Massachusetts
Exploring the Wild Side of Cape Cod
Program No. 25145RJ
One of New England’s most famous coastal regions, Cape Cod is for nature lovers! Experience the best Cape Cod has to offer, land and sea, from a naturalist’s point of view.
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date.
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While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
7 days
6 nights
What's Included
15 meals (
6B, 4L, 5D
)
5 expert-led lectures
10 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
6 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-In, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Boston, MA
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hilton Boston Logan Airport
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to meet the Study Leader and confirm orientation time and place. Orientation: The Study Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Everyone will be responsible for their own luggage, with some assistance available. Transportation will be provided by motor coach. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Study Leader will be happy to offer suggestions..
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead, including morning check out.
Day
2
Falmouth-WHOI, MBL, Ocean Science Discovery Center, Aquarium
Location:
Hyannis, MA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hyannis Harbor Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off the motor coach, walking for an hour, and standing for up to an hour in a museum.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel and board the motor coach to Falmouth, traveling through Cape Cod’s scenic landscape. Along the way, we’ll stop in the town of Sandwich to visit the Sandwich Fish Hatchery, where we’ll learn about fish conservation efforts and see trout in various stages of growth. Continuing on to Falmouth, we will split into two groups. One group will attend a presentation by a scientist, tour the Marine Biological Laboratory to see the animals they are researching, and visit their library. The other group will get a behind the scenes tour of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI) and their docks, followed by a trip to the Ocean Science Discovery Center. The Ocean Science Discovery Center showcases marine biology, groundbreaking ocean exploration, and an exhibit on the recovery of the Titantic.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, the groups will switch places and visit either the Marine Biological Laboratory or WHOI. Everyone will then walk over to the WHOI Aquarium to see their local marine life and research exhibits. Following the aquarium, we will drive by motor coach to Hyannis and check into our hotel for the week.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At your leisure.
Day
3
Kayak in Popponesset Bay, Monomoy Island Seals, Lecture
Location:
Hyannis, MA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hyannis Harbor Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off the motorcoach. Activities in Popponesset Bay includes kayaking which is generally calm, but wind and tides can impact difficulty. There is little to no shade on the water. Bring water bottle, hat, and sunscreen.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Departing from our hotel via motor coach, we will begin the day kayaking in the serene waters of Popponesset Bay. Fed by the Mashpee and Santuit Rivers, and protected by barrier beaches, the picturesque area is known for its tranquil water, lush coastal greenery, and diverse wildlife. Here, we may come across piping plovers, common terns, and least terns.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will head east towards Chatham, and make our way out to the elbow of Cape Cod, where we will tour the the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge consists of barrier islands that are made up of sand dunes, fresh and saltwater marshes, ponds, ocean, islets, and shoals. It is known for hosting a large population of grey seals, as well as horseshoe crabs, and at least 25 species of seabirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl. We will spend the afternoon taking a naturalist led-excursion aboard a boat to see all of this wildlife- the highlight being all of the grey seals. We will then return to the hotel and have a little bit of free time to relax and freshen up before dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
During dinner, we will be joined by a local biologist who will give a presentation on her research studying the ocean sunfish (Mola Molas). These giant fish, that are often described as a bulbous head with no body, are one of the largest bony fish species in the world, measuring up to 8-10 feet in length, and weighing up to 2,000 pounds. They are known to migrate north up to Cape Cod Bay and the Gulf of Maine in the summer, before returning to tropical waters in the winter. Due to their heavy bodies, sunfish sometimes swim too close to shore and get stranded and need to be rescued.
Day
4
Morning Nature Walk; Shorebird Lecture and Guided Excursion
Location:
Hyannis, MA
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hyannis Harbor Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off the motor coach, hiking though the Atlantic White Cedar swamp, the boardwalk trail is moderately difficult. It is about a 1.2 mile loop. There are some steep stairs going down the boardwalk, and a return route on 0.5 miles of sand. The afternoon shorebird excursion will require walking for up to 2 hours on a boardwalk trail, across a salt mash to a sandy beach.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board the motorcoach and drive to Wellfleet, stopping first at the Salt Pond Visitor Center, where we can take in panoramic views of Nauset Marsh and learn about the natural and cultural history of Cape Cod. From there, we’ll continue to the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail, a scenic 1.2-mile loop that descends through a unique landscape, starting in a stunted oak and pine forest before leading into a lush, mature woodland. The highlight of the trail is a winding boardwalk that takes us through the picturesque Atlantic white cedar swamp, offering a serene and immersive nature experience.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch we will depart via motor coach to the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary where you'll learn about piping plovers and other local shorebirds. The tiny, sand-colored shorebird nest in Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard during the spring, and stay around with their young offspring until the fall. Many of the beaches are protected during their nesting period and do not allow visitors. We'll learn from a local naturalist about the Mass Audubon's efforts to protect their populations. Following this lecture, we will take a guided excursion along a boardwalk, past a salt marsh, to a sandy beach to look for shirbirds feeding on fiddler crabs in the tidal flats. Those that do not want to participate will have free time to walk the trails. Afterwards, we'll depart Wellfleet via motor coach and head back to our hotel.
Dinner:
On your own to explore the local cuisine in Hyannis.
Day
5
Chatham: White Shark Lecture; Provincetown: Dune Tour
Location:
Hyannis, MA
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Hyannis Harbor Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off the motor coach. the extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We'll board the motor coach to Chatham to tour the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of white sharks and their habitats through research, education and community engagement. While here, we will have a lecture on local white shark populations and the AWSC's efforts to study them. Made famous as a scary man-eater in the movie Jaws, this misunderstood species is the only natural predator of seals in the area and plays an important role in maintaining the ecosystem. Following our time at the museum,, we will drive to Provincetown or as locals call it, " P-town." Sitting on the outermost part of the cape, P-town has some interesting history— Did you know that the Pilgrims, before settling in Plymouth, first landed in Provincetown? Today it has become known for its unique ambiance and lively art scene.
Lunch:
On your own, enjoy the local restaurants in Provincetown.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will enjoy Art's Dune Tours, which is a unique guided experience though the beautiful sand dunes of Cape Cod. We'll ride in open-air vehicles to see stunning views, while learning about the local ecology and history. Afterwards, you will have some more free time to explore Provincetown and its rich history. The Study Leader will be happy to offer recommendations on what to see and do.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At your leisure.
Day
6
Morning Lecture, Whale Watching, Farewell Dinner
Location:
Hyannis, MA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hyannis Harbor Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a boat via ramp; depending on tides, ramp may be at an incline or decline; boat ride is approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
At the hotel, we will have a lecture on tips and tricks to maximize our time spotting and photographing whales. We will then board our motor coach to Barnstable, where we'll embark on a thrilling whale-watching cruise at Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. This feeding ground is home to humpback, fin and minke whales, offering us the chance to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. While aboard the ship, an expert naturalist will give facts about the local whale populations, their behavior, migration patterns, and the vital role they play in our ecosystem.
Lunch:
On the cruise we'll have lunch.
Afternoon:
Head back to the hotel for a change of clothes and to unwind. Take some time to relax and explore Hyannis before we head to our farewell dinner.
Dinner:
We’ll enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant and share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends.
Evening:
Prepare for departure in the morning.
Day
7
Program Concludes
Location:
Hyannis, MA
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Transfer departs Hyannis at 8:30 a.m. to Boston Logan International Airport. Please do not schedule flights before 12:30 p.m. Hotel check-out time is 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This concludes our program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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