About The Trip
The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, in collaboration with the BlueWater Entertainment, offers Private White Shark Charters, providing passengers with the opportunity to become part of an elite group of adventurers as they witness apex predators in their natural habitat. Throughout the charter, passengers will get a first-hand understanding of AWSC’s efforts to study the species and to conserve Cape Cod's biologically diverse marine ecosystem.
Regarding Weather
We are a very weather dependent operation. If we have any weather concerns, we will be in touch with you and your group to discuss our options. Weather concerns consist of, but are not limited to, fog, low-lying clouds, high winds, and high seas. If we cancel a trip due to inclement weather or poor conditions, we will refund your deposit. We do our best to reschedule, but we cannot guarantee a rescheduled trip.
Trip Location
The boat will depart from Ryder’s Cove in Chatham, MA.
Ryder’s Cove Boatyard, 46 Ryder’s Cove Road, Chatham, MA, 02650
Planning Ahead
Please plan your travel so you can be sure to arrive on time. Our schedule is tight for these trips, so we ask that all participants consider how they will get to Chatham for their charter. If you are on a weekend expedition especially, please consider traffic and parking availability in your plans. On the day of your trip, please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your departure time. This will allow time for parking and time to use the restrooms before your charter departs. The boat does not have a bathroom onboard. Restrooms are available at the main inn, as well as in their pool area, and should be used prior to your trip departure time. Please tell the pool gate attendant you are there for a boating excursion and need to use the restrooms.
What to Expect
Leaving from Chatham Harbor, the vessel will work with a spotter pilot to travel the coastline and find white sharks. Our spotter pilot will do everything she/he can to find a shark and direct the boat to where you can safely view the shark, however we cannot guarantee a white shark sighting. Our naturalist will be there to provide you with information on shark research and biology, and answer any questions you may have. This trip allows for six guests onboard. All humans, regardless of age, count as one of those five. We recommend this trip for individuals ages 6 and up. All youth ages 13 and under will be required to wear a lifejacket which will be provided to them. (If you would like to bring your own, please feel free to do so!)
Final payment for the charter will be due at the end of the trip. Please be prepared with a credit card or a check, made payable to the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, ready to go. It is always appreciated, though not required, to tip our naturalists and captains. Tips are accepted in cash or via credit card at the time of final payment. The suggested percentage is 18-25% based on your experience. Please note: If you do not see a shark, we do not reschedule your trip and final payment will still be due at the end of your trip.
Upon arrival, you can park in the grass lot (outlined in picture below). Complimentary valet is available in both lots. Once you have parked, you can walk down to the pier, where you will meet the naturalist and the captain at the boat.
What to Bring
Polarized sunglasses - They will greatly improve your visibility on the water!
Sunscreen - Please refrain from bringing aerosol spray sunscreen on board.
Hat
Waterproof jacket - This is an open air vessel. You will potentially get wet from sea spray as the boat moves through the water. Come prepared!
Layers - It is typically cooler on the water, especially with a breeze, and if you are joining us in the fall, it can really be chilly!
Towels - If you'd like, for the above reasons
Seasickness measures - If needed.
We will provide: Light snacks, water, fun!
Trip contact
ecotours@ atlanticwhiteshark.org
If you are traveling from out of the US, please be sure to provide us with a working number to be in contact with you while in the states.
You can reach our team via phone at (508) 470-2337.
Social
Instagram & Twitter: @a_whiteshark
Facebook: @atlanticwhiteshark
Questions? Send them to ecotours@atlanticwhiteshark.org and we are happy to answer any questions you might have!
Please note white shark sightings are not guaranteed.