Meet the Crew

Owner | True Conch

Born and raised in the Florida Keys, I’ve spent my entire life on the water. Some of my favorite memories are of being out on the ocean with my family and sisters, and that love for the Keys is what inspired Island Girls Excursions.

My family had a dream of creating a business where we could share the lifestyle we love most with others. Since I was about 12 years old, I knew this was what I wanted to do with my life, and my dad helped make that dream a reality.

When I’m not working, you’ll still probably find me on the water! I love stingrays, collecting shells, free diving, and anything involving the ocean. As the oldest Island Girl, I’m proud to help carry on our family’s love for the Florida Keys and share that experience with every guest who comes aboard. 💗🌴

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Island Girl | Family & Crew

Natalie Strama is a true Conch who has spent her entire life surrounded by the beautiful waters of the Florida Keys. Born and raised in Marathon, the ocean has always been more than just a place to her — it’s a way of life.

Growing up in paradise has given Natalie a deep appreciation for the Keys, her community, and the people who call it home. She has been active at Marathon High School, serving as captain of both the cheerleading and soccer teams, while also helping with Island Girls Excursions.

Balancing school, sports, family, and work has taught Natalie the importance of leadership, hard work, and staying connected to her community. After graduation, she plans to attend college in Florida so she can remain close to the family and friends she loves.

One of Natalie’s favorite things is sharing her little piece of paradise with families visiting from all over the country. For her, there’s nothing better than helping guests experience the beauty of the Florida Keys and create memories together on the water.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Island Girl | Family & Crew

Ashley Strama is a true Conch, born and raised in the Florida Keys and practically raised on the water. Some of her favorite things include snorkeling, catching lobster, jet skiing, collecting sand dollars, fishing, and jumping off the Jumping Bridge.

For Ashley and her family, the ocean has always been at the center of life. Birthdays, holidays, and just about any chance they had to be together were often spent on the water.

Growing up with her sisters meant plenty of friendly competition too — from racing jet skis to seeing who could dive the deepest or catch the biggest fish. Those experiences helped create the love for the ocean that the Strama girls now get to share with other families through Island Girls Excursions.

Ashley loves being on the water with her family and is proud to be part of the next generation of Island Girls. 💗🌴​

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Little Sister | Youngest Island Girl

Summer is the youngest of the Strama girls and a true Conch, born and raised in the Florida Keys. She lives in Key West and has grown up actively involved with both the Marathon Mermaid and Island Girls Excursions, spending much of her life surrounded by boats, family, and the water.

She also has a very special connection to Island Girls — the boat, Summertime, was named after her.

When she’s not enjoying soccer or dance, Summer loves collecting seashells, swimming, tubing, and just about anything that involves being on the water.

As the youngest Island Girl, Summer is growing up with the same love for the ocean and Florida Keys lifestyle that has been passed down through generations of the Strama family. 💗🌴​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Captain | 100-Ton Master & Scuba Instructor

Captain Doug has called Marathon home full-time for the past 30 years and has spent most of his life on or around the water. He has held his 100-ton Master Captain’s license for more than 40 years and has also been a scuba instructor for 30 years.

With decades of experience in the Florida Keys, Doug brings a wealth of knowledge to every trip—along with plenty of stories and personality.

When he’s not on the water, Doug enjoys spending time with his family. He has five grandkids, with number six on the way…which, according to Doug, is starting to make him feel OLD!​

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Captain | 100-Ton Master & Lifelong Angler

Captain Jason is a 100-ton Master Captain whose love for the water started as a kid growing up around a small lake in Pennsylvania. That passion eventually led him to earn his captain’s license while running fishing charters in New Jersey and Maryland.

For years, Jason dreamed of trading Pennsylvania for life in the Florida Keys. In 2020, he and his wife finally made that dream a reality, leaving PA behind and making Marathon their full-time home.

When he’s not behind the helm, you’ll usually find Jason enjoying life in the Keys with his wife and his dog, Cabernet, relaxing at home—or, of course, fishing!

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Captain | Buckeye Turned Island Girl

Howdy! I’m Alyssa. I was born and raised a Buckeye, growing up boating on Lake Erie in the great state of Ohio. After college, I traded the snow for sunshine and made my way to Marathon, where I’ve proudly called the Florida Keys home for the past 16 years.

I love sharing the ocean, the island lifestyle, and everything that makes the Keys so special with our guests just as much as I do with my own friends and family.

My goal is to make sure everyone steps off the boat with incredible memories, a smile on their face, and a serious case of island fever — or, as we like to call it, “Key’s Disease!” 🌴⚓☀️​

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Captain | Dive Instructor & Keys Water Lover

Hi, I’m Captain Dawn! I’ve been a dive instructor in the Florida Keys for 14 years and a captain for the past five, so life on the water is definitely where I feel most at home.

One of my favorite parts of working with Island Girls Excursions is meeting guests from all over the world, hearing their stories, and sharing a little bit of the Florida Keys with them.

When I’m not working, you can usually still find me on the water — especially spearfishing with Captain KT (Katie).

Whether we’re cruising, snorkeling, or just enjoying a beautiful day on the water, I love helping guests feel comfortable, have fun, and make great memories along the way.

And as Dawn puts it, “My personality gets salty when my hair doesn’t.” 😂🌴

Mate | Gulf Coast Native & Ocean Lover

Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Brandon grew up with a love for the ocean and life on the water. He moved to the Florida Keys five years ago and quickly found himself running boats and turning that lifelong passion into part of his everyday life.

One of Brandon’s favorite parts of working on the water is meeting new people, exchanging stories, and sharing his love for the Florida Keys with guests who are experiencing them for the first time.

Seeing the Keys through the eyes of new visitors never gets old — for Brandon, it makes this beautiful place feel new all over again.

Captain | Florida Keys Water Lover

My name is Captain Mandy. I was born and raised in Florida and have spent more than 10 years working on the water, recently earning my Captain’s license.

I’ve called the Florida Keys home for almost five years, and I truly love every part of life on the water. Some of my favorite moments are the ones I get to share with my 8-year-old daughter, who already seems to be following right in her mama’s footsteps and loving the water just as much as I do.

My favorite part of working with Island Girls Excursions is getting to meet new people, share the beauty of the Keys, and help give our guests the best possible experience during their time here.

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Captain | 100-Ton Master & Scuba Instructor

Captain Katie moved to the Florida Keys 15 years ago to work as a Fisheries Biologist for NOAA, and she’s been building a life on the water ever since.

She earned her USCG 100-ton Captain’s license 13 years ago and has been driving boats throughout the Keys ever since. Katie is also a scuba instructor, bringing even more knowledge and experience to every trip.

When she’s not behind the helm, you’ll often find her enjoying the water in her free time — especially spearfishing.