+ What does the trip cost?

The trip is a flat rate of $2500 plus booking and credit card processing fees, regardless of the vessel you book and group size. Cost includes a $500 deposit, due upon booking.

+ What are the fees added onto my trip?

We have upgraded to a new booking platform that allows for an easier online reservation process, as well as a mobile platform to allow us to process final payments on the water. This new system will improve the booking and communication process for trip guests. Because you are paying a deposit on the trip, we have kept that deposit at a flat rate and instead the fees are added to the final payment of the trip.

+ How will payment be handled?

The charter cost is $2500 per trip. This is the same for all trips booked, regardless of number of passengers. Of that total cost, $500 is due in the form of a deposit upon booking your trip. The remaining $2000 balance will be due at the end of your trip, and final payment will be processed on the boat. Please have a credit card or a check, made payable to the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, ready for the end of your charter.

+ Should I tip the naturalist/captain?

It is not required, but always appreciated to tip our naturalists and captains. Tips are accepted via cash or credit card at the time of final payment, which is at the end of your charter. The suggested percentage is 18-25% based on your experience.

+ How does my trip fee support research?

As the only charter on Cape Cod that directly benefits white shark research and conservation efforts, when you book with us you are advancing science, community education, public safety, and more. Witnessing white sharks in their natural habitat on an AWSC charter is not only a trip of a lifetime, it also supports our work to protect the species and their habitat. What could be better than that?

+ Can my group split the payment/tax deductible donation?

Unfortunately due to our processing system, we are unable to accept split payments, or process tax receipts for a split group. If you and your group members plan to pay for the charter together, please have organized joint payment beforehand to provide a single form of payment at the end of your charter.

+ When will I get my tax receipt?

Part of your trip is considered a tax deductible donation. You can expect your tax receipt to be sent to the contact you provide within one month of your trip date.

+ Where will the trips depart from?

• Trips on board the Bluewater Entertainment will depart from Ryder’s Cove in Chatham, MA.
• Trips on board the Chatham Charter Company Vessel will depart from the Chatham Bars Inn Resort and Spa's dock in Chatham, MA.
• Trips on board the Outermost Harbor Marine vessel will depart from Outermost Harbor Marine in Chatham, MA.
• More information about parking and where to meet the naturalist will be provided after booking.

+ Who will be on board with us?

Joining you on board the vessel will be a USCG licensed captain and a member of the AWSC education team, who will serve as a naturalist during the trip by sharing information about AWSC, white shark research, and the dynamic marine ecosystem here on Cape Cod.

+ What should I bring on board?

We recommend that you bring the following items on board with you:

• Sunglasses – specifically polarized sunglasses. They will greatly improve your visibility on the water!
• Sunscreen - We recommend that you apply before getting on the boat and bring it along for a second application if needed. Please refrain from bringing aerosol suncreen sprays onboard.
• Hat
• Layers - It is always cooler on the water, and if you are joining us in the fall, it can really be chilly!
• Towels - All of our vessels are open air. meaning you are exposed to sun and potential sea spray.
• Seasickness measures (if needed)
• We will provide: Light snacks, water, and fun!

+ Will Dr. Greg Skomal be on the boat?

No, Dr. Greg Skomal will not be on board any of our ecotours. Dr. Skomal works for the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, and works in partnership with AWSC to conduct white shark research. Throughout the week he is busy with the research team making sure we learn as much as we can about white sharks here! Our naturalists that will be on board are well educated and prepared to answer as many of your questions as possible.

+ How will we find the sharks?

Our private white shark charters work with a spotter pilot who flies up and down the coast looking to spot white sharks in the water from the sky. The pilot then communicates with the boat captain in order to direct the boat towards the shark to get the boat close for the best viewing possible.

+ Which boat do I choose?

To book, you must follow the links on the next page for which vessel you want your charter to be on. Please note the charts on the next page to select the vessel for your charter based on your group size or schedule availability.

Each vessel will have a member of AWSC’s education team on it when you book via our site.

+ Why are there multiple boat options?

We offer multiple vessel options in order to accommodate a range of passengers’ needs. Different vessels have different capacities per Coast Guard regulations, and offering multiple vessels allows us to bring out many more passengers during the season! Please note that you do not have to fill up the boat in order to book; you can have fewer passengers than the number listed for each vessel option, but not more.

+ Why can’t I book the BlueWater boat on a Friday?

Each vessel has a designated schedule, which is outlined in the booking link.

+ Does my child count towards my number of guests?

According to Coast Guard regulations, every living person on board must count towards the passenger limit. Please note our passenger limits for each vessel when you book. We recommend this experience for children ages 6 and up.

+ Is the trip weather dependent?

We are a very weather dependent operation. Since we rely on a pilot as well as a boat captain to ensure success and safety for each trip, we must consider air and water conditions before running a trip. We will make the sole decision to cancel due to weather concerns. Weather concerns include: fog, heavy cloud cover, high winds, wave height, rain/storms. If there are weather concerns leading up to your trip, we will reach out before your trip to discuss. If weather concerns arise the day of your trip, we will try to contact you as soon as possible to discuss.

+ What is your COVID-19 policy?

All staff members will be adhering to all Massachusetts state guidelines related to COVID-19 and following CDC recommendations for creating a healthy environment. Face coverings/masks are optional for your trip.

+ What is your cancellation policy?

Deposits are refundable up to one week prior to your trip, with a $200 cancellation fee. If you cancel within one week of your trip, your deposit is fully non-refundable. If we cancel a trip due to inclement weather or poor conditions, we give our customers the option to reschedule their trip. We do our best to reschedule, but we cannot guarantee a rescheduled trip. If a trip canceled by AWSC due to weather cannot be rescheduled, a full refund of the deposit will be made. While we set our trips up to succeed, we cannot guarantee a shark sighting. If you do not see a shark, we do not reschedule your trip and final payment will be due at the end of your trip.