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whale watcher passes Sandy Neck
About the Whale Watcher

Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises began operating whale watch trips out of Barnstable harbor in 1980, when New England whale watching was in its infancy. As industry leaders we have evolved with the fast paced changes our passengers demand with constant upgrades throughout the years. Locally owned and owner operated we are very proud of the professionals that work for us, our boat and the service we provide. “If it was easy everyone would do it” – Joe Miller.

To ensure an exceptional whale watching experience, you need an exceptional vessel. The Whale Watcher was designed specifically for whale watching in New England waters. She is 130 feet long by 28 feet wide and is powered by five water jets. This configuration makes her very fast, and highly maneuverable. Her design also protects whales and other marine life because are no external propellers. These attributes make the Whale Watcher the largest, fastest, and safest whale watch vessel operating on Cape Cod.

For our passengers’ comfort, the Whale Watcher has three viewing levels with over 650 feet of rail space for viewing, two sun decks, and bench seating throughout. The climate-controlled interior cabins feature tables with cushioned seating, and flat-screen monitors. The Whale Watcher has a reasonably priced, full-service snack bar with a variety of hot and cold items, snacks, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. The boat has three modern, handicapped accessible restrooms.

Safety is our number one priority on every whale watch. Passengers are provided a safety orientation at the start of every trip. The Whale Watcher is outfitted with multiple, state art of the navigation and communications equipment and is licensed and inspected by the United States Coast Guard annually. The vessel is under direct command of a licensed captain at all times.

On all trips, the Whale Watcher carries two licensed captains who are licensed to 100 tons (off)shore (sic). Collectively our captains have over 50 years of whale watching experience. Our captains operate safely and responsibly according to the Northeast Regional Viewing Guidelines. The Whale Watcher was among the first boats to enroll in WhaleSENSE. WhaleSENSE is a voluntary education and recognition program offered to commercial whale watching companies in the Northeast U.S. This program recognizes companies committed to responsible whale watching practices and ocean stewardship. WhaleSENSE is a voluntary education and recognition program offered to commercial whale watching companies in the Northeast U.S. This program recognizes companies committed to responsible whale watching practices and ocean stewardship.

Our professional naturalists are experts in their field and have many years of experience in sharing the marine environment with visitors. Throughout the trip, they provide engaging, entertaining, and educational narrative. They enjoy visiting with passengers to answer questions and share the excitement of the whale watching.

Our deck crew is first and foremost concerned with the safety and comfort of our passengers and are trained in safety, emergency procedures, and customer service. Most live locally and have been with Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises for many years.

We take great pride not only in our boat and crew, but also in maintaining the highest level of service for our valued customers and we look forward to serving you on the whale watch adventure of a lifetime!

Entertainment

Flat-screen TVs (3)
Direct TV receivers (2)
VHS/DVD players (2)
Stereo receiver
PA stereo sound mixer
PA stereo amplifier (3)
PA/Stereo speakers throughout (40)
Wireless microphone receiver
MP3/iPod connection

Electronics / Navigation

VHF Radios (3)
SSB Radio (1)
Radar w/ arpa (2)
Depth Sounder (1)
Fish Finder (1)
GPS* (3)
Chart Plotter* (1)
Satellite Compass* (1)
AIS* (1)
Satellite Weather Receiver* (1) *Updated in 2012

Performance

Speed: 38 knots / 42 mph
Main Engines (5): MTU 12V2000
Rating: 1,450 hp each, 7250hp total
Water jets (5): Hamilton HM-571
Generators (2): Detroit Diesel, 40 kw

Specifications

Length on Deck: 130′ (w/ pulpit)
Breadth: 28′
Depth @ Midship: 11.5′
Draft: 5′
Passengers: 392
Fuel: Diesel
Fuel Capacity: 6000 gallons
Builder: Gulf Craft LLC

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