Cape Cod is one of the East Coast’s most beloved boating destinations, with gorgeous harbors, welcoming beaches, delicious restaurants, and a timeless New England vibe. The Cape stretches into the Atlantic Ocean, offering everything from calm bays to deep sea adventures perfect for every type of boater. Whether you’re cruising the harbors of Hyannis and Falmouth, day tripping Martha’s Vineyard, or watching a Cape Cod Canal sunset, there’s always something unforgettable waiting for you.
You’ll find a well-developed boating scene with plenty of full-service marinas, scenic anchorages, and numerous classic waterfront restaurants. Onshore, the Cape is full of vibrant villages, historic lighthouses, and summer breezes that will satisfy any voyages. Links to each mentioned spot are included in Argo, so it will be easy to save them for later. Just open the link, log in, and add the destination to your Captain’s Log. Everything will be synced to your mobile app, prepared for when you cast off.
Guide Contents:
- The City at a Glance
- Getting there (Navigation Advice)
- Marinas and Boat Facilities
- Anchorages
- Dock and Dine & Waterfront Restaurants
- Things to Do on Shore
- Tips for Visiting by Boat
- Frequently Asked Questions
The City at a Glance
- Location: Cape Cod, Massachusetts
- Type of boating: Coastal cruising, canal runs, fishing, inland trips
- Navigation difficulty: Moderate
- Best season to visit: June through September
- Marina availability: Reserve early during peak summer season
- Dock and dine restaurants: The Black Cat Tavern, Baxter’s Boathouse, The Chart Room, The Lobster Trap
- Notable attractions: Cape Cod Canal, Martha’s Vineyard, Chatham Lighthouse, Provincetown Harbor, Nauset Beach
Getting There by Water
Cape Cod is most easily accessible through the Cape Cod Canal, which connects Buzzards Bay to Cape Cod Bay. The Canal stretches about 7.4 miles and provides a direct route across the base of the peninsula. Maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, it is deep and well-marked. However, tidal currents can be strong: reaching up to five knots, so be careful timing pass throughs.
There are also several other entrances. From the south, Nantucket Sound grants access to ports like Hyannis, Falmouth through Vineyard Sound and Woods Hole, and to Chatham through Stage Harbor. The eastern side opens to the Atlantic and the Cape Cod Bay. Additional smaller entries like Sesuit Harbor and Wellfleet Harbor are also available on the bay side.
Navigation Notes
- Primary Inlet: Cape Cod Canal – deep, well marked, maintained
- Secondary Inlets: Stage Harbor, Sesuit Harbor, Wellfleet Harbor – smaller, more tidally affected
- Bridges: Bourne and Sagamore Bridges – 135 ft clearance
- Currents: Strong in the Canal, moderate elsewhere
- Hazards: Fog, shoaling off Chatham and Monomoy, heavy traffic in summer seasons.
Marinas and Boat Facilities
Hyannis Marina
On Hyannis Harbor, this full-service marina is one of Cape Cod’s most popular hubs. Boaters appreciate easy access to Nantucket Sound, and close proximity to downtown shops and restaurants. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and the marina’s amenities make it great for short or extended stays.
Key Facilities: Fuel, pump-out, transient slips, restrooms, showers, on-site restaurant
Falmouth Harbor Marina
On the Cape’s southern side, Falmouth Harbor is great for those exploring the Vineyard Sound and the islands beyond it. Reviewers highlight clean facilities, and a phenomenal location. It’s close to restaurants and the ferry terminal to Martha’s Vineyard. It’s a great stop for cruising and day trips.
Key Facilities: Fuel, restrooms, laundry, parking, transient slips
Sandwich Marina
At the east end of the Cape Cod Canal, Sandwich marina is convenient for Canal transits or longer stays. Visitors appreciate a professional staff and easy access to the nearby town center.
