MEET
THE CONDOR CREW
HIROKO BENKO, PRESIDENT
Hiroko is the president of the Condor Express, known to some as "the Commodore." She launched Condor Express Whale Watching in 2002 with her late husband, Captain Fred. Hiroko brings a wealth of knowledge in many fields - foreign service, international relations, administration and management. She has worked around the world: Tokyo, Sweden, Beverly Hills, and Santa Barbara. Hiroko's focus is too continually improve the Condor Express experience and to seek exciting and new charter cruise experiences.
DAVE BEEZER, CAPTAIN
Captain Dave is an "Ocean State" native and a graduate of the University of Rhode Island. He has worked in the field of marine mammal research, rescue and rehabilitation for over twenty years. He works all over the world as marine mammal consultant, research and rescue team leader, including Japan and the Galapagos Islands. He is our crew member responsible for reporting and coordinating the rescue of entangled whales and dolphins. Dave is also an accomplished videographer and underwater cinematographer. His credits include National Geographic, the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and many Cousteau feature films. Dave brings his extensive marine mammal experience and love for the ocean aboard every trip, and he is a great Captain.
EDDY, CAPTAIN
Captain Eddy has spent his entire life on the water, having grown up in SoCal. His passion for boating and exploration started at a young age, and he feels incredibly lucky to be able to share that passion with others on the Condor Express. After gaining experience on other charter yachts, he's found that this job is the most inspiring of them all.
BOB PERRY,
PHOTOGRAPHER/ BLOGGER
Bob is the staff photographer on board the Condor Express. He is a Loyola University alum, with graduate studies at UCLA. He has taught biology and marine science at the high school and college level. He is a retired 100-ton charter boat Captain and Master SCUBA Instructor. His photographs and articles have been published in many marine life publications. Bob is married has a son, a daughter and a grandson.
KELLY KOHLS,
CREWMEMBER
MARISSA
GALLEY
My love for the water started at a young age growing up on lake minnetonka mn. My passion for the ocean started when we would vacation to California visiting family in San Clemente when I was 7 years old. I always knew that no matter where I was I needed to be in or on the water. Now working as a deckhand on board the condor, several other vessels and a kayak/snorkel guide I get to share that passion for the ocean and all it's creatures. I currently live aboard a 38ft Sailboat right outside santa barbara harbor with my boyfriend and our two dogs.
In my free time I volunteer with cimwi (channel islands marine and wildlife institute) and have been with them for 2 years doing rescue and rehabilitation with California Sea Lion's.
CAPTAIN FRED BENKO (1939-2013)
Fred was the founder and creator of Condor Express Whale Watching. He was a United States Marine, a Vietnam veteran, and a graduate of George Washington University. Originally from Ohio, Fred was in the local sport-fishing industry as far back as 1973, and in 1979 built the original Condor. In 2002, he started exclusively running natural history and whale watching trips. He had the Condor Express custom-built to provide the best and safest ocean tours in the world. Fred was very active in the community and served on the boards of many civic institutions. He remains an inspiration to all of us.
DANNY
CAPTAIN
Captain Danny's love for being on the water started almost 20 years ago when he first stepped foot on the Condor, and he is now full circle, captaining the very boat that ignited his passion for whales. With extensive experience working on boats since 2015, Captain Danny is eager to share his enthusiasm with our guests.
KATELYNN
GALLEY
