Originally from Florida, Samantha practically grew up on the water, spending much of her childhood boating, swimming, and exploring. With both parents working in animal care, she developed an early appreciation for animals and a curiosity about their behaviors and the underwater world. Three years ago, she came to Hawaiʻi for what was supposed to be a two-month summer job but quickly fell in love with the island, the ocean, and its incredible manta rays.
With a background in marine wildlife tours, guest services, and animal care, Samantha has always been drawn to learning about the natural world and sharing that knowledge with others. As an in-water guide with Manta Ray Advocates, she gets to combine her love for marine life with another longtime passion: teaching. She finds it incredibly rewarding to meet new people, introduce them to these fascinating animals, and share an experience that is truly unique.
When she’s not in the water, you can usually find her spending time with friends, camping, listening to music, or settling in for a good movie, especially an old classic. She’s always up for an adventure, loves exploring new places, and is usually the first to say yes to trying something new.
Samantha looks forward to being part of your manta ray experience and helping you create memories that last a lifetime.
