Expedition 2026: 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!
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 separately 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:
Food for the day
We will not be providing any meals in 2026. Please come prepared for a full day on the water bringing your own breakfast, snack, lunch, and beverages. NO GLASS CONTAINERS OF ANY KIND ONBOARD.
The boat has a full galley where you can purchase meals. Please note the galley is CASH ONLY.
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)
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 July 10th, last day for refunds is June 10, 2026
For August 22nd, last day for refunds is July 23, 2026
For September 12th, last day for refunds is August 13, 2026
For September 26th, last day for refunds is August 27, 2026
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.
We do allow registered service animals, which are identified under the Massachusetts Service Animal Law, to accompany a guest who requires a service animal.
Can I smoke or vape onboard the vessel?
Smoking and vaping of any kind is prohibited onboard. Please plan accordingly.