Our Family & Team

Pete Hanke here. My wife Sherri and I have been operating whale watching tours with Puget Sound Express for more than 40 years, and in that time we have always endeavored to make your trip a lasting memory. In 1981, I started with my dad, Pete Sr., providing week-long sailing adventures in the Pacific Northwest aboard the 80-foot schooner, Alcyone. Over the years, we moved from sailboats to powerboats, but always made sure the whale watching experience and the vessels were first rate. To that end, we continue to operate what we feel is the best whale watching company in the Pacific Northwest.

4 Generations of the Hanke family

You will often find my wife Sherri in the office answering questions and solving problems. Don’t tell anyone, but she is definitely the brains behind the operation. Although she has threatened many times to get her own captain’s license, Sherri actually prefers the beach to the water and, truth be known, would probably rather be taking her horse out for a spin than a boat. Actually, the funny thing about us is that both Sherri and I grew up on farms driving tractors. How that translates into a whale watching business is still being researched.

Besides the two of us, we are blessed to have two adult children working alongside us, taking a larger role in running the business. Christopher, who manages our vessels, graduated from college with a degree in Physics Engineering. Sarah, who now runs the business and crew operations, graduated with a degree in Business Management. Sherri and I are so very proud of them.

And even after all these years, the Hanke grandparents still play active roles ashore and on the water. Truly a blessing.

So it really is a family whale watch operation, and that aspect alone is something we take pride in, and love to share with you, our customers.

But our family also extends to the amazing and talented people who captain our boats, naturalize the wildlife, answer the phones, and maintain our boats. These professionals share our same commitment to excellent customer service, as well as a spirit of service and mindfulness towards our area’s wildlife and ecology.

Our team at the annual company picnic

The Team

Pete Hanke

Originally from: Sunnyside, WA

When did you start at PSE: I started PSE in 1985, by purchasing a small charter fishing and diving company called Calm Sea Charters.

Why whale watching: I ran a 42′ boat called the Calm Sea out of Point Hudson and we would do fishing and diving charters.  On some of the diving charters we would see whales which would be very exciting for the divers.  While running this business, dad and I were trying to start a passenger ferry from Seattle to Port Townsend and Friday Harbor.  After several years we decided to bring Red Head from Port Angeles and begin day trips to Friday Harbor, as a scheduled run.  Along the way we would see whales and decided it would be fun to add that as part of the trip.  There were two other companies doing whale watching at the time.

Your favorite whale or whale experience: My favorite whale would be J1 Ruffles who died in 2010 at the age of 59 which is old for an adult male whale.  We watched a birthing ceremony once where female killer whales tried to nurse a dead harbor porpoise fetus to life.  Probably spent 45 minutes working on it with all the southern residents logging in position and watching.

Several great memories would be 1) Being the support boat for the movie “Hunt for Red October” when they were shooting it in Port Angeles, 2) Being the emergency ferry from Orcas landing to Shaw after the Elwah took out the Orcas ferry dock and 3) Being the emergency ferry from Port Townsend to Coupeville after the state condemned all the Klickitat ferry boats in the middle of winter.  We routinely drove Glacier Spirit in 30 to 40 kt storms making that crossing and never missed one scheduled run over a two month stretch.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work: I love to fly airplanes which started when I was a kid flying with my dad.

Sherri Hanke

Originally from: Seattle, WA

When did you start at PSE: Before it was created, 😊.  The name came from a trip to Palm Springs in the 80s. The City of Palm Springs had a marketing campaign:   ” PS I love you” so, I thought “Pete and Sherri,” then “Puget Sound” etc..

Your favorite whale or whale experience: Not quite whales, but in the 80s it was the plethora of rabbits on San Juan Island and our guests’ favorite tour.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work: Spending time at the lake, a tradition that started with my Dad.

Christopher Hanke

Originally from: Chimacum, WA

When did you start at PSE: I started at PSE in 2002. Growing up I used to go out with my dad when he was driving the boat and watch for whales/help out on-board. Therefore at a young age I started working and helping the crew and naturalist out in the galley.

