YARMOUTH WILDLIFE FIELD GUIDE
Eye to Eye with Cape Cod’s Great Whites: A Private Boat Expedition out of Yarmouth
A private, 3-hour guided tour from Bass River (South Yarmouth) that uses a spotter pilot to locate and observe Great White Sharks in Cape Cod’s clear outer waters.
Eye to Eye with Cape Cod’s Great Whites: A Private Boat Expedition out of Yarmouth.
Board the fishing vessel Cape Star with Captain Cullen Lundholm for a private, dock-to-dock, three-hour outing that seeks Cape Cod’s Great White Sharks in shallow, clear offshore waters. Using a spotter pilot overhead, the crew works to position the boat for viewing and photography; trips typically encounter multiple sharks and can bring you within a couple meters for excellent visibility, though sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
World-class visibility off Cape Cod
Shallow, clear, cold water over white sandy bottoms around the outer beaches of Cape Cod creates some of the best possible viewing conditions for Great White Sharks anywhere, producing exceptional visibility for on‑water encounters.
Spotter pilot-directed searching
A spotter pilot flies overhead to locate sharks and direct the boat, concentrating searching time and improving the odds of a successful viewing during the outing.
Multiple sharks and close approaches
Trips typically spot multiple Great White Sharks and frequently bring observers within a couple meters or less for excellent visibility and photography—though, as with any wildlife experience, sightings are not guaranteed.
What the day feels like
What the three hours feel like
The tour runs dock-to-dock for three hours aboard the Cape Star. After departing Bass River in South Yarmouth the crew and spotter pilot concentrate searching time—roughly 1.5 hours of directed spotting from the aircraft—working to place the boat for observation, photography, and close viewing of sharks in their natural habitat.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private shark tour suits—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring polarized sunglasses for the best possible viewing; layered, windproof clothing is recommended for offshore conditions. Life jackets are available on board, though you may bring a USCG-certified personal jacket if preferred.
There is no bathroom on the boat—plan accordingly for the three-hour, dock-to-dock tour.
Trips rely on clear visibility and specific weather conditions to allow shark viewing; fog, rain, wind, and poor water clarity can affect whether the tour runs or whether sharks can be seen.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour is three hours dock-to-dock.
Where do tours depart from?
All tours depart from the Bass River boat ramp in South Yarmouth.
How many people can join a private tour?
Per USCG regulations the maximum group size is six passengers; total price is for the boat and is the same regardless of group size.
Are shark sightings guaranteed?
No. While the operator has an exceptionally high success rate and typically spots multiple Great White Sharks, sightings cannot be guaranteed due to the variables of nature.
Is there a spotter plane or pilot involved?
Yes. A spotter pilot flies overhead and directs the boat to the sharks; the spotter pilot will be flying overhead directing the vessel for approximately 1.5 hours.
Are life jackets provided and are there any age requirements?
Life jackets will be available for use; children 12 and under are required to wear a USCG-certified life jacket during the tour, and you may bring your own if desired.
Is there a bathroom on board?
No, there is no bathroom on board the boat, so plan accordingly for the three-hour tour.