2005 Testimonials
This was the best excursion we booked on our entire cruise! We had a great
time. We saw sea otters, seals, puffins, whales and eagles. The boat and
the ride itself were terrific, but what really made the trip so good, was
Davey. His knowledge, expertise, and enthusiasm for sharing his beautiful
surroundings with visitors really shined. He has a beautiful spirit about
him. Thanks again!
Liz Maggio - Nanuet, NY
…just a quick note to tell you how much I enjoyed our outing on September
22nd. It was a fine day, with smooth seas, hearty seafaring songs, delicious
cookies, and lots of wildlife to look at.
Bruce Grossetta - Tucson AZ
Hi Captain Davey, just wanted to let you know that the tour you gave us
was the very best I've been on. It went way past what I expected and
I really
appreciate your efforts to get us close to the sea-life without scaring
the animals or hurting anyone. You are really a skilled captain. It was
the most
fun I've had in quite awhile. I will definitely keep your number for
my next trip to Sitka. Thanks again!
Cindy O'Keefe - Colorado and Carnival Cruise Lines
We have nothing but raves about the trip we took with you. We literally
and completely loved it. My friend SueAnn smiles and just can't get over
being so close to whales and how you made it so real and exciting. Believe
me when I say that if and when we ever come back we will be sure to look
you up. My husband, David, said that if he had been in Sitka another day
he would have begged you to take them out again. Again, I want to thank you
for all your help and the fun time you gave everyone.
Mary Snyder - Boynton Beach, FL
Monica and I had a FANTASTIC time aboard the Esther G. You truly helped
define one of the highlights of our Alaskan cruise. Thanks again for a great
whale watch excursion and the yummy homemade cookies!
Ed King and Monica Ricci - Atlanta, GA
Wow. Was this a great trip! Going out on the Esther G II was the HIGHLIGHT
of my two week trip to Alaska. We were lucky enough to have beautiful weather
and calm seas. My family and I were so excited. We saw dozens of whales,
sea otters, and eagles; all of which I had never expected to see so close.
I never dreamed of seeing so many creatures in the wild at the same time.
I really enjoyed the two types of puffins and I was taken back by the various
and beautiful colors of starfish among the rocks on the little island. Thanks
so much for a once in a lifetime trip aboard your boat.
Norma Hensler-Davis - Baltimore, Maryland
I, my husband Randy and our friends took your excursion on July 22nd. We
had a fabulous time and got some great pictures. It was the best shore excursion
that we had taken. Thanks for a great experience.
Maxine Hartlaub - Gettysburg, PA
The day spent with you was just wonderful. You know, the first time we came
out with you I didn't think there could be anything more spectacular than
the experience we shared and my beloved humpback whales. But you proved me
wrong, this year’s adventure was by far the best. The beautiful scenery,
the dinner, and of course the outstanding show-off whale we encountered…..
People could not believe me when I told them we had our own personal whale
waiting for us, (at least it seemed that way). To this day it amazes me when
I think back on how that whale just stayed there splashing its tail and showing
off the way it did. Listening to the video brings back all those very fond
memories. Davey, thank you again for all you did to make our day with you
special and for the most awesome trip to Alaska so far.
Your friends from CA - Roxanne & Tom Broderick
The highlight of our trip from a nature point of view – which was
why we wanted to go to Alaska in the 1st place, was Davey Lubin on the Esther
G II. He was great; we saw sooo many whales and even saws one slam his tail
numerous times. I would recommend this trip to anyone. He was knowledgeable
and safety-conscious, and we saw and learned so much. He asked us what we
wanted to see – I said Puffins - - - and there they were!! I said Otters,
and there they were again! The three hours just flew by, and we saw almost
three hours of non stop wildlife, and learned about how the national wildlife
preserves were created and why. He also gave us a history lesson of Sitka,
where to hike and what was off the beaten path, and his wife’s cookies
were great.
Molly Roff-Sheridan and Vance White
…I just felt I needed to contact you and let you know that
the hours we spent with you were the hi-light of our Alaska vacation. It
was our 20th anniversary and you made the day very special. Thanks again
for the wonderful tour and intense whale watching. We will be back and will
do it again!
Joan & Mike Jenkins - San Jose, CA
Davey, thank you for a fantastic evening tour. It was wonderful to see the
whales with calves, otters with pups, puffins, and more. If we come to Sitka
again we will definitely call you.
E.J. Zita, Ph.D. - Evergreen State College - Olympia, WA
…It has been a whole week since you took us on our adventure
in the waters around Sitka. We certainly wish we were out there again. Your
tour was the highlight of our cruise that was filled with many exciting moments.
Your expertise and free-spirit really made the trip. Seeing that humpback
breach right in front of us was for us a thrill. On top of that, your wife's
cookies were out of this world.
Carol and Scott Dubowsky - Tenafly, NJ
…Our family boat ride on Esther G II will never, ever be
forgotten. It was a delight, really. You are such a sweet guy, we wish you
all the best. Hope
you told Lisa how much we loved the cookies……………
Ay and Don Langdon - Palm Beach, FL
Thanks for a great trip. Pigeon giullemot, black oystercatcher surf scoter
and black turnstone photos are excellent! I will send them. Your wife's cookies were the best!
Tom Dove (“Photographer extrordinaire”!!) - The Big Island,
Hawaii
Thanks for your beautiful words. We had an amazing day, your company was
just wonderful…Thank you again for being so wonderful!