Why whale watching: Following in the family footsteps! My parents did tell my sister and myself to go work for other companies and business after college to see if this is what we wanted to do. After a couple years I quickly came back to what I loved and was familiar with.

Your favorite whale or whale experience: When I was young, we would often see resident orcas thriving. Drifting with them was a memorable experience

What do you enjoy doing outside of work: Spending time outside of work with my wife and kids. I also enjoy dirt bike riding!

Sarah Copley (Hanke)

Originally from: Chimacum, WA

When did you start at PSE: 2001, However I grew up going out with my dad on the full day whale watch to Friday Harbor. When I was really young I used to take naps on the downstairs bunks across from the restroom on the Glacier Spirit.

Why whale watching: Part of the family business 🙂 My folks did encourage my brother Christopher and I to go work for other businesses after college and we both did and then wanted to come back and be a part of the business our folks started.

Your favorite whale or whale experience: When I was young, watching resident orcas was my favorite experience. J1 Ruffles – who is now deceased – was my favorite whale. Today I enjoy a regular humpback, known in the community as “Two Spot.” This whale is SO unique and personable. Some jaw dropping personal, memorable experiences have happened with this animal.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work: Riding horses, kayaking on the Hood Canal, hiking in the Olympics and playing with my dog Riley (you’ll often see her in the office with us).

Adam

Originally from: Spring Green, WI

When did you start for PSE: May 2024

Why whale watching? Nothing beats a day on the water, especially with the opportunity to be in the company of great whales and great people.

Your favorite whale or whale experience: I’ve spent many seasons as a sea kayak guide, and one of my most memorable experiences I didn’t even get to see them! I was leading guests on a crossing between islands in the Kodiak Archipelago of Alaska when some inclement weather rolled in. Super thick fog required navigating by compass and a tight group. Near our midway point – out of nowhere – the loud breath of a whale startled us. We heard its breath as it surfaced 4 or 5 more times, circling so closely around our kayaks we could hear the subtle ripple of water as it moved through the surface and dipped below. So amazing!

What do you enjoy outside of work: Sea kayaking, hiking and backpacking, birding, wheel throwing pottery, board gaming.

Adriana

Originally from: Puerto Rico

When did you start with PSE: May 2024

Why whale watching: I recently graduated with a degree in marine biology and fell in love with marine mammal behavior and ecology! I also love teaching people about how amazing the ocean is, and this job is a perfect combination of both! I get to be out on a boat seeing whales almost every day and be able to be with people when they see whales for the first time.

Favorite whale watching experience: So far I have loved absolutely every day! But there was one special day when we had Piglet (a male Biggs killer whale) come up towards the boat and his blow made a rainbow and for a second it went from us watching him to him watching us and it was magical!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work: I enjoy pretty much anything that involved being outdoors, especially if water is involved! Hiking, scuba diving, paddle boarding, surfing, swimming, and so many other things! I’m pretty sure I’m 60% fish.

Bart

Originally from: Kentucky

When did you start with PSE: Officially, my first year was in 2005 on a part-time basis, but in 2016 I switched to more of a full-time.

Why whale watching?  Because whales are awesome.  I have been a wildlife fan my whole life, and ever since I was a kid whales were right up there with the likes of tigers, lions, leopards, and cheetahs.  Growing up all those animals seemed so exotic, and now it’s amazing to be able to see the whales on a daily basis!

Your favorite whale or whale experience: That’s a tough question because I’ve had so many great experiences with whales over the years, but my first experience with killer whales was definitely one of the best because it was so new.  It was during a kayak trip where I was circumnavigating the San Juan Islands with two of my best travel buddies.  During the eight to nine-day adventure we spent two days on the west side of San Juan Island kayaking with J-pod orcas.  During those two days I had a big male orca turn around and swim right towards me and then under my kayak!  My heart was in my throat. We camped right next to the water and in the still of the night I could hear the loud exhalation blows of J-pod as they swam towards us in the distance.  I woke up my two friends and we watched all of J-pod swim right by us in a tight group (probably sleeping) lit up by the full moon reflecting off the water!  It was magic and that image is etched in my mind forever.  After that trip I knew I needed to spend more time with the orcas, and it eventually led to more kayak trips photographing the whales and becoming a naturalist.

