Cape Cod is surrounded by water, so it’s no surprise that some of its best experiences happen offshore. From watching humpback whales breach to sipping a cocktail as the sun sets over Hyannis Port, there’s a water excursion to suit every kind of traveler. Whether you want an educational adventure, a relaxing evening, or a day of fishing, the Cape’s harbors offer plenty of options. Here’s a guide to the most popular ways to get out on the water.
- Whale Watching: Head offshore from Barnstable Harbor or Provincetown on a naturalist-guided tour.
- Seal Watching: Take a quick one-hour cruise through Chatham Harbor to see gray and harbor seals hauled out on the sandbars.
- Harbor Cruises: Tour Hyannis Harbor’s landmarks, lighthouses, and the Kennedy Compound, or relax on a themed sunset cocktail cruise.
- Sailing: Step aboard the Schooner Hindu in Provincetown, one of the last authentic wooden sailing schooners offering public sails in New England.
- Boat Rentals: Captain your own boat and explore the waters near Provincetown for 4–8 hours.
- Deep Sea Fishing: Cast a line for black sea bass, fluke, striped bass, or even tuna with Helen H Offshore out of Hyannis and Barnstable.
Whale Watching
Whaling has a long history on Cape Cod. These days, just looking for whales is one of Cape Cod’s signature experiences. Visitors may spot humpback whales breaching, along with fin whales, minke whales, and possibly endangered right whales. The prime season runs from mid-April through October, with peak activity typically between June and September. Tours usually last three to four hours aboard large, stable vessels equipped with indoor cabins, concessions, restrooms, and outdoor viewing decks. Experienced naturalists provide information on each tour. On the rare occasion that no whales are spotted, each company provides a voucher for a free future tour.
Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises departs from Barnstable Harbor. Locally owned and operated since 1980, its vessel, the Whale Watcher, was designed specifically for New England waters. At 130 feet long and powered by five water jets, she is fast and highly maneuverable, and because she has no external propellers, she’s safer for whales and other marine life. Passengers enjoy three viewing levels with more than 650 feet of rail space.
Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch has operated out of Provincetown since 1975. In addition to standard tours, Dolphin Fleet offers an all-day eight-hour excursion and a 3–4 hour sunset whale watch.
Captain John Boats also departs from Provincetown, leaving from MacMillan Wharf for trips of three to 3.5 hours. The program is so educational that many schools use it as part of their science curriculum.
Seal Watching Cruises
If you’d rather stay close to shore, a seal watching cruise is a great option. Cape Cod is home to one of the largest gray seal populations on the U.S. East Coast, and Chatham Harbor is one of the easiest places to see them up close. Outermost Harbor Marine runs one-hour narrated cruises from Chatham Harbor, where gray and harbor seals haul out on sandbars just minutes from the dock. There’s no long ride offshore, and the local captains know where the seals gather on any tide. Cruises run from May through Columbus Day weekend.
Harbor Cruises
Harbor cruises offer a relaxed way to take in the scenery and history of Hyannis. Hyannis Harbor Cruises departs from Hyannis Inner Harbor with guided tours highlighting local landmarks, including Great Island, the Kennedy Memorial, St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, Squaw Island, Point Gammon Light, and the historic Kennedy Compound. Specialty cruises include a sunset cocktail cruise, musical bingo, an ice cream float cruise, a yacht rock cruise, and maritime storytime.
Helen H Offshore, departing from both Hyannis and Barnstable Harbors, takes a different approach. Its cruises aren’t narrated; instead, they’re a chance to unwind, listen to music, and watch the sunset. Options include a classic harbor cruise, a Friday Margarita Cruise, a Sunday Luau Cruise, a Saturday Night Party Cruise, and a Fireworks Cruise, all with a full bar and food onboard. Private charters are available for groups of up to 120 passengers.
Bay Spirit Tours, also out of Hyannis, offers a 75-minute Lighthouse Harbor Tour. Guides share local lighthouse and harbor history dating back to the 1800s. For a more laid-back outing, Bay Spirit’s nightly 75-minute Cocktail and Sunset Cruises feature light music and a bar below deck. Private charters are available as well.
Sailing from Cape Cod
For a truly classic experience, consider Hindu Charters, which departs from MacMillan Pier in Provincetown. Sailing aboard the Schooner Hindu, widely known as the prettiest boat in town, is like stepping back in time. She is the longest-running sailing charter on Cape Cod and one of the last authentic wooden sailing schooners offering public sails in New England. Throughout the summer season, Hindu Charters offers sunset sails, day sails, and private charters.
Rent Your Own Boat
Prefer to set your own course? Flyer’s Boat Rental in Provincetown lets you explore nearby waters on your own for four to eight hours. Choose from a 19-foot Scout center console, a 22-foot pontoon, or a 16-foot Duxbury dory skiff, depending on your group and plans.
Deep Sea Fishing
Anglers of all experience levels can try their luck with Helen H Offshore, which departs from Hyannis and Barnstable Harbors. From mid-June through mid-September, the company runs half-day and inshore fishing trips in Nantucket Sound targeting black sea bass, scup, porgies, and fluke. For more serious anglers, longer trips go after striped bass, flounder, and tuna. Private fishing excursions are also available.
Tips for Booking Water Excursions
A little preparation goes a long way toward a great day on the water.
- Seas tend to be calmer in the morning, so an early tour is a smart choice if you’re prone to seasickness.
- Book in advance, especially during the busy summer months, as popular trips fill up quickly.
- Pack sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Don’t forget your camera.
- Binoculars can also be helpful for spotting wildlife at a distance.
- It’s cooler on the water than on land, so bring a windbreaker or sweatshirt, even in the middle of summer.
- Wear sensible shoes. Sneakers provide the best balance and stability on deck.
However you choose to explore, getting out on the water is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Cape Cod.
