Get to know our guides and captains! One of these professional naturalists will be leading you on your next adventure. All of our staff strive to provide safe, fun, and unforgettable adventures. Like someone in particular? They love to be requested!
Captain Joe Lotts
After 16 years of experience, Joe branched off to start Charleston Outdoor Adventures. Despite running the business since 2009, you can frequently find him leading trips on the water. Once you meet him it is no surprise that he has been guiding since the young age of fifteen. After discovering his passion for the outdoors, Joe obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Wilderness Leadership & Experiential Education from Brevard College. Living in the mountains of North Carolina, Joe sharpened his kayaking and guiding skills in whitewater rivers and mountain creeks. After moving to Charleston, Joe worked in the industry mastering the skills needed to provide the best guiding service in the region.
Manager Brice Maruna
Brice grew up in San Diego, CA where she spent most of her time hiking, camping and exploring the local beaches. She studied Sustainability before moving to Charleston to teach Environmental Education. Here at COA, Brice is able to nourish her love of the outdoors and share a bit of the lowcountry with others. When not on the water or in the office at COA, you can find her gardening, reading and doing Pilates.
Manager Alyssa Godwin
Originally born and raised in Anderson, SC, Alyssa moved down to attend the College of Charleston. She fell in love with the Lowcountry and over 10 years later, she’s still here! Her professional guiding experience began with bike touring, including a cross-country bike trip from FL to CA. After exploring the Folly waterways solo for many years, she’s excited to share her passion for leadership and ecotourism out on the water. She’ll also be joining the COA office team to help you book your next adventure to explore our unique salt marsh ecosystem. When she’s not on Folly, you can find her playing with her Boykin Spaniel, Birdie, or catching some live music at The Pourhouse.
Captain Tripp Copeland III
From Winton, NC, Tripp discovered his love of the outdoors at an early age. Spending his summers in the Outer Banks, he grew an appreciation of the East Coast and especially its waters. Tripp followed his passion to Brevard College, where he graduated with a degree in Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education. He started guiding kayak eco tours in 2003 in Beaufort, N.C. From there, he moved to Charleston where he has been guiding ever since. He has since developed great enthusiasm and knowledge of Lowcountry estuaries. Tripp’s vast experience and laid back attitude make him a cherished member of the COA team.
Captain Josh Coleman
A South Carolina native, Josh was raised in the tidal waters of Charleston. Always being an outdoor enthusiast, he quickly became passionate about preserving fragile ecosystems. During his time in the United States Marine Corps, Josh was fortunate to visit many exotic places where his love for conservation grew. Now, as an eco-tour guide, his desire is to instill that very same passion into others. When he is not guiding, Josh enjoys hiking and reading about American History. He can often be found at concerts – especially if his idol, Dave Matthews, is playing near Charleston!
Captain Katie Gleason
Katie is originally from South Florida but moved to Greenville, SC as a kid. She graduated from College of Charleston with a degree in Marine Biology in 2018. Katie is very dynamic here at COA and can be spotted both on and off the water! Katie has a strong passion for marine mammals and is a volunteer for the South Carolina Marine Mammal Stranding Network. In her free time you can find Katie working out at the gym, enjoying the water, or photographing our local dolphins.
Captain Dallas Baker
Dallas Baker is a native of the greater Charleston area- growing up in and around the local waterways. As a year round swimmer, passionate surfer, avid whitewater kayaker, professional sea kayaker, and boat captain, Dallas is no stranger to the water-world. He also specializes in Ornithology, so be sure to ask him everything he knows about birds. When he’s not on the water you can find him playing in his beach driven bluegrass band Dallas Baker & Friends or enjoying all the beauty Charleston has to offer with his wife and pets.
Captain Craig Burke
Craig recently moved to Charleston after spending the last 5 years in Minnesota, where he graduated from Macalester College with a degree in environmental studies. Originally from Connecticut, Craig grew up exploring the forests of his hometown, and quickly developed a curiosity for the abundance of life around him. After spending a few summers conducting invasive plant research in college, he solidified his passion to work outdoors and continue to explore the interconnectedness of nature. In his free time, Craig loves to bike, ski, climb, camp, or find any other excuse to get out, travel, and explore the outdoors.