What do you enjoy outside of work: Fishing has been one of my passions ever since I was about 10-11 years old.  I like fishing for just about any fish that fights hard, but salmon, steelhead, and smallmouth bass are some of my favorites.  I especially love fishing on rivers and streams with my drift boat or a canoe and camping at the water’s edge along the way.  The more remote the better! Wildlife art and photography is also a passion of mine that I’ve been making a living at ever since I was in college!  It doesn’t seem much like work when you can make a living at the stuff you do for fun!  I feel very lucky.  Traveling to see wildlife around the world has been a big part of that passion and I’ve visited Africa, India, South America, Alaska, and Costa Rica on long wildlife adventures.  You can see my work at www.bartrulon.com.

Brian

Originally from: Born in Kirkland, WA; lived in Alaska; raised in Port Townsend.

When did you start at PSE: 2016.

Why whale watching: At the time I just wanted to be working on the water again. I also love wildlife so it works out.

Your favorite whale or whale experience: Pretty big fan of Two Spot, and the T65As – they have always been pretty good to me.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work:   More boating – it seems to be my happy place.

Bridget

Originally from: Rainier, WA

When did you start with PSE: June 2026

Why whale watching: I’ve always been passionate about wildlife. After getting to experience seeing marine life often as a kid out crabbing with my family and finding so much joy in it, I wanted to share the love and excitement with others. I not only enjoy seeing the wildlife but I also love hearing and witnessing others’ reactions. I’m very fortunate to be born and raised in Washington by a pretty outdoorsy family and have so much appreciation for our local ecosystems.

Favorite whale watching experience: I was able to encounter the “Mystery Killer Whales” T419, T420, and T421. Correct vessel distance laws were followed but T420 must have gotten a little curious and decided to swim sideways under our boat looking right up at us. Being able to see his eye so close and just how big they truly are was an incredible and rare experience.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work: I love to be outside, during the summer I’m only inside to sleep and then I go right back out to adventure. I like to paddleboard, camp, hike, garden, and do nature photography. I also enjoy creating lino block prints of wildlife.

Brooke

Originally from: Gig Harbor, WA

When did you start at PSE: Spring 2025

Why whale watching: After the closure of my small business in 2020, I found myself walking the shores of the southern Salish Sea in search of whales. How had I gone my entire life without seeing whales in my own backyard?! I embraced the opportunity to reconnect with the waters that shaped my early years as a deep passion for this incredible marine ecosystem flourished. I went from guiding low-tide beach walks, to counting salmon fry in the rivers of Hood Canal, to finally working on the water as a whale watch naturalist. An absolute dream come true!

Favorite whale experience: It was my first time whale watching on the water in Bahía de Banderas, MX, we had two humpback whales show some curiosity towards us. We were at a stop as they came over to check us out and as they approached they let out these huge exhalations and I was showered in salty, briney whale breath. A moment I think of often and will for years to come.

What do I enjoy doing outside of work: I love being outside, taking beach walks with my dogs, looking for wildlife, gardening, jewelry-making, cold-plunging and spending time with friends.

Caitlin

Originally from: Lodi, CA, but grew up in Port Townsend

When did you start at PSE: April 2024

Why whale watching: I’ve always loved whales and wildlife and getting outside to explore the outdoors, especially in the PNW.

Your favorite whale or whale experience: When I was living in Japan, I travelled to Okinawa and went on an incredible whale watch where we got to watch a humpback mother and calf for over an hour. They were so beautiful and I fell in love with humpbacks on that tour!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work: I enjoy trying out new recipes, getting outdoors on walks or hikes and paddle boarding. I also love to relax watching movies with my husband and cats!

Carl

Originally from: Seattle, WA

When did you start at PSE: April 2026

Why whale watching: I truly love watching these amazing creatures, but even more, I  enjoy when our guests get to see these animals for the first time.

Your favorite whale or whale experience: There have been so many, but when the animals show their personality is the best! I once had a Grey Whale approach the boat as we were backing away from her in vain. She persisted until she could push our boat around with her nose, I shut down and she scratched her back on the hull for several minutes then surfaced next to our guests and blew them a wet kiss.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work: I enjoy exploring our country’s wilderness. Our National Parks and BLM lands are vast and beautiful. I love scuba diving, and seeing the creatures of our oceans.

