Frequently Asked Questions
Discovering Wellfleet by Water
Q: What boat tours are available in Wellfleet, Cape Cod?
A: The Packet Boat offers small-boat harbor crossings out of Wellfleet Harbor on Cape Cod's Outer Cape. Our trips include public and private seal-watching crossings, sunset crossings, a sunrise birdwatching crossing, and fully custom private outings for up to 6 passengers. All trips are guided by tide, weather, and what the day allows — no two crossings are the same.
Q: Where can I see seals on Cape Cod?
A: Wellfleet Harbor is one of the best places on Cape Cod to see seals. Harbor and gray seals rest on sandbars and rocks throughout the harbor, and we see them on roughly 99% of our crossings. The Packet Boat offers both public and private seal-watching trips, with routes shaped by tide and conditions. We follow federal guidelines and maintain a respectful distance of at least 150 feet from all marine mammals.
Q: Is there a birdwatching boat tour on Cape Cod?
A: Yes — The Packet Boat offers a sunrise Bird Watchers Crossing out of Wellfleet Harbor, departing at first light when the harbor is calm and the birds are most active. You may see ospreys, shorebirds, herons, and other coastal species as the day begins. The early hour and quiet water make it an ideal trip for birders and photographers. This crossing is offered at sunrise only and carries up to 6 passengers.
Q: Can I take a private boat tour in Wellfleet?
A: Yes. The Packet Boat offers private crossings for up to 6 passengers, with routes and pace shaped by your interests and the day's conditions. Whether you want to visit Jeremy Point, watch seals, explore the harbor, or just be on the water, the trip is yours to shape. Private crossings are ideal for families, small groups, and photographers who want Wellfleet Harbor to themselves.
Q: Where does The Packet Boat depart from? A: All trips depart from Wellfleet Harbor on Cape Cod's Outer Cape. Exact meeting details are provided after booking. Wellfleet is located between Eastham and Truro on Route 6 — roughly 30 minutes north of the Cape Cod National Seashore Salt Pond Visitor Center and about 20 minutes south of Provincetown.
Q: What is Jeremy Point in Wellfleet?
A: Jeremy Point is a remote sand spit at the southern tip of Great Island in Wellfleet, accessible only by boat or a long hike. It's surrounded by tidal flats, seals, shorebirds, and some of the most undeveloped coastline on Cape Cod. The Packet Boat runs crossings to Jeremy Point where passengers can explore, swim, or relax onshore before the return ride.
Q: What is Wellfleet's "Atlantis"?
A: "Cape Cod's Atlantis" is Billingsgate Island — a once-thriving fishing village about two and a half miles west of the Wellfleet shore, just south of Jeremy Point. At its peak in the mid-1800s, Billingsgate covered roughly sixty acres and was home to a lighthouse, thirty houses, a schoolhouse, a store, and even a baseball team that rowed across the bay to play other Outer Cape towns. Erosion gradually reclaimed the island over the decades. The lighthouse fell in a storm in 1915, and by 1942 the tides had submerged the island entirely. Today Billingsgate Shoal is still visible at low tide — a popular spot for picnicking, shellfishing, and exploring. The Packet Boat passes through this area on many of our crossings..
Q: How do I book a trip with The Packet Boat?
A: You can view availability and book directly at thepacketboat.com. A 50% deposit holds your spot, with the remaining balance due before departure. Rescheduling is free, and cancellations made 48 hours or more in advance receive a full refund. You can also reach us at thepacketboat@gmail.com or (774) 722-8339.
Q: What makes The Packet Boat different from other Cape Cod boat tours?
A: The Packet Boat is a small, 6-passenger operation based in Wellfleet Harbor. There are no loudspeakers, no crowds, and no fixed scripts. Trips are shaped by conditions and guided by experience — more like a quiet crossing with a knowledgeable captain than a commercial tour. We're rooted in the old Cape Cod tradition of packet boats, which carried people between harbors long before bridges and highways connected the towns.
Q: Are the crossings guided or narrated?
