Our Team

  • Middle-aged man with a beard, wearing sunglasses, a cap, and a hoodie, standing outdoors with greenery and a river in the background.

    Mark Riedesel- Owner & Captain

    The San Juan Islands have been his home for the last 20 years. Mark is an avid outdoorsman and has run boats there for years. In addition to sharing his expertise and experience with customers, he shares his dream of working on the water which has been a lifelong ambition for him.

  • A man with crossed arms smiling, wearing a gray polo and gray cap with the logo 'Island Opportunity' standing in front of a boat.

    Craig Hougen- Owner & Captain

    Since he was ten years old, Craig has been operating boats in the San Juan Islands. Fishing was almost always a part of his weekend outings on the islands with his dad. The San Juan Islands are like a second home to him. His dream of working on the water became a reality when he decided to follow his dream. After getting his captain's license in 2021, he decided to launch a water taxi service from Bellingham with his friend Mark.

  • A smiling young woman with long wavy blonde hair leaning on a wooden railing outdoors with water and a distant shoreline in the background, wearing a black hoodie and jeans.

    Jenny Foertsch- Operations Manager

    Born and raised in Bellingham, WA, Jenny has spent much of her life on the water and exploring the islands of the Salish Sea. She brings her passion for logistics, local knowledge, and a deep love of the islands to the team.

    When she’s not working closely with the captains and coordinating trip logistics, you can find her in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes, tending her garden and hanging out with her dogs.

  • Lorna Hougen- Admin Assistant & Deckhand

    Lorna is a life long Whatcom County resident. When she is not at work at the hospital as a Clinical Dietitian or helping kids with homework, she enjoys spending time with family, gardening, hiking and baking.  In her spare time you’ll find her deck handing on the boat for her husband Craig or helping with other miscellaneous business matters.

  • A young man in a black jacket and baseball cap sitting at the steering wheel of a boat, water visible through the windows.

    Kaiden Riedesel- Deckhand

    Kaiden has been on the islands with his dad, Mark, ever since a car seat could fit on the boat. He is our go-to deckhand and Captain in training. Most customers will find Kaiden on the boat during the summer months. during the school year, his time is filled with playing football for Mt. Baker High School. He also enjoys fishing and hunting whenever time allows.

  • A man wearing a blue baseball cap, black sunglasses, and a dark blue zip-up sweatshirt with the words "Opportunity Knots CREW" on it, standing in front of a marina with boats and sailboats docked on the water.

    Steve Wouters- Deckhand

    Steve has lots of stories to tell. He started his career with Foss Tug & Barge and is ending his career helping his son in law, Craig, by deck handling. He enjoys fishing, crabbing and talking to people.  You’ll surely hear about his 93 year old mother.

  • A woman with red hair wearing sunglasses and a blue hoodie, smiling, on a boat in a large body of water with a forested landmass in the background.

    Sandy Childs- Deckhand

    Sandy is excited for her next chapter after recently retiring from a career in teaching. She is passionate about the Pacific Northwest’s waters. She has spent nearly three decades exploring the Oregon Coast, San Juan Islands, and Canadian Gulf Islands through rowing, sailing, and power boating. Her love of being on the water and exploring the islands led her to becoming a deckhand with Island Opportunity Charters.

  • Young man standing on a dock in front of a boat, wearing a gray hoodie and khaki pants.

    Lincoln Shimkus- Deckhand

    Lincoln, 16, is a deckhand with Island Opportunity Charters, embracing the adventure of working in the stunning San Juan Islands. He thrives on meeting new people, exploring both freshwater and saltwater environments, and discovering hidden spots for camping and fishing. What he values most about his time on the boats is soaking in the breathtaking views, engaging with passengers, learning about island culture, and lending a hand wherever needed.

    Outside of his maritime pursuits, Lincoln is an active student-athlete at Squalicum High School, participating in basketball and football. He also enjoys traveling with his family, playing with his dog Mazi, and skiing at Mt. Baker.

  • A gray boat named 'Opportunity Knots' is docked at a rocky shoreline, with clear water and a bright blue sky in the background.

    Opportunity Knots

    Opportunity Knots is our powerhouse vessel—a custom-built 36' x 12' Munson aluminum landing craft designed for versatility, safety, and performance.

    As a U.S. Coast Guard–inspected boat, she’s certified to carry up to 12 passengers and boasts an 8,500-pound payload capacity, making her perfect for larger groups, gear-heavy trips, and island logistics.

    Her rugged design and front landing ramp allow for easy beach access, whether you're hauling equipment, setting up camp, or simply stepping ashore with ease. Built to handle the demands of the Salish Sea, Opportunity Knots delivers reliable transport and smooth rides, even in challenging conditions.

  • A small boat docked at a wooden pier on a body of water with a forested shoreline in the background.

    Sound Traveler

    Sound Traveler is our trusty 29-foot Almar Sounder, built for comfort, safety, and adventure. She may be little, but she’s mighty—perfect for navigating the waters of the San Juans with ease and efficiency.

    Capable of carrying up to 6 passengers plus gear, Sound Traveler is ideal for small group excursions, island drop-offs, wildlife viewing, and personalized charters.