About Us

Captain John

Hello there, I’m Captain John Grobe, and my journey through the maritime world has been nothing short of a lifelong adventure. Since 1986, I’ve dedicated my career to working on and operating boats, and over the years, my passion for safe boating practices has become a driving force in everything I do.

In 2016, I achieved a significant milestone by obtaining my U.S.C.G. master captain’s license, a testament to my commitment to excellence and proficiency in maritime operations. This license has not only opened doors for me but has also empowered me to contribute to the safety and well-being of fellow mariners.

My association with TowBoat Us has further enriched my experience, providing me with the opportunity to lend a helping hand to those navigating our waterways. Whether it’s a simple tow or a more complex maritime issue, I take pride in being a reliable resource for those in need.

Recognizing the importance of education in fostering a culture of safety, I became a National Safe Boating Council certified instructor in 2018. This certification has allowed me to impart my knowledge and expertise to others, sharing the essential skills and practices that make our waterways safer for everyone.

As the owner of North Georgia Boating Adventures, I’ve had the privilege of combining my love for boating with a commitment to education. Serving as a charter captain and on-the-water instructor for Carefree Boat Club and private boat owners, I am dedicated to instilling a culture of responsibility and safety in every boater I encounter.

My mission is clear: to make all waterways safer, one boater at a time. Through my years of experience, certifications, and passion for boating, I continue to strive towards this goal, knowing that every individual trained and every lesson shared contributes to a safer and more enjoyable maritime environment for all.

Captain John Grobe at North Georgia Boating Adventures - Lake Lanier
Captain Mark Willingham

Captain Mark

Capt. Mark Willingham is the owner/operator of Willingham Outdoor Services LLC. Mark resides in Dallas, Ga and is a full time Firefighter/EMT, Quail hunting guide, Bowfishing guide and avid fisherman. Capt. Mark attained his USCG Master Captain license in 2021 while working with TowBoatUS Lake Allatoona. When not spending time with his wife and 3 kids or church, Mark can be found hunting or fishing somewhere throughout the country.

(770) 826-4975

Willingham Outdoor Services

Captain Skylar Maddox

Captain Skylar Maddox attained her USCG Master Captain License in 2018 after spending a year as the Assistant Manager at Paradise Rental Boats. She has always had a passion for being on the water and now shares that passion with her spouse and 3 kids. When she is not working as a full time manager for a local heating and air company, you can guarantee that she and her family are near a body of water somewhere, soaking up the sun. She has spent many hours anchored out and floating in the coves of Lake Allatoona, fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, and cruising on the waters of Lake Oconee.

Captain John Grobe at North Georgia Boating Adventures - Lake Lanier

North Georgia Boating Adventures

North Georgia Boating Adventures established in 2021 with the mission of creating safer waterways by sharing our passion for adventure on the water through the education of boaters.

Whether you are looking for an experienced captain to take you on a day of fun and adventure on the lake or you want to become equipped to create your own adventures, you have come to the right place. Join us for a day of exploration, snorkeling, geocaching, or other fun activities. Or, book a private training to help you learn how to safely operate a boat like a pro.

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I was a bit overwhelmed with the new boat I purchased, but Captain John set me at ease. Thanks for the thorough training. Can’t wait to take my friends out on Lanier!
Boat charters on Lake Lanier - North Georgia Boating Adventures

Starting at 3 hrs, $65/hr

Boat Charter Adventures

Make your adventure a day everyone will remember with one of our USCG licensed captains.

Lakes Lanier, Allatoona, or Oconee

Boater Training at North Georgia Boating Adventures

As low as $125

Boating Education

Get the skills and confidence you need to operate your new boat like a pro with our experienced instructors.

Lakes Lanier, Allatoona, or Oconee

Geocaching on Lake Lanier - Get Marooned with North Georgia Boating Adventures

Book Today

Geocaching Adventures

Enjoy a day hunting for geocaches around Lake Lanier including caches hidden on some of the lake's islands.

