Maritime Activities in Massachusetts To Enjoy All Summer Long

Posted by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

A sweet summer should be a salty one too! Massachusetts has many beautiful beaches along the coast to dip your feet, cast your lines, or paddle around in!
With almost 1,500 miles of coastline plus countless ponds and lakes, there is a shore for everyone. However, if you’re the restless type and prefer to be on the water, get physical with kayaking, a charter fishing tour, stand up paddle boarding, or parasailing. Listen up, because here are some of the best maritime activities in the Bay State that consistently make “top” and “best of” lists!

TOES IN THE SAND

Life’s a beach, so playing in the sand and body-surfing the salty seas is a must this summer. From crowd-pleasing hangouts to relaxing hideaways, there is coastline-a-plenty for beach lovers! Catch the ocean breeze at Coast Guard Beach in Eastham, frequently ranked the #1 family beach in America, or bark at the seals sun-bathing at the Chatham Light Beach.

If time permits, catch a ferry and go island-hopping between Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard to see a fiery sunset at Madaket Beach or stunning views of the glacially formed, multi-colored Aquinnah Cliffs. Insider tip: if you’re traveling in a sea worthy vessel around Nantucket, consider docking at the Nantucket Boat Basin for access to bathrooms, showers, electric, gas, internet connection, and more!
Day trips are also summertime staples so boat over to one of the 34 Boston Harbor Islands for unmatched panoramic views of Boston, the harbor, and the Atlantic.

CAST A LINE

If you’re a saltwater angler, cast a deep sea line onboard a charter fishing tour with local captains for a chance to catch bluefish, tuna, cod, haddock, halibut, and sea bass. Connemara Bay Fishing Charters is a great option North of Boston, and also offers lobstering tours to teach more about this sustainable commercial fishery.

 
Also, if you’re unsure of how to cook your catch, take it over to Lobsta Land Restaurant and have them cook it to your liking, whether that be blackened, grilled, or fried! There are also many other fishing and boat charters to choose from beyond the coast, with over 500 lakes, ponds, rivers, streams.

SPLASH AROUND

All things considered, if the ocean isn’t your thing and the Jaws theme song – da dum…da dum… da dum da dum da dum – plays in your head every time you swim, don’t fret because there is an abundance of fresh water in Massachusetts as well. Check out the Upper Cape area with a premier outfitter for stand up paddle tours on beautiful estuaries, ponds, and streams.
There are also many kayaking opportunities to learn about ecology between inlets and coastline to spot wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for birds and seals! If you like to go where the wind takes you, rent a sailboat on the Charles River in Boston and take in a unique perspective of the city from the water.

Or, just get back to nature with a land-meets-the-sea hike. World’s End in Hingham boasts 4.5 miles of beautiful, tree-lined carriage paths with sweeping views of the Boston skyline across its 251-acre coastline.
Regardless of how you spend your summer months, catching sunny rays or waves, collecting seashells, or chowing down on local catch, Massachusetts has all the maritime activities! So hop on board and get down with some of our suggestions or explore other outdoor activities by checking out the summer inspiration board!  

TOPICS: Family Fun, Outdoors, Summer, Things to Do