Meet our Crew

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.