Meet the Crew

With decades of years experience and knowledge, our team are the best in the business.

Ian

Owner & Head Skipper

Ian has grown up in Padstow and spent his life going to sea fishing with his father Andrew from a young age. He has gained extensive local knowledge and has had over 20 years experience in operating commercial passenger vessels. As well as being more than qualified to skipper our vessels he is also a dedicated volunteer member of the Padstow Lifeboat crew.

Kevin

Maintenance Manager & Skipper

Kevin has been skippering for us since 2015. He has over 35 years experience at sea working on fishing boats and has been a volunteer member of the Padstow Lifeboat crew for over 25 years. Kev also keeps a close eye on our boat maintenance and makes sure they are all in top condition. In his spare time he enjoys stand-up paddleboarding and taking his boxer dog Bailey out for walks along the Cornish coast.

Anna

Manager & Wildlife Guide

Anna joined us in 2018 as a wildlife guide, took a year away then came back in 2020. She has a bachelor’s degree in Animal Biology and a master’s degree in Conservation and Biodiversity. Anna is also the co-founder of the Padstow Marine Group, and is a BDMLR medic volunteer for her local area. If she’s not on the boat at work, she’ll be in the surf boat with her rowing team catching some waves or walking her dogs, Freddie and Cooper, along the beach. Her favourite species to see on our trips is the grey seal, especially after basing her masters project on their behaviour.

Kerri

Wildlife Guide

Kerri started with us as a wildlife guide in 2020. She has a foundation degree in Marine Conservation and bachelor’s degree in Marine Zoology. In her spare time, she loves being by the coast; kayaking, paddle boarding or hiking. During the winter she spends her time volunteering for the BDMLR, rescuing seals that may need help around the local area. At the moment, Kerri is taking time out to spend with her baby boy Dylan, but we look forward to her rejoining the team again soon. Although she loves grey seals, seabirds are another favourite of Kerri’s, especially the Northern Gannet and loves to see them diving at speed during a feeding frenzy out at sea – a fascinating sight she will never get tired of seeing!

Hope

Social Media Manager & Wildlife Guide

Hope has worked at Padstow Sealife Safaris since 2024, moving down to Cornwall from Scotland after completing a bachelor’s degree in Animal Conservation Science. She is also a marine mammal medic for the BDMLR, and has previously worked as a ranger for the National Trust and Argaty Red Kites. Hope is always keen to spot some of the local coastal seabirds and is aiming to become an ornithologist once she completes her master’s degree in Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity, which is due to start at the end of 2026. When Hope isn’t out on the waves, you’ll find her birdwatching, practicing her wildlife photography, and trying to find the best coffee and cake Cornwall can offer.

How we choose our crew

Every member of our team have proved they are up to the job. Each with there own specialised areas we make sure that every member goes above and beyond to ensure your tour is the best it can possibly be. We want every employee to add value to our already well oiled machine and that’s why we only employ the best of the best. Not just those who are properly qualified but have a true passion for Cornwall and its wildlife.

The guides

Our guides are typically students or graduates of marine biology, zoology or similar fields, to ensure they have a vast knowledge of Cornwall’s local marine species. We are committed to giving paid opportunities to those who study locally, helping them to gain experience in their field and take a first step onto the employment ladder working around wildlife. Many of our guides are also passionate volunteers who get involved with marine wildlife charities, allowing them to share their experiences of conservation with our passengers.

The skippers

The skippers are all local seamen with years of experience on the sea – most having spend the majority of their lives on the water and many volunteering for on Padstow lifeboat. Their ability to read the waves like a book means you’re as safe as you can be. The skippers know exactly how to maintain the appropriate distance from the animals we know and love to prevent disturbance. The last thing we want to do is distress them in their natural habitat. Reassured that although it may be a bit bumpy at speed, every movement our skippers make are cool and calculated – especially when it comes to encounters with wildlife.

Want to join us?

We have connections with Cornwall College and Plymouth University to offer students an opportunity to get a foot in the door with a wildlife focused job. Some are handpicked after getting to know us through local marine groups, others have emailed us speculatively with their CV, and if they have impressed us, we’ve been in touch.

So what are you waiting for? Contact us

Cornwall's amazing sealife

The true highlight of any Padstow boat trip is the chance to see a wide variety of sea life in and around the water. You might not have realised just how many species call British waters their home!

Padstow Sealife Safaris give you the chance to get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures. Depending on the time of year that you choose to visit, you’ll have the chance to see a number of different species.