About The Gulf Explorers
Curiosity • Discovery • Growth
The Gulf Explorers is a children’s adventure series inspired by the waters, wildlife, and outdoor experiences of Southwest Florida.
Through stories, activities, and real-world exploration, young adventurers discover more than boating, wildlife, and outdoor skills. They learn how to participate, contribute, build confidence, and become part of something bigger than themselves.
Every Gulf Explorers adventure begins with curiosity. Curiosity leads to discovery. Discovery builds confidence. Confidence leads to growth.
Whether exploring a quiet island beach, spotting wildlife from a boat, searching for fossils along a riverbank, or helping the crew during a day on the water, every adventure becomes an opportunity to learn, contribute, and grow.
At its heart, The Gulf Explorers is about helping young readers discover that they belong—that they can make a difference, help others, and become confident participants in the adventures around them.
Because growth is the true destination of every Gulf Explorers adventure.
About Book One
Captain in Training is the first adventure in The Gulf Explorers series.
Join Cole, Avery, Jax, Pa, Ma, and Barnacle the sea turtle as they spend a day aboard Turtle-Y Awesome, learning that being part of a crew means more than simply riding along.
As the adventure unfolds, young readers discover boating safety, wildlife stewardship, teamwork, and respect for the water through fun, age-appropriate experiences woven naturally into the story.
More than a boating book, Captain in Training is a story about participation, confidence, and growth. As Cole learns how to help, contribute, and take responsibility, he discovers something even more important:
He belongs.
Designed for children and families who love boating, fishing, wildlife, and outdoor adventure, Captain in Training encourages curiosity, discovery, and growth both on and off the water.
Book One • Ages 7–11
A Kids’ Guide to Safe and Smart Boating
Meet The Crew
Every Gulf Explorer brings something special to the adventure.
Join Cole, Avery, Jax, Pa, Ma, and Barnacle as they explore the Gulf, learn new skills, and discover that every adventure is better when you work together.
Meet The Author
Brian Tacy is a lifelong boater who has spent decades exploring the waters of Southwest Florida with family, friends, and now his grandchildren.
The idea for The Gulf Explorers began with a simple goal: sharing the lessons learned on the water with the next generation.
After countless days spent boating around Pine Island, Sanibel, Matlacha, and the surrounding Gulf waters, Brian realized that some of the most important boating lessons had very little to do with operating a boat. They were lessons about responsibility, teamwork, curiosity, conservation, and respect for the world around us.
Those experiences inspired Captain in Training, the first adventure in The Gulf Explorers series.
Today, Brian continues exploring Southwest Florida aboard Turtle-Y Awesome, creating new adventures and activities designed to help young readers build confidence, learn practical skills, and discover the joy of life on the water.
Because every great adventure begins with curiosity.
“The best days on the water aren’t measured by the fish you catch or the places you visit. They’re measured by the memories you make together.”
— Brian Tacy