Hi, I’m Emily and I thrive on helping people make awesome things happen on the coast. I love people, science, the coast, and adventures. I earned my degree in Ocean and Coastal Resources from Texas A&M University at Galveston and used it to educate students and tourists about the magic found where the sea meets the land. My first job out of college took me to an island off the coast of California with the Catalina Island Marine Institute as a Marine Science Instructor in Cherry Cove, near Two Harbors. I was hooked, the sparkle seen in one’s eye upon discovery of the intricacies of coastal science fueled me for a full decade. I spent six years living in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico guiding whale watching, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking and hiking trips in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. I enjoyed a decade long adventure teaching, guiding, and planning custom trips in amazing places.
I moved back to Texas and became a realtor before I bought a house on the west end of Galveston Island. I love helping people buy their most precious coastal resource, their home. I missed snorkeling for a living, but I found solace in the smiles of my clients realizing their dream of coastal home ownership. It is not just a house, it is a lifestyle. I enjoy helping people understand the realities we face as coastal home owners. Living on an island takes grit, but the perks are many and diverse. Contact me if you want an agent that can help you navigate challenges that coastal living presents. This environment is dynamic and ever-changing, I’ll interpret complex procedures involving the Army Corps and wetland delineation; dune restrictions from the GLO; insurance concerns regarding windstorm, flood, home and condo coverage; historic observations, and future predictions for our coast.
I originally created Custom Coastal to provide a network of trusted providers of unique eco-adventure experiences that the company I worked for in Baja Sur did not provide. I have taught marine science on six distinct coasts: Texas’ Gulf Coast, Florida’s Keys, South Carolina’s Atlantic Coast, Pacific Californian Channel Islands, and the Pacific and Sea of Cortez sides of Baja California Sur, Mexico. I have also spent a considerable amount of time in Spain, Isla Mujeres, and Costa Rica. I can help you plan an epic trip in all of these places.
Custom Coastal next evolved into offshore fishing charter trips from Galveston, but I soon realized its potential was much greater. There is so much more to explore from the shores of Galveston Island than the Pleasure Pier and rented chairs on the beach. Galveston is one of Texas’ most precious coastal towns and is often misunderstood for a tourist trap. The waters surrounding Galveston Island are filled with diverse natural resources that fuel our economy and our imaginations. After selling houses for six years I yearned to guide again, so I went to school to be a Captain. I hold a USCG Merchant Mariner Credential for an Operator of Un-inspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV, or 6-pack) and 100 Ton Master’s license. My goal is to show you the more curious and awe-inspiring sides of Galveston’s waters. I am also a Certified Nature Guide of the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council (GINTC). Everything I have done in my life has prepared me to help you travel authentically, explore coastal real estate, and even help you start a small business once you have found your freedom in a new place.
It all begins with curiosity which leads to exploration. Through exploration comes understanding. In my experience as a guide and teacher, a person cannot love something they do not understand. I am a licensed Captain, Naturalist Guide, and Realtor. My networking skills and proficiency building websites and creating marketing material can help you launch a new business or hobby.
