The Eagle Wing Family:
Brett and Rachel Soberg co-own and run Eagle Wing Tours and consider the entire Eagle Wing Team to be a family. Families have shared purpose and so it is at Eagle Wing; not only do we strive together to create a successful and flourishing business but we also work to become strong advocates on behalf of the (sometimes endangered) wildlife that we encounter.
Without pushing an agenda we discuss with guests the challenges wildlife faces, the issues at play and the strategies for success that we and other stakeholders have discovered.
Eagle Wing is proud to rely on word of mouth and customer referrals (see our number one rating at Trip Adviser 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010) for the majority of our business. Each and every guest is a VIP considered to be a source for future business and a person with the potential to help change the future of endangered species and ecosystems.
Come share in the purpose that the Eagle Wing Whale Watching Tours family lives every day! Enjoy your Eco Whale Watching Tour in Victoria, BC Canada.
The Captains & Crew: A.K.A "Whale geeks!"
Brett Soberg (aka "Critter") - Lead Captain & Owner 
Born and raised in Victoria, Brett is our head captain, general manager and the co-owner of Eagle Wing Tours. Brett has over 16 years of experience on local waters and 12 years operating within the whale watching industry in Victoria. Brett has followed his heart when it comes to his daily work and it shows; he still exhibits the enthusiasm that brought him here.
In addition to his on the water skills he brings a very creative artistic background, 8 years of Hotel Hospitality (6 years at the prestigious Delta Ocean Pointe Resort & winner of the prestigious Hospitality Award), and a Crocodile Hunter-like enthusiasm.
Brett's adventures are a thrilling, captivating experience. One part display of skill behind the wheel on one of the world's fastest and most maneuverable boats and another part educational safari, Brett's trademark smile will infect everyone aboard.
When other captains are turning back for the harbour Brett is going the extra mile (or many) as he tries to paint the larger picture of our ecosystem and make sure that every guest has had his or her expectations exceeded.
Your marine experience will be unforgettable! Brett is a colourful character who prides himself on detail and being able to provide more than simply just a look at the whales. He passionately believes that there is educational merit to all of his tours, and you will see first hand that whale-watching extends far beyond being just a livelihood to him; it is his way of life.
PS. See if you can catch Brett saying his favorite word…'critters'! (Hee, Hee)
Jeff Lamarche - Captain / Biologist 
Jeff, formally of Seafun Safaris, is one of Victoria’s premier Whale Watching captain’s with over 16 years experience in the Victoria eco-tour industry. Jeff has logged close to 5,000 tours on the Salish Sea equating to over 14,000 hrs. on the water experience !! Jeff is a university-educated Biologist and has an extensive knowledge of the marine environment.
Over the years, Jeff has gotten to know the Southern Resident Killer Whales (J,K&L Pods) personally and is able to identify the whales on sight through memory alone. Jeff is very passionate about what he does and shares his enthusiasm during each and every tour. His trips often go over the allotted tour time as he literally goes the extra mile so that his passengers get a comprehensive & enriching experience. To add to the total trip experience, Jeff will not only introduce you to the whales, but also all the other wildlife (Seals, Sea Lions, Porpoises, Bald Eagles, Otters and other marine birds). Jeff prides himself on attention to detail and is always striving to provide the “perfect trip” to far exceed the guests expectations.
Over the years, Jeff has been nominated countless times for service excellence in Whale Watching by the Victoria Hospitality Society.
His passions include mountain climbing, adventure backpacking, offshore sailboat racing, scuba diving and spending time with his own J-pod (his three kids - Justin, Jesse and Julianna).
It is a pleasure to have Jeff as part of the Eagle Wing family as he brings extensive knowledge, passion & playful narrative.
Dave Luxford (aka: "Big Blue") - Captain / Naturalist
Dave (AKA "Big Blue") is a crowd favourite, and an admired character in Victoria's harbour. Why "Big Blue"? Well, he's over 6' 5" and he loves Blue (Blue van, blue clothes, a backpack company called "Blue Orca Gear" and apartment full of, well, blue). We should probably thank him just for driving a big yellow boat! Jokes aside, Dave is always ready and willing to support his Eagle Wing family and our guests whenever and however necessary. His many years of on-the-water experience within the whale watching industry in Victoria are invaluable. A seasoned world traveler, Dave brings an unforgettable and unparalleled flavour to our guest experience. With over 30 years of professional guiding experience Big Blue knows how to deliver that once in a lifetime experience on each and every one of his trips.
Vanessa - Naturalist 
Vanessa has graced Eagle Wing with her kind and friendly spirit since 2005. Vanessa is passionate, playful, dynamic, and extremely knowledgeable. As a native Victorian Vanessa exudes a strong connection to her surroundings and is uniquely able to pass it on to guests of all ages. Vanessa's abilities are utilized in many ways with us at Eagle Wing and she is a very highly valued family member. We trust that you too will come to appreciate the passionate conservationist, effective educator and brilliant hostess who has become intrinsic to Eagle Wing's reputation as a first class adventure company. We look forward to having Vanessa working with us again in 2010 and thank her for many years of brilliant service to our guests.
Ly - Naturalist 
Every once and a while you come across and are blessed with knowing, befriending, and working with a person like Ly. She exudes a quite calm caring energy about her and this comes across in spades on her tours as well as in the office. A native of Vietnam, and raised in the Netherlands she speaks fluent Dutch which can catch you a bit off guard. Nonetheless, her knowledge and passion about all living things in the Salish Sea is very evident. Now living in Victoria with her sweetheart Chris, another fellow whale geek, they are about to embark on their own adventure by becoming parents---->creating their own little pod (family) with Ly expecting her first child. YEAH!!!!!!
Katrina - Naturalist & Customer Service
Katrina – has worked in the whale watching industry since 2006, in a variety of roles; customer service, office manager, crew, and most recently completing training to obtain her Captain’s ticket for 12 passenger vessels. Born and raised on the island, a love for the ocean came naturally to her, and she appreciates every moment that she gets to spend near or out on the water. In her spare time she is an avid horseback rider, and surfing enthusiast.
Lana - Customer Service
Ashley- Customer Service
Danny - Naturalist & Customer Service
Wow, what a catch. Danny is about as motivated and as eager as they come...we are very fortunate to have someone who eats, sleeps, breathes and lives all that is whales! Also from the Netherlands Danny has a keen interest in a long term future in eco-tourism, whale watching specifically. Speaking the native tongue from the Netherlands he can clearly articulate the details of a tour to our guests. Holding down the fort as they say Danny brings a delightful sense of humour, knowledge, and a cheerful disposition every day. Welcome aboard Danny!
Val Shore - Naturalist & company photographer
Taking photos of wild animals or birds is nothing short of challenging. You place these wild animals in the water, like a fast moving, hydro-dynamically designed whale whom slips through the water effortlessly, and VOILA you usually end up with an incredible photo of ........water?!?!?! Val is truly skilled and is able to capture those 'wonderful moments' that occur out on our tours with great regularity. Recently certified in Marine Emergency Duties she will be able to Crew on our larger boat on occasion when needed, but in the meantime joins along with us continuing to 'freeze frame' Orca breaching, spy-hopping, playing, breeding, tail lobbing, resting, etc.
Wayne Nowak- Office Manager 
With respect and appreciation for all of your hard work thank you ...
Jeff, David, Vanessa, Ly, Wayne, Lana, Katrina, Val, & Danny...for an incredible season!
Brett
"Inspiring the conservation of our marine environment, with a thrill!"
