cape cod shark tour

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We own the Candleberry Inn, a boutique bed and breakfast in central Cape Cod. We're glad to share our recommendations on all the great things to explore throughout Cape Cod.

9 Cape Cod Shark Tours & Experiences This Year

Over the last decade or so, there has been an increase in the number of great white sharks that migrate to Cape Cod waters. While some people feel shock and terror as a result, others are amazed and curious about these giant fish. If you’re in the latter category, you might want to see the sharks for yourself.

Get our free Cape Cod Vacation Guide, full of the best things to do in Cape Cod. The best activities, restaurants, museums, events, views, and much more!

Luckily, you can choose from a variety of Cape Cod shark tours — all of which make safety a priority.

What You Should Know About Great White Sharks

You already know that great white sharks are marine predators, but you may enjoy your Cape Cod shark tour more if you’re armed with more unique facts. First of all, they aren’t the mindless killing machines as portrayed in the 1975 film “Jaws.” In fact, only 33% to 50% of the average 100 annual shark attacks worldwide are attributed to great whites.

Despite that, great whites are the biggest predatory fish on the planet, growing to an average 15 feet long and weighing more than 1 ton on average. Some of them grow longer than 20 feet and weigh 2.5 tons or more. They have several rows of up to 300 triangular teeth, too.

In general, great whites prefer cool water along coastlines, like around Cape Cod. Regardless, there’s been a rise in shark sightings because the seal population has climbed over the years. As the sharks mature, they develop a bigger appetite, and their favorite prey becomes seals and other small marine mammals. That’s why most great white shark attacks on humans aren’t fatal, and any fatal attack is likely because the marine predators mistake people for prey, according to research.

In appearance, great white sharks are slate gray on top, which helps them blend in with the rocky sea floor. Their bellies are white, which is where the name comes from. Shaped like torpedoes, they have powerful tails and can swim up to 15 mph and completely breach the surface of the water — similar to whales — while feeding.

Rising Interest in Cape Cod Shark Adventures

Thousands of people have been interested in Cape Cod shark tours for decades because “Jaws” was mainly filmed from Martha’s Vineyard. But with the shark population increasing since 2010, the shark ecotourism game has changed.

In summer 2018, there were two great white shark attacks off the coast — one of which was fatal, the first in the state since 1936. Since then, officials have improved equipment and training for first responders and lifeguards to keep public beaches safe. When sharks are spotted close to the shore, swimming beaches temporarily close.

Meanwhile, many businesses and charter boat operators have started to embrace Cape Cod’s great white shark reputation. Some businesses have amped up the availability of shark-themed merchandise — such as clothing, jewelry, popular stickers, and more. Charters are now offering boat tours alongside fishing, seal, and whale watching excursions. A state marine biologist told Associated Press that this shark tourism industry could be beneficial for studying the fish, as long as the tours are done responsibly.

And they are. Most Cape Cod shark tour operators stay at least hundreds of yards offshore to avoid changing the fish’s natural behavior and encouraging them to swim into shallow water near beaches.

Best Cape Cod Shark Tours & Adventures

With these great white shark details, you can really enjoy a shark tour. All of the tours below are only available between July and November because that’s the time of year great whites are in Cape Cod waters.

While great white sharks may be the focus of many tours, other sharks that swim around the peninsula include blue, mako, porbeagle, and thresher sharks.

Dive Bounty Hunter

There’s only one operator (that we know of) that offers shark cage diving operations off Cape Cod — Dive Bounty Hunter . Departing from locations in South Yarmouth, Nantucket Island, and Martha’s Vineyard, the company has a super strong cage that it custom built for viewing sharks from underwater. Masks, snorkels, and wetsuits are provided, but you can use your own gear as well. Those who don’t want to get into the water, though, can still get a good view of the powerful silhouette from the boat cockpit. Each trip lasts more than 6 hours dock to dock.

White Shark Tours Cape Cod

Operating from Sesuit Harbor in South Dennis and Bass River in South Yarmouth, White Shark Tours Cape Cod with Captain Cullen Lundholm offers private charters to observe sharks in their natural habitat. A spotter pilot flies over the 27-foot Conch boat to assist with sightings and offer the best great white shark viewing experience possible. The company boasts seeing multiple sharks within meters of the boat on each trip, which lasts about 3 hours.

Jail Break Fishing Charters

Offering two different Cape Cod shark tours, Jail Break Fishing Charters operates out of Saquatucket Harbor in Harwich Port. The Bluefin Tuna/Shark Tour takes you on a fishing excursion for bluefin tuna, one of the most aggressive and fastest fish in the ocean. Shark fishing is allowed too, just not for great whites. The Great White Shark & Seal Tour, though, takes you on a sightseeing tour of these marine creatures and doesn’t include fishing.

Stick N’ Rudder Aero Tours

For a look at great white sharks from the sky, book a flight with Stick N’ Rudder Aero Tours , which flies from Chatham Municipal Airport. This 55-minute sightseeing flight covers the lower region of Cape Cod and Monomoy Island, but it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll see the giant fish. However, you’re guaranteed to see gorgeous beaches, lighthouses, and seals.

BlueWater Entertainment

From Chatham, the world’s premier destination for viewing great white sharks, BlueWater Entertainment offers shark tours alongside its whale watching, fishing, and other boat cruises. You have the option between taking the tour with a spotter plane or not. Paying the extra for the spotter plane, though, greatly improves the chance that you’ll see great whites and other sharks.

Atlantic White Shark Conservancy

Located in Chatham, the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy has a few shark-related boat adventures. The Receiver Excursion is a 1-hour cruise in Chatham Harbor that involves retrieving a shark receiver and analyzing the data to see if a tagged great white has passed through the area. The Private White Shark Expeditions give you the opportunity to see the apex predators and learn about them.

The AWSC does more than offer shark watching tours. It’s a nonprofit shark research group dedicated to educating people about sharks, as well as improving proactive shark safety measures and researching these fish. You can take an in-depth look at great white sharks at the Shark Center, which has interactive exhibits, virtual reality experiences, and video displays.

Monomoy Sportfishing

Of the many charter boat operators on Cape Cod, Monomoy Sportfishing in Chatham has the most experience running great white shark tours. As a matter of fact, it’s the peninsula’s original Great White Shark cruise business. The company works with a professional spotter pilot. During the 2-hour tour, the boat captain can communicate privately and in real-time with the spotter pilot to get as close to the sharks as safety allows.

Although seeing great whites isn’t guaranteed, Monomoy Sportfishing boasts a more than 99% success rate. And, if you want to see more than great white sharks, it offers a 4-hour combo tour with whale watching.

Down Cape Charters & Boat Rentals

From Harwich, Down Cape Charters & Boat Rentals offers Cape Cod shark tours through Shark Alley. This area is a stretch of open Atlantic water along the coast of Nauset Beach, Chatham, and Monomoy Island. Every cruise lasts about 2 hours on the Bellamy, a U.S. Coast Guard inspected vessel. An experienced, licensed captain and a private spotter aircraft lead the hunt for the great white predator.

A naturalist guide provides interesting facts along the way about shark anatomy and physiology, conservation efforts, and the peak shark sightings over the last 10 years. Also, the tour includes viewing the seal colony population and learning about the delicate balance between seal conservation and the safety of the public.

Dragonfly Sportfishing

Dragonfly Sportfishing is another operator that offers Cape Cod Great White Shark Tours with assistance from a private spotter plane. Before each 2.5-hour tour, Captain Mike Bosley and his team assess sea conditions, recent sightings, and weather to give you an accurate probability of seeing these marine predators. If you want to extend your time on the 23-foot SeaCraft, you can for an additional per-hour fee.

Staying Safe While Swimming in Cape Cod Waters

Cape Cod shark tours offer the best experience that you can safely get with great whites. However, it’s possible to see these predatory fish from dozens of beaches along the outer arm of the peninsula. Nauset Beach on Cape Cod has the most shark sightings, so it’s wise to know if a shark is nearby when you’re in the water.

Essentially, sharks could be nearby if you see a patch of dark water with white dots flying up in the air. This indicates that a school of fish is in a feeding frenzy. The commotion and resulting bloody chum can attract investigative sharks.

If you’re nearby, you could be mistaken for food. You should remain calm as you head to shore, sticking near other people as you do. Sharks are more intimidated by groups of people (and prey). If a shark is coming at you aggressively (which is very rare), use any objects nearby — like rocks or Boogie boards — to strike sensitive spots on the shark, such as the eyes and gills.

Getting Rest for Your Excursion at Candleberry Inn

When you plan a trip to such a popular vacation destination and want to enjoy Cape Cod shark tours, you need your beauty sleep. Our beds at Candleberry Inn feature Matouk bedding, so a good night of sleep is practically guaranteed. Every morning, we serve a first-class breakfast to give you energy for your adventures ahead. On top of that, our central location in Brewster is within a short drive of many things to do on Cape Cod .

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• Last Updated October 12, 2023

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Great White Shark Tour – Cape Cod

Exploring Chatham’s Shark Alley

Join us for the trip of a lifetime!  Down Cape Charters is proud to offer exclusive shark viewing tours along the coast of Chatham, Monomoy Island and Nauset Beach.  Dubbed “Shark Alley”, this stretch of open Atlantic offers the rare opportunity to witness one of the most feared – and often maligned and misunderstood – predators on the planet.

Our naturalist guides cover basic white shark anatomy and physiology, state and federal conservation efforts and the subsequent rise in shark sightings over the past decade.  Passengers will observe the local seal colony population and learn about the fragile balance between seal conservation and public safety.

Whether you opt for a Private Charter or a scheduled Group Tour, our experienced captains and guides are pleased to welcome you aboard!  In coordination with a professional spotter pilot and plane, we’ll search Shark Alley for an encounter with the largest predatory fish in the sea!

Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity, Down Cape!

• Shark Tours are offered from July to Columbus Day (early October).
• Please refer to our online calendars for exact departure times and availability.
• Reservations are subject to spotter plane availability so it’s important to book as far ahead as possible.  We will contact you directly in the event that a spotter plane cannot be secured for your desired date/time.
• All shark tours include the services of a licensed captain, a naturalist guide, all required equipment and permits, and spotter plane services for 2 hrs.  Complimentary bottled water is also included.

Shark Alley Tour

Private Charter

PRIVATE CHARTER RATES:

1-6 Passengers    $2,050.00

7-12 Passengers  $2,450.00

Duration:  3 hours

Scheduled Group Tour

GROUP CHARTER RATES:

$315.00 per seat (All ages)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your cancellation policy?

For a full refund, a minimum of 7 days notice is required.

Cancellations made less than 7 days in advance – but more than 48 hrs before departure time – will be charged 50%.

No-shows and cancellations made 48 hrs or less before departure time will be charged full price.

What if there is bad weather?

Safety is ultimately our top priority.  We will not operate in hazardous weather conditions such as heavy rain, thick fog, high winds or thunder and lightning.  If severe weather cancels your reservation we will make every effort to reschedule for another day.  Otherwise, a full refund will be issued.

However, no guarantees can be made that every part of every day will be perfectly sunny.  So we will operate as usual in overcast conditions, light fog and in intermittent sprinkles.  Guests should dress appropriately for changeable weather and bring a positive attitude!

The final decision on weather related cancellations rests with the captain and reservations should be considered upheld unless we contact you directly.  

How early should I show up for my reservation?

To leave enough time for our check-­in procedure, we recommend your party arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time.  Leave yourself some margin for traffic or parking related delays, pre-departure bathroom stops, etc.

For Private Charters :

There will be no refunds or credits for customers arriving late.  Trips are scheduled multiple times per day and to ensure that all of our reservations are honored, your tour will still have to return at its regularly scheduled time.

For Group Charters:

Group tours will leave at the regularly scheduled departure time – no exceptions.  There will be no refunds or credits for customers arriving after the boat has departed.

What should I wear? What should I bring?

WHAT TO BRING:

• A valid form of ID (only necessary for the person who has made the reservation).
• If your tour/rental has not been prepaid, you will need to bring a form of payment.  We accept all major credit cards and/or cash.  Guests of the Wequassett Resort can also charge to their room account if they prefer.
• An additional layer of clothing.  Even if its t-shirt weather in your driveway, always assume it will be cooler on the water.  For shorter tours, a sweatshirt or a light jacket is often enough.  For offshore trips, a water-resistant jacket plus a sweatshirt is ideal.  Temperatures can drop 20 degrees when heading offshore and clothing can quickly get wet if fog is present.
• Please wear boat shoes, non-scuffing white-soled sneakers or relax and go barefoot.
• Snacks/beverages.  Please see additional FAQ’s for restrictions.
• Sunscreen (non-spray only).
• Polarized sunglasses .  These will help you see through the glare on the water.

DO NOT BRING:

• Spray sunscreen.
• Marking shoes or sandals.
• Hard alcohol.
• Cigarettes/cigars/vapes (no smoking allowed).
• Drugs of any kids.
• Beer bottles or glass containers.  (Wine bottles are fine.  Beer in cans is also fine).
• Anything that can easily blow away.
• Dogs or other pets.
• Large coolers.  Each of our vessels already has a large cooler onboard.  Feel free to bring a small cooler and small bags.
• Large meals.  It just doesn’t work well on an open, moving boat.  Keep food/snacks simple!

May food and drinks be brought on board?

All of our trips include complimentary bottled water.  Additionally, customers are welcome to bring their own snacks and beverages.

Please remember that you will be eating/drinking on a boat that is moving, open to the wind and may or may not have a table or cup holders (we operate several vessels and each is equipped differently).  Our advice is to KEEP IT SIMPLE and don’t bring anything that you aren’t prepared to eat in your lap.  Smaller snacks and finger foods are easiest and less likely to stain your clothing and our upholstery.

For adults over 21, reasonable amounts of beer and wine are also allowed.

RESTRICTIONS:

• Leave the red wine at home.  On a moving boat it will stain clothing and upholstery.
• No hard alcohol.
• Please opt for cans and minimize glass containers in general.  Wine bottles are allowed but no beer bottles.  We will provide plastic cups if needed.

Any excessive use of alcohol will result in the immediate termination of the trip with no recourse.

What happens if my group size changes after booking?

For Private Charters:

The group size you specify at booking will slot you into a specific boat size.  As long as you stay within the specified range (1-6 passengers or 7-12 passengers), nothing more needs to be done.

If your group size grows into the next range of passengers, please contact us to see if a larger boat is available at your requested time.

If your group size shrinks into a smaller range of passengers, please contact us to see if a smaller boat is available at your requested time.

Please contact us directly to add/remove seats.  We have a limited amount of space on our group charters and each seat you initially reserve must be paid for unless you cancel ahead of time.  Cancellations/adjustments are subject to our cancellation policy (please see additional FAQ’s).

Do children and infants count towards passenger capacity?

Yes.  Each of our vessels is rated for a certain capacity by the United States Coast Guard and the USCG does not differentiate between children and adults.  A 14 person capacity means fourteen human beings, for example – regardless of age.

Will I get seasick?

The majority of our customers experience little to no symptoms of seasickness.  But whether it is your first charter or you are a seasoned pro, motion sickness is always possible on ocean­-going trips.  Fortunately, there are ways to proactively avoid the most common symptoms (dizziness, nausea, vomiting).

Prepare for your charter by being well rested and well hydrated.  Avoid alcohol and large amounts of caffeine until after your trip (including the night before).  During your charter do not lay down, read or play on your phone.  Stay active, breathe deeply and watch the horizon.  Convince yourself you are not seasick – focusing or dwelling on your anxieties will only make you feel worse.

Those with a history of motion sickness might consider one of the over the counter remedies or doctor prescribed medications currently on the market.  Please consult with your physician for suggestions.

Are there any age restrictions or physical restrictions?

There are no age restrictions for our Shark Tours.  We have hosted newborns to octogenarians without issue.  However, given the nature of the ocean, not every day is appropriate for every group.  Please let us know (leave a comment at checkout) if your group includes young children so we can keep a close eye on the weather and adjust accordingly.

Those with mobility issues must be able to walk down the resort dock (which has ramps) and step up into the vessel.  Very rarely is this an issue, but it should be mentioned.  Our team will assist in any way they can to ensure those with mobility issues are comfortable.

Are pets allowed on your charters?

We do not allow dogs on any of our ocean going trips.

However, in certain circumstances, we may allow dogs on some of our motor boat tours.  See our Harbor & Seal Tour, Beachcomber Tour and Sunset Cruise items for more information.

Do you provide life jackets for children?

Yes, we have life jackets for all shapes and sizes (even infants).  While we recommend that everybody wear a life jacket on our boats, by law only those 12 and younger have to wear one at all times.  Your boat will have enough life jackets on board for everybody in your group.  Younger children are welcome to bring their own life jacket if they are more comfortable, provided it is Coast Guard approved (no arm floaties, please!).

How do you attract the sharks? Do we chum the waters?

In the interest of public safety, it is currently against the law in Massachusetts to actively chum the waters in hopes of attracting a great white shark to your boat.  Down Cape Charters uses a spotter plane to find sharks – we go to them instead of having them come to us!

Are sightings guaranteed?

The short answer is, “No”.  When working with wild animals in their natural environment, it is impossible to guarantee viewings. 

We can guarantee that we will put each passenger into the best position possible to view sharks that day.  This means safe and reliable access to an area known for a high concentration of shark activity.  It also means monitoring the weather and wind conditions for appropriate visibility.  With the aid of a spotter plane, we are confident that your chances of spotting a shark with us on Cape Cod are as good as anywhere else in the world!  

Do you offer cage diving?

No.  Down Cape Charters currently offers shark viewing trips where customers stay within the safe confines of the boat at all times.  This is a surface viewing trip using the aid of a spotter plane.

Down Cape Charters & Boat Rentals

@ Wequassett Resort & Golf Club 2173 Route 28, Harwich MA, 02645 508-241-4070

Specializing in:

Cape Cod Sailing Charters Cape Cod Boat Rentals Cape Cod Boat Tours Cape Cod Whale Watch Cape Cod Shark Tours

Sharks Seen Daily. No experience Necessary.

305-395-9140

All Levels Welcome!

All levels welcome!

Face to Face Shark Adventures in Cape Cod

Looking for a professional shark diving service in Cape Cod? Cape Cod Shark Adventures is the leading shark diving adventure service in the Northeastern United States. With over a decade introducing guests to the majestic pelagic shark species off of Cape Cod, our professional team of shark experts possess the rare combination of skill and expertise to help our guests safely get in the water with the ocean’s apex pedators. Cape Cod is the natural habitat of a large and diverse shark population. During summer months when the water is warm enough for us to take charter guests, species like blue sharks, makos, great whites, basking sharks and thresher sharks all call the rich and fertile fishing grounds off of Cape Cod their home. Our flawless safety record and experience with sharks allows us to show our guests a top of th eline shark diving experience while respecting the natural wonder and beauty of these amazing creatures.

Face to face diving with sharks in the Northeastern United States

Shark diving adventures in cape cod for divers of any level.

Cape Cod is home to many species of shark during the warmer months of the year. From June through October species such as blues, makos, threshers, great whites, and basking sharks call the waters off the island home. Cape Cod Shark Adventures has spent the last decade refining the shark diving process off of the island of Nantucket. Our pristine safety record and number of days on the water combine to provide a world-class experience for our guests who are looking for an unforgettable ocean experience both on the surface and under the water.

