Meet Our Staff
Barrier Island EcoTours is owned and operated by Shane and Morgan Ziegler. They have been in business since 1997. The business is supported by an amazing staff of naturalists and captains, some whom have worked for Barrier Island EcoTours for over 20 years.
We are incredibly proud of our employees. Our tours take you through and to a beautiful place but our guides are what make the trips so special. They are all passionate about our salt marshes and barrier islands and have the ability to share their knowledge about this ecosystem in an entertaining way that engages all ages. Whether you take one of our ecotours, fishing charters, beachside cookout or a school field trip, our guides do exactly what our motto implies, “Promoting awareness, conservation and enjoyment of our coastal resources”.
Shane Ziegler- co-founder/owner/operator
Shane and his high school buddy Jose Hernandez came up with the idea of Barrier Island EcoTours in 1997 while roasting oysters on Capers Island. At the time Shane, a Clemson grad in resource management, was working at Hunting Island State Park as and educator. Jose, a College of Charleston grad in marine biology had been working with blue crabs in Mexico. They bought a boat together and began taking ecotours to Capers Island. The business organically grew from there. Shane now manages the business along with his wife Morgan and spends much of his time in a management position but still runs quite a few fishing charters as well as many of the other tours we offer. Shane and Morgan have twin boys and a daughter and they all love spending time on the water as a family. If you take a tour with Shane, a good chance his pet dolphin pointer Amos will be along for the ride.
Robert Hopkins
After 18 years of teaching in the local elementary school that he attended as a child, Robert came to work for Barrier Island Ecotours in 2000. Working on the boat has been like a field trip every day. It’s a dream job and offers all the satisfaction of teaching without any of the headaches.
Robbie Cowart
Born and raised in Charleston, I have always had a deep connection to the Lowcountry and its waterways. I began my journey with Barrier Island Eco Tours in 2004, where I’ve had the privilege of sharing the beauty of the coast with others. In 2007, I married my wife, and together, we’ve raised a family surrounded by the waters we love. As a captain and chief engineer, I take pride in not only navigating the waters but also maintaining the boats that allow us to explore the stunning coastline.
Mike Frees
Mike is a Captain and Naturalist with a life long love of the outdoors. He is often accompanied by his Fourth Mate Polly. They first met on a dating app called Petfinder in 2020 and have been inseparable ever since. Mike cherishes the opportunity to show visitors and locals alike the beauty and the magic of the salt marsh and all its curious inhabitants. In his free time you can find Mike volunteering with numerous conservation projects, fishing and exploring.
Nike Pappas
Hi my name is Nike (like Nikki)! I have been working for BIET for almost five years now! I grew up in Mt. Pleasant and actually got the wonderful experience of Capers Island field trips as a student. Those trips, family adventures outside, and teachers are what probably led me to Clemson where I graduated with a B.S in Environmental and Natural Resources. My focus was in Conservation Biology. Since college I have been in environmental education for nine(ish?) years and worked at the Burton 4-H Center, Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, and the South Carolina Aquarium (as well as BIET :)!). During my time at the 4-H Center I was able to get my Masters in Environmental Education from UGA. I love being outside and learning new things, I love sharing enthusiasm for wild places & wildlife, and I love how every day is different out on the water! Oh—I also love that you can bring your doggo to work! My dog’s name is Shep—he can’t wait to meet you! When I am not working one of my favorite things to do is find the tiniest sharks teeth or read whilst snuggled up with Shep.
Joseph
My family moved to the area when I was 4 years old and I immediately fell in love with fishing and wildlife. One of our first experiences in Charleston was a Family Fun Day with Barrier Island Eco Tours. I remember my dad had to help me pull in a large bonnethead shark and we couldn’t believe our eyes… safe to say I was hooked! In 5th grade, my mom set me up to shadow the guides on one of the eco-tours and the rest is history. I am 21 and this year (2025) will be my 10th year sharing the place I grew up in with others and doing what I love!
Michelle
Hi, I’m Michelle with my Golden Sprig. I grew up in Virginia, but Charleston has been home for 22 years, and I’ve been loving the Lowcountry life ever since. I’ve been part of the Barrier Island EcoTours family for the past three years, sharing my passion for nature and the beautiful coastal environment with visitors. Before joining the EcoTours team, I spent 22 years as a science teacher at local middle schools, where I enjoyed inspiring young minds and cultivating curiosity about the natural world. I love my job because it lets me connect people to the incredible wildlife and ecosystems that make this area so special. When I’m not on the water, you’ll find me fishing, boating, crafting, cooking, or cheering on the Tennessee Vols. Looking forward to seeing y’all out!
Parker
Parker is a well-rounded naturalist from Aiken, South Carolina. He grew up fascinated with animals and fell in love with the coast when he moved to Charleston in 2014. Parker helps several organizations with reptile conservation and even aids with research projects in Central America. One thing Parker loves most about his job is sharing his passion of the natural world with others. He’s been with Barrier Island Ecotours since the start of 2023.
Wahoo
Hi, I’m Wahoo! I was named after a fish. I live on an island you can only get to by boat. This will be my third season with Barrier Island Ecotours.