About Your Guide

Mark Sonder

Independent Guide

Talkative

Quality

Comfortable

Instructional

Step aboard with Captain Mark and explore the Crystal Coast alongside one of its most seasoned and credentialed watermen. A USCG Licensed 100-Ton Master Captain and National Park Service–authorized operator, he leads boat and guided land excursions to Shackleford Banks—famed for wild horses, untouched beaches, and standout shelling.

Captain Mark delivers every trip at the intersection of Safety, Comfort, Fun, and Education. His vessel carries both the annual U.S. Coast Guard safety decal and National Park Service authorization, giving you the highest level of compliance and care on the water.

Off the boat, he’s a respected voice in coastal stewardship and the creator of the Boating Safety Minute on FM107.1, heard throughout the Crystal Coast boating season.

A lifelong waterman, Captain Mark has taught sailing on Long Island Sound and in Vermont, raced in major regattas, and kayaked rivers from Canada to Chile—including two first descents and three Grand Canyon runs. His training includes extensive USCG, FEMA, and Power Squadron coursework, plus certifications in navigation, ethics, risk management, CPR, and AED.

When not guiding, he’s the Chief Entertainment Officer of...

About Your Guide

Mark Sonder

Independent Guide

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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

I don't fish. I am vegan!

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Black beans and rice with peppers and asparagus. OR, mixed vegetables with tofu!

What’s your favorite band?

Jimmy Buffet

What’s your favorite movie?

Flipper

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

I don't fish. I am vegan!

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Black beans and rice with peppers and asparagus. OR, mixed vegetables with tofu!

What’s your favorite band?

Jimmy Buffet

What’s your favorite movie?

Flipper

What’s your favorite sports team?

NY Mets

What’s your drink of choice?

Water

What do you want for Christmas this year?

Nothing. I am Jewish! That said, health and happiness for all in a Trumpless world!

How did you get started guiding?

In C-19 my salary went to zero, so, I had to do something to bring in some money. I had a Captain's License (OUPV) at that time as I've been an avid boater, so I decided to turn my passion into my new career!

What makes you different from other guides?

My boat presents as new as I wash it down, which takes me 1 hour, after each and every excursion. My past career was in the hospitality industry so I understand politeness, respectfulness, and I am a good reader of people and their feelings and needs. I am very knowledgeable about the area, the people, history, and culture of the people that used to live on Shackleford Banks, etc.

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