About

Mission

Explore the hidden charms of Cheboygan, Michigan

At Nautical North Family Adventures, our mission is to create unforgettable experiences on the waters of Northern Michigan. We aim to connect families and individuals with the rich history and breathtaking beauty of the Great Lakes. Our tours are designed to educate, entertain, and inspire a love for the natural world. We believe in fostering a sense of adventure and curiosity, encouraging our guests to explore the hidden gems beneath the waves and the stories that have shaped our region. Join us as we navigate the waters, uncovering the mysteries of shipwrecks and the allure of Michigan's maritime heritage.

Meet Our Crew and Fleet

Our Dedicated Team

CAPTAIN JENNIFER

Jennifer is a former public school teacher, current homeschooling mom and licensed ship Captain who is now “living the dream” of sharing the beauty of our area waters with others. She began Nautical North Family Adventures in 2018 with the intent of sharing her passion for our area with others and providing an exciting way for all to explore the Great Lakes and the exciting history that lies beneath the surface.

Maria

Maria has graduated from Northern Michigan University and has taken a position with a local accounting firm. She is still an integral part of the company, as team manager!

Roger Holowach

Roger here, I am excited to be joining the team as your driver to the best dive spots on Lake Huron, aka Captain Rog. I have spent the last 15 years teaching scuba diving in some of the top spots in the Caribbean. Recently, my girlfriend and I moved to Petoskey Michigan so she could pursue her dream of opening a retail boutique store. Now that Flora Bae Home (Petoskey, MI) is up and running, I am excited to be getting back into the dive industry. When I read the job ad: Looking for a complete smart ass that’s super fun to be around, I knew this was the right position for me. Let’s have a blast this summer!

Zoë

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!

Captain Lisa

Lisa grew up boating on the Great Lakes spending every summer looking for new adventures. With years of experience, and a USCG captain’s license, being on the water has always been a passion. You will find Lisa sharing that passion with others on her own boat and with all of you aboard Nautical North Family Adventures. Her love of the water also translates into a mission that includes providing online and in-person instruction for all boaters, specifically women.

Walter

I am originally from New Orleans and have lived in Michigan since 2005. I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors, kayaking, and snorkeling every chance I get. I was with Captain Jenn when she found the message in a bottle and since that day my new passion is scuba diving and being on the water as much as possible.

MATE CALEB

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!

MATE GAGE

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.

MATE XAVIER

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!

Mark Hartmann

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.

Tara Vancil

Tara Vancil is a Cheboygan local, who grew up swimming, boating, and fishing Northern Michigan's inland lakes and rivers. By day, she runs Northwoods Digital, a digital agency that helps local businesses with websites, software, and all things technology. When she's not at her computer, you'll find her spending time with her 1.5 year old daughter, golfing, or hunting.

Captain Geoff

I have lived here in Cheboygan since 2013, and am originally from Alpena. I have an amazing wife, Chevie, and two wonderful sons, John and Lucas. I have always been drawn to boats as early as I can remember, and I bring 18 years and counting of maritime experience of which the last 13 were spent as Captain. In my free time from Nautical North, I work for Vanenkevort Tug & Barge, specifically on the Clyde S. Vanenkevort/ Erie Trader which is an Articulated Tug & Barge Freighter capable of hauling 40,000 tons of cargo to various ports on the Great Lakes. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone this summer onboard! Bonus points: my favorite candy bar is Twix.

Chris Hollis

Chris Hollis. Just "Some Scuba Guy". Veteran and avid dive instructor, Chris loves being on the water in all weather, temperatures and loves to share diving with all ages. www.DoThisSomeTime.com

Johanna P

I enjoy helping visitors discover the many wonderful places that make this region special. From waterfront views and historic sites to local shops and hidden gems,

I am always happy to offer recommendations to help make your visit memorable.

I look forward to welcoming you aboard The Yankee Sunshine and sharing the beauty of Northern Michigan with you.

Danyle

Hi! I was born and raised in Cheboygan and enjoy all things on the water! Post high school I attended CMU, traveled, then attended GVSU for my masters program and found my way back to Northern Michigan. Outside of boating, I love to run, play hockey, garden, and spend time with my two golden retrievers. Excited to share our beautiful Inland Waterway and Great Lakes with you!

FLEET

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”

Story

A Dream Set Sail

Captain Jenn, owner and captain at Nautical North Family Adventures, taught school in Cheboygan before ending that career to become a homeschooling mom to her three boys. During the course of homeschooling, she developed a business class for her boys (and herself!) when an idea was sparked in her heart to lead her boys and her to a much better life.

Together, Captain Jenn and her three boys wrote a 38-page business plan to begin Nautical North Family Adventures. They pitched it to “Invest Cheboygan” (a shark-tank like local program), in an effort to procure funds to get the business loan. They lost the contest. Two days later, Captain Jenn received a phone call from a private investor that was watching from the audience – his words a welcome relief – “Hey kid, I think you’ve got what it takes, how much do you need for the loan?” The rest is history. He has been paid back, the company is in year 7, and Captain Jenn has written a book about all the miracles along the way. It’s title is ‘Captain of My Own Ship; Sunshine’s Story”.

Proceeds from the book sales are deposited into a non-profit set up in conjunction with the Cheboygan Community Foundation and a local bank to benefit any domestic violence survivors in similar situations-stuck in the situation due to financial abuse or financial insecurity, offering hope to others every day!

WANT TO HELP?
scan the QR code below to donate directly!

Purchase a Book!
You can also purchase one of the books right at Nautical North Family Adventures in Cheboygan or Purchase a book on Amazon!

Why choose us?

Our tours in Cheboygan, Michigan, provide a unique and enriching experience, guided by locals who are deeply connected to the area and share hidden gems beyond the usual sights. Each tour is designed to cater to a variety of interests—whether you're into history, adventure, or nature—and meticulously planned to ensure your safety, comfort, and convenience. With small-group settings that foster intimate connections, our knowledgeable and friendly guides make every tour feel like exploring with friends. We also prioritize responsible tourism, respecting Cheboygan's culture and environment by implementing sustainable practices. Join us to discover, learn, and truly experience the heart of Cheboygan.

Unique Adventure Tours

Whether you're looking for a thrilling adventure or a laid-back sightseeing tour, you can customize your experience to suit your preferences and skill level.

Eco-Friendly Travel

We value our planet and are committed to providing sustainable travel options. Our eco-friendly tours are designed not only to minimize environmental impact but also to educate our clients about local ecosystems, the importance of conservation, and sustainable travel practices, all while experiencing the stunning beauty of our destinations.

Stunning Locations and Expert Guides

Visit breathtaking destinations, from scenic landscapes to vibrant local attractions, and enjoy the beauty of each unique setting. All tours are led by experienced, knowledgeable guides who are passio...

Location

Explore More in Cheboygan, Michigan - Your Gateway to Adventure!

Our company operates premium boat and rentals tour out of the stunning Cheboygan, Michigan. This location is an ideal spot for our operations due to its rich cultural heritage, breath-taking landscapes, and countless intriguing attractions. Cheboygan is easily accessible and offers a diverse range of activities, attracting tourists from all over the world. Our tour services in Cheboygan allow visitors to explore this unique destination in all its glory and create unforgettable memories.

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Most frequent questions and answers

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