Best of all, our experienced shark professionals routinely assist divers of all skill levels with shark adventures to suit their needs and diving experience. For more experienced divers we provide freediving shark adventures, while new divers are welcome to join us for shark dives. Our mission at Cape Cod Shark Adventures revolves around providing our valued charter guests with a safe, responsible and memorable shark experience. Join us for a shark dive, or come aboard and get a first-hand view of all the action without ever stepping foot in the water. For an experience you won’t forget, book a trip with us for the day of a lifetime.

Whether it’s your first time in the ocean with sharks or this is your 100th dive, our team will help you feel at home as you enter the underwater world of Cape Cod’s sharks. Our primary focus is to provide our guests with an amazing and safe shark encounter that is simply unforgettable. For guests that don’t want to get in the water with sharks we also offer shark viewing trips and whale watching where you can encounter majestic marine wildlife without ever leaving the comfort of the deck of our boats. Explore our website for more information, or please contact us with any of your shark diving questions today!

Thrilling Shark Adventures

Join us for an amazing shark diving adventure in the waters off of Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard!

The Sharks of Cape Cod

Meet some of the exciting shark species you can dive with on an open water shark dive with Cape Cod Shark Adventures.

Learn more about Cape Cod Shark

Cape Cod Shark Adventures helps people get in the water with sharks off the Northeastern United States!

Quality Photo & Video Packages

Create memories that last a lifetime with our high quality photo and video packages!

Passionate about Sharks & Shark Diving

About cape cod shark adventures, shark adventures in cape cod.

Cape Cod Shark Adventures was founded in 2010 by coast guard licensed Captain Bryce Rohrer. Bryce has worked on the water and with sharks for over a decade. His work has taken him to Alaska, working as a commercial fisherman, to South Africa, where he served as a principle shark dive guide. He has a deep understanding of ocean wildlife and years of experience safely navigating its waters. He has worked with several professional underwater photographers and has years of experience bringing clients out on water. With over 100 shark dives under his belt and having guided hundreds of clients in the water, he has the experience to make your day a success. When Bryce isn’t on the water, he is traveling or working to expand his underwater production company and shark diving business.

Sharks seen every trip! No Certifications Necessary! Join Us! 

All level divers welcome, our shark conservation mission, dive into cape cod shark adventures, open water dives.

For more experienced divers and professionals looking to capture a perfect film or photo opportunity, our shark free diving adventures are the perfect solution. There is nothing more exciting than being in the wild, open ocean with a variety of shark species. At Cape Cod Shark Adventures, our team possess the rare combination of skill and experience to get you in the water, cage-free, to dive with the sharks of Cape Cod.

Shark Viewing

Looking for an amazing shark adventure without ever getting wet? Our team proudly offers guests the chance to see and interact with the sharks of Cape Cod all from the comfort and security of the deck of our shark boat. During these trips, we often encounter other types of wildlife including whales and dolphins.

Whale & Seal Watching

Whales and seals are plentiful around Cape Cod. This is a non-diving trip and a great way to spend the day.

Our Shark Diving Process

Our mission is provide our customers with a once in a lifetime experience with sharks., sharks seen each trip.

Our Cape Cod Shark Diving Sites provide a plethora of exciting shark species daily.

No training or Certifications

Everything you need provided.

At Cape Cod Shark Adventures we provide everything that you need to have a fun and memorable day on the water! Join Us!

Face to Face Encounters

Amazing Shark Encounters in Cape Cod

Cape cod shark diving trips, face to face shark encounters, all experience levels shark diving.

We make shark diving in Cape Cod an amazing experience!

We require a deposit of $250.00 to secure the date of your booking.

If we encounter bad weather the day of your adventure, we happily offer a refund of your deposit or an alternative charter date.

The bulk payment is due the day of the charter.

PICK UP LOCATIONS IN NANTUCKET, MARTHA’S VINEYARD, AND CAPE COD

Shark Dive in Cape Cod with us!

• Great White Shark Tours

Outermost Adventures Great White Shark Tours

Come join Outermost Harbor for one of our truly unforgettable White Shark Tours. We had a 100% success rate in 2022! We have our two charter boats available to provide the best Great White Shark tour available. Our marina location is 5 min from the sharking grounds! Our location for departure means more time with the sharks. Seeing, and spending time, with these amazing apex predators will almost feel surreal. They fully know they are at the top of the food chain and will allow us to glide along side them without hesitation.  Guided by an experienced spotter plane above, finding and spending time with our local resident Great White Sharks has never been better. Visitors and locals alike can participate in ‘Citizens Science’ as they add white shark sightings to the Sharktivity App , and record observations to be shared with the white shark research team. Our guest experience is truly cannot be beat.

The trips are 2.5 hours and will focus on the ecology, shifting sands/marine landscape of Monomoy, and interaction between the seal colonies and the sharks that occur on our doorstep. Peak season is July-Oct for these trips. Like any free-swimming marine creature, shark sightings are not guaranteed but we have seen them, with cooperative weather conditions, nearly every trip out. Please contact us for availability and pricing for this unique and immersive shark experience. Truly bucket-list material!

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Great White Shark Sightseeing Tours | Cape Cod

Great White Shark Sightseeing Tours 

Capt. Mike Hogan and the Salty Cape Crew join Capt. Cullen Lundholm, of Cape Star Charters, on a Great White Shark sightseeing expedition on the backside of Cape Cod.

With the rise of Great Whites in the waters around Cape Cod, tourists and locals alike are left feeling a lot of the same emotions – shock, wonder, terror and absolute amazement – as these “gentle giants” are almost sure to cruise by your boat, whether you see it or not!

Capt. Cullen Lundholm is now offering these adventure tours to those brave enough to get up close and personal with the Great Whites. With an experienced guide and a hired spotter plane, you’re almost guaranteed to see these apex predators in their natural habitat. Contact Capt. Lundholm today to book a trip that is sure to be unforgettable!

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Bluefin Tuna and Striped Bass Fishing Charters – Cape Cod, MA

Great White Shark Adventures

Watch the video about our shark tours above!

Cape Cod Great White Shark Tours

Great White Shark Adventures 2.5 Hours (with private spotter aircraft) $1700 Extra hours: $600 per hour 6 passengers max (4 passengers optimal)

Gratuities for the pilot and Captain are customary and very much appreciated!

Click here to book now!

Recent Cape Cod Shark Sightings on our Boat

Book your trip and see these amazing predators in the wild

About Great White Sharks on Cape Cod

Carcharadon carcharias.

Great White Sharks are apex predators in Cape Cod’s marine ecosystem. Growing up to 20 feet in length and weighing up to 4,000 lbs., they arrive in the spring as the water temperatures warm to feed on their favorite prey; grey seals.  The population of grey seals has exploded in Cape waters recently and the number of white sharks has increased correspondingly; hundreds of sharks now show up annually. Viewing these majestic creatures in their natural element from the safety of the boat is the thrill of a lifetime.

I have worked extensively on the Dragonfly with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy and the Massachusetts Division of Marine fisheries during their groundbreaking white shark population studies. The combination of my experience on the water and Norman’s expertise in the air give us excellent chances of multiple shark sightings on our trip.

Book your Cape Cod Great White Charter Tour

Contact Captain Mike to arrange your trip

Donations to the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy to support their continuing scientific research, public safety improvements and community education are encouraged.  www.atlanticwhiteshark.org

Check out more of Wayne Davis’ amazing aerial photography at: https://oceanaerials.weebly.com/

About White Shark Tours Cape Cod

Mazim putant ex mea, et nullam suscipit eam, qui accommodare vituperatoribus at..

Captain Cullen Lundholm

Captain Cullen Lundholm is a second-generation waterman on Cape Cod.  He has been earning a living off the waters surrounding Cape Cod for well over a decade and has built a successful fishing charter business, which has expanded into also offering White Shark eco tours.

Captain Cullen began offering guided Cape Cod White Shark eco tours as the sharks began showing up in such large numbers over the last few years.  His vast experience and knowledge of the waters surrounding Cape Cod and the Islands due to his lifetime of fishing and boating experience enables him to provide insight to much of the natural habitat and fishing industry during your trip. Cullen has developed great working relationships with the spotter pilots he uses and works well with them to deliver an exceptional White Shark viewing experience for his customers.

Captain Tyler Putney

Captain Tyler Putney is certified with his 100 ton masters license and has over 10 years of experience fishing the waters surrounding Cape Cod and the Islands, fishing nearly every local species of fish and shellfish. Captain Tyler has also navigated the waters from the Gulf of Maine to Key West.

Captain Tyler has joined Captain Cullen in offering Cape Cod White Shark eco tours and has a proven record of consistently providing his customers with a great experience on the water every day!

The 33' Conch

The 28' Whitewater

Cape Cod Bay and the back side of Cape Cod are some of the most fertile habitats for Great White Sharks in the world.

Boating Excursions

Seal, whale, and shark tours cape cod and the islands.

November 09, 2023

Embark on an exhilarating marine adventure along the scenic shores of Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Plymouth. Join us as we dive into the world of seal, whale, and shark tours Cape Cod.

Cape Cod seal, whale or shark tours offer you a unique opportunity to explore the abundant marine life that graces these coastal waters. From playful seals on Cape Cod to majestic whales in Nantucket Sound and even the elusive Cape Cod sharks, these guided expeditions promise unforgettable encounters with some of the ocean’s most captivating creatures.

The Best Seal, Whale or Shark Tours Cape Cod

1. chatham shark tours.

Chatham Shark Tours stands as the trailblazer in the Cape Cod region for seal, whale, and shark tours. As the first of the private Great White Shark Tours on Cape Cod, they offer unparalleled experiences on a custom-designed vessel with a tower, ensuring an exceptional adventure. With Captain Darren at the helm, who has led more white shark tours than any private business, their advanced local knowledge guarantees the finest and safest tours in the world.

