Our Team

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Jenny Foertsch- Operations Manager

    Born and raised in Bellingham, WA, Jenny has spent much of her life on the water and exploring the islands. In the Summer of 2024, she joined Island Opportunity Charters as their Operations Manager. In addition to her work with the captains, she manages her family's business and homeschools her children. She enjoys mucking around in the kitchen, tinkering with spreadsheets, and tending to her garden whenever she has time.

  • 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.

  • Seth Hougen- Deckhand

    Seth loves being on the boat with his dad Craig.  When he is not busy with school or helping on the boat, he enjoys playing with his dog Mia, working on his backyard bunker, Airsoft, going to the beach and kayaking.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Isa Riedesel- Deckhand

    Isa graduated from Mt. Baker High School in 2024. She has embraced the opportunity to deckhand on Opportunity Knots and help fill a much-needed role in the family business. Isa loves animals, (especially cats!) and loves to cater to small children when they are on board as well.

  • Opportunity Knots

    Opportunity Knots is a custom built 36x12 Munson Boat. It is a Coast Guard Inspected boat rated for 12 passengers and an 8500 pound payload.