Island Mariner Cruises

Terry Buzzard, U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain and Owner

Terry Buzzard started Island Mariner Cruises in 1962. He was born and raised on Lake Whatcom, Bellingham, WA. His father and grandfather were both speed boat enthusiasts. Terry started boating at age 4 months, riding on his mother's lap. When he was 7 months old, the propeller shaft broke while the boat was travelling over 40 mph on the lake. The propeller slid into the rudder causing the boat to nose-dive and sink. This same exercise was repeated when he was 3 years old.

Terry acquired his first boat at age 3 (see Reflectons of the Captain). It had 1 horsepower and a top speed of 3 mph. He was allowed to go 250 feet to the neighbor's dock as long as he wore a life jacket and took Rusty #2, who was trained to pull him ashore. Around age 12, Terry started canoeing and eventually ran most of the rivers in this area.

Terry was a commercial fisherman for 4 years. He then got his Captain's license and ran the mail boat in the San Juan Islands, departing from Anacortes. The mail now goes by air - Terry hopes this is not a reflection of his boat driving abilities. When mail service (by boat) ended, Terry bought the mail boat and started a passenger service in 1962. Since then he has been involved in many other companies, including a shipyard, boat manufacturing company, marina, ship launch and chandlery, yacht brokerage, U-drive rental, log salvage and many passenger and charter boats, as well as other non-water related interests. Terry started Whale Watching Charters in 1978. At that time we were the only boat doing whale watch tours. Times have changed. Terry also wants to mention that the last sinking he was party to was while sitting on his mother's lap.

Rusty, Chief Navigator

Rusty is often onboard. He is a five year old Airedale Terrier and he loves everybody. If he is onboard, he will be in the pilot house. Stop by and see him, he loves to make new friends.

If you have questions, please contact us at mariner@orcawatch.com or call (360) 734-8866 or 1-877-734-8866.

Reserve your seats now for 2013!