Whales, Fish and Crabs, Oh My!
On the Cape, we take immense pride in our surroundings, our resources, and the fun and cuisine these two things provide us all – from residents to visitors.
We’re known for a lot – like our lighthouses, pristine beaches, Martha’s Vineyard, and the list could go on. Without question, some of the most popular and sought-after activities we’re known for are water-based.
Whale watching, crabbing, fishing charters and boat tours are extremely popular almost any time of year on the Cape, and for good reason.
From whales to fish to crabs, if you’re looking for adventure on the water, be sure to check out these once-in-a-lifetime excursions on the Cape:
Whale Watching on Cape Cod
With its long history of whale watching, Cape Cod is the ultimate whale watching destination. It’s well documented that a variety of different whales migrate to the area every year, but – bonus! – you’ll see a lot more than just whales during your outing, like seals, dolphins, turtles, waterfowl, crabs, and much more.
Whale watching on Cape Cod is known to deliver incredible sights. Some even rave that the photos you can capture rival what one would see on National Geographic.
Perhaps best of all, and most important to note, Cape Cod encourages responsible whale watching, which means regardless of which vessel you set out on, whale watching crews take extensive steps to ensure that the whales and their natural habitat are not harmed – such as tours with noise reduction features, low emission ship engines, and whale protection devices to protect whales from pollution, excessive underwater noise, and the ship’s propellers.
Cape Cod Boat Tours
There is so much more to Cape Cod than meets the eye via land, and Cape Cod boat tours are the perfect way to explore all the scenic beauty our hook-shaped peninsula holds.
By water, our boat tours deliver sights and views of incredible wildlife, natural landscapes, historic lighthouses, beautiful bridges, and much more. Above all, Cape Cod boat tours offer an unprecedented amount of fresh air and wind – one of the best ways to soak in an unforgettable experience.
Depending on what you’re looking for in a Cape Cod boat tour, there are straight seafaring tours or land and sea combination tours. Take it from us, you can’t go wrong with any route.
Check out Liberte, The Schooner in Falmouth or Missing Angel Charters in Falmouth.
Falmouth Fishing Charters
From experienced anglers to beginners, and individuals to families with children, Cape Cod and Falmouth fishing charters guarantee fun, a new experience and the opportunity to catch some seriously big fish.
Depending on the charter company, the fish, and the season, you could fish inshore or offshore. Regardless, you’re bound to fish in some of Massachusetts’ best fishing areas.
Check out Hairball Charters and Jakamo Sportfishing, among many others.
Crabbing on Cape Cod
On Cape Cod, you catch blue crabs. Unlike Dungeness crabs, blue crab are swimmers. To catch them, you’ll need to find moving water. For the best luck, look for brackish estuaries and coastal wetlands.
A permit is not needed to fish for, keep, or land edible crabs by hand, handline, or dipnet, or by any star trap, open collapsible trap, or open top trap. If you use a six-sided trap or other contrivance, see permit details.
For blue crabs on the Cape, double-ringed dip nets or a long pole net to scoop is recommended. It’s best if your nets also have wide holes so the water rushes out.
From Falmouth to Dennis, there are several fairly reliable spots for catching blue crabs.
Check out the beautiful Waquoit Bay, located in East Falmouth for a great crabbing spot.
Between Your Excursions, Rest Your Head at the Sought-After Sands of Time Inn and Harbor House
Located in the quaint and beautiful Woods Hole, the Sands of Time Inn & Harbor House is a fun and convenient place to stay for the whole family.
Close to an abundance of whale watching, fishing, and crabbing companies and spots, the Sands of Time is also within walking distance to great food and must-sees – like the Martha’s Vineyard ferry and the Nobska beach and lighthouse.
We offer two distinct styles of accommodations that overlook gardens and the blue waters of the harbor and Vineyard Sound, and we work hard to cater to your family’s needs.
Call us for help booking your stay and planning your favorite ocean activities:
If you’re ready to book your stay at the Sands of Time Inn and Harbor House, you can quickly and easily complete your reservation online today:
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