Christa

Originally from: Iowa

When did you start with PSE: April 2026!

Why whale watching: I have a background in production animal biology but I have fallen in love with wildlife and especially marine mammals! Plus I love seeing wildlife and sharing all of the cool facts I learn 🙂

Favorite whale watching experience: I love any time I get to see orcas hunting! It’s so cool to watch them work together and see them do what they do best.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work: I love hiking, backpacking, and climbing! Really anything that gets me outside is the best! I also love reading in my hammock.

Christine

Originally from: Castle Rock, CO

When did you start at PSE: May 2024

Why whale watching: From the rugged peaks of the Rockies to the untamed African bush, my unwavering passion for wildlife has always been a driving force in my life. It was in the San Juan Islands where it was the majestic & graceful whales that ignited a profound sense of wonder that inspires me to this day.

Your favorite whale or whale experience: While living in Friday Harbor, I would go exploring every day. One misty, cold afternoon I ventured to American Camp. I was standing alone on the beach when suddenly two enormous dorsal fins rose out of the sea.
These graceful orcas commanded the waters as they rolled and spyhopped, showcasing their natural elegance. Without a phone or camera to distract me, I found myself fully immersed in the magic of the moment, feeling privileged to witness their world unfold before me. The experience was not just incredible; it felt almost mystical.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work: I love exploring wherever I find myself. I’m working on our garden, which I affectionately refer to as my personal wildlife reserve. I recently got certified to dive in this area and can’t wait! I also love carving abstract wooden sculptures & playing with my goofy lil bulldog, Pearl.

Christopher L.

Originally from: Quilcene, WA

When did you start at PSE: April of 2015

Why whale watching: It is a wonderful way to spend time with wildlife and work with my best friends.

Your favorite whale or whale experience: The time I saw a humpback whale fighting a strong current under Deception pass bridge and start breaching while directly under the bridge. That kind of stuff sticks with you.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work:  Cooking. We were raised in a cooking household with parents that encouraged us to play in the kitchen and have fun with it.

EJ

Originally from: Edmonds, WA

When did you start at PSE: Spring of 2019.

Why whale watching: I chose whale watching (maybe it chose me) because I have always had a passion for marine life and love to share it with others. Working for PSE and getting the opportunity to spend my days out on the water, observing whales and other marine life have been some of the most memorable days of my life. There is something so special about whales, massive and beautiful in size but so unique and relatable, you never know what you might see when out whale watching, and it’s safe to say no two days are the same. Each day I get to go whale watching is another one of the best days I have ever had.

Your favorite whale or whale experience? My favorite whale watching experience is probably watching a humpback whale named Two Spot. If you ever get the opportunity to see this whale you will understand what I am saying. This humpback whale has the most personality I have ever seen. He has emotion and you can see it. You literally feel connected with him on a level you can’t even explain. Watching him you get this feeling that he is enjoying the time with you just as much as you are with him.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work: I enjoy absolutely anything and everything under the sun, from mountain tops hiking or the ocean floor scuba diving. You can count me in. I have been this way my whole life and would say I’m addicted to adventuring, especially if it includes the ocean.

James

Originally from: Victoria, TX

When did you start at PSE: Summer 2022

Why whale watching: It has to be the best job on the Olympic Peninsula.

Your favorite whale or whale experience: Post-hunt synchronized orca breaching.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work: Cycling, sailing, classical piano, and scrap metal sculpture, to the chagrin of my landlord.

Keven

Originally from: NW Montana

When did you start at PSE: June 2009

Why whale watching: We live in one of the most amazing places on Earth. It’s a gift to be able to journey out on the water to see whales and wildlife.

Your favorite whale or whale experience: My favorite whale experiences almost always seem to involve T137A “Jack.” He’s such a showy, boisterous orca who seems to love being out of the water (flying!) as much as he does in the water. Always a treat to spend time with him.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work: Love the water, but home is always about the mountains; hiking, trail-running, backpacking.

