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.
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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
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ASPEN
DECKHAND
Aspen joined the Condor Express crew in October 2024. Her passion for the ocean began when she started surfing in Northern California, and ever since, she has been eager to be surrounded by the water in every way possible. This love for the ocean paved the way for her aquatic biology studies at UC Santa Barbara, her career on the Condor Express, and her work as a divemaster. Before joining the Condor Express crew, she worked on a dive boat running trips to the Channel Islands. She loves having an adventurous career and exploring the California coastline, both above and below the surface.
ISABEL,
DECKHAND
Isabel joined the Condor Express crew in May 2025, bringing with her four years of whale watching experience. She began her career working on boats in Maui, where she fell in love with whales. With a strong background in marine biology, having studied oysters and ocean acidification in college, her passion for the ocean naturally led her to join the Condor Crew! When the opportunity arose, she knew it was the perfect chance to continue sharing her love for whales and marine life with others.
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CAMILLE,
DECKHAND
Camille joined the Condor Express crew in June 2025. She is originally from Laguna Beach and grew up in and around the ocean, which has naturally shaped her passion for marine life and working on the water. She attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where she studied Environmental Protection and worked on an oyster farm in Morro Bay before moving to Santa Barbara. Drawn to Santa Barbara Harbor's role as the heart of culture and industry, Camille knew she wanted to be part of the community. She instantly connected with the Condor Crew in her interview and knew she wanted to be part of the team!
CASS,
DECKHAND
Cass grew up in Santa Barbara, in and around the water, building a strong sense of belonging with the sea. She enjoys using her free time to fish and dive. Cass has travelled the world to partake in Conservation programs, most recently in Madagascar. She has worked apart of the Condor Crew since March 2025. Passionate about animal conservation Cass has loved working and educating others about the whales and wildlife here in Santa Barbara.
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.