OUR CREW

Meet the team behind Ocean Eco Tours

Aloha! We’re Monet and Brenden, two people who moved to Hawaii from opposite coasts and somehow ended up finding each other — and a life centered around the ocean.

Originally from opposite sides of the country, we met in Maui and instantly connected over our shared love for the ocean. Whether it’s free-diving, fishing, or surfing the legendary Hawaiian waves, we are always happiest when we’re in the water. These days, we’re lucky enough to work together and share the Kona Coast with people from all over the world. We love getting out on the ocean, meeting new people, and showing guests the wildlife and scenery that make this place so special.

As a couple-owned and operated small business, we pour our hearts into every Kona boat tour we host. Our mission is to provide unforgettable, eco-friendly snorkeling and wildlife tours that connect you to the natural beauty and vibrant marine life of Hawaii. From swimming alongside graceful manta rays to spotting wild dolphins and humpback whales, we aim to inspire a deeper appreciation for the island’s fragile ecosystems while actively promoting marine conservation in Hawaii. Through small-group, personalized charters, we share our profound respect for the sea and help you create lifelong vacation memories.

Now we get to do what we love for a living: spend our days on the ocean, look for wildlife, explore the Kona Coast, and introduce people from around the world to the place we’re lucky enough to call home.

Captrain Brenden of ocean eco tours in Big Island Hawaii

Captain Brenden

Meet Captain Brenden, a spirited adventurer from New Jersey. Growing up near the shore, Brenden spent his childhood fishing, diving, and surfing, developing a deep passion for marine life and coastal ecosystems.

His love for the sea led him to dream beyond the East Coast. Here in Hawaii he chased his dreams of becoming a pilot and captain. His connection to the sea and sky fuels his adventurous spirit, driving him to constantly explore new horizons both in the skies and on the seas.

Brenden is an avid hunter and fisherman and has a knack for finding wildlife. He’s the kind of person you could probably drop on an island with nothing but a fishing pole and he’d somehow figure it out. That instinct for reading the environment, spotting movement, and knowing where to look has become a huge asset on our wildlife safaris.

BRENDEN'S CERTIFICATIONS

USCG Master Captain - 50-Ton License
Private Pilot Licensed
CPR & First Aid Certified
Scuba Certified
Marine Wildlife & Ocean Safety Experience
Extensive Experience in Fishing, Spearfishing, Freediving & Offshore Boating

First Mate Monet

Originally from Oregon, Monet moved to Hawaii drawn by her love for warm waters, and tropical marine life. She worked as an underwater photographer on Oahu for a shark diving company, where her admiration for the ocean and its fascinating creatures, especially sharks, grew even stronger.

When we met, Monet was a vegetarian. That didn't last. Living with an avid hunter and fisherman will apparently do that to you. Outside of work, she loves to travel. Two of her favorite places to visit are Alaska and Japan — Alaska for the fishing, and Japan for the sushi.

Through Ocean Eco Tours, she is grateful to share the stunning marine life and ecosystems of Hawaii with visitors from around the world.

MONET'S CERTIFICATIONS

CPR & First Aid Certified
Scuba Certified
Shark Safety & Awareness Training
Marine Wildlife & Ocean Safety Experience
Extensive Experience in Snorkeling, Freediving & Open-Ocean Environments
Experienced in Marine Wildlife Identification & Responsible Wildlife Observation

Monet from ocean eco tours in snorkeling gear sitting on boat

OUR CAT, SMOOSH

We recently added a very opinionated Persian cat to the crew. We rescued her last year, and her permanently grumpy face makes us laugh every day.

While our human crew spots majestic humpback whales and guides you through breathtaking night manta ray snorkel adventures, our feline expert ensures emotional support to those humans at home.

Looking for an unforgettable marine wildlife experience? Join our friendly team—and our favorite sea cat—for the ultimate Hawaiian boat charter. Book your night manta ray snorkel or whale watching tour today and meet the hardest-working cat on the water!

BOOK MEOW

Captain brenden showing fish catch on dock in Anchorage Alaska

Monet and Brenden on tandem bicycle in parking lot

Monet and brenden holding large salmon on boat in alaska

Monet holding eggs in shirt outdoor sunset in big island