Lauryn

Originally from: Texas

When did you start with PSE: May 2026

Why whale watching: I am an incoming graduate student studying cetacean behavioral ecology and I have always wanted to work on a whale watch! In 2022 I visited San Juan Island and saw killer whales for the first time after illustrating them for years. This experience motivated me to learn more about working with wildlife, inspiring a career change where I have worked with common bottlenose dolphins and Amazon river dolphins! I love getting to share the experience of whale watching with guests each day and inspiring guests to protect these incredible species.

Favorite whale watching experience: It is always exciting to add another Biggs killer whale matriline, individual humpback, gray, and/or minke whale to my sightings list, but one day in particular was extraordinary! We were in the Hood Canal while the T65A’s and T64B’s caught a harbor seal, complete with a post hunt celebration and swimming right beneath the boat!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work: I love to hang out and try new coffee shops with my fiancé. On my days off I also enjoy illustrating the individual whales I have encountered from my photos and enjoying a good book!

Lily

Originally from: Youngstown, OH

When did you start at PSE: November 2025

Why whale watching: Whale watching is one of the most awe-inspiring experiences! Getting to experience a passenger’s first time seeing one of these majestic creatures just never gets old.

Your favorite whale or whale experience: I lived in Seward, AK for several years, and was lucky enough to witness humpback whales bubble-net feeding (if you don’t know what that is, it’s worth looking up!) I also can’t complain about my first two trips out with PSE, which featured back-to-back sea lion hunts – they were pretty special to see!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work: Outside of work, I love spending time outside, adventuring with my husband and our three dogs! I’m also an avid reader, always looking for new recommendations.

Marin

Originally from: Indiana

When did you start at PSE: Spring 2025

Why whale watching: I love that every day is different. Between the locations, the conditions, and the wildlife, every day is a unique adventure. Any day on the water is a good day.

Your favorite whale or whale experience: Oh, it’s so hard to choose – I’ve been fortunate to witness a lot of cool experiences. Some of my favorite highlights include a single Humpback with the zoomies, breaching more than 60 times in an hour! Or watching a pod of Orcas take down a porpoise in dense fog. But how could I leave out the mugging I received by Raccoon the Humpback when she decided to spend 10 minutes at the surface watching our boat from directly next to us!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work: Just about anything to get me outside… hiking, skiing, disc golf, rock climbing, mountain biking, bird watching, tide pooling, or just a nice walk around town with my partner and pup!

Rachel

Originally from: Charlotte, NC

When did you start at PSE: May 2022

Why whale watching: Animals have been my passion since I was a little kid. I grew up riding horses, worked at a raptor rehabilitation center in college, and handled snakes and alligators as a state park employee in Arkansas. When I moved to Port Angeles in 2019, I looked for a job that would put me closest to this region’s coolest wildlife…whales!

Your favorite whale or whale experience: Witnessing “the herd” of 50+ humpbacks way out west in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Nothing compares to being out in still water, listening to whales surface all around you for miles.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work: Birding, photography, hiking, puzzles & board games! I also often look for whales from shore in my time off.

Reef

Originally from: Port Angeles, WA

When did you start at PSE: May 2024

Why whale watching: Working on the water has been a goal for me since I can remember. The ocean is a place where I feel happiest and introducing folks to the wildlife that surrounds us on the peninsula is truly a dream.

Your favorite whale or whale experience: So far, my favorite experience out on the boat has been watching a very active and curious group of Bigg’s killer whales. They were as close to us as they could get and even swam beneath the boat, giving us a great show.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work: Outside of work, I love surfing, snowboarding and being outside whenever I can. Backpacking with friends and family is also a priority in my free time.

Tahlia

Originally from: Juneau, AK

When did you start at PSE: May 2026

Why whale watching:I’ve always felt most at home on the water and have been fascinated by marine life for as long as I can remember. I am fortunate to spend my days on the water watching wildlife, and learning something new every single day. I feel incredibly lucky to live in such a beautiful environment and being able to share it with others.

