10 Black-Owned Marine and Outdoor Businesses to Support

The marine and outdoor industries have long been celebrated for their ability to connect people with nature, offering experiences that range from serene yacht cruises to rugged hiking trails. However, these spaces have historically lacked diversity, both in participation and ownership. Black-owned businesses are stepping up to change that narrative, breaking barriers, fostering inclusivity, and redefining what it means to engage with the outdoors. This article shines a spotlight on a collection of remarkable Black-owned marine and outdoor enterprises that are not only thriving but also creating opportunities for underrepresented communities to enjoy and excel in these fields. From yacht charters to outdoor gear shops, these businesses are making waves and leaving footprints that inspire year-round support.

The Importance of Supporting Black-Owned Outdoor Businesses

Black-owned businesses in the marine and outdoor sectors face unique challenges, including limited access to capital, systemic racial inequities, and a lack of representation in industries traditionally dominated by white entrepreneurs. Despite these hurdles, they are carving out spaces that cater to diverse audiences, challenge stereotypes, and provide economic opportunities for their communities. Supporting these businesses goes beyond a single purchase—it’s an investment in equity, representation, and the broadening of access to nature for all.

The outdoor industry, encompassing boating, hiking, camping, and more, has seen growing calls for inclusivity. Black entrepreneurs are answering that call by launching ventures that not only serve their communities but also enrich the broader landscape of outdoor recreation. Below, we explore some standout Black-owned marine and outdoor businesses that deserve recognition and support.

Marine Businesses Making a Splash

1. Yacht Club Company: A Global Vision for Black Travelers

In Tulum, Mexico, the Yacht Club Company stands as a beacon of innovation and inclusivity in the yachting world. Founded by William Lee, a tech entrepreneur, and Jon Roberts, a hospitality expert, this premier yacht charter service emerged from a chance meeting during the pandemic. What began as a personal escape evolved into a thriving business designed to cater to people of color, addressing a gap in the market for inclusive luxury experiences.

The Yacht Club Company offers specialized routes along the Yucatan Peninsula, paired with diverse alcohol options, curated food menus, and unique yacht experiences tailored to Black travelers. Lee’s passion for the region’s culture and people inspired the venture, while Roberts’ expertise ensures a premium hospitality experience. Their mission extends beyond Tulum—they aim to create a global membership program offering exclusive events and access to top-tier yachting destinations worldwide. Through a partnership with H20sun Cruises, they also manage sea vessels and provide employment opportunities for locals, setting a scalable model for future expansion.

Key Offerings:

• Inclusive yacht experiences tailored for Black travelers
• Curated food menus & events celebrating POC culture
• Global expansion plans to create a membership-based yacht club

By partnering with H20sun Cruises, they also provide employment opportunities for locals while offering unforgettable maritime adventures

2. Riverside Marina: Reviving a Legacy in Detroit

Jason McGuire, one of only 11 African American Certified Marina Managers in the U.S. and the sole representative in Michigan, has transformed Riverside Marina in Detroit into a thriving hub for the Black boating community. Taking the helm in 2012, McGuire rescued the marina from bankruptcy, turning it into a sought-after destination with a waitlist exceeding 100 people.

Originally named Harbor Hill Marina, it was envisioned by former Detroit Mayor Coleman A. Young and Porterfield Wilson, a prominent Black GM and Buick dealer, as an inclusive space for Black boaters along the Detroit River. Today, Riverside Marina, alongside Erma Henderson Marina, represents Michigan’s only Black-run marinas, making Detroit home to the largest African American boating community in the country. McGuire’s leadership continues this legacy, mentoring the next generation of Black boaters and creating industry opportunities for Black Detroiters.

Key Achievements:

• One of only two marinas in Michigan operated by a Black-owned company
• Part of Detroit’s largest African American boating community
• Continuing the legacy of Coleman A. Young (former Detroit mayor) and Porterfield Wilson (Black entrepreneur)

McGuire’s mission is to inspire the next generation of Black boaters and create more opportunities in the marine industry.

