What Happened to Amanda Makar from Port Protection? Life After the Show and Where She Is Now

Amanda Makar, originally from the Lower 48, joined the cast of National Geographic’s Port Protection during its original run in 2015. The documentary-style reality series followed the lives of residents in the remote, off-grid community of Port Protection, located on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska. The show explored themes of survival, resourcefulness, and community as locals faced the harsh conditions of Alaskan wilderness living. Port Protection aired for eight seasons until 2025, when it concluded its run without renewal.

As one of the show’s few newcomers, Amanda brought a fresh perspective to the community. Viewers quickly got to know her as someone eager to embrace the challenges of off-grid living, despite having little background in wilderness survival.

Originally featured across two seasons, Amanda became involved in various aspects of life in Port Protection. She immersed herself in learning core survival skills, including firearm safety, hunting, and fishing. With guidance from longtime residents like Mary Miller and Timothy “Curly” Leach, Amanda gradually developed the know-how necessary to live independently in the bush. From assisting in boat repairs and halibut fishing to cleaning beaver pelts and learning to drop trees for firewood, she took on each task with determination and humility.

One of Amanda’s more memorable transitions came when she moved from a modest cabin to living full-time on a houseboat. Initially, she was offered a beachfront cabin by fellow cast member Terri McRoberts McMetcalf in exchange for basic repairs. Later, Amanda acquired a houseboat, which allowed her greater autonomy and space. With help from community members like Stuart and Sam Carlson, she restored the vessel and adapted it to suit the rigors of winter in Southeast Alaska — including installing a wood stove and making critical structural fixes.

Throughout her time on the show, Amanda’s journey reflected the core values of the community: self-reliance, cooperation, and resilience. She learned from the elders, took feedback constructively, and continually looked for ways to contribute. Her work ethic earned the respect of those around her and made her story one of growth and quiet determination.

After Season 2, Amanda left the series without a formal on-screen farewell. Her absence was noted by fans, particularly when her houseboat was later seen moored in a cove, no longer in use. While she did not publicly share her reasons for leaving, various viewer comments and sightings suggest that she eventually returned to civilian life. In one such instance, a fan who met her in Anchorage described Amanda as “just as kind and sweet as she appears on the show,” noting that her demeanor in person perfectly matched the calm, grounded presence viewers came to admire. Amanda is believed to have resumed her professional background in nursing and continued to live quietly outside the spotlight. Her old houseboat, once thought abandoned, was later restored and taken over by another resident.