He was inspired to do this after seeing how the rivers and scenic beauty helped to heal his veteran friends. It is important to spread the message that being in nature has a positive impact on mental
health and wellbeing.
Robert ‘Captain Bluebird’ Hoehne’s love for nature began at a young age. He grew up on a farm near the Delaware River, often fishing with his dad, who taught him the importance of conservation. In Douglas County, he has been coordinating the Umpqua River Cleanup for the past 39 years. Robert volunteers with Umpqua Watersheds, and is a South Umpqua River Steward with the Native Fish Society. He is also certified and licensed with the U.S. Coast Guard and State Marine Board.
Bird Watching and More
The Bald Eagle is one of many birds that can be spotted along the beautiful Umpqua River Osprey Main Umpqua Great Blue Heron South Umpqua River Robert ‘Captain Bluebird’ Hoehne’s love for nature began at a young age. He grew up on a farm near the Delaware River, often fishing with his dad, who taught him the importance of conservation.
The Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge
Blue Dream Wildlife River Tours is providing tours to the Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge located close to Bandon. The boat tours will be in the Coquille River estuary that borders the marsh.
Wildlife can be seen year-round at Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, from migrating shorebirds to resident songbirds, land mammals to marine mammals, and other amphibious life, there’s something for everyone. On a recent trip, a pair of White-tailed Kite birds where observed. They are very unique and fascinating to watch, they fly very similar to a kite. They are just one of many unique species of wildlife in the Coquille River. The boat can even pull up to the dock in Bandon for lunch.
If you’re interested in visiting the marsh, viewing local wildlife, or would like more information regarding tours, give us a call
The Blue Dream is an 18′ wooden boat design, which is a sled, that is part of the Umpqua wooden boat history. The Blue Dream was built in 1990 with the original jigs and design of the Kugler boats.
Pricing varies based on location and number of people. Boat is limited to 4 people .
For scheduling please call Robert
What our clients say
Tracy Maxwell
We sure had a great tour with Captain Bluebird! WOW!!! I took my family (including a 4 year old) and EVERYONE had a blast! this was my second trip on the Blue Dream. The captain knows where the best spots to run the river are depending on conditions. He also really knows his wildlife and particularly where and when to view different species. We were particularly hoping to see Osprey and we not only saw them but watched one grab a fish from the river and take it to its nearby nest and feed its young! This is a wonderful trip to take friends and family on! I highly recommend Blue Dream Wildlife River tours to everyone!
Dave Prine
My wife and I had a fantastic time with Captain Bluebird (a.k.a. Bob). He gave us a great tour and spotted a number of birds we might have otherwise missed. Bob’s very relaxed and took his time, and he’s just a regular down-to-earth guy with a lot of knowledge and a great sense of humor. I hope (and plan) to take another boat tour with him again soon!
Jessica Saxton
Blue Dream Wildlife River Tours is a great opportunity to get out on the river and see wildlife. Especially along the Umpqua River!
Kem Todd
“My daughters and sister experience the most quiet and peaceful part of the river on this cruise. We live in the Umpqua area and were surprised at the wildlife and birds right on the shores of our very own river. Robert (Bob) is an educated and experienced guide and we learned facts about species and water quality. He was also quiet and let us enjoy the peace of the river. My daughter said, “Robert’s a very nice man, and I liked him.” We all agreed he made us feel safe and appreciated the watermelon. My sister took a zillion shots of all the bird action. Go early to see the most wildlife. Treat yourself to a trip with Blue Dream River Tours.
Bruce and Joanne Gordon:
Bruce and Joanne Gordon: “My wife and I have known Bob for quite awhile and knew this was going to be a fun and relaxing time spent on the river. We took two friends from the East Coast who lived in Tiller years ago. One of them was just a few weeks away from having major back surgery. We wanted him to have a pleasant relaxing time. Bob and his boat delivered.
We spent almost 3 hours on the river, seeing a wide range of wildlife and also filling up a lot of dialogue balloons.
I recommend this excursion to everyone. Captain Bluebird is the best.”