Cape Cod is one of the most popular summertime destinations in the USA. What’s interesting about Cape Cod is that it is a hook-shaped peninsula – which means water everywhere. That essentially translates to beaches, beach parties, sunbathing on the beach, and enjoying a dip in the water before retiring to your beachfront cottage. It’s the perfect place for a beach baby. But the best way to enjoy and capture the true essence of its beauty is through a cruise in Cape Cod. That way you can cover most of Cape Cod and get a look at all the beautiful water scenery that nature has to offer. All of it while enjoying a relaxing day out. For an indulgent stay, you can book rooms in one of the hotels with a spa. Continue reading to find out more about the best boat tours in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
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1. Boston to Cape Cod high-speed ferry
If you’re sailing to Cape Cod from Boston, then this is the fastest and most luxurious way to travel. This 90-minute ferry ride is the perfect way to reach your party destination while enjoying the breeze in your hair and enjoying the vast expanse of water all around you. You’ll also get to see some beautiful views along the ride, like the Boston skyline and the waterfront harbour. If you’re planning a day trip to Cape Cod, you can always use this ferry for a round trip.
2. Autumn harbor cruise and pirate museum
Doesn’t the name sound cool enough for you to want to go for this tour? This is basically a nine-hour tour during which you travel over the Cape Cod canal. You get to visit one of the oldest towns in Cape Cod – it was settled in 1637! There is a glass museum there which depicts the history of glassmaking – worth the visit. You also get to visit the pirate museum which means you get to earn about really cool pirates and their voyages. You also get to disembark at a beach – isn’t it just the perfect tour?
3. Cape Cod excursion from Boston
Again, a great tour if you’re looking for a fun day trip from Boston to Cape Cod. During this tour, you get to enjoying everything that Cape Cod has to offer – the beaches, the beautiful water, the sea breeze, fresh catch of the day and the colonial architecture. You then cruise along the shores of the Sandwich town and visit the famous glass museum, after which you get to visit the famous Pirate Museum. Definitely one of the Cape Cod boat tours worth doing.
Book Tours : From Boston: Cape Cod Excursion with Cruise
4. Meet whales and other marine animals off the coast of Cape Cod
Departing from the iconic MacMillan Pier, this captivating whale-watching adventure guarantees an up-close encounter with some of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures. Be sure to don comfortable attire and shoes for unrestricted movement as you navigate the waves. A seasoned naturalist guide will regale you with enthralling tales of the diverse wildlife at the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, providing a deeper understanding of these majestic beings.
As a bonus, you’ll receive a complimentary printed guide filled with fascinating facts to cherish. And for added convenience, delectable food and refreshing drinks are available for purchase onboard.
5. A sail from Provincetown to Cape Cod
This is a four-hour sail from Provincetown to Cape Cod, which means it is a calm and relaxing four hours on a cruise ship. The cruise starts at Provincetown’s West End, sails around the Boston Harbor, head towards Long Point and finally into Cape Cod Bay. If the weather is okay, the captain even docks the boat at Long Point beach or Herring Cove beach where you can enjoy a nice swim. I definitely recommend this relaxing tour!
Book Tours : Four Hour Sail - Provincetown
6. Whale watching cruise from Provincetown
Interested in whale watching? Then this is the perfect tour for you. If you’re travelling to Cape Cod with family or just your kids, then this is one of the most recommended Cape Cod boat tours for you. This is a three- to four-hour tour, but it is worth every dollar spent! During this tour, you will be taken to a marine sanctuary where you will get to see all species of whales like the humpback whales, right whales, finback whales, pilot whales and more. Also, the naturalist guides on the boat will provide you with a lesson or two about whale behaviour.
Book Tours : Whale Watch Cruise from Provincetown
7. Plymouth to Provincetown round-trip
With indoor seating and outdoor viewing decks, this high-speed ferry is the perfect way to get away from the hustle and bustle of Cape Cod. If you love being around water, then this is one of the best Cape Cod boat tours for you. This round trip ferry has a duration of around one and a half hours, and it is a great way for you to unwind and relax while you’re surrounded by a vast expanse of water. This ferry allows dogs, so you might just get to make a new furry friend!
Book Tours : Plymouth to Provincetown Round-Trip Fast Ferry
8. Half-day excursion from Wellfleet Marina to Jeremy Point
This is a half-day boat tour from Wellfleet Marina to the prestigious Jeremy Point. Considering this is a round trip ferry, I think it is one of the best Cape Cod boat tours because you get to enjoy your day away from the city and on the shores of Jeremy Point. There, you can enjoy the sea breeze, dip your feet in the water, lounge around by the beach or get some beautiful pictures. If you’re looking for a cute couples tour, this is definitely the one.
Book Tours : Jeremy Point Jaunt from Wellfleet Marina
9. Plymouth Harbor sightseeing cruise on the Pilgrim Belle
If you’re the kind of person who thinks that no holiday is complete without a little sightseeing, then this is one of the best Cape Cod boat tours for you. This cruise sets sail from Mayflower II State Pier and docks at one of the prettiest harbours in the world, the Plymouth Harbor. During this 75 minute cruise, you can either enjoy the sea breeze and the water view from the open-air sun deck or take in the sights from the air-conditioned cabin. Either way, you’ll get to enjoy the beauty of the Plymouth Harbor!
10. Martha's vineyard sunset cruise
Think of this as a private cruise which you can turn into your very own picnic on a boat! This two-hour cruise is on a lobster boat, which means it is a very romantic and private cruise – perfect for couples! As soon as you depart, you’ll get to watch the sun setting behind you. You’ll then pass VIP clubs, rich and famous people’s houses and even alien landing strips – the boat crew will happily give you all the fun gossip and stories attached. Overall, think of this as a really fun-filled and romantic picnic cum cruise.
Book Tours : Two Hour Martha's Vineyard Sunset Cruise
11. Boston to Nantucket day trip in high-speed ferry
What’s a better way to unwind than a day trip on a high-speed ferry? I’ll answer that for you, nothing! This 12-hour ferry ride is from Boston to Nantucket, during which you will get to do so much! It is basically a one hour cruise to Nantucket, after which you will get to spend approximately 5 hours in Nantucket and then enjoy the ferry ride back while watching the sunset. There is something for everyone to do in Nantucket – from walking along the cobbled streets to visiting the famous lighthouse and even enjoying a few hours relaxing by the beach.
Let's set sail
If you’re looking for water activities in Cape Cod or you’re just looking to get a relaxing day away from the city, then you are sure to love these cruises. After all, these are some of the best- and most recommended Cape Cod boat tours. My personal favourite has to be the whale-watching one, what’s yours?
Frequently asked questions about boat tours in Cape Cod
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