Let your passengers hear what's beneath the surface
Burns hydrophones are used by whale watching operators across Australia and New Zealand to bring the sounds of cetaceans to life — live, on the water, with no technical expertise required.
Why operators choose Burns
Most hydrophone systems are designed for researchers. Ours work just as well for a tourist vessel: plug in, lower the hydrophone, and your passengers hear whale song through the boat's PA or a speaker. It's that simple.
No setup complexity
Works with any standard audio input — PA systems, speakers, recording devices, or headphones.
Built for the sea
Waterproof, pressure-rated, and built tough. Handles salt water, rough conditions, and daily use.
Captures cetacean range
The CR30‑40 covers 7 Hz – 30 kHz, which picks up baleen whale calls, dolphin whistles, and clicks clearly.
Australian-made since 1998
Designed and built in Australia. Direct support from the people who made it — no offshore middlemen.
How it works on your vessel
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Lower the hydrophone over the side
Drop it to 3–10 metres. A simple cleat or clamp on the rail is all you need — no special mounting hardware required.
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Plug into your existing audio system
The hydrophone outputs a standard audio signal. Connect it directly to your PA, a Bluetooth speaker, or a portable recorder. The included 40-metre cable gives you plenty of reach.
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Your passengers hear live underwater sound
When whales or dolphins are nearby, the audio is immediate and striking. Many operators describe it as the highlight of the tour.
Recommended for tourism operators
AquaEar CR30‑40
Wideband audio hydrophone covering 7 Hz – 30 kHz. The standard choice for whale watching — captures the full range of baleen whale calls and dolphin communication with excellent clarity.
HP-A1 Conditioning amplifier
Boosts and filters the hydrophone signal before it reaches your speaker or PA. Recommended if you're connecting to a system with line-level input, or if you need to reduce background noise.
Battery Box
Self-contained power supply for operating away from shore power. Essential for day trips where a mains connection isn't available.
Common questions from operators
What audio output does the hydrophone produce?
A standard line-level signal on a 3.5mm or XLR connector (depending on configuration). It connects directly to any PA input, mixer, or powered speaker.
How deep can it go?
The AquaEar is rated to 100 metres depth — far beyond what any tourist vessel needs.
Do I need the amplifier?
If your PA has a microphone or line input, the amplifier is recommended. If you're connecting to a recorder or device with its own preamp, you can often run without it. Contact us if you're unsure — we'll help you figure out the right setup.
Can I record the audio for playback?
Yes. Any device with an audio input — phones, recorders, laptops — can capture the signal. Many operators record encounters to share on social media.
Not sure what you need?
Tell us about your vessel and existing audio setup and we'll recommend the simplest configuration that works.
Get in touch