2. Down Cape Charters & Boat Rentals

Address: 2173 Route 28 City/State/Zip Code: Harwich, MA, 02645

Down Cape Charters & Boat Rentals offers an extraordinary wildlife adventure along the picturesque Cape Cod coast, including Chatham, Monomoy Island, and Nauset Beach. Renowned as “Shark Alley,” this region provides a unique opportunity to observe majestic Cape Cod sharks in their natural habitat. Knowledgeable naturalist guides educate passengers about white shark anatomy, conservation efforts, and the increased sightings of Cape Cod sharks in recent years.

The experience also includes observing the local seal colony, highlighting the delicate balance between seal conservation and public safety. Whether you choose a Private Charter or Group Tour, their experienced team, including a spotter pilot, ensures an unforgettable encounter with these remarkable marine creatures.

3. Freedom Cruise Line

Address: 731 Rte 28 City/State/Zip Code: Harwich Port, MA 02646

Freedom Cruise Line offers an array of exciting seal, whale, and shark tours Cape Cod, including Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Plymouth. They provide a 2.5-hour whale watch in Nantucket Sound and a 1.5-hour private seal tour in Chatham Harbor.

For a more immersive experience, guests can join lobstering or oyster farm tours, actively participating in the catch and learning about the local ecology’s significance. With small group sizes and interactive elements, Freedom Cruise Line ensures unforgettable adventures, making it the perfect choice for marine enthusiasts seeking educational and thrilling excursions in these coastal waters. Advance booking is essential for offshore tours.

4. Beth Ann Charters

Address: MacMillan Pier City/State/Zip Code: Provincetown, MA 02657

Beth Ann Charters is a renowned excursion provider operating in the Cape Cod region, offering thrilling private seal, whale, and shark tours from Provincetown Harbor. Their tours run from May through October, providing an intimate alternative to larger companies.

Known for their exceptional reputation, Beth Ann Charters boasts the only 360-degree views on Cape Cod. Experience endangered right whales in Cape Cod during the spring and majestic humpbacks and finbacks throughout the season.

For families, their Kids Sea Creature Cruise offers an opportunity to discover Cape Cod Bay’s diverse marine life while creating cherished memories. Comfort, adventure, and wildlife await on their top-notch vessels.

5. Blue Claw Boat Tours

Address: 69 Barley Neck Rd City/State/Zip Code: Orleans, MA 02653

Blue Claw Boat Tours offers unforgettable seal and wildlife excursions in Cape Cod. Their Seal Watch Adventure Cruise departs from Orleans, taking guests to Chatham Harbor, where they can observe seals on Cape Cod in their natural habitat. The small boat ensures up-close encounters with these marine mammals.

For a more immersive experience, the Beachcomber Expedition and Seal Tour provides 1.5 hours onboard and an additional 1.5 hours on Tern Island in Chatham Harbor. This uninhabited island offers opportunities for relaxation, picnics, swimming, beachcombing, and soaking up the sun. Both tours are private, requiring reservations for an exceptional wildlife adventure.

6. Monomoy Island Excursions

Address: 731 Route 28, Unit 3 City/State/Zip Code: Harwich Port, MA 02646

Monomoy Island Excursions offers thrilling seal, whale, and shark excursions in the Cape Cod region, including Nantucket and Plymouth. Their tours explore Monomoy, a Barrier Island near Chatham, teeming with gray seals.

Besides these adorable creatures, passengers may spot seabirds, fish, whales, or even sharks. The tours also showcase Cape Cod’s rich maritime history through expert naturalist guides, and the high-speed catamaran ensures a comfortable small-group experience. With tours running throughout the day from late April, Monomoy Island Excursions promises an unforgettable wildlife adventure in the scenic waters of Cape Cod.

7. BlueWater Entertainment

Address: 436 Old Queen Anne Rd City/State/Zip Code: Chatham, Ma 02633

BlueWater Entertainment offers an exceptional marine adventure in the Cape Cod region, specializing in intimate and educational wildlife excursions. Their renowned whale watch tour, limited to just 6 guests, promises an up-close encounter with majestic whales.

Thrill-seekers can opt for the Shark Tour, conducted either from the sea or a spotter plane, offering a unique Cape Cod experience. With Coast Guard-compliant boats , BlueWater ensures safety and comfort.

Guests are encouraged to bring essentials like sunscreen, snacks, layers for varying weather, sunglasses, and anti-motion sickness medication. The company provides safety gear, fishing equipment, and licenses for fishing trips.

8. Selkie Charters- Cape Cod Sunset Private Charter

Address: 100 mountain ash Rd City/State/Zip Code: Hyannis, MA 02648

Selkie Charters offers a unique experience with their Cape Cod Sunset Private Charter. This excursion combines the best elements of various tours, providing an intimate and crowd-free adventure on the water.

While the main focus is on enjoying the breathtaking Cape Cod sunset, passengers often spot seals and occasionally even whales during the journey. With guaranteed spectacular sunset views, this private charter promises an unforgettable experience, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a relaxing and scenic outing on the waters of Cape Cod.

9. Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises

Address: 269 Millway City/State/Zip Code: Barnstable, MA 02630

Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises is a renowned excursion provider in the region, offering captivating seal, whale, and shark tours Cape Cod. Their vessel, “The Whale Watcher,” features three levels for optimal wildlife viewing. With expert naturalists guiding the tours, guests receive both educational and entertaining insights into the marine world.

For those seeking an exclusive experience, the company offers charter tours for private groups. The scenic journey to the Atlantic Ocean includes views of saltmarshes, a lighthouse, and potential sightings of critically endangered right whales in Cape Cod Bay. Tours run daily from mid-May to September, typically lasting 3.5-4 hours, providing ample time for whale watching.

10. SeaSalt Charters

Address: PO Box 908, City/State/Zip Code: Provincetown, MA 02657

SeaSalt Charters is owned by the founders of Dolphin Fleet, but brings visitors a more personalized experience in a smaller vessel. Getting up close to whales in Cape Cod is the adventure of a lifetime, and the boat you’ll journey in will give you just that experience!

On a private or semi-private charter tour, you’ll have the chance to ask all of your questions and have a fun time learning from the whale watching captain. A smaller vessel enables the boat to get nearer to the animals (in a manner safe to humans and animals, of course) so you can observe their magnificence up close. The maximum capacity is 6 guests, and tours last 3.5-4 hours.

11. Dolphin Fleet

Address: 309 Commercial St City/State/Zip Code: Provincetown, MA 02657

Dolphin Fleet, based in Provincetown, stands as one of Cape Cod’s pioneering tour operators, renowned for its whale watching excursions. Their seasoned naturalists enhance the experience by providing in-depth insights into the region’s marine life.

These tours prioritize education, ensuring that passengers not only witness breathtaking sights but also leave with a wealth of newfound knowledge. Dolphin Fleet even guarantees whale sightings, offering future use tickets in the rare event of no sightings.

With four vessels, including two-level viewing decks, they operate from April to October, offering 3-4 hour trips. Additionally, their Sunset Whale Watch in June, July, and August adds a touch of magic to the experience.

Town of Plymouth

1. captain john boats- cape cod and plymouth.

Address: 10 Town Wharf City/State/Zip Code: Plymouth, MA 02360

Captain John Boats offers exhilarating seal, whale, and shark excursions departing from both Provincetown and Plymouth. These four-hour tours, led by marine biologist guides, provide an opportunity to witness the captivating marine life off Cape Cod.

The spacious vessel features two open viewing decks and a climate-controlled indoor lounge, ensuring a comfortable experience. While onboard, passengers can indulge in food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages.

With a remarkable 99% success rate in spotting whales, Captain John Boats even offers complimentary passes for future trips in the rare event of not encountering these majestic creatures. Excursions operate exclusively in July and August, departing from MacMillan Wharf in Provincetown.

1. Nantucket By Water

Address: Slip 1011 Straight Wharf City/State/Zip Code: Nantucket, MA 02584

Nantucket By Water, formerly known as Shearwater Excursions, is a family-run eco-tour company founded in 1999, offering unique seal, whale, and shark excursions to individuals and families of all ages. Located on Nantucket, their tours cater to various tastes for adventure, from leisurely harbor tours to wildlife sanctuary explorations.

Rachael Perkins, the founder, coordinates reservations, event planning, and serves as a personal concierge. Captain Max Perkins, a licensed captain with over 15 years of experience, guides the tours. Alex Perkins, another licensed captain, shares his love for Nantucket’s waters. Captain John Stobaugh, well-acquainted with Nantucket, pilots the Minke, and Renee Perkins assists with marketing and branding, contributing to the company’s growth.

Final Sighting

These seal, whale, and shark tours Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Plymouth open doors to an underwater world filled with awe-inspiring wildlife. Whether you’re seeking the playful antics of seals, the majestic presence of whales in Cape Cod, or the thrill of spotting sharks in the ocean, these guided tours provide an intimate connection to the ocean’s wonders. So, don’t miss your chance to create lasting memories and witness these incredible marine creatures in their natural habitat.

Learn more about the rescue work of marine animals on Cape Cod .

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10 Massachusetts whale and shark tours to go on this summer

• Published: Aug. 13, 2022, 6:35 a.m.

Paulie, a great white shark, has been detected multiple times this year near Outer Cape Cod beaches. (Photo courtesy of Atlantic White Shark Conservancy).

• Will Katcher | [email protected]

The waters off the coast of Massachusetts are teeming with marine life. White sharks with names such as Heath Ledger and Fruit Loops swim daily by popular Cape Cod beaches. In Boston Harbor and off the coast of Plymouth, whales have spent recent weeks splashing around and sometimes sailing through the air.