Key Facilities: Fuel, pump-out, restrooms, marine store, transient slips
Provincetown Marina
At the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown Marina mixes modern amenities with simply unbeatable views. It’s a favorite for weekend visits, offering access to restaurants, galleries and nightlife.
Key Facilities: Fuel, showers, concierge services, transient slips, restaurants close
Anchorages Near Cape Cod
Hadley Harbor
Just off Woods Hole, Hadley Harbor is one of Cape Cod’s most popular anchorages. Surrounded by Naushon Island, waters are calm, views are gorgeous, and the atmosphere feels entire worlds away from busier nearby harbors. It’s ideal for a relaxing overnight stay, or a chilled afternoon on the water.
Quick Facts
- Depth: 10-20 ft
- Bottom: Mud and sand, good holding
- Protection: Excellent
- Facilities: None – bring what you need
- Crowds: Moderate on weekends, quiet midweek
Stage Harbor
Located in Chatham on the southeast of the Cape, Stage Harbor provides a well sheltered anchorage near town with views of the iconic Chatham Lighthouse. It’s a perfect option for those looking to explore the area or make for the Nantucket Sound.
Quick Facts
- Depth: 6-10 ft
- Bottom: Sand, good holding
- Protection: Moderate, best in light weather
- Facilities: Limited – dinghy access to shore
- Crowds: Busy in summer seasons
Wellfleet Harbor
This bayside anchorage offers a quiet stop surrounded by dunes and salt marshes. It is quite shallow, best for smaller boats, but provides great access to town, with plenty of local restaurants and galleries nearby.
Quick Facts
- Depth: 5-8 ft
- Bottom: Sand and mud
- Protection: Good from most sides
- Facilities: Dinghy access to town docks
- Crowds: Moderate
Dock and Dine & Waterfront Restaurants
The Black Cat Tavern
On Hyannis Harbor, The Black Cat is one of the Cape’s most beloved restaurants. The fresh seafood is delicious, the atmosphere is casual, and the harborfront views are top of the line. It’s a perfect spot to unwind, and slips are available right next door at Hyannis Marina
- Vibe: Casual, lively
- Cuisine: Seafood, sandwiches, salads
- Dockage: Slips available at Hyannis Marina
- Crowds: Busy during dinner and sunset hours
The Chart Room
Located in Cataumet on Buzzards Bay, The Chart Room is a converted railroad barge turned restaurant. Open from spring through fall, it has been serving phenomenal seafood and cocktails since the 1960s. Its harbor views and famous mudslides make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
- Vibe: Relaxed
- Cuisine: Seafood, sandwiches, cocktails
- Dockage: Moorings and slips available nearby
- Crowds: Popular at sunset and weekends
Baxter’s Boathouse
A staple of Cape Cod since 1957, Baxter’s sits directly on the water and serves classic New England food in a chill, no-frills setting. Boaters can even pull up to order from the dock, making it one of the most convenient waterfront stops in the Cape.
- Vibe: Family-friendly, laid back
- Cuisine: Fried seafood, lobster rolls, chowder
- Dockage: Dinghy tie-ups and limited slips
- Crowds: Steady throughout the day, busiest on weekends
Seafood Sam’s
Close to Sandwich Marina, Seafood Sam’s is a local favorite known for generous portion sizes and classic fried seafood options. It’s a casual and friendly stop for boaters passing through the Canal who want a quick meal by the docks.
- Vibe: Casual, local
- Cuisine: Fried and fresh seafood
- Dockage: Slips available at Sandwich Marina
- Crowds: Steady, busy weekends
Things to Do on Shore in Cape Cod
Cape Cod is jam packed with onshore activities that make every stop on the water all the more rewarding. From quiet beach walks to charming main streets and world class art galleries and festivals, there’s always plenty to explore within a short walk or drive from most marinas.
