Frequently Asked Questions:
- Where will my trip leave from?
- Outermost Harbor – 83 Seagull Rd, Chatham MA 02633
- Will there be parking onsite?
- Yes, Outermost Harbor has a parking area for visitors of the marina. More information about parking and where to meet the naturalist will be provided after booking.
- Do you have restrooms onsite?
- Who will be on board with us?
- Joining you on board the vessel will be an Outermost Harbor boat captain and a member of the AWSC education team, who will serve as a naturalist during the trip by sharing information about AWSC, our white shark research, and the dynamic marine ecosystem here on Cape Cod.
- What should I bring on board?
- Sunglasses – specifically polarized sunglasses. They will greatly improve your visibility on the water!
- Sunscreen – apply before getting on the boat, and we recommend bringing along for a second application if needed.
- Hat
- Waterproof jacket
- Layers (it is always cooler on the water, and if you are joining us in the fall, it can really be chilly!)
- Seasickness measures (if needed)
- We will provide: Light snacks, water, and fun!
- 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 to direct the boat towards the shark to get the boat close for the best viewing possible.
- 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 24-48 hours 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.
- Why are there multiple boat options?
- We offer multiple vessel options in order to accommodate a range of guests’ needs. Different vessels have different capacities per Coast Guard regulations, and offering multiple vessels allows us to bring out many more guests during the season! Please note that you do not have to fill up the boat in order to book; you can have fewer guests than the number listed for each vessel option, but not more.
- Why can’t I book the Outermost Harbor 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.
- 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.
- What does the trip cost?
- The trip is a flat rate of $2500, regardless of the vessel you book and group size. Cost includes a $200 non-refundable deposit, due upon booking.
- How does my trip fee support research?
- As the only tour on Cape Cod that directly benefits white shark research and conservation efforts, you are helping to fund research, community education, public safety, and more when you book with us. White shark research here on Cape Cod and in Massachusetts as a whole is run by the MA Division of Marine Fisheries in partnership with AWSC. As a nonprofit, AWSC funds the research we work with DMF on through programs like these charters, and other education and outreach programs run by AWSC. This once-in-a-lifetime experience witnessing white sharks in their natural habitat also works to protect them and their habitat. What could be better than that?
- How will payment be handled?
- The trip cost is $2500 per trip. This is the same for all trips booked, regardless of number of passengers. Of that total cost, $200 is due in the form of a non-refundable deposit upon booking your trip. The remaining $2300 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.
- 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.
- 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 similar to that for waitstaff: 18-25% based on your experience.
- 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. Since we are an outdoor operation, face coverings/masks are optional for your trip.
- What is your cancellation policy?
- Deposits are 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 can’t guarantee a rescheduled trip. If a trip canceled by AWSC due to weather cannot be rescheduled, a 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.
