Cape Cod tours can revolve around any number of fun pursuits, and as you might expect in an island destination, getting out on the water is often part of the picture. Regional cruise companies provide both pre-arranged and private tour options, with some of the most popular boat tours originating out of Hyannis Harbor. These boat tours highlight the harbor in general and allow guests to enjoy wonderful views of the famous Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port.

Other options when it comes to Cape Cod tours that involve getting out on the water are whale watching cruises. May through October is the peak whale watching season off the Massachusetts coast, and among the species that are most commonly viewed in the area waters are humpback whales and fin whales. Onboard naturalists are usually in place to offer insight into the whales and other creatures that are spotted on Cape Cod whale watching cruises, and some cruises feature dining experiences to add even more depth to the overall mix. Special clambake cruises that include whale watching can be enjoyed in Cape Cod, for example. Barnstable Harbor in the town of Barnstable is among the best places to arrange Cape Cod whale watching tours, with Provincetown Harbor being another good spot.

Taking boat tours of the Cape Cod Canal is just one more option when it comes to tours that involve the water, and the seal-watching tours that originate out of the Chatham area are also popular.

Cape Cod Map

When staying on dry land is the aim, there are any number of Cape Cod tours that involve venturing around the island in a van or shuttle bus of some kind. Large windows provide great views of the sights that are highlighted, and depending on the tour, a picnic lunch or other kind of dining experience might also figure on the agenda. Private sightseeing tours of Cape Cod can be arranged, and the pre-arranged excursions tend to focus on things like beaches, cranberry bogs, windmills, and lighthouses.

The various Cape Cod towns and villages can be great for walking tours, and should you prefer having a guide, there are options to consider. Guided walking tours in Barnstable that focus on history and hauntings can be enjoyed, for example, and during the warmer season in Wellfleet, it is possible to enjoy guided walking tours around town. The tours in Wellfleet are offered by the Wellfleet Historical Society and begin at 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday and Friday mornings.

Some Cape Cod tours focus on the scenic dunes that have formed on some of the beaches, while others see guests exploring the area waters by way of kayak. The options are really quite diverse, so it can be advantageous to weigh as many as possible. It is even possible to arrange special tours through the local taxi providers, and since any number of tour companies allow guests to customize their own itineraries, there's no telling what you might be able to get into.

Not all Cape Cod tours originate out of Cape Cod itself. Tour operators on mainland Massachusetts offer various options, for example, with Boston being a good place to start. On Cape Cod tours from Boston, you will most likely take a bus or hop on a ferry boat that has some great amenities. General sightseeing is usually at the heart of things, and time is often reserved for seeing the Kennedy Compound, passing through the Cape Cod Canal, and even a little shopping. These trips last the better part of the day, and you can always look to stay overnight if you are coming over on a ferry or cruise boat.