3. Soca Caribbean Yacht Charters: Redefining Luxury Travel

Sheila Ruffin, a Hampton University and Howard University School of Law graduate, founded Soca Caribbean Yacht Charters (SCYC) to bring diversity to the yachting industry. Inspired by her childhood love of boats and a desire to challenge the industry’s lack of inclusivity, Ruffin launched SCYC as a boutique travel agency offering all-inclusive yacht vacations in the Caribbean.

Ruffin’s vision is to dismantle the stereotype that yachting is exclusively for affluent white individuals. She targets the untapped market of middle-class and wealthy people of color, providing luxurious, accessible experiences that resonate with diverse demographics. SCYC is revolutionizing the yacht charter space by proving that inclusivity and profitability can go hand in hand.

Breaking Barriers:

• Challenges the stereotype that yachting is only for the affluent white elite
• Targets middle-class and wealthy individuals of color
• Offers all-inclusive, culturally immersive experiences

Ruffin’s vision is to revolutionize the yachting industry by making it more accessible to Black travelers.

4. Got The Hook Up Charters: Fishing Adventures with Expertise

Captain Brandon Hilliard, a U.S. Air Force veteran from East St. Louis, IL, brings his passion for fishing to life with Got The Hook Up Charters. Based in Fort Walton Beach, FL, Hilliard transitioned from freshwater to saltwater fishing during his military service, eventually launching his offshore fishing charter business.

Operating a 2022 Cape Horn 31T Center Console, Hilliard accommodates up to six passengers on excursions targeting species like Snappers, Groupers, Amberjacks, Mahi-Mahi, and Wahoo. Certified by the U.S. Coast Guard, he prioritizes safety while delivering memorable adventures from the Florida Panhandle to the Bahamas. His expertise and dedication make Got The Hook Up Charters a standout in the marine industry.

Charter Details:

• Operates a 2022 Cape Horn 31T Center Console
• USCG-certified for safety
• Caters to groups of up to 6 passengers

Whether in the Florida Keys or the Bahamas, Captain Brandon ensures an unforgettable fishing adventure.

5. Be You! Charters: A Creative Twist on Yachting

Captain Nashawn Taylor, a Black woman and Master Captain, has carved a unique niche in the leisure boating market with Be You! Charters. Based near National Harbor in Fort Washington, MD, Taylor’s business offers the country’s first paint, sip, and sail yacht experience. After a 22-year career as a police officer, she joined the U.S. Coast Guard’s marine division to gain the skills needed to break into the male-dominated yachting industry.

Be You! Charters provides personalized, stress-free yacht experiences in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, inviting guests to paint wine glasses before sailing. As the first Black-owned business of its kind in the DMV region, Taylor’s venture challenges norms and celebrates creativity on the water.

Unique Offerings:

• Personalized yacht parties
• Wine glass painting sessions before sailing
• A stress-free, luxury boating experience

Her journey into yachting—through the male-dominated U.S. Coast Guard—is a testament to perseverance.

6. R&R Surf: Water Sports with a Purpose

Artiss and Arlyn Redmond, with over 46 years of combined Navy experience, founded R&R Surf, the first Black-owned water sports rental business on the bayfront in Chula Vista, CA. Leveraging their expertise in amphibious operations and vessel management, the couple created a business that rents out water sports equipment, emphasizing rest and relaxation.

R&R Surf promotes diversity and entrepreneurship in the water sports industry while fostering an inclusive environment for locals and visitors. Their venture is a testament to how military-honed skills can translate into innovative civilian enterprises.

What They Provide:

• Kayak, paddleboard, and jet ski rentals
• A focus on rest, relaxation, and inclusivity
• Military and veteran discounts

Their business is a milestone for diversity in water sports.

Outdoor Businesses Leading the Way

7. Slim Pickins Outfitters: Pioneering Diversity in Gear Retail

Slim Pickins Outfitters, founded by Jahmicah Dawes, holds the distinction of being the first Black-owned outdoor gear shop in the U.S. Located in Stephenville, TX, the store goes beyond retail, offering a curated selection of outdoor gear, vintage clothing, and footwear while championing diversity in the outdoor industry.

