Rehoboth tour company exposes what’s under our noses

This June, Jody Dengler finally saw her idea for a small business come to fruition as Sun Otter Tours embarked on its first exploration of coastal Delaware's marine ecology.

"We are a family of science nerds," said Dengler, who works with her husband Steve. Together they guide curious visitors and expose them to the bounty of scientific wonder that can be found in the Delaware Bay.

Dengler is an enthusiastic woman. Through her tenacity, she managed to secure a partnership with the University of Delaware College of Earth, Ocean and Environment and Delaware Sea Grant. This relationship allows Sun Otter Tours to access the UD Cannon Laboratory and its knowledgeable staff.

"I love teaching people science. I want to get the science out there," said Chris Petrone, a marine education specialist with Delaware Sea Grant. "The more people understand science, learn science, the better off we're all going to be," he said.

Sun Otter Tours also takes guests onto the 166-foot, 425-ton Del River multipurpose vessel that is berthed in Lewes right outside the university. "It’s about people telling stories behind these attractions, whether they're natural or man-made. There's so many stories within stories. It's about getting more hands-on and just having fun and learning – putting the education in your vacation," said Steve.

At Cape Henlopen State Park, Sun Otter Tours participants go seining and learn firsthand about the diversity of wildlife, with guidance from park officials.

"I like getting to educate everybody about the ocean," said park naturalist Abby Ferkler. "A lot of people come from out-of-state, and they haven't seen the ocean or seen the water, and I get to tell people about how cool it is - and all the different weird things that we can find, like whale snot. You have all sorts of crazy things that are here," she said.

Besides the Beach Science tour, Sun Otter Tours also offers two additional tour packages. On the Alchemy of Alcohol tour, guests explore the science behind alcohol. The Sun Otter bus makes stops at Brimming Horn Meadery and Dogfish Head Brewery for behind-the-scenes access. This tour is for those ages 21 and over.

The Night Moves tour involves taking an open pontoon boat out into the Bald Cypress swamp where guests cook their own dinners - s’mores are the the most popular choice - and then experience the cacophony of nature at night.

Dengler says that she hasn't really had many chances, since being a young girl, to enjoy a moment of stillness out in nature. "It all kind of came back to me - all those feelings of wonder that you have about things as a kid," she said.

"It's kind of spooky. It’s kind of eerie. It’s completely safe, but it’s impactful," she said.

Sun Otter Tours run every other Thursday, and prices can range from $34 to $49. For more information, go to www.sunotter.com.