Michael Veenstra
Director & Skipper
Michael started off as a shipwright in 1992 slipping boats at Captain Sturt Marina. He then has gone on to become a 3rd generation river captain.
Michael runs both The Big Duck Boat Tours and Spirit of the Coroong. Which both offer Eco-tourism based tours.
He is a qualified Coxswain and has completed his Master 5 (inland), MED 2 and Recreational Pilot Licence.
When he’s not at work he’s out flying, shooting or working on his new aquaculture farm.
Kirk Mustart
Skipper
I’ve been lucky enough to spend most of my working career on the southern ocean in the fishing industry. Charter fishing, Scale fishing, Crabbing and Cray fishing to just name a few. I’m Loaded with local fishing knowledge and information.
Avid lover of our beautiful state, ocean and wildlife.
In my spare time you will find me out catching some of our amazing local seafood from the beach or boat and camping on a secluded beach.
Hobbies: fishing, camping, exploring
Jonathan Werry
Research Coordinator & Skipper
The Ocean is my passion. I love being both above and below the water! I'm an avid outdoor explorer, Skipper, Commercial Diver and Marine Biologist with specialty in using tracking technologies to understand movements of marine megafauna.
My marine work has taken me on numerous expeditions around the Indo/South-Pacific, including the remote Coral Sea, Indonesia, Far North Queensland, New Caledonia and remote areas of southern Australia. When I'm not on the ocean you'll probably find me 4wdriving or enjoying a good coffee!"
Hobbies: Camping, Boating, Surfing, Diving, Fishing
Rupert Kelly
Skipper
I have spent roughly 15 years in the maritime industry, from sailing for leisure to working in the yachting industry in the Mediterranean. I’ve sailed from Perth to Kusadasi, Turkey on a three-month Endeavor and Darwin to Perth in 2003/4. In this time, I gained Master 5, MED 3, Yacht Master offshore and GMDSS.
I love being out in the natural environment on board our boats and seeing something new on the tours nearly every day.
Hobbies- I enjoy listening to a good playlist, eating Thai food and watching Patrick Swayze's best movies (Ghost and Dirty Dancing).
Tia Harding
Crew
I have recently completed a Bachelor of Science in Animal Behaviour at Flinders University. During my undergrad I was lucky enough to travel overseas to Palau and the Maldives where I studied tropical marine ecosystems. Throughout this time, I learnt the importance of eco-tourism and how educating people about the environment can make a huge difference. After finishing my degree, I knew I wanted to teach people about our beautiful environment.
When I am not at work you will find me outside either swimming, surfing, snorkelling, or hiking. I love working out on the ocean, the amount of wildlife you get to see is unreal. Every day I get to see something different, the ocean always provides the best surprises. I also love being able to meet so many different people on our cruises, making my workdays extra special.
Jesse Wall
Skipper
Born and raised in Goolwa, South Australia. With almost 20 years of experience in the industry and a Certification III in Marine Mechanics, I'm proud to be a part of this coastal community. In addition to my work as a Marine Mechanic, I have recently become a skipper for The Big Duck Boat Tours.
Beyond the workshop and the sea, you can find me in the waves surfing, off fishing, and camping in the great outdoors. I'm not just passionate about the marine environment; I also have a strong love for football, which I share by coaching a local team in my free time.
Jessica Heyer
Crew
I have a double diploma in Outdoor Recreation and Tourism and have recently completed a Bachelor of Science - Marine Biology. I have spent many years as an outdoor educator to school kids, facilitating camping expeditions. I love working in a space where I can show people the incredible environment that is right on our doorstep. Allowing people to make connections with the land is so important for protecting those places.
In my spare time, you'll find me gardening, travelling and doing all things outdoors. I am so lucky to call the Coorong and the Fleurieu coast my 'office' and I can't wait to share it with you.
Joel Hirsch
Manager & Skipper
I have always been in love with nature & the outdoors. I completed an Eco-Tourism Degree, through Flinders Uni & have worked extensively in the Tourism industry my entire working career. I’m a Scuba Diver, a Skipper, tour Guide, responsible for marketing and sport a nice big sea-captains beard…
There are not too many places in the great land on Oz that I haven’t been, from hiking, diving, climbing, off and on road, I’ve done several laps around our great continent, but simply love our little place of the world here on the South Coast of SA.
Hobbies- Camping, Boating, Diving & probably Still working!
Grace Wilton
Crew
I am a lover of all things marine, I currently study a Bachelor of Marine Biology at Flinders University as well as hold my open water divers ticket.
I spent my childhood in Townsville along the coast of Far North Queensland, the Green Sea Turtle has always been my favorite animal. I am new to the industry, excited and passionate about the marine life around us and even more excited to share that with other lovers of marine life!
