
Meet our Crew
IT’S SMOOTH SAILING WHEN YOUR CREW BRINGS OVER 45 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE TO THE WATER
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CAPTAIN JOHN EARLE
Captain John Earle has been navigating the waters of Prince William Sound for over 45 years. A seasoned commercial fisherman, he’s done it all—longlining for halibut and sablefish, seining and gillnetting salmon, dropping pots for crab and shrimp—and he loves sharing his deep knowledge of these waters with others. After the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989, John shifted into oil spill response, leading training and preparedness efforts for SERVS and offshore Arctic operations in both the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas. He holds a USCG Master License with towing endorsements, and certifications in cold water survival, CPR, AED, First Aid, HAZWOPER, and FEMA incident command.
Meticulous when it comes to safety and comfort, John is deeply committed to curating the best possible experience for every guest. He’s spent hundreds of hours personally tailoring the Samantha J—Tundra’s new state-of-the-art adventure yacht—to ensure every detail supports both luxury and adventure. But beyond the logistics, what drives him most is showing people the wonders of Alaska. He loves to power down the engine when a pod of whales appears, letting guests take in the quiet awe of the moment. And while he's got decades of maritime experience, John is also known for his fun-loving spirit, great taste in music, and willingness to DJ to your group’s vibe. With John at the helm, you’re in the best of hands—and in for an unforgettable journey.
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Alex Otto- Chef/Deckhand
Alex grew up in the mountains of colorful Colorado. After a childhood spent skiing and climbing everything summit county had to offer he ended up at culinary school at Johnson and Wales University in Denver. Once culinary school was finished Alex spent time working in the finest restaurants in the city, learning new techniques, cultures, earning awards, and even landed air time on the food network.
Alex now spends his time riding his motorcycles, exploring Alaska, and skiing everything he can hike, fly, or take a chairlift to. Alex spent time as a chef at the world renowned “Jack Sprat” restaurant in Girdwood Alaska, and brings a myriad of culinary talents to our team. He is capable of catering a menu and experience unique to your desires. Alex brings creativity and care to every meal he prepares aboard the Tundra, from scratch-made sauces to grilled seafood straight from Alaskan waters. His menus highlight seasonal ingredients and coastal flavors, whether it’s a golden salmon quiche fresh from the oven or handmade pasta tossed in a foraged herb pesto. Guests can expect comforting, elevated meals that reflect both his skill and the wild beauty of Alaska