A: Our crossings aren't scripted tours with a microphone — they're more like being on the water with someone who knows it well. The captain shares what's worth noticing as it comes up: wildlife, landmarks, weather patterns, local history. If you're curious about something — the seals, Billingsgate Island, the tides — just ask. The pace and conversation follow the day, not a set itinerary.
Q: Does The Packet Boat offer flexible itineraries based on weather and tides?
A: Yes — flexibility is built into every crossing. Routes and timing are shaped by the day's wind, tide, and sea state rather than a fixed schedule. The captain reads conditions in real time and adjusts accordingly, which means your trip follows the water rather than fighting it. This is one of the advantages of a small, locally operated boat.
Q: When is The Packet Boat's season?
A: The Packet Boat operates seasonally out of Wellfleet Harbor, with crossings running during the warmer months when conditions on Cape Cod allow for safe, comfortable trips. Availability varies by weather, tide, and demand — check thepacketboat.com for current scheduling and to book your crossing.
Q: Is The Packet Boat operated by a local, licensed captain?
A: Yes. The Packet Boat is a locally owned and operated small-boat service based in Wellfleet on Cape Cod's Outer Cape. All crossings are led by a licensed captain with direct knowledge of Wellfleet Harbor, its tides, wildlife, and history.
Q: How many people can go on the boat?
A: By Coast Guard regulations, we can carry up to 6 passengers — and yes, even babies count toward that limit.
Q: What should I bring?
A: Bring sun protection, comfortable shoes, and anything you’d like to eat or drink. Our cruises are BYOB & BYOF, but we also offer packed lunches, beach chairs, and umbrellas if you’d like us to provide the extras.
Q: Can we swim or get off the boat?
A: Yes — on trips to Jeremy Point or other beaches, you’ll have the chance to explore, swim, or relax onshore before the return ride.
Q: Are life jackets provided?
A: Absolutely. We have Coast Guard–approved life jackets for adults and children.
Q: Is the boat safe for kids and families?
A: Yes — families are welcome. Just remember every passenger (no matter how small) counts toward the 6-person limit.
Q: How long are the trips?
A: Seal cruises are about an hour, sunset crossings about 1.5 hours, and charters run 2 hours.
Q: What if the weather looks bad?
A: Safety is our top priority. If the captain decides conditions aren’t safe, we’ll reschedule or issue a refund.
Q: Where do we depart from?
A: All trips leave from Wellfleet Harbor. Exact meeting details are provided after booking.
Q: Where do we go?
A: Typical routes include Jeremy Point, Wellfleet Harbor, and Wellfleet’s “Atlantis.” On these trips, you’ll see seals 99% of the time, as harbor and gray seals often rest on sandbars and rocks. You may also spot other marine animals such as whales, sharks, dolphins, sunfish, and seabirds.
Cancellation & Rescheduling
Q: What happens if I need to cancel? A: Cancel 48 hours or more before your crossing and your deposit will be refunded in full. Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable, as that time is difficult to rebook. No-shows are non-refundable.
Q: How does payment work? A: A 50% deposit is collected at booking to hold your spot. The remaining balance is due before departure and can be paid at the pier by cash or card, or charged to the card on file.
Q: Can I reschedule instead of canceling? A: Yes — rescheduling is free and your deposit moves with your new booking, as long as space is available.
Q: What if The Packet Boat cancels my trip? A: If we must cancel due to weather, sea state, or safety, you may choose a full refund or reschedule at no cost. The captain makes the final call, and we'll always reach out as early as possible.
Q: What if I arrive late? A: The boat departs on schedule. Late arrivals may not be able to board, and refunds will not be provided.
Seal Watching
Q: How close can we get to the seals?
A: Federal guidelines require staying at least 150 feet (50 yards) away. If the seals notice you and start to move, you’re too close.
Q: Can we feed the seals?
A: No. Feeding seals is illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. It changes their behavior and can make them aggressive toward people and boats.
Q: What if the seals are on the beach?
A: Please stay back and never block their path to the water. Seals need to rest on land, and disturbing them can harm their health.
Q: What if a seal looks sick, injured, or tangled in gear?
A: Do not approach. Call the IFAW Marine Mammal Hotline at 508-743-9548 to report stranded or injured seals on Cape Cod.