THE BIG DOG Yachtcharter

Frank has led a diverse and different life. He was born on a ranch in the Nevada high dessert. Before he could walk he was riding horses and spent his teenage and early adult years riding the range, mending fences, breaking horses, and tending to cattle while working as a wrangler on local ranches.

All that experience with ropes and lines came in handy when Frank decided to learn how to sail. His learning experiences occurred mostly in the San Francisco Bay. However, after doing some sailing in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida he decided the warmer weather was better, and when an opportunity arose for him to Captain a yacht from Peru into the Caribbean he jumped on it. He has been a successful charter boat Captain since 2011, and loves meeting and sharing the experience with guests.

Although born and raised a dessert rat, Frank has always been called to the sea. He began scuba diving in 1989 and fell in love with the sport. He spent several years diving the West and Northwest coast from Washington to Southern California. Frank has been a PADI professional for over 25 years, and was a Dive Master and Assistant instructor prior to acquiring is PADI O/W Scuba Instructor certification in 2008 in Kona, Hawaii where he trained many people to dive. Frank is a natural born teacher and can help just about anyone feel at ease in the water.

Frank’s passions for sailing and diving are followed closely by his love for grilling. Frank and Denise were always in charge of family gatherings and put on a party every year for over 100 people where Frank acted as the “grill-master.” He has brought that art with him and you can look forward to grilling perfection on THE BIG DOG.

Denise is a true Island Girl, having been born in the Azores. Her parents had her in the ocean before she could crawl. She traveled extensively as an Air Force “Brat.” Denise first learned to sail in a pond in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and then much later in life in the San Francisco Bay. Longing for warmer water she also spent time sailing in Florida. Denise also spent time as First Mate on a charter boat in Kona, Hawaii and loved taking her guests to swim and play with wild dolphins.

Denise became a NAUI Scuba Instructor in 2005 and a PADI Scuba Instructor in 2008. She has been diving for over 25 years. Diving is her passion. She has a well-trained eye for finding things underwater that most people don’t see. Her greatest pleasure in life is sharing the underwater experience with guests whether it is on SCUBA or during her famous snorkel safaris.

When she is not in the water with guests she spends her time as chef and stew making sure guests are well-cared for. Denise says that cooking is her other passion and believes it is a form of mediation. She provides a diverse menu specializing in fresh, local ingredients and has always received great praises for the meals she prepares. She is more than happy to accommodate most special dietary requests.