Today we’d like to introduce you to Cris Miller
Hi Cris, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m the Captain of Burnt and Sandy boat charters; we are a Veteran and Woman Owned Small Business. I joined the Navy after high school and Charleston was my first duty station. 20 years ago, I was diving in the Cooper River for shark teeth. I retired after 26 years (mostly Navy reserve) and 3 combat deployments as a Navy Diver. During COVID I got my Captain’s license and started Burnt and Sandy. We specialize in shark tooth/fossil hunting, dolphin watching, harbor cruises, and sunset charters. The fossil community has really embraced me this year and keep me very busy year-round. Charleston has some of the world’s best fossil hunting areas due primarily to the harbor dredging. This dredge lands on barrier islands and is usually fossil rich; as the islands erode the fossils are exposed.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Working outside, weather is a constant concern. Tides/currents is another. I’m not a mechanic, and something is always breaking on the boat. As the sole owner/operator there is a lot to do: repair/maintenance, accounting, marketing, website/social media, research/development, etc. Like many small businesses, I stay quite busy even once I’m off the water.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Burnt and Sandy?
I love being out on the water and hosting guests who love it too. Teaching someone how to find fossils and shark teeth is rewarding; it’s great to see kids and families enjoying nature together. The fossil hunting community is incredible; I’ve met so many wonderful people who share the passion. We had our first fossil club meeting last month where we got together to share and learn how to wire wrap shark teeth for jewelry. I have so many repeat guests; that is the best compliment I can hope for! I value the small, intimate format of my center console; I can host 6 guests maximum. When fossil hunting, usually the fewer folks searching alongside you the better.
Our fossil charters break down into 2 categories: private charter and Charter Shares. Private charters are available in 2, 3, or 4 hour durations and vary in price (please check the website to browse pricing, schedule, and availability); on a private charter it would just be your party and I search with you, providing tips and tricks (if you want) and all of my finds go to you. The schedule on the website is generic; I’m happy to customize a private charter that fits your needs and takes advantage of the tides.
Charter Share is something I created to provide access to individuals and small groups who are more experienced fossil hunters and want to spend the most time out on the island. CS are self-guided, 5 hour excursions (similar to a drop-off), cost $100 pp, are scheduled on specific days of the month, maximum 6 guests/day. I take much into consideration when planning: weather, tides, moon schedule, other charter’s schedules, king tides, island erosion, etc. in order to put you in the right place, right time. I’m also a huge fossil fanatic so I’m on the islands almost everyday myself checking conditions and hunting (I never hunt the same island as my guests; all those fossils are yours!)
We value this community, both locals and visitors. We’ve partnered with 2 boutique local inns who provide our guests exclusive access to discounted nightly rates; I also assist guests with planning multi-day itineraries utilizing other elite charter companies for different experiences: barrier island hunts, creek hunts, dry digs, etc. I’m dedicated to softening our footprint in nature and am a W.A.V.E. Ambassador through the Lowcountry Marine Mammel Network, whose goal is to promote responsible boating and viewing etiquette of marine wildlife of South Carolina.
While I was in the Navy reserves, I worked in the fine dining hospitality industry, including stewing on Charleston’s largest superyacht charter. In college I worked an internship at Disney World. The combination of high-end guest responsiveness, white glove star service, and technical skill behind the wheel is a unique combination that I’m happy to bring to the table.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
On Saturdays, we would sleep late, watch cartoons, cook pancakes and spend time together as a family. My partner is a Chef, so food is still an important part of our lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.burntandsandy.com
- Instagram: burntandsandyCHS
- Facebook: burntandsandy
