Today we’d like to introduce you to Justice Harker.
Hi Justice, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I found myself at a crossroads after bidding farewell to my corporate career. Rather than embracing a life of idleness, I yearned for a new venture that would allow me to immerse myself in the tranquility and beauty of my surroundings. With an entrepreneurial spirit coursing through my veins, I founded Austin Aqua Tours, a boat tour company that aimed to unlock the serene secrets of Austin’s waterways. My love affair with water began long before “soft” retirement. I had always been captivated by the gentle lapping of waves, the shimmering reflections on the surface growing up in Atlantic Canada, and rowing competitively in my youth in Fredericton, NB, on the Saint John River, and Kayaking with my mother on the Nashwaak River. I knew Austin’s remarkable aquatic landscapes deserved to be shared with the world, and I saw an opportunity to create an unforgettable experience for locals and tourists alike. Austin Aqua Tours quickly became synonymous with exceptional bat tours and curated experiences. I slowly assembled a team of like-minded guides who shared my passion for exploration and hospitality. Together, they meticulously crafted tours showcasing the best of Austin’s aquatic wonders, ensuring that each voyage was a magical experience. With focused marketing, Austin Aqua Tours, my passion project, quickly became a sought-after attraction. We attract visitors from all walks of life—families on vacation, couples seeking romance, and adventurers hungry for new experiences. With his warm hospitality and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, Austin Aqua Tours continues to flourish. The company actively engages with local conservation organizations, promoting the preservation and protection of Austin’s precious waterways. I believe that immersing people in the natural wonders of the city, I can cultivate a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the environment.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Obstacle #1. was getting approved on popular tourism websites; I needed to appreciate how much gatekeeping TripAdvisor, Airbnb, and Getyourguide engaged in. It took 3 months for my Get Your Guide account to be approved and over a month for my Airbnb experience to be denied without reason. Finding decent casual staff has been an ongoing issue.
Thanks – So what else should our readers know about Austin Aqua Tours?
Austin Aqua Tours is a locally owned boat tour company specializing in group tours where people get to socialize with one another and leave with more than an experience; they leave with a friend. Brand-wise, I am most proud of our quick growth on Instagram by using engaging, sincere content. We specialize in paddle board tours; we want people to be as close to the water as possible on our tours and not feel like they are in a vehicle, breaking down barriers to the environment. What sets us apart is the socialization aspect; we want our guests to interact with each other and encourage it.
What were you like growing up?
I was timid as a kid. I grew up in Fredericton, NB, Canada. This changed when my parents sent me to Hamburg, Germany, at 11 for a summer camp organized by CISV.org. I was with children from 10 countries and forced to interact; this month-long camp changed my view of life. I wanted to run a homeless shelter as a kid, and when I was 18, I was lucky enough for that dream to materialize. Then, I wanted to work with blind people. At 21, I could make that dream materialize and became the youngest program manager the Canadian Deaf-Blind Association had ever had (sensity.org now). I’ve always had a strong love of community and keeping communities healthy; that’s why I started Austin Aqua Tours instead of something like a bar crawl.
Contact Info:
- Website: Austinaquatours.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austinaquatours/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091944334729&sk=about
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/austin-aqua-tours/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AustinAquaTours
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/austin-aqua-tours-austin
- Other: https://en.tripadvisor.com.hk/Attraction_Review-g30196-d25413346-Reviews-Austin_Aqua_Tours-Austin_Texas.html
Image Credits
Justice Harker
