Meet our "Wild at Heart" Crew

“I really don’t know why it is that all of us are so committed to the sea, think it’s because we all came from the sea… it is an interesting biological fact that all of us have in our veins the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean. And therefore we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are tied to the ocean, and when we go back to the sea – whether it is to sail or to watch it – we are going back from whence we came.”
John F. Kennedy, 1962 “The Sea”

“I took to the water to satisfy the nature disconnect I was feeling. Reefs are more diverse than rainforests, and what land animal can compete with the beauty, intelligence and evolutionary success of dolphins and whales?” Tori Cullins, quoted in Forbes

Wild Side Specialty Tours is a small "Mom and Pop" owner-operated company. Armin and Tori Cullins collectively sailed the Hawaiian Islands, the South Pacific and the West Coast of North America. Seeking a way to share their passion for sailing, ocean wildlife, and the natural beauty and culture of the islands to Oahu visitors, their business venture began back in 1996 (original boat to left).

Directly involved with the studies of behavior, ecology, and natural history of the whales, dolphins, turtles, coral reefs and other marine life in Hawai'i, they continue to actively participate in conservation and resource management of marine habitats.

Our crew is trained in marine wildlife survey work, have very high social skills, years of outdoor experience with marine wildlife, and are also actively involved in environmental regulation and education campaigns to help ensure the long-term protection of Hawaii's marine environment and wildlife populations. A group of highly skilled professionals, capable of delivering safe, responsible and memorable tourism experiences.

Armin Cullins-The man behind the scenes. Boats, fishing, and the ocean occupy most of his time. He spent two years on an incredible journey sailing the South Pacific, and recently crossed the North Pacific bringing our new boat over. Armin enjoys sharing experiences with people from around the world when piloting the boat, and makes sure the vessels are kept in tip top shape, while providing logistics and guidance to crewmembers and captains.

Tori Cullins -A USCG captain (who trained as crew for Polynesian Voyaging vessel E'ala), local marine biologist and Environmental Sciences grad. She has a prior background in veterinary medicine; has worked with marine mammal stranding teams; as Education and Outreach Specialist for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and has studied behaviors and documented abundance and distribution of whales and dolphins on the Wai'anae coastline since the early 90's in conjunction with the Wild Dolphin Foundation and Cascadia Research.

She is currently an advisor for the Hawaii Ecotourism Association, is working with Oahu, Maui and Big Island Marine Voluntary Standards working groups, and is a steering committee member of the State Recreational Impact to Reefs Local Action Strategy.

Barb Whitman - Brings her awarded "Under the Sea" program all the way from the Caribbean Island of Nevis - to Hawaii, and we couldn't be prouder to bring her onboard. Former Marine Educator of the Year, she is a successful Marine Biologist and founder of the Terramar Foundation. Culture, ecology, inverts and turtles are her kuleana. She has facilitated and founded many amazing marine educational programs, including the re-creation of the Voyage of the Mimi for students and teachers, to week long SeaCamps (featured on Fox TV's "Awesome Adventures"), and even women's eco-adventures filmed shown by Barbara Walters on "The View"

 

Captain Gary Quam - Captaining boats in Hawaii for over 25 years, fishing charters, snorkeling charters, wildlife charters, his own charters, you name it,Gary's done it.

 

Chip Sandt - "The Shark Guy", if you're worried about sharks, they're Chip's specialty. With an era of personal experience shared with sharks in the wild, along with surfing, swimming, diving, and snorkeling regularly. Chip has outstanding upbeat energy, and his competence, style, and worldly savvy keep our passengers feeling safe and having the best experience possible. Chip is also a master chef, who has owned his own successful organic restaurants, and has passed his USCG captains exam. Chip promotes sustainability and educates the public through events, free cooking classes, and eco-tours centering on the plight of marine wildlife worldwide, and the oceans in general.

 

 

Alexa Olsen - Speaking of fish... A true “fish out of water”, Alexa has spent her whole life in connection with the water in some fashion or another. A California native gone islander, she has been an ocean lifeguard for 10 years, possesses a BS in Marine Biology and Zoology with a Scientific SCUBA Diving minor from Humboldt State University. "Lex", a world-traveling surfer, is enthusiastic about all of nature's wonders both in and out of the water and sharing that love with others through education, awareness, and experience. She is an Yoga enthusiast and qualified trainer, and her passion and spirit resonate in every trip.

Na'u Ford - He's a spearfisherman, hunter, and many generation Waianae resident. Na`u brings local style (culture and traditions) to the plate, along with well-developed ocean skills.

Qualifications of crew members may include SCUBA, CPR, First Aid, Emergency Responder, and Water Rescue Certification. 

Volunteer Research Team from the Wild Dolphin Foundation:

Justin Prior, Back for his second summer with the Wild Dolphin Foundation, while his hometown is Seal Beach California, he is currently attending school at the University of Auburn, Alabama with a marine biology major. He is also president of Auburn's Marine Biology Club. Currently he is learning to identify all of Hawaii's reef fish, many of whom are endemic, and logging sightings to REEF org, for conservation efforts (and to help us win the island of Maui's challenge to Oahu to get the most surveys done!). Thanks Justin!

 

Paul Johnson - Watched the documentary "The Cove" and left his New York lifestyle, and job with David Letterman, to come to Hawaii (close to Japan!) and devote his life to saving dolphins. He is currently working for Greenpeace, bit acting in TV and film, and finding out that the only thing worse than a starving artist, may be a starving dolphin crusader. Got a job for Paul?

Danielle, a high school honors student (her debate team recently won the State Finals!), is equally devoted to all things aquatic, specifically whales and dolphins. In her senior year, she is out on or in the water every chance she can get.  Staying focused on her goals in life keeps her well disciplined. Other crew members from Wild Side Specialty Tours and active volunteers in the Wild Dolphin Foundation are her biggest role models and helpful mentors as she follows her dreams to becoming a marine biologist. Best of luck Danielle, we'll see you again :-)

Melissa Evans-Shontofski: "Heart-core" animal lover, Melissa holds an undergraduate Biology degree from UP Pittsburgh, and has almost completed   her master’s degree in Environmental Management.  In her vast travels as a military wife she has held a wide array of environmental jobs including Naturalist for DNR, AmeriCorps member - focused on eradication of invasive species, a veterinary technician, and as a wildlife rehabilitation specialist.