Wild Side Specialty Tours

My May 2007 sail on the Alaka'i was with about eight adventurous travel writers. We were hosted by an all female crew consisting of owner-operator Tori Cullins and crewmember Kara Benson.

Both of these individuals are much more than tour operators.

Tori is a USCG captain and marine biologist graduate from the University of Hawaii. She also holds a degree in Environmental Sciences. Tori has a prior background in veterinary medicine, has worked with stranding teams, and as Education and Outreach Specialist for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. She is, to put it mildly, an expert authority on the marine life found in the waters of Hawaii.

Kara is also a USCG captain and marine biologist who holds a Veterinary Sciences MSc. Kara specializes in marine mammals with field experience with manatees, sea turtles, the reef ecology in Australia and environmental education of the public; She has assisted with training sessions of dolphins and seals at Sea Life Park on Oahu, has marine mammal stranding response training, and is advance SCUBA certified.