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Meet our "Wild at Heart" Crew

“I really don’t know why it is that all of us are so committed to the sea…..I think it’s because we all came from the sea…And it is an interesting biological fact that all of us have in our veins the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean. And therefore we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are tied to the ocean, and when we go back to the sea – whether it is to sail or to watch it – we are going back from whence we came.”
John F. Kennedy, 1962 “The Sea”

Wild Side Specialty Tours is a small "Mom and Pop" owner-operated company. Armin and Tori Cullins collectively sailed the Hawaiian Islands, the South Pacific and the West Coast of North America. Seeking a way to share their passion for sailing, marine mammal research, and the natural beauty and culture of the islands to visitors, their business venture began back in 1996 (original boat to left).

Directly involved with the studies of behavior, ecology, and natural history of the whales,dolphins, turtles, coral reefs and other marine life in Hawai'i, they actively participate in conservation and resource management of marine habitats.

Our crew is actively involved in environmental regulation and education campaigns to help ensure the long-term protection of Hawaii's marine environment and wildlife populations. A group of highly skilled professionals, capable of delivering safe, responsible and memorable tourism experiences, and reputed as one of the most knowledgeable on Oahu including local lore, legend and historical nuances of our coastline.

According to the Cullins family, the connection with the animals they spend their life with iis something that doesn’t go away. “It’s a never-ending relationship,” they say. “Especially with marine mammals — once you meet one, it never leaves you. It stays with you forever, whether you like it or not.”

Armin - Boats, fishing, and the ocean occupy most of his time. He spent two years on an incredible journey sailing the South Pacific. Armin enjoys sharing experiences with people from around the world when piloting the boat, and makes sure the vessel is kept in tip top shape, while providing logistics and guidance tocrew members.

Capt. Tori - documents the dolphins' use of the Wai'anae coastline. A USCG captain and marine biologist grad from the University of Hawai'i, she also holds a degree in Environmental Sciences. Tori has a prior background in veterinary medicine, has worked with stranding teams, and asEducation and Outreach Specialist for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. See some of her recently spearheaded and ongoing projects on the Wild Dolphin Foundation'sresearch page.

Captain Stephen Hall - 23 years working in and on thewaters around Oahu'. BS Aquatic Biology, Master Scuba Diver Instructor emeritus, with over 2,500 logged dives inHawaiian waters.

Capt. Kara Benson: Marine biologist, Veterinary Sciences MSc, specializes in marine mammals, her thesis: "Molecular Identification and Genetic Characterization of Cetacean Herpesviruses and Porpoise Morbillivirus," Kara has field experience with manatees, sea turtles, reef ecology in Australia and environmental education of the public; assisted with training sessions of dolphins and seals here at Sea Life Park, has marine mammal stranding response training, and is advance SCUBA certified.

Denise Boatwright, competitive swimmer (five gold medals!), formerEMT, you can find her onboard (or in the water!) whenever school is not in session. Denise is the Math and Science Resource teacher for ourschool district, and is consistently referred to as The One Other Crew Members Should Learn From due to her dedicated maritime skills. She likes the torpedo so much her Dad got her one for Christmas. Click on picture to see torpedo in action.. .

Melissa Evans-Shontofski: "Heart-core" animal lover, Melissa holds an undergraduate Biology degree from UP Pittsburgh, while   pursuing her master’s degree in Environmental Management.  In her vast travels as a military wife she has held a wide array of environmental jobsincluding Naturalist for DNR, AmeriCorps member - focused oneradication of invasive species, a veterinary technician, and as a wildlife rehabilitation specialist.  She is now getting her sea legs aboard the IslandSpirit.

Teagan spent two years studying Marine Science, and Polynesian navigation under Susan Lum andMaster Navigator Nainoa Thompson of the Polynesian Voyaging Society. She has volunteered with NOAA’s National Marine Humpback Whale Sanctuary, and with the University of Hawaii’s Green Sea Turtle rescue program. She's beenemployed as a lifeguard, with in depth water safety training. A true water bearer (Aquarius) at heart, if she’s not in the ocean (she's also PADI advanced open water scuba certified), she’s on it, canoeing, kayaking or surfing. Native to the Waianae's "lost" coast, Teagan has had firsthand experience and exposure from mauka (mountain) - to makai (ocean) with native inhabitants, culture and natural history. Teagan heads our marketing and internship program. 

Brianne - "New Blood" comes onto the scene to carry on with her parents mission of marine research, advocacy and education. Finishing up her high school years with home schooling; the boat became an ocean classroom to study the ocean and its inhabitants, and to share this information while equally learning life lessons and geography from our onboard guests.

Volunteer Research Team from the Wild Dolphin Foundation:

Rabbi Joshua Lesser: On sabbatical from his day job, we are very pleased to have Josh gathering research onboard and working for the "Greater Good" with us through August '07. Trained as both an academic and a people person, working with dolphins and educating people about how we must better protect them and the ocean is in line with his spiritual beliefs and is part of Josh's passion.  

Barbara Rethore: Worked in France in marine science and environmental consulting. Barbara is more than just enjoying the wildlife, she is interested in the impacts that unethical and unregulated tourist activities can have - not only on the marine mammals, but also on the ecosystem, and the local community.

Michelle Koral: A North Shore elementary teacher, Michelle has previously volunteered at the Waikiki Aquarium's "Edge of the Reef Exhibit".  Michelle treasures giving young and old minds a new understanding and interest in the ocean and our earth.

Mihwa Riggs: A Jack(Jill?)-of-all trades, she has an impressive background in PR and customer relations, and recently free-dove to 40 ft. to fetch a dropped mask and snorkel!

Qualifications of crew members may include SCUBA, CPR, First Aid, Survival, Water Rescue Certification. 

"If you live the life you love, you get the blessings from above" Van Morrison