Dawes’ mission is to create a meaningful space for the local community and creative outdoor enthusiasts. Through educational initiatives and community events, Slim Pickins Outfitters advocates for underrepresented voices, broadening access and representation in the outdoor sector. The shop also aspires to mentor other Black-owned businesses and establish internship programs with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

What They Offer:

• Outdoor gear, vintage clothing, and footwear
• Community events & educational programs
• A mission to diversify outdoor industry leadership

Dawes aims to mentor other Black-owned outdoor businesses and create pathways for underrepresented voices in the industry.

8. Black Girls Dive: Empowering Women in Marine Science

Founded by Dr. Nevada Winrow and Taylor-Symon Winrow, Black Girls Dive is dedicated to empowering young women of color through scuba diving education. The organization provides access to training, workshops, and mentorship, fostering skills, knowledge, and leadership in marine conservation.

Black Girls Dive collaborates with communities and organizations to promote diversity in STEM fields, building a supportive network for women pursuing marine science careers. By dismantling barriers, it serves as a catalyst for change in ocean exploration and conservation efforts.

Key Initiatives:

• STEM-focused diving education
• Mentorship & leadership training
• Advocacy for diversity in marine science

Black Girls Dive is building the next generation of ocean conservationists.

9. Tough Cutie: Women-Centric Outdoor Apparel

Brittany Coleman’s Tough Cutie is a USA-made company producing active lifestyle socks designed by and for women. As the first women-owned sock brand with a majority women-owned value chain, it prioritizes economic equality in the outdoor industry. The flagship sock, Eve, reflects a rigorous design process centered on women’s feedback, offering durability and support.

Tough Cutie partners with nonprofits to promote equity in adventure spaces, ensuring that every sale supports women-owned businesses and inclusivity efforts. It’s a prime example of mindful consumerism in action.

Product Specifications:

• Material: Durable, dynamic fabrics
• Design: Women-centric, supportive fit
• Impact: 100% of sales support women-owned businesses

10. Northside Bags: Sustainable Outdoor Packs

Nate Elsey-Williams founded Northside Bags in Duluth, MN, as the second Black-owned hiking backpack business in the U.S. The company crafts outdoor packs and fanny packs, including the popular “Survival Bag,” a hydration pack with a solar charging panel. Fifteen percent of sales support Save The Boundary Waters, an organization fighting sulfide-ore copper mining in Northern Minnesota.

Northside Bags is committed to increasing diversity in the outdoors and protecting public lands, blending sustainability with functionality.

Featured Product:

• Survival Bag: Hydration pack with solar charging
• Material: Durable, eco-conscious fabrics
• Impact: 15% of sales to conservation efforts

Broader Impact and How to Support

These Black-owned marine and outdoor businesses are more than just enterprises—they’re movements. They challenge long-standing inequities, create economic opportunities, and invite diverse communities to experience the joys of nature. Their success hinges on support from consumers, allies, and the broader industry.

• Promotes diversity in traditionally exclusionary industries
• Encourages economic equity for Black entrepreneurs
• Expands outdoor access for underrepresented communities

Ways to Support:

• Purchase Directly: Buy gear, book charters, or attend events from these businesses.
• Spread the Word: Share their stories on social media or with friends to build awareness.
• Advocate for Inclusivity: Encourage outdoor brands and organizations to partner with Black-owned businesses.

Table: Snapshot of Featured Businesses

Conclusion

The Black-owned marine and outdoor businesses highlighted here are trailblazers in their fields, proving that diversity and excellence can coexist. From the luxurious decks of Tulum’s yachts to the rugged trails of Texas, these entrepreneurs are reshaping industries and inviting everyone to join them in celebrating the outdoors. Supporting them isn’t just a seasonal gesture—it’s a year-round commitment to equity, community, and the shared love of nature. Whether you’re booking a charter, buying gear, or simply spreading the word, your actions can help these businesses thrive and continue their transformative work.

Happy Boating!

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