Expedition 2024: White Sharks and Whales

FAQs


What’s included in my ticket?

  • Educated naturalists available throughout your trip!

  • A day on the water with unlimited possibilities of viewing wildlife!

  • Reusable lunch tote

  • Lunch (includes a sandwich, chips, and a dessert)

  • Small breakfast item

  • Refillable water bottle

  • Support for the important research and conservation work of WDC and AWSC!

How do I purchase an expedition t shirt?

  • Expedition t shirts are sold seperately and profits from the gear support WDC AND AWSC. You can purchase expedition gear (sweatshirts are available too!) through our Bonfire site and they will be shipped directly to you.

What should I bring?

  • You will be on the water for the full day- so come prepared! We recommend passengers dress in layers and bring a backpack or tote to hold belongings. Here are a few items we highly recommend having:

    • Warm layers (and rain gear if forecasted for fog/rain)

    • Comfortable shoes

    • Sunblock

    • Sunglasses (polarized sunglasses are best for viewing sharks)

    • Hat (check the weather, sometimes a beanie is good in September!)

    • Motion sickness medicine

    • Cash (they have a refreshment bar on board)

    • Binoculars, camera, or both!

    • Water (no glass containers, please) Your lunch tote will include a 12 oz water bottle, but please note there are no filtered water sources onboard to refill.

    • Extra food/snacks

    • Patience (the whales and sharks don’t know we’re coming and aren’t always prepared for our arrival)

    • Excitement for sharks and whales!


What is your cancellation policy?

  • Refunds (minus a $25.00/ticket service fee) may be made up until 30 days prior to the event:

    • For August 3rd, last day for refunds is July 3, 2024

    • For August 17th, last day for refunds is July 18, 2024

    • For September 7th, last day for refunds is August 8, 2024

  • All cancellations/refund requests must be made directly to AWSC via email at ecotours@atlanticwhiteshark.org. If you submit a refund request after the 30 day advance mark outlined above, you will not be granted a refund. 

  • If poor weather leads to Captain John Boats/Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch deciding it is unsafe to be on the water, requiring us to cancel the trip, we will issue a full refund to all trip participants (minus a $25/ ticket service fee).


How does my ticket support wildlife conservation?

  • In addition to being an incredible experience on the water, this trip directly supports research and conservation of white sharks and whales. 

  • The AWSC and WDC are 501c3 non-profit organizations, and all proceeds from this trip furthers our conservation efforts and our understanding of white sharks and whales.

How do you find wildlife?

  • We use up-to-date information on whale and white shark sightings. Because of their stealthiness they use to sneak up on their prey, white sharks can be very difficult to see if you don’t know exactly where to look. For white sharks, we rely on a spotter pilot to find sharks and to direct the boat captain where to go. While he is up there, the spotter pilot will also let us know of other wildlife he sees nearby! For whales, we keep track of what areas whales have been using and use our eagle eyes to see when whales come up to the surface to breathe. 

Where does the trip depart?

  • Trips departing from Plymouth, MA will leave from 10 Town Wharf in Plymouth, MA. 

  • Information on parking will be provided in emails from our team after booking.


What times do the trips leave?

  • Guests on trips leaving out of Plymouth should plan to be on the water from approximately 8 am to 4 pm. We recommend giving yourself plenty of time to arrive, as we try our best to leave promptly at 8 am. Although we aim to return at 4 pm, sometimes the location of wildlife or sea conditions may bring us to the dock late.  

Can I bring a dog or pet onboard?

  • We do not allow animals onboard the vessels for Expedition White Sharks and Whales.

Can I smoke or vape onboard the vessel?

  • Smoking and vaping of any kind  is prohibited onboard. Please plan accordingly.