Exploring British Columbia’s rugged coastline for 30 years
Big Animal Encounters is a local, family owned and operated company on beautiful Vancouver Island. Since 1994, we have been working to share this special part of the planet with visitors from around the world. From one small boat on tiny Hornby Island, we have grown to four vessels, three locations, and great team of professional and enthusiastic crew members.
MEET OUR CREW
Bill Coltart
Marine Operations Manager
Sharon Morgan
General Manager
Shannon Groenewegen
Brand Manager & Skipper
Chloé Rafaillac
Guest Services Manager
Jason Fitzgerald
Skipper
Paul Hayes
Skipper
Jenn Libotte
Skipper
Chris Broadbent
Skipper
Andy Lindenaar
Skipper
Elvis Chickite
Skipper
Stuart Clark
Skipper
Christy Wittkamp
Guest Experience Coordinator
Brooke Sellors
Guest Experience Coordinator
Madelyn Horsthuis
Guest Experience Coordinator
Jen Hartmann
Guest Experience Coordinator
Dena Balla
Guest Experience Coordinator
Whether it’s a Grizzly Bear Expedition in Bute Inlet, a quick trip to see the Humpback Whales in Desolation Sound, or exploring the beautiful reefs in the Discovery Passage, the crew at Big Animal Encounters love to share the uniqueness of our wild big animal experiences. Every trip has its own surprises, from educational to exhilaration, that will be etched in your memory and a part of your stories for a lifetime.
our locations
Campbell River Marine Adventure Centre
Painter’s Lodge Marine Centre, Campbell River
NEW! Comox Municipal Marina Marine Centre
Career OPPORTUNITIES
Join our fun, enthusiastic team at Big Animal Encounters we work to share this special part of the planet with visitors from around the world.
Interested in joining our crew? Fill out the form below!
The photos on this website are thanks to:
- Wildlife photos: Tony Austin Photography, Andy Scheffler, Stan Novotny, Blair Denman
- Diving photos: Seaproof.tv, Maxwel Hohn, Trisha Stovel
