Captain Cook Cruises and Taronga Zoo have announced a partnership offering passengers on the Captain Cook afternoon Whale Watching Cruise the added bonus of an onboard commentary by a Taronga Zoo marine mammal keeper.
The Taronga keepers will work with Captain Cook Cruises’ very experienced whale watching masters, providing passengers with invaluable information on whales and are on hand to answer any passenger questions.
The partnership adds a new dimension to the whale watching experience and according to Head of Sales & Marketing – Richard Doyle “Having a Taronga Zoo marine mammal keeper, who works daily with the remarkable marine creatures in their care, on board has enhanced the whale cruise experience. The wealth of knowledge and genuine passion they have is inspiring and contagious for both the passengers and crew.”
Captain Cook Cruises Whale Watching masters also play a major role in the success and popularity of the cruise. The ship’s crew are responsible for spotting the whales and maintaining a safe distance. They also must have a great relationship with spotters along the headland, understand migration trends and the different habits of whales, such as a heavily pregnant female, an active young male or a mother and calf.
According to Captain Cook Cruises most experienced Master, Joel Rose, who has worked with many commercial whale watching operators and is an active volunteer with the marine conservation group Sea Shepherd Australia, “As more whales come into contact with humans, the environment we create for them during the experience becomes even more important.”
Commercial whale watching operators, like Captain Cook Cruises, take a lead role in helping protect whales from recreational vessels unaware of approach distances and protocols. Communication between spectator craft is vital and our Masters readily share sightings with other vessels to avoid overcrowding,” explains Joel.
Captain Cook Cruises afternoon Whale Watching cruise is now servicing the Northern Suburbs, offering a pick up for passengers from Taronga Zoo wharf. Bookings are essential and tickets can be purchased through Captain Cook Cruises or at Taronga Zoo.
Afternoon Whale Watching Cruises depart every Saturday and Sunday and daily during the NSW school holidays until 16 November 2014. Cruises depart 1.30pm from Circular Quay and 1.40pm from Taronga Zoo. Ticket prices are $90 for an adult, $74 for concession and $57 for a child (5-14yrs).
For the wildlife enthusiast, a new package allows guests to experience both Taronga Zoo and the Whale Watching cruise in a single day for only a few dollars more.
This zoo and whale combination includes a rocket ferry to Taronga Zoo from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour, Zoo admission, Sky Safari cable car ride and the afternoon Whale Watching Cruise departing directly from the Zoo wharf.
Ticket prices are $99 for an adult, $89 for concession, and $59 for a child (5-14yrs) and can be purchased through Captain Cook Cruises.
For further information and bookings, please visit www.captaincook.com.au
Source: Captain Cook Cruises