A world apart, the crescent-shaped peninsula of Cape Cod jutting into the Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts is a popular vacation hotspot, packed with colorful seaside fun and cultural riches. Spanning Barnstable County and encompassing 15 towns, these communities are grouped from the Upper Cape, near the Cape Cod Canal, to the Outer Cape, at the tip of Provincetown. An ideal setting for a private yacht charter, this diverse region delivers a melting pot of opportunities with a dizzying array of attractions to entice and delight visitors of all ages.
A world-beating hub for marine life, the Cape Cod whale watching season runs from mid-April through October, with the height of activity in June to September during their peak migration period. Head out to Cape Cod Bay and Stellwagen on guided boat trips departing from Plymouth, Barnstable and Provincetown, easily accessed whilst on a yacht charter in Cape Cod. This exhilarating experience provides the chance to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures whilst learning about their unique place in the local marine environment. Throughout the Cape Cod whale watching season, the surrounding waters feature a high whale population and you can likely see multiple species on an excursion. Look out for humpbacks breaching, streamlined finbacks, curious minkes and sociable pilots, and if you are lucky, endangered right whales.
Relax in the sun as lighthouses, windmills and weathered shingle cottages pass you by on a luxurious New England yacht charter. The coastline is swept by grass-covered dunes bordering stretches of undulating sand where ubiquitous clam and lobster shacks dot the seashore and unpretentious style exudes a cool mood. The abundance of scenic waterfront towns amidst the deeply ingrained boating culture makes this a veritable yachting haven and a huge draw for a yacht charter in Cape Cod. With a temperate climate, great anchorage options and stunning landscapes, this vast area offers much to discover.
The Cape Cod National Seashore runs practically all the 40 miles along the east coast; a wild, natural area with stunning beaches, beautiful woodlands and bird nesting sites. The miles of hiking trails prove a huge year-round attraction, while the unusual environment of the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp in Wellfleet can be explored via a jigsaw of boardwalks.
Alluring and salt-tinged, Chatham is a charming town on the south-eastern corner, well-known for oyster crab ponds in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Launch the yacht’s kayaks and paddle out to the sand bars, eat the freshest tuna in local restaurants and marvel at the sprawling local properties. Exuding strong New England vibes, Hyannis is dynamic and vibrant, with yachts mooring in Lewis Bay to enjoy an evening on land. A busy hub of Cape Cod life, the maritime museum and Kennedy Legacy Trail add to obvious appeal. The nearby town of Woods Hole on the southwest tip offers the chance to take a trip aboard a research vessel to learn about oceanographic science and the seafood here is sublime.
Initial landing point for the Mayflower and often referred to as ‘America’s first destination’, vibrant Provincetown is celebrated for its thriving music and art scene with a commitment to preserving its unique culture. It also boasts a wealth of popular walking and cycling paths, not to mention the idyllic beach at Herring Cove. Attractive Sandwich brims with history. A major glassmaking center in the 19th century, with products prized by collectors today, nowadays the impressive museum narrates the full story. Watch as the Dexter Grist Mill grinds flour powered by a waterwheel and step back in time at the saltbox Hoxie House with a firm nod to an authentically colonial New England settlement.
Laid-back, superbly diverse and simply unique, the multitude of hotspots to visit on a yacht charter in Cape Cod are almost endless. Needless to say, cruising in this region will create lifelong and cherished memories of a truly remarkable experience.
