Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Chriqui.
Hi Jordan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
A bit about Coastal Backwater Adventures. My mother and I started the company in March 2017. We were inspired by the Craigcat vessels we’d seen along Florida’s coast and recognized that St. Simons Island needed a more exciting way to experience its beautiful marshlands and estuaries.
Initially, I joined as a guide. In our first few years, we faced significant challenges due to frequent mechanical issues with the Evinrude E-TEC motors. Since Evinrude has gone out of business, finding parts became nearly impossible, making it difficult to operate. My mother was prepared to sell the boats and close the company, but I saw the immense potential and felt a strong passion for the waterways from guiding each excursion. I decided to take out a loan, purchase the boats, and repower them with reliable Yamaha motors. This led to me taking on the role of President & CEO.
Since then, it’s been an incredible journey! With minimal breakdowns, we’ve rapidly climbed TripAdvisor’s rankings. Word-of-mouth has spread stories of the amazing experiences our guests have had on the water, and we’ve quickly become St. Simons’ most exciting boat tour adventure.
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?
Operating equipment in saltwater is incredibly challenging due to accelerated wear and tear. I’ve become quite familiar with rust as a result, which has been a mixed experience. While I’ve gained valuable skills in part replacement, I’m certainly not fond of the frequent maintenance this requires.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We offer a unique experience along the Georgia coast aboard our Craigcat vessels. These boats allow you to sit just inches off the water, bringing you face-to-face with dolphins, alligators, a diverse array of coastal birds and all other wildlife we share the marshlands with. Additionally, our boats only draft a single foot, enabling us to explore areas and explain that larger vessels cannot access.
Our guides are all well-versed in the history of the Golden Isles. Communicating information along the entire way via walkie-talkies.
So whether you’re interested in exploring uncharted areas of the marsh, getting an up-close view of wildlife, or learning about what makes Georgia’s coastline so unique, our excursions are enjoyable for everyone!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Social media has completely transformed networking, giving everyone the ability to reach a wide range of audiences. I encourage you to find your passion and express it enthusiastically—your excitement will undoubtedly be contagious
Pricing:
- $260/boat
- $230/ boat groups 6+
- $275/ boat speciality cruises
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ssicba.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ssicba/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ssiCBA
