Hi Allen, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Born and raised here in Sunny St Pete, I grew up on the water and cannot imagine my life without the ocean! The smell of the salt air & sunscreen, the warmth of sun on your skin & the sound of the ocean waves make me feel at home. I have always lead a pretty active lifestyle so even when I was younger, you could find me at the beach skimboarding, out on my grandparent’s boat, outside skateboarding or riding my dirt bike. When I was 18, I bought my very first boat which my friends & I were always out on wakeboarding & wakeskimming.
At that point in my life, like any teenager, I was trying to figure out which direction to head in after high school. I was working as a manager at a local health food store but something was missing. That is when my mom suggested I do what I love (thanks mom!) Fast-forward a few years of working really hard & learning what it takes to start up a business and here I am today! You could say I have the best job in the world and I wouldn’t argue. After all, I get to meet wonderful people from all over the world & share what I love with them! It took a lot of hard work and determination but I wouldn’t have it any other way.I’m Captain Allen and I look forward to sharing the beauty that is St Pete – Clearwater with you!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely had its challenges. When I first started, I was trying to start this business while working full time at a health food store which was paying the bills. So I just did not have the availability to take charters. Then when I merged with the boat and jet ski rental, I did learn a lot but was not going to the direction that I thought it would. When I had the opportunity to go back out on my own and get a newer bigger boat. I jumped on it. That is when things started to take off more and more. I still had some challenges like parts going bad on the boat which unfortunately caused motor failure. But luckily, one of my best friends is a boat mechanic lol. After a few years with that boat, I was able to purchase a brand new one which has been amazing. I know I will eventually have repairs but so far nothing major lol but we all know what boat stands for bust out another thousand, lol.
As you know, we’re big fans of Allens Aquatic Adventures. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Here at Allens Aquatic Adventures we offer private charters with fun activities such as wakeboarding, water skiing, kneeboarding, tubing, snorkeling, guided tours around Egmont Key, trips to Shell Key, dolphin watching and sunset cruises. What sets me apart from others are a few things. Offering watersports is a big one, not many people offer those activities. Also, just how I am with the people. I treat them as friends coming out on the boat instead of dollar signs. I want my guests to have the most fun and comfortable experience as they can. My charters are also very customizable. It’s not we just do one thing. My most popular trip is a 4 hrs where we will do watersports for a couple of hours and then going snorkeling or to shell key. The more time we do the more activities, we can fit in and they are all included in the price.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as finding something that you are passionate about and love doing and being able to make a living as well with that. I am fortunate enough to where I’ve made that dream a reality. I’ve been in business all together for about eight years now and its definitely has had its ups and downs but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The last three years, I’ve finally felt like I’ve made it and I love putting smiles on faces of friends and families. It such a rewarding feeling when my guests say that I was the highlight of their vacation.
Pricing:
- 2 hrs 275 plus fuel and tax
- 2 hrs 275 plus fuel and tax
- 4 hrs 450 plus fuel and tax
- 6 hrs 600 plus fuel and tax
Contact Info:
- Address: 4630 29th Ave South 33711 Gulfport, FL
- Email: captainallen@captainallen.com
- Website: captainallen.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allens_aquatic_adventures/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/captainallens/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/allens-aquatic-adventures-st-pete-beach
- Other: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34606-d3511417-Reviews-Allens_Aquatic_Adventures-St_Pete_Beach_Florida.html
