About us

Ocean Explorer is a leading company in maritime transport, located in La Palma more than eight years ago, and has a team of specialized and experienced staff in this industry.

Our two boats, Flipper and Bussard, are used for responsible whale watching trips, as our main concern is to carry out this activity with the least possible impact and always to respect nature.

“People protect what they love, but we only love what we know”

—Jacques Cousteau

While navigation, the main goal of our trips is to enjoy, to learn and to respect the animals. That is the reason why our marine biologists and guides will provide you with reliable information about the surrounding marine fauna in order for you to get a good knowledge of our seas and to raise awareness regarding the importance of conservation of nature.

THE TEAM

José is the heart of our crew and an experienced captain with many years at sea. With his keen eye and deep knowledge of the ocean, he navigates the boat with a steady hand and an unfailing instinct for nature. His positive and welcoming attitude ensures that you feel at home from the moment you step on board.But José is not just responsible for steering the boat. With great care and attention, he also dedicates himself to spotting marine wildlife, ensuring that every encounter is a memorable one. His passion for the sea and his extensive knowledge of its inhabitants turn every trip into a true adventure. Throughout the journey, José focuses on every detail to make sure you have the best experience possible.Join José on an unforgettable journey where you will not only witness the beauty of the ocean but also the dedication and expertise of a true seaman.

Carlitos is the captain on the Flipper and he will welcome you always with a smile and the most impeccable boat in the harbour. Born and raised in Tazacorte, after many years being part of the team of Ocean Explorer, we can guarantee he is one of the most experienced skippers in the area. And be sure he will not miss any single animal for you, as his dedicated life to the sea made him to develop one-off sharp eyesight.

Luana is one of our most polyglot vendors and a passionate traveller. She has Italian and Belgian nationality and she has been living in La Palma for eight years now. She speaks Spanish, French, English and Italian and can be found in the office at Los Cancajos, H10 Hotel and Tazacorte, providing valuable information to our clients regarding the tours we offer, always with a big smile and good sense of humour!

Nicole and Jorge are the owners of Ocean Explorer, a company that was established more than twenty years ago. They carried from Germany the dream of setting up this project in La Palma and it is growing more and more. They work together with all the staff so as to improve day by day and to make the customer experience as complete and satisfying as possible.

He is in charge of preparing the tapas for the menu of the Bussard excursions and checking that everything on board is ready before the boat sets sail. He also participates with the captains in the maintenance work.

Graduated in Coastal & Marine Management in the Netherlands and with a Master’s degree in Marine Biology in Germany. Her passion for marine life has taken her all over the world participating in different projects such as one related to Mangroves in Jamaica, photo-identification of whale sharks in the Philippines and the study of shark egg distribution in South Africa.

 

Since her childhood, Elsa has always felt deeply connected to the sea. Influenced by her father, who worked as a marine mechanic, she grew up in a world where the ocean was part of everyday life. This special connection soon became a great passion that continues to guide both her personal journey and her work today.

For Elsa, the sea represents freedom, inspiration, and the excitement of new encounters. With her warm and welcoming personality, she loves sharing this passion with others and creating unforgettable moments for our guests on the Atlantic Ocean.

Because at sea, there is always a new horizon waiting for us.

Axel comes from Sant Feliu de Guíxols and is an important part of our team as second captain. As a certified port skipper and former diving instructor, the sea has always been one of his greatest passions. His extensive experience in navigation and his close connection to the maritime world make him a highly valued member of our crew on board.

With his friendly, open and professional personality, Axel ensures that our guests always feel safe and comfortable during every excursion. Whether assisting passengers on board or sharing fascinating insights into the world of the ocean, he brings great enthusiasm to making each tour a truly special experience.

Axel speaks Spanish and English and looks forward to welcoming you on board and sharing his passion for the sea and marine life with you.

Nabil was so much more than a colleague – he was a friend, a bright presence in our daily lives, someone who brought heart, humor, and passion to everything he did. His laughter, his warmth, and his love for life will always stay with us.

Though he left us far too soon, his place in our team and in our hearts remains. This photo will remind us of who he was: full of life, kindness, and joy.

We miss you, Nabil.

Information

Due to a delay at the shipyard, our Flipper Dolphin Safari tours are currently taking place on the Bussard