Seeing photos of the colossal fish and mammals can be awe-inspiring. Seeing the creatures up close is something else entirely.

Whale watches have been a popular excursion for decades, bringing the public to the high seas in search of whales in their natural habitat. But as sharks — notably great white sharks, also known as white sharks — have grown in population and prominence in recent decades, shark tours have increasingly drawn visitors hoping to catch sight of the toothy predators.

These 10 shark and whale tours are all operating in Massachusetts this summer.

North Atlantic right whales sighted in Cape Cod Bay on March 21, 2021 (Center for Coastal Studies)

New England Aquarium Whale Watch — Boston

Run partnership with Boston Harbor City Cruises, the New England Aquarium’s whale watch sets sail from Boston for Stellwagen Bank .

The 840-square-mile preserve, New England’s only national marine sanctuary, sits between Cape Ann and Cape Cod and is a top spot for spotting whales in their natural habitat. The area is home to humpback whales, finback whales, minke whales, pilot whales and critically endangered right whales — along with white-sided dolphins, sea birds and other ocean creatures.

Tickets are $65 for adults with discounts for seniors and children. If there are no whales spotted on the journey, guests receive a free ticket to a future whale watch.

Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises — Hyannis

For around three to four hours any day of the week, hop on board the Whale Watcher and set sail for Stellwagen Bank.

Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises began operating in 1980, and their captains have a combined half-century years of whale watching experience. Throughout the trip, the staff provides an entertaining and educational experience, the company said, answering questions from guests and sharing in the experience as they search for whales. Trips run daily — once in the morning and once in the afternoon — through mid-September, after which they go to once-a-day.

Tickets are $73 for adults, with discounts for seniors, children and active military members.

A whale breaches the water near a whale watch tour run by the Dolphin Fleet, based in Provincetown, Massachusetts, June 26, 2007. (Photo by Kim Hojackni, via the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism).

Dolphin Fleet — Provincetown

Provincetown’s signature whale watch company has operated for nearly 50 years.

Their primary whale watching spots are also in Stellwagen Bank, near its southern edge close to Cape Cod. “P-town” is closer to the sanctuary than other parts of the state, making for a shorter travel time and a longer period of whale watching. The trip lasts about three to four hours, during which the trip naturalist will discuss the sights visitors see in the ocean around them. Guests can also check out the science center onboard each Dolphin Fleet boat, where they can track the boat’s trip and learn about whales and their habitat. Trips run throughout the day during the summer and into the early fall.

Tickets are $70 for adults, with discounts for children and seniors. If no whales are spotted, the company provides a ticket for a future trip.

Captain John Boats — Plymouth and Provincetown

Heading out from Plymouth or P-Town, the three or four hour tour will sail for Cape Cod Bay or Stellwagen Bank bank in search of humpback, finback, minke, right and pilot whales.

The trip is led by a marine biologist, who will teach guests about the ecosystem and animals around them and answer questions throughout the day. The program has even been adopted as a science curriculum in some schools, the company said. Trips from Plymouth run daily through the end of August but continue on some days a week into October. Provincetown tours run only in July and August.

Tickets are $70 for adults, with discounts for seniors and children. Whales are spotted 99% of the time, the company said, but tickets to future whale watches are provided if the trip does not spot a whale.

Whale watchers on Stellwagen Bank, a marine sanctuary between Cape Cod and Cape Ann. (Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism via Flickr Creative Commons).

BlueWater Entertainment — Chatham

Some people prefer a more private whale watching experience . Launching from Chatham, BlueWater Entertainment may provide it.

Up to six people can join Chatham native Capt. Matt Mendoza for a two-and-a-half-hour whale watch tour, though bigger groups can be booked on a multi-boat trip. The price will be a bit steeper — $950 for the group — but from a smaller boat, the experience puts guests closer to the water and all it holds.

In search of great whites and other fearsome fish

And then there are the shark tours.

Cape Cod has slowly and tentatively embraced its shark community as the population of marine predators rises, even in the wake of a 2018 fatal attack in Wellfleet. Stores sell keychains and bumper stickers bearing white sharks. Clothing companies print great whites on hoodies and t-shirts. And a growing cohort of charter boat operators now offer white shark tours, taking tourists and locals out in search of the creatures, just as they might on a whale watch, the Associated Press reported last summer.

Great White Sharks spotted along Nauset Beach and Cape Cod National Seashore on August 12, 2021, in Chatham, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald) MediaNews Group via Getty Images

Shark tours are far more expensive than a whale watch excursion. According to the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, there are no tour guides comparable to the whale watch companies that take dozens of people out on large boats at a time. Shark tours are primarily a business of independent captains operating on their own boats for smaller groups.

But for those with a hunger to see a great white or other species of shark in their element, these tours may be the answer.

Mindi Moran, of Portland, Maine, watches a great white shark swims past while on shark watch with Dragonfly Sportfishing charters off the Massachusetts' coast of Cape Cod, on Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) AP

Dragonfly Sportfishing — Orleans

In a two-and-a-half-hour charter, guests onboard saw six sharks cruising through the water, some of which would venture toward the surface, allowing a closer view, according to the AP .

“It’s awe-inspiring, really,” Michael Simard said after his tour. “I didn’t realize how graceful they were. It does put it into perspective that this is their element, and we just share it with them.”

For a group of up to six people, trips cost $1,600. The cost includes a small companion airplane flying above, keeping an eye out for the distinctive shadow of a shark, and directing the boat’s captain below. The use of a spotter plane is common practice for some, but not all, of the shark tour companies on the Cape.

Atlantic White Shark Conservancy

The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, a top nonprofit studying and tracking sharks off Cape Cod, also offers chartered tours in partnership with local captains.

Accompanied by one of the AWSC’s naturalists, guests participate in what the organization calls “citizen science” — logging white shark sightings, using a hydrophone to determine if a shark has already been tagged and recording observations to share with researchers.

Trips for groups of up to six people run run until mid-October and cost $2,500.

Iceland, a great white shark, swimming off the coast of Cape Cod. (Photo courtesy of Atlantic White Shark Conservancy).

Down Cape Charters — Harwich

This tour focuses on “Shark Alley,” a stretch of ocean off the coast of the Lower Cape, between Monomoy Island in Chatham and Nauset Beach in Orleans.

Seals frequent the area, making it a hotbed of shark activity as well. On the tour, guests learn about shark anatomy and physiology, conservation efforts and the jump in shark population in recent decades, while also taking sight of the also-growing seal population.

Private charters for the three-hour tour range from $1,950 for up to six people to $2,650 for up to 14. Group expeditions cost $295 per person. Both tours use a spotter plane.

A nine foot great white shark swims beneath the harpoon boat, Ezyduzit, off of the eastern point of South Monomoy in Chatham, Mass on Saturday, July 31 2010. After a spotter plane saw the great white swimming near South Beach Friday, officials closed the eastern shore of the beach to swimming for the weekend. The swimming closure stretches from south of Lighthouse Beach to Monomoy Island. (AP Photo,Wendy Maeda, Pool) ASSOCIATED PRESS

Chatham Shark Tours — Chatham

Billed as Cape Cod’s first white shark tour , the company operates out of Chatham in the heart of the region’s white shark and seal habitats.

As with other private charters, this tour utilizes a spotter plane to get “right on the sharks,” its website said, adding: “When we say ‘on the sharks’, we mean you can’t safely get any closer!” Tours run a little more than two hours and cost $1,950. But for $2,750, guests can embark on a combo whale-and-shark tour.

Jail Break Fishing Charters Great White Shark and Seal Tour — Harwich Port

Despite the name of the company, this tour is not for fishing.

This is a tour for getting out on the ocean and spending a serious chunk of the day in search of the creatures that call the waters off Cape Cod home. Guests will spend six hours tour combing the Atlantic Ocean near Monomoy Island for white sharks, seals and humpback whales.

Tours run for $1,200 or $1,100 in cash and can carry up to six people. To book, visit the company or call Capt. Seamus Muldoon at 508-237-3962.

A bonus option: Cape Cod Shark Diving

For the bravest among us: Cape Cod Shark Diving offers both cage dives and open water dives .

Guides take participants out in search of blue sharks, mako sharks, basking sharks and great whites, all of which can be found in the waters off the Cape and Islands. No dive certification or experience is necessary.

For $325 per head, guests can book up a dive trip for a group of up to six people. Pickups are available on Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, as well as in Fairhaven.

Related Content:

• Cape Cod sharks: Which were detected near beaches this weekend? Scarface and Cow were frequent visitors
• Best Massachusetts beaches: 10 top spots to visit on Cape Cod, North Shore and South Shore this summer
• Massachusetts ideas for adrenaline junkies: 10 best places to get your blood pumping

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Private Whale & Shark Tours

The only 360° whale watching views on cape cod.

Private Whale Watch Reservation Options

With the only 360 degree views on cape cod.

• Morning/afternoons
• 1-4 people - $675
• 5th/6th - $50 per person
• 4pm - sunset
• 1-4 people - $750

• 1-4 people - $625
• No 5th, nor 6th person
• 1-4 people - $700

Great White Shark Reservation Options

• Morning/Afternoon
• 1-6 people - $950

Combo - Striped Bass/Bluefish/Private Whale Watch Reservation Options

• Mornings/afternoons
• 1-4 people - $775
• 5th/6th - $25 per person
• 1-4 people - $725

If you're wanting an up close, life changing experience, THIS IS THE BOAT FOR YOU!!! Captain Rich got the boat in a position where the whales were breaching literally 30 feet away from us! Being in a small boat allowed for a more intimate experience, and I will never forget our trip. My husband and I were the only ones on the boat, and my husband doesn't really care for the ocean. After this trip, he's now a fan! We saw so many whales I lost count. It was a JOYOUS experience! I could not recommend him more!

