marine Biology student at UAS and have loved exploring Southeast Alaska since moving from Anchorage. Growing up surrounded by both mountains and ocean, I love spending my time exploring and learning about the wonderful creatures around us. In my free time, you can find me wherever the water is — tide pooling, […]
Lucas Young
Naturalist Photography Guide
With a B.S. in fishery biology, I worked seasonally around the west for many years. In 2012 I bought my first DSLR, and in 2017 I started guiding in Alaska. This path has taken me almost from pole-to-pole since, always with my camera in tow. My photography is driven by my mantra that perspective shapes […]
Paige Broyles
Naturalist Photography Guide
Hello All! My name is Paige and this is my third summer in Alaska but my first summer in Juneau! While I may have a degree in TV and Film my expertise ranges from videography, graphic design, and of course photography. I was born and raised in Saint Louis Missouri where my love for all […]
Gabbi Hammerbach
Naturalist Science Guide
My name is Gabbi! I grew up in Austin, Texas. I received my BS in Biology from East Texas Baptist University where I played tennis, and my MS in Biology from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. My research experience is focused around Texas Diamondback Terrapin, microplastics, water quality, and conservation in the Houston-Galveston area! I […]
Rebecca Aslanis
Naturalist Photography Guide
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. I graduated from Cleveland State University with a degree in Communication Studies. I got my first camera when I was about 14 and have been in love with the art of photography ever since. My favorite thing to shoot is concerts. I love to talk/share all things music, movies, […]
Carson Crossley
Naturalist Science Guide
I was born and raised in a small town in eastern Pennsylvania. Growing up in PA instilled a passion for conservation and the outdoors. For my education, I graduated with a B.S. in biology at Hofstra University. After graduation I interned for the US FWS, where I first heard about Gastineau Guiding and the beauty […]
Join Our Team
We’re always looking for passionate guides and crew members.
Team Stories
What our people think about working here.
“You’re not just giving tours—you’re part of someone’s once-in-a-lifetime Alaska experience. The team here actually cares about doing it right, and that makes all the difference.”
— Ben H.
Marine Naturalist
“Gastineau gives you the freedom to run your trip while still having a solid crew behind you. It’s professional, dialed, and still a ton of fun every day on the water.”
— April D.
Boat Captain
“Every day is different—new light, new wildlife, new people. If you love photography and the outdoors, it’s hard to beat guiding here.”
— Bill F.
Photography Guide
Ready to Explore Alaska’s Wild Side?
Regardless of how you arrive, you’ll have the trip of a lifetime.