After 35 years of overcoming challenges on the Atlantic Ocean, two competitive boat tour companies based out of Bay Bulls are coming together to conquer the challenges created by COVID-19.

Gatherall’s Puffin Whale Watch and O’Brien’s Whale and Bird Tours usually cross courses, but they have thrived off the friendly competition.

This year, the companies say things are far from normal, and starting on July 1 the pair will partner to become GO Tours.

The O’Briens will be using their vessel for the one run a day while the Gatheralls will use their dock and building.

Mike Gatherall, co-owner of Gatherall’s Puffin Whale Watch, says they needed to find a way to get some staff from each company back to work.

He says the O’Brien’s were literally and figuratively in the same boats and had to charter a way forward to get through it. Gatherall says it was time for them to sit down and have an open, honest conversation.

We are happy to be announcing our partnership with @obrienstours for our 2020 season! During these hard times, it is important to support each other and there's no better way for us to do it! Come join us on July 1st for our 1st tour of 2020! 💙💚 #baybulls #explorenl #GOtours pic.twitter.com/13qSpZYsOl

— Gatherall's Boat Tours (@Gatheralls) June 22, 2020

Joe O’Brien, co-owner of O’Brien’s Whale and Bird Tour, says that there is an old sailor’s code to get along on the water, but now they are bringing that code ashore.

O’Brien says guests may even see two captains. He says that they are thinking about working the crews week-on-week-off but they are still working on the details.