This whale watch was a birthday present and it was all that I'd hoped it would be. Captain Rich got us literally in the middle of a pod of humpbacks. Truly -- everywhere you turned there were more spouts. Some solo, some side-by-side -- at least one set of three in synchrony. We could actually smell them!. And could see the white of their flippers under the water. Some came as close as 20 feet from the boat. Gorgeous and glorious.

The boat size is key. We could look 360 degrees so there was no rushing here and there like on the big boats. One member of our party tends toward seasickness but the smaller boat meant that she had very little.

Captain Rich even let us steer the boat, explained the technology, and entertained us with stories. It's pricey but that said, only about twice the price per person of the larger commercial watches. And so worth it. I will absolutely do this again!

Whale watching trip with Captain Rich on the Beth Ann, best trip ever. There were so many whales we didn’t know which way to look. He predicted where they would breach numerous times.

Captain Wood provided an outstanding experience! On our first ever whale watching experience, we sat in the boat in the middle of about 40 whales all around us. The whales fed, played, slapped their fins, and showed their tales. After leaving the area we moved around to different spots seeing whales all around the area. We even got the opportunity to see a whale breach twice. Additionally, we got the experience of catching a sea bass. Captain Wood’s boat is well maintained, clean, and comfortable. Captain Wood was professional, courteous, friendly, considerate, and knowledgeable. If you’re looking for  a once in a lifetime experience - book with Captain Wood knowing he will take care of you!

I traveled just over 1200 miles to celebrate my 40th birthday and see whales in their natural habitat off the Stellwagen Bank.  After a miserable experience on a typical tourist style whale watch tour with over 100+ people, we woke up the next morning and made a last minute decision to call and schedule with Beth Ann Charters.  We were lucky to fit into their schedule and truly thankful they made it happen! Captain Rhys and his First Mate Zach did not disappoint.  For two of the youngest we have ever been chartered by, they were definitely professional, entertaining, and good at what they do!  Unfortunately, it was not a day for seeing any Humpback whales, but Rhys and Zach found plenty of Minke whales to watch during the duration of our outing and even a few Grey seals.  The boat ride was smooth, the open ocean was beautiful, and the peaceful and relaxing setting was exactly what we were looking for. It was an experience I won’t soon forget and am thankful to have had the opportunity to spend my day with such a great team!

Truly great experience seeing whales off Provincetown, MA. Beautiful boat, excellent tour given by Rich of Beth Ann Charters. We saw two groups of whales very close up within all environmental guidelines. Our group (four people) had a wonderful time visiting these gorgeous creatures. Highly recommend.

Our day on the water with Beth Ann Charters was the highlight of our trip. Captain Rich brought myself and my boys (5 and 10) out for a day of whale watching and fishing. Somehow Rich managed to drive the boat and teach us all how to fish at the same time. He could not have been better with the kids. We saw a ton of whales and the boys caught a bunch of fish. A private charter as opposed to the big whale watching boats is well-worth the $!!

If you’ve ever been on a large whale watching excursion and known the frustration of trying to see around other people, or having to run from one side of the boat to another every time a spout is spotted, this trip is for you! Five of my friends and I took a morning tour and we couldn’t have been more pleased. Rich and Rhys were friendly and fun and it was so awesome to be in the middle of so many whales. Would definitely recommend!

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Local News | Cape Cod shark researchers get ‘shark’s-eye’…

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Local News | Cape Cod shark researchers get ‘shark’s-eye’ view after putting camera tag on great white

The 9-foot shark can be tracked on the sharktivity app.

Cape Cod shark researchers get to go for yet another ride on the back of a great white after recently putting a camera tag on an apex predator.

The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy has deployed the second-ever camera tag on a great white shark off the Southeast.

AWSC staff scientist Megan Winton again worked with Outcast Sport Fishing’s Chip Michalove to clamp the device to the dorsal fin of a 9-foot female white shark off the South Carolina coast .

“The camera tag provides a ‘shark’s-eye’ view and includes sensors that record data on the shark’s movements and environment,” the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy posted.

After a day, the entire device detaches and floats to the surface — where it transmits its location via a GPS beacon, so researchers can retrieve it.

The video footage shows the top of the head of the great white shark.

Through camera tags, the researchers are able to get a glimpse into the shark’s behavior, their environment, dive pattern, and see small fish hanging next to the shark.

Late last year, Winton and Michalove tagged a massive shark — named “LeeBeth” — with the first camera tag ever put on a white shark off the southeastern coast of the U.S.

In addition to this second-ever camera tag, the team also deployed a fin-mounted satellite tag that will transmit the shark’s location to overhead satellites in real time when its dorsal fin breaks the water’s surface.

The new shark is now available for tracking on the Sharktivity app . The shark was detected off South Carolina — between Charleston and Myrtle Beach — on Monday.

“The data collected will be used by AWSC to learn more about how white sharks use the waters off the Carolinas and why they gravitate to the region in the winter and spring,” the Conservancy posted.

AWSC has successfully deployed the second-ever camera tag on a great white shark off the southeast US! Working with @ChipHHI , AWSC scientist @MegalodonWinton was able to clamp the device to the dorsal fin of a 9-foot female white shark off the South Carolina coast. pic.twitter.com/IsnHjiDCdh — Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (@A_WhiteShark) April 23, 2024

Great whites over the next few months will be returning to Cape Cod, where they hunt for seals. The apex predators also eat more than marine mammals, the Conservancy posted in a new educational video .

“White sharks are really opportunistic predators,” Winton said. “They don’t only eat seals. They don’t only eat marine mammals.

“The bulk of their diet is actually made up of fish, squid, other smaller shark and ray species,” the researcher added. “And one thing that’s really interesting about white sharks is their diet actually changes with size, so they start incorporating marine mammals into their diet when they’re about 9 or 10 feet long.”

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Watch: Cape Cod scientists share underwater video from perspective of great white shark

The Cape Cod-based Atlantic White Shark Conservancy announced this week that researchers have successfully deployed the second-ever camera tag on a great white shark off the East Coast of the United States.

With the assistance of Chip Michalove, of Outcast Sportfishing, AWSC scientist Megan Winton was able to clamp the device to the dorsal fin of a 9-foot female white shark off the South Carolina coast, the Conservancy said. The team also deployed a fin-mounted satellite tag that will transmit the shark’s location to overhead satellites in real-time when its dorsal fin breaks the water’s surface for the next year.

The camera tag provides researchers with a “shark’s-eye”’ view and includes sensors that record data on the shark’s movements and environment 10 times a second, according to the AWSC, and the entire device detaches from the shark after a day and floats to the surface, where it transmits its location via a GPS beacon so researchers can retrieve it.

The AWSC says that collected data will be used to learn more about how white sharks use the waters off of the Carolinas and why they gravitate to the region in the winter and spring.

“We know from historical records and tagging data collected over the past 15 years that the southeast US is an important overwintering habitat for white sharks,” Winton said in a news release. “But we don’t know that much about how they use the area exactly, or what it is they’re doing when they’re there.”

The new shark will soon be available for tracking on AWSC’s  Sharktivity  app.

This achievement comes after the AWSC recently updated its white shark catalog to include 2023 data gathered from Nova Scotia to Florida, and including waters off Cape Cod. The organization has identified over 700 white sharks since it began monitoring the population in 2014.

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30 ways to have the perfect Cape Cod vacation

From the canal to provincetown, a guide to old, new, and unforgettable experiences on the cape..

W hether it’s an ice cream cone after a day at the beach or kicking back with a cocktail while taking in a spectacular view, Cape Cod has few rivals when it comes to the classic summer vacation. But that doesn’t mean things never change. From old standbys to some new surprises, here’s a guide to eating, playing, and making memories on the Cape.

1. Cape Cod Baseball League

You don’t have to go to an Iowa cornfield to see baseball at its purest. Some 350 active Major Leaguers got their start playing in the Cape League, one of the country’s premier collegiate summer leagues. It’s also the last to use wooden bats, just like the pros. Games are so intimate that you hear every smack of the ball in the glove. Between mid-June and mid-August, each of the 10 teams, representing towns from Wareham to Orleans, plays 44 games, followed by a post-season tourney. Admission is by donation. Various locations. –Patricia Harris and David Lyon

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2. Shining Sea Bikeway, Falmouth

South of the Bourne Bridge, find the paved 10.7-mile Shining Sea Bikeway rail trail from North Falmouth to Woods Hole. Hop on your bike and make a stop for candy at Uncle Bill’s Country Store. Once you and your crew are satisfactorily sugared up, set off for sweeping views of harbors, salt marshes, cranberry bogs, and the Vineyard Sound. Refuel with fried seafood, ice cream, or a pint in Woods Hole before heading back, bone-tired but tear-free. Parking lot at County Road and Route 151. Uncle Bill’s Country Store, 412 North Falmouth Highway, North Falmouth, 508-564-4355 –Julie Suratt

3. Pirate’s Cove, South Yarmouth

This iconic mini-golf franchise Pirate’s Cove towers over Route 28, with 36 holes spread over a mini-mountain of caverns, pirate ships, mannequins, twisting paths, and water hazards. There’s also the appropriate soundtrack: Yo-ho, yo-ho, a pirate’s life for me. On cloudy days and nice summer evenings, expect to wait on every hole — all part of the experience. (Or head down Route 28 and have your choice of themed mini-golf courses: Skull Island Adventure Golf and Sports World, Wild Animal Lagoon, or Putters Paradise.) Adults from $13.50, children $12.50; 3 and under, free. 728 Main Street, 508-394-6200; check website for schedule – Susan Moeller