Adriana Miniño and family - San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Just a short note to tell you again that our trip with you was the total
highlight of our July 2005 Alaska visit. We have taken tours and we have
taken "your" tour. Your knowledge, honesty, sincerity, obvious
love for your home and environment, and dedication to those who travel with
you set you a step above the others. I do not recall ever having used the
word "amazing" as often as I did on our trip. Thank you and I assure
you that when we return to Sitka we will travel with you again.
Joe and Nan Simcox - Havelock, NC
Thanks a million for the once in a lifetime experience! After taking my
mother and me out on an evening tour, I must recommend Davey to anyone wanting
a marine wildlife adventure. Davey found 2 dozen whales surface-feeding.
It was spectacular. You may never get to see such a sight in your life. Davey
Lubin is one of those rare people in life whose job is their passion. His
knowledge of the Alaskan waters, its wildlife, and geology is unsurpassed.
You would be doing yourself a great favor to take a trip on the Esther G
while in Sitka. Oh, and a big bonus, his wife's homemade, secret-recipe cookies
are awsome.
Bobbi Flood - Sitka, AK
…your tour was the highlight of our trip and we spoke about it often
throughout. It actually was too nice because we tried to compare all other
excursions we took with yours …Thanks for the memories,
Chad and Ann Stephenson -
Sterling Heights, Michigan
We wanted to thank you again for the great boat trip and showing us so many
wondrous things! It also didn't hurt that the weather was absolutely perfect!
When we left Sitka, we saw about 30 whales as a group, making their way up
the coast! but it could not compare to the close ups you gave us with the
Esther G. You are wonderful........
Susan and Bill Branum -
Daytona Beach, Florida
We came into Sitka on the Infinity and because of a snafu with the cruiseline
we had to get our own wildlife excursion. Thank God for snafus! We found
Davey and had the absolute best time in Alaska. Our tablemates did the
cruise excursion and it did not compare to ours. We saw whales, puffins,
sea otters, eagles, a sea lion and so many birds I could not remember all
of them. The ride was great and getting Davey's insider view of Sitka was
a bonus. He is a great guide, concerned with his guests and wanted to give
us the best excursion we could have. On the way back he spotted a huge
horde of jellyfish which lit up the water and Davey made sure we got a
chance to see it. If we ever get back to Sitka, Davey and the Esther G
will be a must do.
Kathy and Jim Carpenito -
Warrenton, Virginia
We arrived home from Alaska this morning. We are fresh with the glow from
our Alaska vacation. Certainly a highlight of our trip was the great tour
of Sitka from the Esther G! Thank you for showing us Sitka from the viewpoint
of a biologist and resident.
Amy and Marty Fields -
Madison, Wisconsin
We wanted to let you know again what a wonderful trip we had last Monday.
All afternoon we talked about what a great adventure we had and all the animals
we were able to see. We are already trying to figure out how we can come
back as quick as possible. Thanks for making our vacation the best!
William, Tina and Zack Snider -
Killeen, TX
Thanks for the fun and professional trip. You have a great boat and report
with people. It was nice to just hang out in the bow and see everything.
I am proud to let people know I know you!
Steve Hinshaw -
Sitka, Alaska
This is just to let you know how much we enjoyed the opportunity you provided
for us to observe many of the Sitka mammals and birds in their natural environment.
We especially appreciated your concern that the content of the tour related
to our specific interests and that we felt safe and comfortable throughout
our time together. Your technical expertise, knowledge of local history and
outgoing personality made the trip the highlight of our two week vacation
in Alaska. Thanks again for a wonderful experience.
Bill and Gretchen North -
Fort Collins, CO
…thank you on behalf of Penny and myself for the wonderful trip
and educational lesson aboard the Esther G II. It was a learning experience
we will always remember.
Len Evancic -
Jacksonville, Florida
“…we spent the day on the water after meeting Davey Lubin,
who runs the Esther G company, and had a magical day. We saw orcas and then
sat surrounded by
tufted puffins, murres, ancient murrelets and many other birds. I was already
in heaven at this stage but as the sea otters lounged around us I had a feeling
this was leading to a pretty special week and more was to come. We headed
back towards Sitka and found ourselves surrounded .by humpbacks. This was
the first time I had encountered whales and being in a small boat and so
close was just wonderful. We sat not knowing which way to turn as they were
blowing in every direction……….
Exerpt from journal of The Boat Company passenger Sally Bruce -
Lamboum Berkshire, England
…I was on the all-girl trip last week and wanted to tell you how much I
enjoyed it. It was the highlight of my cruise. I'm so glad I didn't book
the cruise excursion but rather waited until we got onshore. Everyone on
the ship I talked to who went on similar but larger tours was very jealous
when I told them about my trip. We saw everything I hoped for and had great
cookies too! Thanks again and be assured that I will highly recommend your
tour to everyone.
Mary Lawson -
Sedgewick, Maine and Panama City Beach, Florida
…how very much we enjoyed our boat trip with you…Your
knowledge is amazing and we appreciated you sharing it with us. If ever we
know anyone going to Sitka, your name will be on the top of the list of things
to do. Thanks for a great ride.
George and Chris Black -
Quincy, Illinois
Thanks so much for taking us out for a wonderful whale-watching tour. Seeing the flukes of the humpbacks was great,
but nothing compared to seeing the group of them breaching! What a sight, to see all that mass shooting
straight up into the air. It made our visit to Sitka unforgettable.
Dana Moudry -
Fairbanks, AK