Capt. Brian's Observations On The Water

Immerse in an ECO-Tour and Experience Southwest Florida Islands by Boat

“Captain Brian Holaway is well versed in the intricacies of our unmatched locale. He can guide to and through a multitude of out-of-the way tidal creeks, bayous, keys and islands. More important is his passionate interest and respect for the region. With unique insights from his many explorations and his studies, not only does he identify the birds and wildlife that inhabit our semi-tropical watery land, but he explains their interconnectedness to their environment and each other. In addition, he shares the fascinating history of rugged people who came long before us: Florida Native Indians, the Calusa, the Spanish, the Cubans, early homesteaders, and the wisdom evident in the growth of their culture.

You will come away with great enjoyment and a new understanding of this beautiful place and its history.”

Historian, Betty Anholt
Author of Sanibel’s Story

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Lauren And The Sea Grass Expert Robin

Lauren explored with me with a few months ago with her family. This time it was just her and Robin the sea grass specialist and swimmer. The weather was perfect and the water unusually clear. I wish all days were like this. Lauren had a new underwater camera that she let me use. I enjoyed testing this camera. Lauren is a sand dollar connoisseur and on this trip she added a few to her collection. Robin enjoyed wiping the sea grass from her mask as she found many new shells. She thought the whole experience was shell excellent. (Robin was not only a sea grass expert but a clever wordsmith.) The trip ended too soon. Lauren found many sand dollars and Robin enjoyed the sea grass. Thank you Lauren for the use of your underwater camera. I look forward to our next adventure and Robin's report on the sea grass of southwest Florida.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Sea Turtle Rescue

Roopa and Varsha wanted to see a sea turtle, well we all got to see a sea turtle and more. Not long after leaving the marina one of the ladies spotted a sea turtle. I looked over to see the turtle and noticed its left flipper caught in a net. Then the turtle dove and we lost sight of it. We circled the boat around and looked for a long time before finally spotting the turtle again. I didn't want to get too close with the boat. I had Roopa drive into the wind and I set the bow anchor. She put the boat in neutral and I slid over the side of the boat with my knife. I swim towards the turtle which seemed to take forever. When I got close everything seemed to go fast. Something bumped my leg and the turtle dove. Then I dove to get the turtle and started feeling for the back of the shell. My hand caught the net it was trapped in. I pulled the net up and realized it was a landing net for fishing. This turtle was swimming around with this landing net with a 6 foot handle. I used my knife to cut the net and the turtle swam quickly away from me. I swam back to the boat where Roopa and Varsha helped get the net on the boat. It was quite the experience for all of us. Roopa did a great job driving and Varsha took pictures of the whole thing with her camera. They were both very calm and did a great job. We all got to see a sea turtle and will not forget this experience any time soon.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Omaha Shellers

Deb and her family have been shelling on the islands for over 25 years. Her kids Kevin and Megan have grown up shelling and I enjoyed hearing their shelling stories. Deb shared her shelling tips and what she does with the shells as we walked the beach. Kevin and his girlfriend covered a lot of ground and had some great finds. We had a great day of shelling. Deb's words when she got off the boat were, "now this is what shelling should be like". It was a fun trip with experienced shellers from the great state of Nebraska.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Birthday On The Beach With The Miller Family

The Miller family have traveled with me to the out islands for a number of years. Three weeks ago Corey the father called and said, "All my daughter wants for her eighth birthday is to go out with Captain Brian". I thought it would be a great idea to get a cake and surprise her and the rest of the family. While the family was out snorkeling and swimming I brought the cooler with the cake in it and all of the provisions for an island birthday party. It turned out great! The weather and water was perfect. Great treasures were found on the beach and in the water. Graham found a large anchor (that is currently in the back of my truck) and Chloe found a shiva shell that was very large. I always enjoy the time on the water with the Miller family. Happy Birthday Quincy!