4. Dig Your Own Clams, Harwich

No clams taste as sweet as those you dig yourself. Harwich makes it easy with a $30 per day shellfishing permit available from the harbor master’s office, where you can also purchase a shellfish gauge to measure your catch and get advice on where to dig. You’ll need your own clam rake and a 10-quart bucket or mesh bag. Bring a charcoal or gas grill, a steamer pot, potatoes, and corn to set up a DIY clambake on some nearby Chatham beaches, where grills are allowed (secluded Jackknife Cove is a local favorite). Harbor master’s office, 715 Main Street, 508-430-7532 – Patricia Harris and David Lyon

5. PB Boulangerie Bistro, Wellfleet

Cape Cod may be known for its seafood, but don’t sleep on this award-winning spot for French pastries, baked goods, and more. Set in the woods just off Route 6 on the Outer Cape, the bright, colorful PB Boulangerie Bistro is a combination bakery and restaurant that features incredible takes on baguettes, eclairs, tarts, madeleines, quiche, croque monsieur, and sweet and savory croissants, including a sublime ham and cheese version. The bakery is open year-round (except for a brief break in February); the bistro is open from late spring to the fall. 15 LeCount Hollow Road, 508-349-1600 – Marc Hurwitz

6. The Brewster Store, Brewster

This circa 1866 general store was once housed Brewster’s post office. Now it’s a charming portal to the past. Think playthings of yore, jars of penny candy, and an actual working nickelodeon. Shelves are stocked with kitchen utensils, souvenirs, books, Marshmallow Fluff, you name it — and that’s just the Brewster Store’s first floor. Go up the creaky staircase and discover crafting items, a miniature model of the general store, handmade doll clothes, and jigsaw puzzles — so many jigsaw puzzles! After you leave, don’t forget The Brewster Scoop is right next door. 1935 Main Street, 508-896-3744 – Diane Bair and Pamela Wright

7. Nickerson State Park, Brewster

Lovers of the outdoors will find plenty to do at this popular park, covering more than 1,900 acres of forests and fields, dotted with eight freshwater kettle ponds. If it’s a warm day, take a hike on the Cliff Pond Trail, an easy 3-mile loop around the largest pond in Nickerson State Park, with access to swimming beaches along the way — it’s a palate cleanser from all that ocean exposure. There are more than 8 miles of winding, hilly biking paths, some connecting to the Cape Cod Rail Trail. There’s also boating (rentals available), fishing, and staff-led nature programs. Want to extend your stay? Book a site at one of the eight camping areas within the park. 3488 Main Street, 508-896-3491 – Diane Bair and Pamela Wright

8. Can’t-Miss Ice Cream!

Getting ice cream after a beach day is a treasured part of the Cape experience. And while Centerville’s Four Seas Ice Cream went on the market in February, the good news is the 90-year-old landmark remains open. (The current owners hope whoever buys the property will keep the ice cream churning.)

On the Upper Cape, with kids (and canines) twirling on the lawn, a visit to Twin Acres Ice Cream Shoppe in Sandwich (21 Route 6A, 508-888-0566) feels like an ice cream social of yore. It offers 70-plus flavors — and pup cups. For an in-your-face punch of chocolate, head to Polar Cave Ice Cream Parlour in Mashpee (22 Falmouth Road, 508-477-5553), where the “Death by Chocolate” is a triumph of premium chocolate ice cream swirled with fudge and dark chocolate chips.

On the Mid Cape, Cape Cod Creamery’s homemade ice cream is a longtime favorite, incorporating ingredients such as French cocoa, Madagascar vanilla, and Colombian coffee. Pro tip for newbies: Try the six-mini-scoop sampler. (Open year-round in Hyannis, 645 Iyannough Road, 508-568-3600; Dennis and South Yarmouth outlets open seasonally.)

“If it’s ice cream we make it,” is the slogan at Ice Cream Cafe in Orleans (5 South Orleans Road, 508-240-0003) on the Lower Cape. The made-to-order ice cream sandwiches — homemade ice cream stuffed between chubby cookies from Cottage Street Bakery — would make the Good Humor man weep. At Lewis Brothers Ice Cream in Provincetown (310 Commercial Street, 508-487-0977), favorites include Crystallized Ginger, Lavender Sea Salt, and Beach Plum. Some skew boozier, like Mudslide Chip and Belle de Brillet, all made on site. Look for their solar-powered ice cream truck at Truro Beach. – Diane Bair and Pamela Wright

9. Heritage Museums & Gardens, Sandwich

Since opening in the late 1960s, Heritage Museums & Gardens near Sandwich Village has been a popular place for nature lovers. And with its lush gardens and nature trails, it’s easy to see why. The highlight is its Hydrangea Festival, which takes place in early to mid-July and celebrates a plant that brings vibrant colors to the Cape each year. Tickets for adults $22, youth $12; children under 2 and members free. 67 Grove Street, 508-888-3300 – Marc Hurwitz

10. Kayaking Nauset Marsh, Eastham

Watch for egrets and herons feeding in the shallows and osprey hovering overhead as you paddle through a maze of tidal channels and creeks. This nutrient-rich salt marsh, with small grassy islands and picturesque coves, is protected from the Atlantic Ocean by a large outer sandbar. The water is clear enough to see scurrying fiddler crabs and pools of periwinkles below. Keep your eyes peeled; it’s not uncommon to see seals, too. Great Marsh Kayak Tours ($75 for adults) offers three-hour guided paddling tours. Hemenway Landing, 508-470-4971 – Diane Bair and Pamela Wright

11. Green Briar Nature Center & Jam Kitchen, Sandwich

A jar of sticky fruit jam is a classic Cape Cod souvenir, and you can make your own at this historic 1903 kitchen. The cast-iron burners were converted from kerosene to propane back in the 1930s, but little has changed since, making this a thoroughly old-fashioned experience. Flavors vary with fruits of the season, and participants leave with four to six jars of their own making. The Green Briar Nature Center & Jam Kitchen jam-making workshops (for one adult or one adult with a child age 6 or older) cost $75 for members, $85 for non-members. 6 Discovery Hill Road, 508-888-6870 –Patricia Harris and David Lyon

12. The Boatslip, Provincetown

Ask the Boatslip’s summertime denizens about this landmark bar and they’ll wax poetic. No journey to the end of the Cape is complete without a stop at this beloved gay bar. From June 20, and on selected dates before, the Boatslip hosts daily tea dances — parties from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the open deck. While in the area, find the Provincetown Jetty and walk out to the end of the world — or at least the Cape. 161 Commercial Street, 508-487-1669 – Michael Colbert

13. The Lanes Bowl & Bistro, Mashpee

Kids can handle only so much beach time. Plus, rain happens. Coming to the rescue is The Lanes Bowl & Bistro , a 10-lane, tenpin bowling alley and eatery at Mashpee Commons. Set in an old Shaw’s supermarket, the colorful, comfortable space was created with mostly salvaged materials. Book a lane in advance (up to six people per lane, $30 to $40 per hour depending on time) and bowl your hearts out, or let the kids bowl as you snack on, say, a pulled pork sandwich on a pretzel bun, paired with a Beach Blonde ale from Cape Cod Beer. On good weather days, sit outdoors and play bocce. 9 Greene Street, 774-228-2291 – Diane Bair and Pamela Wright

14. 103rd Annual Mashpee Wampanoag Pawâw, Mashpee

Arrive early to get a good viewing spot for the daily noontime Grand Entry parade of dancers in traditional regalia. It’s one of the highlights of the Mashpee Wampanoag Pawâw, an annual celebration of the culture and traditions of the People of the First Light. From July 5-7, the powwow grounds come alive with music and dance, skills competitions, crafts, and feasting — including a traditional clambake on Sunday. 483 Great Neck Road South – Patricia Harris and David Lyon

15. Get Your Seafood Fix

No trip to the Cape would be complete without a stop at a seafood shack — and options abound, though be sure to check online for opening times. Along the Cape Cod Canal in Sandwich, Seafood Sam’s (6 Coast Guard Road, 508-888-4629) is often the first stop for vacationers, who find heaping seafood platters and fried lobster. There is a location in Falmouth as well.

Near the Bourne Bridge, the Lobster Trap Restaurant (290 Shore Road, 508-759-7600) has served up fresh seafood for more than 50 years. Jim’s Clam Shack in Falmouth (227 Clinton Avenue, 508-540-7758) offers views of Falmouth Harbor and beyond from its picnic tables. On the Mid Cape, Spanky’s Clam Shack in Hyannis (138 Ocean Street, 508-771-2770) is a harborside spot with fried seafood and raw bar items including oysters.

On the Lower Cape, JT’s Seafood Restaurant in Brewster (2689 Main Street, 508-896-3355) is known for its clam chowder and ice cream. Part restaurant and part market, Mac’s Chatham Fish & Lobster (1291 Main Street, 508-945-1173) is a local fave with one of the Cape’s best lobster rolls.

