Support Captain Irish Dave's Recovery Journey

Help Us Support Captain Irish Dave: A Community Effort

Hey everyone! We’re Krissy and Samantha, the operations managers at River Safaris and Gulf Charters in Homosassa, Florida. We’re reaching out with heavy hearts after our beloved airboat captain, Irish Dave, suffered a stroke this past week. Now, more than ever, we want to rally our amazing community to support him.

From the moment Dave walked into River Ventures nearly eight plus years ago, we knew he was something special, and he proves that every day. He’s one of the most well-known and celebrated captains in the game. His passion for the customer experience is unmatched, and he’s not just a captain—he’s a devoted manatee rescue volunteer, a father, a talented photographer, and one of the unique personalities that truly add to the soul of our wacky river family.

When he’s not on the water, you’ll find him spending time with his six children. It’s safe to say he doesn’t have much spare time, but whether he’s fishing, taking photos, or hanging out with his kids, he always brings his infectious spirit along. And being Irish, you might catch him enjoying a nice cold brew every now and then!

Dave hails from Dublin, and his charming Irish brogue is beloved by guests who have the pleasure of hearing his quick wit and humor. November 3rd, is actually his birthday! Let’s celebrate him by showing just how much he means to our community.

Thanks to Dave’s dedication, we’ve proudly earned our spot as the #1 outdoor activity in Homosassa on TripAdvisor, and we were honored with the 2024 Travelers’ Choice Award. Here’s just one of the many glowing reviews he has received:

“The views were amazing! We took so many photos and videos. The wildlife was awesome. We saw birds, turtles, spider monkeys, gators, and dolphins! Captain Irish Dave was very informative and kept us laughing. He was the best! I highly recommend requesting him. Awesome guy.”

As Dave begins his recovery, he’s going to need some time off work, which is why we’re stepping in to help him out. Our goal with this fundraiser is to assist with his medical bills and living expenses, allowing him to focus on healing without the added financial stress.

We’re calling on everyone who has enjoyed Captain Dave’s tours and everyone in our community to come together for him. Even if you can’t donate, sharing this campaign or sending messages of love and support would mean the world to us and to Dave.

Let’s show Captain Irish Dave just how much he’s loved and appreciated! Thank you for being part of our river family and for supporting him through this journey.

With all our gratitude,

The River Safaris & River Ventures Crew