Meet Our Crew

Captain Tom McMillen

Tom is one of the Captains of the Stellar Sea and is the owner and President of Salish Sea Charters Inc.

This year Salish Sea Charters will be entertaining and educating Seattle's visitors and locals, alike, with wildlife tours departing from Seattle, Pier 66 all year!

Captain Hamid

Hamid may be new to Salish Sea Charters, but he has 10 years of experience driving Whale Watching boats in the San Juan Islands, and Charter boats in Seattle. Hamid lived in Ballard, right next to the Government Locks where during his career, safely piloted numerous vessels through the locking chambers well over 10000 times. The Locks are just another one of the attractions you'll learn about along the way! Hamid also taught future Captains at the Seattle Maritime Academy for a number of years, so rest assured, you are in good hands! Raised in Seattle, Hamid knows the area very well and loves to share his maritime knowledge, as well as all he's learned about the Seattle area and the Puget Sound.

Naturalist Ellen

For the last few years, Ellen has been working as a Naturalist Guide on Whale Watching boats in the San Juan Islands and as a tour guide in Seattle. After obtaining her Marine Science degree from the University of Maine, she decided the Puget Sound was where she wanted to be! "The Seattle area and the Puget Sound are home to such a diverse community of wildlife, this truly is an amazing place to experience." So much wildlife abounds so close to home, Ellen wants to share the beauty of the Puget Sound and its inhabitants with others, while increasing awareness of the marine world, in hopes to help sustain it for years to come.

First Mate Elmer

Elmer has been crewing on Salish Sea whale watching charters since the beginning. His dream is to someday be Captain but until then he keeps an eagle eye out for marine life close by. He has a knack for knowing where the whales are often even before Tom. When you are on board, keep your eye on the dog. He'll let you know where to look. See photos of Elmer at work.