Naturalist Cade Kaufmann
Cade was born in South Carolina where he grew up kayaking, fishing, and exploring in the creeks and marshes of the Lowcountry. His passion carried into an educational setting, studying marine biology and ecology in high school and into higher education at the College of Charleston. Cade is our go-to guide for anything paleontological, with a depth of information on South Carolina’s rich fossil history. His passion for the ecosystem and everything in it is evident in his attitude here on Bowens Island.
Naturalist Megan Cummings
Born and raised in South Carolina, Megan spent most of her childhood outdoors exploring. After graduating from the University of South Carolina with a B.S. in Marine Science in 2015, she began her career as a naturalist in Charleston. In 2019 she graduated from The Citadel with a Master of Arts in Biology. She loves sharing her passion for the outdoors with others and showing people the beauty of the Lowcountry. When she is not guiding, you can find her crabbing, hiking with her dog Beau, listening to her record collection, or spending time with her family and friends.
Naturalist Wil Mayfield
Born and raised on Pawley’s Island, SC, Wil is an all around waterman, avid surfer, and firefighter. He has a Master’s degree in marketing and business administration from the University of South Carolina. Wil spent six years as a local firefighter and was a semi-professional skateboarder back in the day. One of Wil’s other favorite pastimes is spear fishing. Wil enjoys paddleboarding with his beloved dog Penni. You will frequently find him at Folly Beach or exploring Charleston’s water ways.
Naturalist Kat Wikner
A midwest native, Kat recently moved to Charleston to be able to spend more time on the water! She grew up spending time outside, hiking, camping, and swimming. Her draw to the outdoors lead her to get a degree in recreation, tourism, and nonprofit leadership. When not on Bowens Island, Kat spends her time exploring the outdoors through biking, climbing, and the beach. She also thoroughly enjoys yoga and spending time with her friends and eating great food.
Naturalist Maddy Kuhn
Naturalist Max Votta
Max Votta was born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, but moved to Charleston at age 2 and has always called it home. Growing up, Max and his family would often do many outdoor activities. This led to his fascination with water and the history of the Earth. Max pursued this passion by studying Biology and Anthropology at the College of Charleston. A study abroad course to Hong Kong and Bali to study Tropical Ecology significantly impacted his world view and further sparked his passion for the world around him. He now loves to share his stories and knowledge with others. In his free time Max likes to travel, cook, take care of plants, go on random adventures and do anything if it has to do with water.
Naturalist KD Wood
Born in Utah and growing up in Wilmington NC, KD has always had a passion for the ocean and ecology. As an Ocean Rescue Lifeguard she protected the beach and its patrons, she was the junior guard captain and taught aspiring kids the importance of respecting the ocean and its inhabitants. KD later moved to Colorado and acquired her Bachelor’s in Biology with a focus in Ecology and Evolution. After exploring the landlocked state for several years, she moved back to the east coast, ending up in Charleston. When she isn’t at the beach or out on the water; she is hanging out with her vizsla, baking focaccia and other breads, practicing her photography or playing video games with her partner.
Naturalist Laine Elliott
After many seasons working and snowboarding Taos, New Mexico, Laine recently moved to Charleston to be closer to the ocean. Laine knew she wanted to pursue a career in outdoor education after spending summers at camp in the Blue Ridge Mountains and upon completion of her 2,192 mile long Appalachian Trail thru-hike in 2019. Originally from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, she grew up traveling, hiking, camping, and swimming. An alumni of the University of Alabama, she is eager to use her American Studies degree to share the rich and complex history of the Lowcountry. When she’s not exploring the local waterways, Laine spends her time at the beach, practicing yoga, backpacking, reading, cooking and having fun with friends!
Naturalist Alexa Merle
Alexa’s love for the outdoors began as a child growing up in Western New York where she spent time hunting, camping, and chasing waterfalls. Her passion for nature continued to grow throughout her time living in San Diego where she road-tripped all the national parks and spent time in the islands of the South Pacific while in the military. She is a firm believer that nature is healing and is passionate about encouraging others to spend more time outdoors to unwind and find peace. Alexa recently moved to Charleston and spends her free time relaxing in the sun, exploring new music, or checking out breweries.