Your favorite whale or whale experience:My favorite whale experience (so far) was camping on the beach on Douglas Island and being woken up by the sound of Humpbacks breathing at the surface. I opened my tent, and spent the morning watching two humpbacks breaching repeatedly for what felt like hours. it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work:Outside of work, I love cooking and curating new recipes. I’m always at the beach scouring for seaglass, or at home playing boardgames with my husband.

Tami

Originally from: Port Orchard, WA and Port Ludlow for last 25 years

When did you start at PSE: Spring of 2023

Why whale watching: When my girls were in Girl Scouts, I had the opportunity to enjoy adventures on PSE voyages. When the opportunity to be a part of the PSE team came along, I couldn’t miss it!

Favorite whale or whale experience: During a recent trip we had the opportunity to observe a group of Bigg’s Orcas hunt a sea lion. It was exciting and terrible and amazing all at the same time. Sometimes we forget these majestic animals have to eat. Also, I enjoy observing the unique Tufted Puffins.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work: I’m an avid quilter and enjoy making custom quilts. The whales brought me a great new subject matter. I also love to travel and take on new adventures. A big shout out to my favorite thing outside of work, my grandson Jude!

Taylor

Originally from: Edmonds, WA

When did you start with PSE: December 2020

Why whale watching: After 12 years of commercial fishing in Alaska I’ve seen many whales. It never ever gets old and I love sharing the experience with others!

Favorite whale watching experience: Although I’ve seen whales in Alaska my whale watching experience grew onboard with PSE. We followed a hunt among a pod of Bigg’s orcas. It was incredible to witness, but seeing the matriarch orcas take a true rest after the hunt resonated so much with me. I was moved and could relate!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work: Sport fishing, I love fishing the saltwater and am trying to learn river fishing tactics. Also enjoy camping and primitive survival skills. So much fun!

Tony

Originally from: Edmonds, WA

When did you start with PSE: I started working at Puget Sound Express (PSE) in the spring of 2018 as an intern working with Cascadia Research collecting data on gray whales feeding behaviors. Once I finished my internship and graduated from Western Washington University I started to work as crew. Then I worked my way up to naturalist, and now captain!

Why whale watching: The reason I love whale watching is of course seeing the whales and all the amazing wildlife in the area. I also enjoy never knowing what the next day will bring. As much as I love great whale days I also love stormy rough days – things get pretty exciting.

Favorite whale watching experience: My favorite whale experience would have to be when I saw some transient orcas chasing a minke whale. They were all porpoising and swimming at about 18 knots. Don’t worry – the orcas gave up and the minke got away.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work: Outside of work I scuba dive, paddle board, rock climb, hike and the list goes on. I am also a protected-species observer which is a lot like whale watching; I go out on ships offshore and help protect our marine mammals!

Trevor

Originally from: Chimacum, WA

When did you start at PSE:  On my birthday in 2012.

Why whale watching:  I had graduated college and wasn’t in a hurry to figure out what I wanted to do after, so when Pete and Sherri offered me a job, I took it. And I never left!

Favorite whale or whale experience:  I’m not sure I have a particular favorite whale but one of the best times I can remember on a tour was sitting on the rooftop of the Redhead with Christopher L. watching humpback whales try to fly.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work:  Riding dirt bikes with Christopher H.

Zoe

Originally from: San Angelo, TX

When did you start at PSE: May 2024

Why whale watching: I’ve loved cetaceans, especially killer whales since I was young and always knew I wanted to work with them in some capacity, so this really is the perfect job! Along with this, it just never gets old! Every single day on the water is so unique and I love sharing these incredible animals with our guests!

Favorite whale or whale watching experience: My favorite whale watching experience was without a doubt when I got lucky enough to see J and L pods from shore at Lime Kiln on June 15th, 2026! They had just returned to Washington after being absent for around 60 days. There was so much breaching and spy hopping, J38 Cookie even came by and “waved” at all of us on shore! The Southern Resident Killer Whales have faced countless challenges, yet they still continue to breach and play every chance they get. It’s poetic to see such resilience, and the joy they bring to others!

What I enjoy doing outside of work: I love going whale watching from shore or vessel! I also love competitive swimming, wildlife photography, and a good killer whale book!

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