The Story of The Packet Boat
Charting Our Course
The Packet Boat is shaped by a long tradition of moving people quietly and dependably across Cape Cod’s waters. What began as a practical way to travel has become a way to slow down, pay attention, and experience the harbor as it has always been known.
A Tradition on the Water
Before bridges and modern roads connected towns, packet boats carried people, mail, and goods between Cape Cod harbors. They were working vessels — shared spaces shaped by tide, weather, and the steady knowledge of those who knew the water well.
These crossings weren’t about speed or spectacle. They were about connection — making the water a pathway rather than a divide.
Carrying It Forward
Today, the Packet Boat continues that spirit in a modern way. Trips are guided by experience, conditions, and respect for the rhythms of the harbor. Some guests arrive with a destination in mind; others come simply to be on the water. Routes and pace are shaped together, allowing each crossing to follow the day rather than a fixed plan.
Meet your Captain
Captain Brandon was born and raised in Wellfleet, where generations of his family have lived and worked. Growing up on these waters fostered a lifelong familiarity with the harbor, its tides, wildlife, and changing seasons. A family history rooted in Cape Cod's maritime traditions continues to shape the way every trip is approached today.
Whether guiding guests to a quiet seal haul-out, watching shorebirds at sunrise, or exploring hidden corners of Wellfleet Harbor, every trip is an opportunity to share the place he has always called home.
More than anything, Captain Brandon hopes each guest leaves with a deeper appreciation for Wellfleet Harbor—its wildlife, its history, and the quiet beauty that makes it unlike anywhere else on Cape Cod.
Captain Brandon and his wife, Annalise, aboard The Packet BoatThe Boat
Saint Layla is named in memory of our beloved dog, Layla — a faithful companion whose spirit still travels with us on the water.
The Packet Boat runs on a 2022 Bennington 23 SX tritoon — wide, stable, and built for a comfortable day on the water. Three full-length tubes keep the ride smooth even when the harbor gets choppy. Full deck flooring, generous swingback seating, and a bimini top mean guests can relax, move around, and take in the harbor without holding on.
Kicker speakers, docking lights, and a Simrad GO7 chartplotter round out the setup. Saint Layla is powered by a Yamaha F150 saltwater outboard and operated by a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain.
