Meet Your Captains And Crew

Captain Jim Douglass: "Please join me aboard the Hurricane II. As I carry on my father's legacy as the pioneer of whale watching in Gloucester, I am inspired by the amazement I see on our passengers faces every time we leave the dock! Being able to show and teach the public about these gentle giants of the deep is still an awe inspiring experience for me!"

Biography and Experience: Capt. Jim has been watching whales since 1979 and became a coast guard licensed captain in 1981. He has personally led over 4,000 whale watch trips. Jim is a graduate of New England College, and has also served as chairman of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce tourism division.

Captain Nick Danikas: "Please join me aboard the Hurricane II. When I joined Cape Ann Whale Watch in 1991, I knew I was joining the premier whale watching company in Gloucester and beyond. Today, 22 years later, I run every trip as if it is my first--upholding the reputation that Captain Fred built before I arrived".

Biography and Experience: A commercial sword fisherman and herring seiner from 1970 to 1983, Nick became a coast guard licensed captain in 1983. Nick has owned and operated his own commercial whale watch companies since then. Nick has personally led over 4,000 trips.

Head Naturalist Tina McMahon: "Please join me aboard the Hurricane II. I have been fascinated with whales and marine environment since my first whale watch in the early 90’s. I love to share my passion for the natural world and have passengers experience the awe of mother nature. My goal is to inspire others, to instill a curiosity and promote stewardship for the planet."

Biography and Experience: An Adirondack native, Tina relocated to Gloucester in the early 90’s and taught science for 32 years. During her summer months, she was a naturalist for Cape Ann Whale Watch. Tina recently retired from teaching and is the educational coordinator and senior naturalist for the company. In addition, she was a PolarTREC teacher on a research expedition to Greenland, a member of the Stellwagen Bank Advisory Council and continues to look for experiences that she can bring back to the passengers aboard the Hurricane II.

Captain John Karvelas: "Please join me aboard the Hurricane II. I have been whale watching for 13 years--all of them with Cape Ann Whale Watch. Captain Jim and Captain Nick have instilled a passion for whale watching within me! My motto is that every time the Hurricane II leaves the dock, I am going to get the best trip possible for my passengers! That's the Cape Ann Whale Watch way!!"

Biography and Experience: Capt. John has been working at CAWW since 1994 and became a licensed captain in 1999. He's a graduate of the Landing School of Boat Building and Design and is currently pursuing a Biology Degree from Framingham State University. John is a huge ice hockey enthusiast. Don't be afraid to ask him about his humpback whale tattoo!!