Mel has loved animals since she was a little girl. Growing up just outside Toronto, she started working with and learning from horses. This led her to 10 years of experience as a horseback guide in Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand and Botswana. She’s logged thousands of hours in the saddle, leading and educating guests through national parks and game reserves worldwide. After graduating with a bachelor of science degree in marine and freshwater biology as well as animal biology, Mel followed her passion and moved to Victoria to pursue a career on the ocean with her favourite animal, the humpback whale. As one of our amazing marine naturalists, she uses the powerful platform of ecotourism to educate the public on the importance of our big blue backyard. She’s also a captain-in-training and pursuing her goal to acquire her 60-ton ticket! On each tour, she hopes guests experience that “magical moment” which will inspire them to save and protect the oceans!