No Cape Cod vacation is complete untilyou get out onto the water in a boat! Every town on Cape Cod began as a fishing village with a harbor. Today, each of those harbors has several local businesses that cater to visitors looking for adventure on the high seas.
It's All About the Boat
Shiver Me Timbers - It’s a Pirate!
Ahoy Matey! Sam Bellamy was a notorious pirate from right here on Cape Cod! His ship, the Whydah, sank in a storm in 1717 just a few miles from his home in Wellfleet.
His ship was carrying a massive treasure of gold, silver, and other pirate booty. It remained at the bottom of the sea for over 250 years!
Today, you can see some of his treasure, with cannons, guns and swords salvaged from the Whydah, even walk through a replica of the ship at the Whydah Museum in Yarmouth.
For kids who want to go out on the water and plunder the high seas themselves, Cape Pirate Adventures in Hyannis is a great way to spend a few hours!
Kids dress up as pirates before getting onto the boat, and during the cruise, they’ll be busy hoisting the Jolly Roger, reading pirate maps, and firing the water cannons.
This is an easy sensory activity that is sure to stimulate your child’s imagination!
Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf in Yarmouth has two separate 18 hole courses, each elaborately decorated with pirate-themed decorations. If your child loves the Pirates of the Carribean, this mini-golf course is a sure-fire hit.
Sensory: Some areas have pirate music and other loud noises. Bring headphones or earplugs if your child is sensitive to noise. Also be aware that this is a very popular Cape attraction - crowds can be massive in the late afternoons, early evenings, and any time it’s not a good beach day. Mornings are usually fairly calm without too many crowds.
A Whale of a Time
The waters near Cape Cod are part of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, a rich summer feeding ground for several species of whales, including humpback, finback, and minke whales. These massive creatures are beautiful, graceful, and awe-inspiring.
A whale watch is a great blend of adventure, education, and inspiration. The salty sea air, the sound of waves, and the anticipation of watching for a whale breach—create a multi-dimensional adventure that’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Sensory: The boat engines can be a little bit loud when it needs to turn, and sometimes will blow the horn, so bring your noise cancelling headphones. Ask the crew to point out the places with the least engine noise. When a whale is spotted, people rush to see it, and the places with the best view can get crowded. If your child is prone to motion sickness, consult with your pediatrician about the correct dose of dramamine.
Make sure to bring your hat, camera, sunglasses, sunscreen, and dress in layers, especially a water resistant wind breaker.
On Cape Cod, you can find whale watch boats in Provincetown, Barnstable, and Plymouth.
All Aboard for a Day on Nantucket
Back in the 1700’s and 1800’s, whale oil was one of the most valuable commodities in the world. Nantucket, a tiny island south of Cape Cod, was the whaling capital of the world at that time. Its ships sailed as far away as the Pacific Ocean in search of sperm whales, whose oil was prized for both lighting and machine lubrication.
Today, Nantucket is a popular vacation destination, and easily reachable by ferry for a day trip from either Hyannis or Harwichport on mainland Cape Cod. See the schedules here.
When you arrive in Nantucket, take a little time to explore the charming cobblestone streets and historic sea captains’ houses in downtown Nantucket. Stroll down Main Street, and stop in at quaint little shops selling whale themed and beach themed items. Visit the Whaling Museum and its interactive exhibits, including a massive whale skeleton. If you want to eat in town, lunch options range from iconic harbor front oyster bars to simple cafes.
Next, head to Surfside beach, about 3 miles south of town. You can rent bikes and pedal your way out, or Ride the Wave, Nantucket’s free seasonal shuttle service. Surfside beach has soft sand, warmer water than anywhere else on the Cape, and rolling waves that are perfect for boogie boarding or body surfing. The beaches are staffed with lifeguards, there are bathrooms, changing rooms, and showers. The Surfside Beach Shack is a great place to get burgers and sandwiches.
After you’re done at the beach, hop on the shuttle back to town. If you have time before your ferry back to the mainland, take a 30 walk along the harbor to and from Brant Point Lighthouse.
Tradition says that if you throw a penny from the back of the boat leaving Nantucket Harbor, you are sure to return!
Sensory: All ferries to Nantucket go through the Nantucket Sound, which has generally calm water. The Hyannis fast ferries are catamarans that are very stable on the water, and have a lower incidence of sea sickness than other ferries. The Hyannis ferries have remote parking, so you will be on a shuttle before and after your boat trip. The Harwichport ferry has parking right at the harbor, offering fewer transitions, but is not a catamaran style ferry.
Look for Seals at The Chatham Fish Pier
The Chatham Fish Pier is Cape Cod’s largest commercial fishing port, with lots of interesting things going on. Park your car, then follow the green path up to the observation deck for phenomenal views of Chatham Harbor, sand bars loaded with seals soaking in the sun, and in the distance, past the sand bars, the mighty Atlantic Ocean. This is a great activity for kids who are fascinated by machinery and moving parts.
If you’re lucky enough to be there when a fishing boat is unloading, you’ll have lots of extra visitors when seals and gulls will show up looking for their fair share! Sensory: there’s a strong fish smell at this time.
While you’re there, stop in at the Chatham Fish Market. You can buy freshly caught fish to bring home and cook later, or if you just can’t wait, their kitchen sells cooked fish, lobster and chowder for take out. Grab a spot at a picnic table outdoors and dig right in!
If you love the seals, and want to see them up close, Outermost Harbor Marina is about 2 miles down the road, offering wildlife tours of the Harbor and shuttle service to the sand bars.
Have You Tried Any Cape Cod Boat Adventures?
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