Naturalist icon Naturalist

Erica Wirth

Erica grew up in a small town outside of Columbus, Ohio where she got her start in environmental education. At the ripe age of fourteen, she began working at the Columbus Zoo in the education department. When she was sixteen, they sent her to study polar bears in Canada, with Polar Bears International. Learning about these animals in their natural environment inspired her to pursue a career working in wildlife.

Erica went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Eckerd College in Environmental Studies & Psychology. While at Eckerd she participated in a variety of research projects taking her to Costa Rica, Honduras, Indonesia, and Tanzania. After college, spent a season working and living in Saguaro National Park followed by a season of whale watching in the San Juan Islands where she discovered her passion for marine mammals. She is now a captain and naturalist based out of Monterey Bay. When she’s not on the water you can find her hiking, hanging out with her dog, painting, or enjoying the town of Santa Cruz.

My upcoming expeditions

Alaska Escape: Haines, the Inian Islands and Tracy Arm Fjord

Jul 31 2025
Aug 5 2025
Aug 10 2025
May 26 2026
May 31 2026
Jul 25 2026
Jul 30 2026

Alaska's Inside Passage

Aug 17 2025
Sep 19 2026

Baja California: Observing the Whales of Magdalena Bay

Jan 29 2026
Feb 3 2026
Feb 8 2026
Feb 13 2026

Alaska Escape: LeConte Bay, Wrangell and Misty Fjords

May 16 2026
Jul 15 2026
Jul 20 2026