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ABOUT US

MEET THE TEAM!

a fish swimming under water

Ryan Walton

Co-Owner / Manager / Shark Feeder

Ryan has been in the diving industry since 2009. Not long after reaching his highest level of PADI training as a Staff Instructor, Ryan began working full time with Sharks. Ryan has over a decade of experience working with more than 28 species of Elasmobranch worldwide.

Ryan is also and avid Underwater Photographer and Videographer. You can also book him as your private Photographer for you in water Shark experience.

a couple of people posing for the camera

Channing Crowder

Co-Owner

Channing is a former NFL player and current host of Hochman and Crowder.

Channing began shark diving with Ryan in 2018. When he’s not in front of the camera, Channing spends any free time he has on the ocean.

You can also catch Channing on his YouTube PODCAST. The Pivot.

Erin Gomez

USCG Captain/ Safety Diver

Erin is our 25 ton Master Captain. In addition to earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Outdoor Recreation, she has been diving with Sharks for many years. 2018. Erin also enjoys traveling and photographing the underwater world in her free time.

Hayden Gibson

Hayden Gibson

Safety Diver/ Shark Feeder/ Boat Mechanic

Hayden is an original member of the Shark Tours Crew. As a certified Free Diver, Hayden has been diving with Sharks since 2017.

When Hayden is not in the water, you can find him on land keeping our boat in her most perfect condition.

a fish swimming under water

Chanelly Martin

Safety Diver

Chanelly is  an Original Shark Tours Team member, certified freediver and has been swimming with sharks for almost 5 years!  She loves spending time at the beach or in the water!

Josh Raia

Captain (in training) Safety Diver/Marine Biologist

Josh is very knowledgeable about marine life. With a Degree in Marine Biology, he is always education our guests on board. In his free time, Josh can also be found on Ryan’s’ international expeditions searching for unique and elusive wildlife.

Josh is also a professional underwater photographer and videographer.

a bird flying in the air

Ashley Zietchick

Safety Diver

Ashley began her Safety Diver Internship with us in 2019 and has since become a valuable asset to our crew. She loves Sharks so much she has dedicated her college education to learning more about them.

In addition to working at Shark Tours and attending the University of South Florida, she also volunteers her time as a diver at the Florida Aquarium.

Amber Walton

Book keeper/ Accountant

Amber began shark diving in 2019 with her husband, but you can find her mostly at the computer keeping the books and reservations on point.

Amber is also a professional photographer, with a degree in Photographic Technology.

Matthew Sullivan 

Safety Diver

Daniel Knott

USCG

ALUMNI

a man holding a fish on a boat in a body of water

In Memory of Captain Joe Babin

USCG Captain

Captain Joe passed away suddenly and tragically in April of 2021. Joe was a main piece in building Shark Tours into the successful company it is today. Joe maintained our vessels and kept them in their best working condition and loved being on the water. His contagious energy lives on, and our crew deeply misses his presence each and every weekend.

a bird flying in the air

Ashley Zietchick

Intern

Ashley Loves Sharks!  She has been interning with us while she finishes her final year of high school!

OUR SHARK (SNORKELING / FREEDIVING) BOAT

Meet the Grady!

Our 2000 30′ Grady White is the perfect option to get to and from our Shark Diving sites!  Our 10′ beam (width)  allows for more stability and a smoother ride. She comfortably seats 6 people with plenty of space for gear and cameras! Our vessel is powered by (2) 2009

 Yamaha 250hp motors making for an efficient ride to our shark sites!

Amenities

Water is provided on board; however if possible please bring your own refillable drink bottle to help conservation efforts to reduce negative effects on the environment. Snacks are welcome, but not provided as our charters. If you bring your own food and snacks, you are welcome to put them in our cooler onboard.
Clean towels are also provided onboard for your use.

Refreshments

We do supply Water for your shark diving trip but youre welcome to bring snacks to put in our cooler located directly in front of the center console for your convenience!

Come See us!

Book the Trip of your lifetime today!