About

Captain Scott brings a safety-first mindset and infectious enthusiasm to every charter aboard the Huron Explorer. Whether navigating the Straits or prepping divers on deck, Scot’s calm expertise, upbeat attitude, and passion for the Great Lakes ensure every trip is safe, smooth, and ready to splash.

Captain Bosco brings decades of blue-water experience and an easygoing warmth to every voyage. Having sailed everywhere from the waters of California to the Great Lakes, Bosco helms our morning tours aboard the Yankee Sunshine and steps in at the wheel of our dive charters. A true people-person who loves sharing the water with others, his steady hand and sea stories make every trip feel like cruising with an old friend.

Rob is a natural people-person who brings genuine warmth and easy camaraderie to our evening cruises. Spending his evenings on the water, Rob steps into both the captain's chair and crew deck aboard the Yankee Sunshine with equal skill and enthusiasm. Whether he’s navigating a peaceful golden-hour river cruise or chatting with families as the sun dips below Lake Huron, Rob’s welcoming energy makes every passenger feel right at home.

Mark, often likened to a fish due to his love for water activities, grew up on Detroit’s east side and spent countless summers on the Great Lakes and many of our state’s inland waters. For over 30 years, he’s lived on a lake in Oakland County, MI, engaging in various watersports like competitive slalom skiing, barefoot waterskiing, and scuba diving. He also enjoys teaching these sports to all ages— in fact, his kids started waterskiing at just 2! After a career in IT, Mark earned a 50-Ton Master Captain's license and started work as a Captain at another local dive Charter operation. He also holds PADI Advance Open Water (AOW) and Self-Reliant diving certifications with plans to continue growing his skills. Mark is thrilled to join the Nautical North Family and eager to share his passion for the water and what lies beneath, while ensuring everyone on board has a safe and exciting experience. When aboard, don’t forget to ask him about his favorite dive spots across the world.

Maria has been a cornerstone of the Nautical North family for five seasons, starting with us through her college years and growing into one of the sharpest, most natural mariners at our helm. After logging hundreds of hours navigating the Cheboygan River and the waters of Lake Huron, she earned her official USCG Captain’s License. While her post-grad career keeps her busy, Maria stays aboard part-time simply for the love of the boats, the waterways, and our guests. Whether she's deftly docking Yankee Sunshine in tricky Great Lakes currents or pointing out historic shipwrecks below the glass, you’re in the best possible hands when Captain Maria is at the wheel.

Originally from New Orleans and calling Michigan home since 2005, Walter has always been drawn to the outdoors, spending every spare moment kayaking, snorkeling, and exploring local waterways. His passion reached a whole new depth after being alongside Captain Jenn on the unforgettable day she discovered the historic message in a bottle—sparking a deep love for scuba diving and uncovering Great Lakes history.

Now a proud five-year veteran of the Nautical North crew, Walter holds his official USCG Captain’s License, operating both Yankee Sunshine and Huron Explorer. When he isn't at the helm, he’s expanding his underwater expertise as he works toward his SSI Scuba Instructor certification. Whether steering you smoothly across Lake Huron or sharing stories of sunken history beneath the surface, Walter’s warmth, knowledge, and adventurous spirit make every voyage memorable.

Hi! My name is Zoë! I was born and raised in Northern Michigan, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love traveling and being out in nature! I am very excited to be a part of this team and to be out doing what I love most!

One of the founders of this company, Caleb, has since graduated from Nascar Tech and is now "flown from the nest", living in Minnesota and doing what he loves for a living!

Gage is a cofounder of Nautical North Family Adventures and is working hard in university to become a lawyer! You will see him crewing the dive boat throughout the summer.

The youngest mate, and co-founder of Nautical North Family Adventures is graduating from high school and is off to university in the fall to study computer science! You will see him helping at the shop over the summer!

Ellen is the organizational powerhouse behind Nautical North’s dive operations. A passionate diver herself, she manages our scheduling, reservations, and billing with sharp attention to detail and a welcoming smile. From coordinating charter dates to making sure every booking is seamless, Ellen is the friendly, behind-the-scenes force that keeps our dive division running like clockwork.

Annette is the smiling face and upbeat energy greeting you at the Nautical North shop! With her infectious, bubbly personality and genuine love for meeting new people, she turns every visit into a friendly conversation. Whether you’re shopping for nautical gear, checking in for your tour, or just dropping by to chat about the river, Annette makes everyone feel right at home.

Jane bridges the shore and the water with equal heart, serving as both a welcoming face in our shop and a dedicated crew member aboard the Yankee Sunshine. With an encyclopedic knowledge of the Great Lakes and a naturally warm, caring personality, Jane loves answering guests' questions, sharing local lore, and making sure everyone—from first-time cruisers to seasoned travelers—feels completely looked after from the moment they arrive.

Noelle just wrapped up her very first season—and her first job ever—right here at Nautical North! Greeting every guest with a serene, welcoming demeanor, Noelle brings a calm confidence and an artistic, creative eye to our shop. From curating displays to making visitors feel instantly at ease, her natural talents make everything she touches shine. We could not be more proud to have been her launching pad, and our crew is better for having her.

THE YANKEE SUNSHINE After extensive searching for a suitable vessel to begin a new business with, it was finally decided to order brand new. The Yankee Sunshine was manufactured in Slidell, Louisiana by Newton boats over the summer of 2018. Captain Jennifer was able to take a tour of the manufacturing facilities during production in the spring of 2018! Ask about the Yankee Sunshine’s “baby pictures”

Our dedicated 28' Baha Cruiser, purpose-built for Great Lakes diving adventures. Designed with diver comfort in mind, she features an easy-climb Christmas tree dive ladder for effortless exits with gear, dedicated dry storage inside the cabin, and a clean, clutter-free deck. While an onboard marine head (restroom) is available for emergencies underway, we recommend taking advantage of our full shoreside facilities before departure.