Activities

On the Water

Undoubtedly, you’re planning to embark upon some on-the-water adventures during your Cape Cod excursion. These days, high-energy water sports—from windsurfing to jet skiing to kite surfing to parasailing—are all the rage, and you’ll find opportunities to test your limits all along the coast of Cape Cod. For the less adventurous folks, more traditional and slower paced water oriented activities including sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing are equally accessible. To be certain, if you love the water and you love to be active you can find the perfect water sport for you on Cape Cod.

Windsurfing & Kite Surfing
One of the hottest sports on the Cape is windsurfing and that is not surprising: consistently southwesterly breezes ensure that Cape Cod boasts some of the most reliably sailable winds in New England. Not only does the summer provide ample opportunity to windsurf, but the fall can be an excellent time for the sport, since the winds are generally stronger. One point to keep in mind is to be sure to sail with onshore wins so you don’t get too far out. Also if you are a beginner invest in a few lessons. You won’t need a lot of instruction but getting the basics down, which won’t take too much time will guarantee more fun.
Kite Surfing has become increasingly popular on the Cape. If you haven’t witnessed this sport of strength and skill you will more than likely be treated to the sight this summer. Kite surfing combines a half-circular kite with a short surfboard. The only connection to the kite and surfboard is the athlete. The athlete must demonstrate enormous control in order to keep the kite aloft while navigating the waves of the ocean or bay. It is possible to learn this hottest extreme sport but for many it is just as exciting to watch in awe at the strength and skill of these athletes.

Surfing & Boogie Boarding
The surf of the outer Cape beaches can be an exciting playground for those who want to “catch a wave.” Popular spots bring out the expert surfers and entice novices to give surfing a try. There are several surf shops that rent surfboards and lessons are also available which are worth the investment. One of the most important rules of surfing is observing surfer etiquette. Seasoned surfers will take the best spots on popular sandbars which offer optimum surfing but that doesn’t mean there isn’t opportunity for the beginner. Find a spot with surf that is right for your level and dive in! When the wave hits right and you take in a great ride it promises to be the highlight of your day.
For families boogie boarding is a great way to enjoy the Cape’s ocean surf. Boogie boards are available at beach shops all over the Cape and are easy to get back and forth to the beach. The mechanics of catching a ride on a wave is similar to surfing so boogie boarding is a great way to experience the thrill without the need for extensive equipment or lessons. And best of all the whole family can enjoy the sport together!

Kayaking & Canoeing
Kayaking has a wide appeal: it’s a popular among a variety of ages, a sport that is enjoyed by families, couples, and singles. There are many shops that offer kayaking rentals, sales, and guided tours. Eco-tours are ideal ways to experience the sport of kayaking without a long-term commitment. The guides will take the time to teach the easiest techniques for paddling and handling your kayak. The tours are not only a lesson in the sport but will offer you an education in the environment of the waterway you are in. Paddling along a quiet pond in a canoe is an ideal way to observe the wildlife of Cape Cod. As with kayaks, there are various shops that offer canoe rentals in the area. Canoes also have storage capacity (although minimal) that can be utilized with gear for camping, fishing, or a picnic.

Fishing
Cape Cod offers many opportunities for fishing and for some people, there is no better way to enjoy the day. Whether you decide that a fishing charter is the way to go or you find a dock or quiet beach to toss in your lure you will not be disappointed, although there’s no guarantee that the fish will be biting! Charters leave from every port for destinations in Vineyard Sound, Buzzards Bay, Cape Cod Bay, Nantucket Sound and the great Atlantic Ocean. Striped bass and bluefish are common fish in Cape Cod waters during the summer, and both are known for their fight, offering exciting sport as you reel them in. Anglers working the bottom will encounter flounder, porgy, and tautog.

For those who prefer to freshwater fish there are ample angling opportunities. Popular fish in the local ponds include: largemouth bass, pickerel, yellow perch, bullheads, white perch, and trout. If you would like to freshwater fish and you are over 15 years of age you will need to get a fishing license available at most town halls.

Parasailing and Jet Skiing
Parasailing offers the visitor a bird’s eye view of Cape Cod while experiencing the thrills of flight. A person who is parasailing may be put as high as 250 feet into the air. It’s also possible to embark on an exhilarating parasailing adventure for two. Team together for breathtaking views of the sights as you ascend hundreds of feet over the water, safely attached to a parachute. Jet skiing offers the thrill of speed and fun on the water. Some beaches offer jet ski rentals; if you have your own be sure to check with the town for available beaches to enjoy your ride!

Sailing
One of the oldest of Cape Cod water sports, sailing is a fabulous way to spend time on the water. You don’t have to be an experienced sailor to enjoy a sail off the beaches of Cape Cod. There are many sailing charters offering half day, full day, and sunset sails. Many captains will let you help if you’d like or you can just sit back and relax as the gentle breezes lull you into serenity. Various marinas offer sailboat rentals and places to dock your boat if you’ve brought yours along on your vacation.

The Cape Cod Baseball League has been entertaining fans since 1885, today the amateur league is college baseball's biggest summer stage. The league has 10 teams, and you can catch games Cape-wide from mid-June through early August.

For a complete schedule of Cape League games...

A stone’s throw north of Cape Cod lays a unique treasure; a natural wonder whose stark geologic features rival those of any western National Park. However, it’s not the rock that attracts visitors to this park, but rather the convergence of spectacular marine life, especially the large whales.

To read more of Jake's story pick up a copy of The 2008 Cape Cod Guide or to visit IFAW.org

Awe Inspiring Whales
by Jake Levenson, Communications Manager, Whales Program, IFAW.

A Cape Cod vacation is not complete without a whale watching excursion. Dolphin Fleet Whale Watching excursions bring visitors to Stellwagen Bank to see these majestic animals. All excursions have a naturalist on board.

To book a Whale Watching trip call 800-442-8188 or visit www.whalewatch.com