Lakes Lanier, Allatoona, or Oconee

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What Out Customers Say...

Mark Garrison Review
Captain John was very knowledgeable and was a great teacher... highly recommend!
Mark Garrison
Captain John was very knowledgeable and was a great teacher... highly recommend!
Mark Garrison Review
Mark Garrison
Brian Kozloski Review
Captain John has taken us out on several cruises recently, we have done a tour ...
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Brian Kozloski
Captain John has taken us out on several cruises recently, we have done a tour of the Ozark filming locations, we have taken friends on a sunset cruise and most recently we took our children and grandchildren out for a birthday celebration day on the lake! Captain John has always done an excellent job every time and that is why we have and will continue to recommend him!
Brian Kozloski Review
Brian Kozloski
Vickie Adams Review
My boating experience with Captain John was amazing! Having owned a boat many years ago ...
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Vickie Adams
My boating experience with Captain John was amazing! Having owned a boat many years ago I understand the seriousness of safety at all times. Captain John literally has everything covered and allowed me and my family to relax and just enjoy a carefree day on the water. He is extremely knowledgeable about the entire lake, so if we were ready to float around in the water undisturbed he knew the perfect stop. I would highly recommend Captain John Grobe for your next lake outing!
Vickie Adams Review
Vickie Adams
John Combs Review
We loved our trip with Captain John on Lake Lanier! He was friendly, helpful and ...
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John Combs
We loved our trip with Captain John on Lake Lanier! He was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Not only did he get us the easiest accesses to the geocaches on the lake, but showed us multiple filming locations for Ozark. I cannot recommend this experience enough. It was a memory that our group will never forget.
John Combs Review
John Combs
Greg Ridley Review
My wife & I had a wonderful time on the evening cruise. Captain John...
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Greg Ridley
My wife & I had a wonderful time on the evening cruise. Captain John was a great host. It was so neat to see from the water’s viewpoint some of the areas & houses where Ozark is filmed!
Greg Ridley Review
Greg Ridley
James Everson Review
Hired Capt John for geocaching on Lake Lanier. John was very pleasant, showed us some ...
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James Everson
Hired Capt John for geocaching on Lake Lanier. John was very pleasant, showed us some sites/scenery beyond geocaching and gave us some history of the area. Nice comfortable boat.
James Everson Review
James Everson
Jordan Grant Review
Captain John was awesome! Would highly recommend him as a driver for your boat. Timely, ...
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Jordan Grant
Captain John was awesome! Would highly recommend him as a driver for your boat. Timely, professional and easy going while still making the experience a relaxed fun time, & knowledgeable.
Jordan Grant Review
Jordan Grant
Kurt Siegenthaler Review
Captain John is great. Very patient and of course knowledgeable. Highly recommend
Kurt Siegenthaler
Captain John is great. Very patient and of course knowledgeable. Highly recommend
Kurt Siegenthaler Review
Kurt Siegenthaler
Juliana Spaeth-Leek Review
Thanks Captain John for your help getting these newbie boaters out on the water. Excellent ...
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Juliana Spaeth-Leek
Thanks Captain John for your help getting these newbie boaters out on the water. Excellent lesson. Look forward to working with you again!
Juliana Spaeth-Leek Review
Juliana Spaeth-Leek
Vickie Mansel Adams Review
My family and I have been out with Captain John many times. We could be ...
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Vickie Mansel Adams
My family and I have been out with Captain John many times. We could be geocaching ,diving for golf balls, tubing or just taking in the sights and floating around on the water. It is always a relaxed outing, John is extremely aware of safety form every angle. He provides the best service possible and leaves you wanting to stay out long after the sun has set. If your looking for a family, work or special event water outing this is who you need to contact. I know you will have a wonderful time and come home with special memories:)
Vickie Mansel Adams Review
Vickie Mansel Adams
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