Beaches
Cape Cod is home to some of the most beautiful coastlines in New England. Nauset Beach, Old Silver Beach, and Race Point Beach are among the most popular, with wide sandy stretches and ocean views galore. Whether you’re looking to swim, sunbathe, or take a sunset walk, each offers a classic Cape experience.
Towns and Villages
Each harbor has its own personality. Hyannis and Falmouth are lively and full of shops, restaurants, and nightlife, while Chatham and Provincetown highlight a quieter vibe with seaside cottages and cobblestone streets. Each town is walkable from nearby marinas and makes for a lovely afternoon or evening off the water.
Museums and Gardens
In Hyannis, the Cape Cod Maritime Museum is a favorite for a taste of maritime history, and the Heritage Museums and Gardens in Sandwich showcase the region’s art, history, and designs. The Gardens are especially beautiful from May into June, when the blooms are at their peak. Both are easy day stops, perfect for boaters looking for a change of pace.
Events and Festivals
From art fairs to seafood festivals, Cape Cod is always celebrating. In October, the Wellfleet OysterFest is a standout. The live music is always charming, and the oyster shucking competitions are a blast. The festival lasts 2 days and brings in tens of thousands of excited visitors. The Provincetown Carnival in August is also highly popular among visitors and locals. With a different theme every year, each celebration is unique and great fun for families and solo visitors alike.
Tips for Visiting by Boat
Cape Cod is busiest from June through September, so it’s best to reserve slips and moorings early, especially if you plan on staying in Hyannis, Falmouth, or Provincetown. Many marinas fill weeks in advance during the height of the season, especially around holidays and weekends.
When traveling through the Cape Cod Canal, timing is vital. Currents run fast, so plan your passage around favorable flows or slack tide. The Canal is well marked and monitored, but smaller boats should still be cautious and keep to the edges when commercial traffic is booming.
Fog is common, especially in the early mornings. Keep radar and AIS active, and always use proper signals when visibility is low. Thunderstorms are also not uncommon, and move quickly, so check forecasts frequently.
Most harbors are strictly enforced no-wake zones, and the Cape is a no-discharge area. Always pump out before arrival and respect all posted regulations. Dinghies are extremely useful for reaching beaches and smaller mooring areas, especially in places like Stage Harbor.
Watch for local wildlife. The Cape’s waters are home to seals, whales, and seabirds, so maintain safe distances and speeds when traveling near them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to go boating on Cape Cod?
Peak season runs from June through September, when the weather is warm and most marinas, restaurants, and attractions are open. May and October can be quieter alternatives, but winds are a bit stronger and temperatures are colder.
Can I dock downtown?
Yes. Hyannis, Falmouth, and Provincetown all offer transient slips near shops, restaurants, and attractions. Some harbors have public moorings or dinghy docks for temporary stays.
Is Cape Cod part of the Intracoastal Waterway?
The Cape Cod Canal is generally considered part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, however, Cape Cod itself is not part of a continuous ICW route from the south, so boaters will still need to transit open-water segments to connect from ICW regions farther south.
What boating regulations and safety requirements should I know?
Massachusetts law requires a life jacket for all passengers under 12 years old, and operators born after 1988 must complete a state-approved safety course. The Cape is a no-discharge area, and most local areas are strictly enforced no-wake zones.
Where can I launch my boat or trailer?
Public ramps are available at Sandwich Marina, Falmouth Harbor, and Barnstable Harbor. Each offers nearby parking, restrooms, and easy access to the bays.
To Sum Up Boating in Cape Cod, MA
Cape Cod offers a bit of everything. From peaceful harbors and winding canals to long ocean runs and charming seaside towns. Whether you’re dropping anchor in Hadley Harbor, exploring the shops of Provincetown, or enjoying a gorgeous sunset over the Canal, the Cape makes every trip unforgettable. Save these places in Argo so your Cape Cod adventure is ready to go the moment you set off.
Learn how to save places and routes to your Captain’s Log.
Learn how to create your first Autoroute.
Planning a longer trip? See our other destination guides.