On the Outer Cape, Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar in Eastham (3580 US Route 6, 508-255-2575) is famous for its choice of chilled or warm lobster rolls. PJ’s Family Restaurant (2616 US Route 6, Wellfleet, 508-349-2126; opens May 16) includes Portuguese options (kale soup, linguica rolls) along with clam chowder and lobster dinners. – Marc Hurwitz

16. The Adventure Park at Heritage Museums & Gardens, Sandwich

Climb, zipline, and traverse rope bridges at this aerial adventure park, which opened this spring. The Adventure Park at Heritage Museums & Gardens has five color-coded courses — requiring different levels of agility, strength, and courage — that make their way between 60 tree platforms. Yellow courses, for example, are for beginners; double-blacks are recommended for age 14 and older. Safety gear is provided. Although it’s under the auspices of the Heritage Museums & Gardens, the park is operated by Outdoor Venture Group and admission is separate from the gardens. Reservations are a good idea because this is the busy Cape, after all. 67 Grove Street, 508-866-0199 – Susan Moeller

17. Sandy Neck Beach Park, West Barnstable

The Cape Cod National Seashore gets all the love, with good reason, but there’s a closer-to-Boston barrier beach that’s wonderful, and often overlooked: Sandy Neck Beach Park, a 4,700-acre stretch of beach, dunes, maritime forests, and marshes. The beach is rocky — we’re not gonna lie — but Sandy Neck’s true glory lies slightly inland, where foot trails wind into the dunes, linking Cape Cod Bay and the Great Marsh. Hiking up sandy hills is hard work, but oh, those views! Open year-round; parking fee charged from Memorial Day to Labor Day. 425 Sandy Neck Road, 508-362-8300 – Diane Bair and Pamela Wright

18. Stargazing, Outer Cape

It’s easy for city dwellers awash in light pollution to forget how spectacular a star-laden night truly is. Not so on the Outer Cape, which boasts some of the darkest skies in Southern New England. Prime time for stargazing is during the Perseids, the year’s best meteor shower, which runs from mid-July to late August (peaking August 11-12). Head to the Marconi Beach parking lot in Wellfleet, a favorite of amateur astronomers, to take in the Milky Way with all the shower’s luminous streaks. Or simply find a spot on the sand to spread a blanket, and turn your eyes skyward. Cape Cod National Seashore beaches and parking lots close at midnight, so true night owls will need to find another spot away from lights after then. – Spencer Buell

19. Provincetown Gallery Stroll

Provincetown’s weekend social scene launches every Friday evening with what is known as The Stroll. Starting in late May, about two dozen galleries along a mile-and-a-half stretch of Commercial and Bradford streets fling their doors open wide. Many plan exhibition openings during these hours, so you might rub elbows with excited artists over a cheese board. Several nonprofits hold events and open houses, including the Provincetown Art Association and Museum, which offers free admission after 5 p.m. on Fridays. Provincetown Art Association and Museum , 460 Commercial Street, 508-487-1750 – Patricia Harris and David Lyon

20. John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, Hyannis

This Main Street museum captures the spirit of the Kennedy family’s long association with the Cape through photos, videos, and artifacts including one of President Kennedy’s famous rocking chairs. This summer, there are special exhibits including one on John F. Kennedy Jr. and another on Robert F. Kennedy’s fight for civil rights. Kids (and adults) can test their skills with the museum’s scavenger hunt. Also this season: the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum will offer Kennedy Legacy Trail walking tours through Hyannis. 397 Main Street, 508-790-3077 – Susan Moeller

21. Highland Light, Truro

The Cape’s first lighthouse, also known as Cape Cod Light, was originally commissioned by George Washington in 1797. The current tower at Highland Light was built in 1857 and moved back from an eroding cliff in 1996. At 130 feet above sea level, it is the highest of the Cape and Islands’ 14 lighthouses. Guided tours take visitors up the steep 69 steps to the tower where an LED beacon warns ships of the Outer Cape’s treacherous coastline. The dramatic 360-degree views look over the open Atlantic, miles of rolling moors, and the Highland Links golf course. Tours (adults $8; discounts for students, seniors, and military) are kid-friendly but there is a strict 48-inch height minimum. 27 Highland Light Road, 508-404-9117 – Susan Moeller

22. Cape Cod Canal, Upper Cape

One of the Cape’s most enticing treasures — the canal — barely gets a glance from most visitors barreling over the bridges. But the twin 7-mile ribbons of asphalt bordering the shimmering waterway are breathtakingly scenic spots to get your steps in, then picnic as yachts, freighters, and the occasional Tall Ship glide by. You’ll sometimes spot a seal, a dolphin, or even a wayward whale. Find parking at several recreation areas along the canal, as well as amenities ranging from grills to camping areas. Worth a stop: the Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center, a free museum in Sandwich at the Cape Cod Bay end of the canal. Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center, 60 Ed Moffitt Drive, 508-833-9678 – William J. Kole

23. Dockside Dining at Baxter’s Boathouse, Hyannis

Why settle for enjoying the Cape’s abundant fresh seafood in view of the waves, when you can float atop the waters from whence it came? Such is the draw of dockside eateries such as Baxter’s Boathouse in Hyannis Harbor that offer slips for boaters to pull in, just steps from the kitchen. No need for a yacht or luxury speedboat; a rented pontoon will do just fine. Stay awhile, recline in the captain’s chair, and order a batch of Bloody Marys — the house specialty — from the vintage bar. Or, simply grab your crew a round of lobster rolls to go, and ferry them to the nearest sandbar. 177 Pleasant Street, 508-775-4490 – Spencer Buell

24. Harbor Lounge, Provincetown

Running alongside Provincetown Harbor, many of the businesses on bustling Commercial Street offer stunning water views. The Harbor Lounge boasts some of the best, in addition to local beers, sangria, martinis, and old-fashioneds. Situated at the end of a courtyard, the laid-back drinking spot (open from April through the end of the year) has large windows that wrap around the place, and a pier out back with a surreal view of the harbor, and, if you’re lucky, a glorious sunset. 359 Commercial Street, 508-413-9527 – Marc Hurwitz

25. Great Island Trail, Wellfleet

One of the most scenic hikes in New England is tucked into the curving arm of the Outer Cape. Wellfleet’s Great Island Trail begins with a gentle walk along an inlet, then climbs into a pitch-pine forest. From there, the tops of dunes unfurl panoramic views of Cape Cod Bay, while pristine stretches of sand are completely devoid of umbrellas. The full loop — with a jaunt out to Jeremy Point when the tide is out — totals 8.8 miles. Bring lots of water, more sunscreen than you think you need, and a bathing suit for taking a mid-hike dip in the bay. Griffin Island and Chequessett Neck roads – Madeline Bilis

26. Chatham Band Concerts, Chatham

Promptly at 8 p.m. on Friday nights, the red-uniformed Chatham Band sings out a chipper “Hip-Hip Hi-De-Ho!” and launches into its opener, “Band Time in Chatham.” Arrive early to claim a grassy spot near the bandstand and be prepared to join in the crowd-pleasing “Bunny Hop.” For an old-fashioned afternoon, start with a lobster roll lunch at the First United Methodist Church, peruse the Main Street shops, and pick up concert treats at Chatham Candy Manor. Concerts and lobster roll lunches are every Friday from June 28 to August 30. Kate Gould Park, 15 Chatham Bars Avenue; First United Methodist Church, 569 Main Street, 508-945-0474 – Patricia Harris and David Lyon

27. Art’s Dune Tours, Provincetown

You haven’t seen Cape Cod until you’ve taken a ride through the remote and wild dunes of the Cape Cod National Seashore. These iconic tours, aboard comfy six-passenger vans, have been offered by the Costa family since 1946. On the slow and scenic one-hour Daily Tour, learn about the history and ecological significance of the region. You’ll also get a peek at the famous dune shacks, where artists, including writers Eugene O’Neill, E.E. Cummings, Jack Kerouac, and Norman Mailer, once lived and worked, inspired by the otherworldly landscape. Art’s Dune Tours begin in mid-May, starting at $41.20 for those over 8 years old; $25.75 for children 5-8; $15.45 for children 4 and under. 4 Standish Street, 508-487-1950 – Diane Bair and Pamela Wright

28. Titcomb’s Bookshop, East Sandwich

Off Route 6A, a statue of a man wearing a red coat and tricorn hat beckons you to enter the bibliophilic gem that is Titcomb’s Bookshop, which has traded in books, games, and memories for over 50 years. The shop feels like a treehouse filled with wonders, from books published in the 19th century to a replica of a terracotta army soldier. Alongside them are more recently published materials covering a wide range of topics and genres. It’s three floors of knowledge, literature, and whimsy where any book lover could lose themselves for hours. 432 Route 6A, 508-888-2331 – Kevin G. Andrade

29. Wellfleet Flea Market and Drive-In

This highway-side institution is as retro-nostalgic as Patti Page singing “Old Cape Cod.” You might even find a well-worn recording of that tune at the weekend flea market that runs 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Up to 150 vendors make it one of the biggest flea markets on the Cape. Come back in the evening for iconic summertime entertainment at the Wellfleet Drive-In’s double feature. The main season for both begins in late May, with extra days (and nights) added as summer progresses. Flea market admission $1-$3; drive-in admission adults $15, seniors $12, ages 4-11 $10. 51 State Highway Route 6, 508-349-2450 – Patricia Harris and David Lyon

30. Eat Your Way Around the World — On the Cape

Thanks in part to the Cape’s diversifying population, the food scene has evolved beyond chowder and lobster rolls. That’s great news for foodies with adventurous palates.

On the Upper Cape, Tiger Ramen in Falmouth (587 Main Street, 774-392-6621) serves up bowls of traditional ramen, and infuses local flavor in its Drunken Clam ramen. On the Mid Cape, Mi Pueblo in Hyannis (577 Main Street, 508-771-4382) is one of three Mexican restaurants in a quarter-mile stretch of Main Street and a great spot for tacos and pork hominy stew. Also in Hyannis, Mr. Kabab (199 Falmouth Road, 774-470-4511) serves up takeout falafel and shawarma — inside a United gas station. To get your fix of mango lassi and Indian curries, try Keshar Indian Restaurant and Bar (476 Route 28, 781-985-3201) in West Yarmouth.

On the Lower Cape, Chatham’s Branches Grill and Cafe (155 Crowell Road, 508-358-1716) is serving up Caribbean flavors; don’t miss the mannish water (tripe soup) or Jamaican jerk chicken. Also in Chatham, Aplaya Kitchen and Tiki Bar (483 Main Street, 774-840-4144) is a seasonal outdoor spot for tiki drinks and Filipino specialties such as chicken adobo and empanadas.

When visiting the Outer Cape, make sure to stop at Kung Fu Dumplings in Provincetown (293 Commercial Street, 774-538-7106) for handmade dumplings, steamed buns, and bubble tea. – Susan Moeller

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