Hyannis is our home. We live here, work here, Hy-Line Cruises was born here, and we love this small city on Cape Cod! Our dock is located on Hyannis Harbor (also known as Lewis Bay) which is an area full of so much maritime history that it only makes sense to offer sightseeing tours of this beautiful bay.
About Hyannis Harbor Tours
Hyannis Harbor Tours began in 1962 by Richard and Robert Scudder. They first owned the gas station at the corner of Ocean Street and South Street. With the election of John F. Kennedy in 1960, the brothers – then working at the gas station – took notice of how many people would stop for gas and ask how to get to the Kennedy Compound. Both graduates of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, they started thinking that there was another business opportunity at hand.
When an advertisement was seen in a local paper listing the 150-passenger M/V Prudence for sale, the brothers moved to acquire her. Prudence, circa 1911, began service in the summer of 1962 with the Scudder brothers sharing the captaining chores while the other ran the gas station. This acquisition proved to be very successful, and this is when Hyannis Harbor Tours was born. More than 60 years later, we still run narrated sightseeing trips of the area out to the Kennedy Compound, and more!
What You’ll See While Cruising Lewis Bay
A sightseeing cruise on Lewis Bay is a great way to get out on the water for an hour and enjoy all of the beautiful historic and natural landmarks in the area. Just a few of the points of interest are Point Gammon Light, Saint Andrews by the Sea, Squaw Island, Kalmus Beach, the Kennedy Memorial and the highlight of the cruise: the Kennedy Compound. Since you can’t see the Kennedy Compound from land it’s really cool that you can see it on the tour.
Our knowledgeable, friendly guides offer live commentary throughout the one-hour trip and are available to answer any questions you might have. This year, we have a vessel transition! The Viking has been the sole vessel of our Cape Cod Canal Cruises division since 1979. She has moved home to Hyannis to run our Hyannis Harbor Cruises now. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, a full snack bar, and plenty of rail space to get closer to the views this vessel will definitely ensure you have a great time out on the water.
What to Bring on our Sightseeing Tour
During this tour, you can expect great views, a fun time and to learn a lot. We suggest that you bring anything you’ll need to be comfortable while on board including sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and maybe a light jacket if it’s a windy day. While we do offer snacks and drinks on board, you might want to bring a water bottle or a snack, just no glass containers please! Bringing binoculars is also a great idea!
If history is not your thing, consider one of our specialty cruises for a little more fun. We offer Cocktail Cruises, Sunset Cocktail Cruises, and Musical Bingo Cruises throughout the summer for a night of fun out on the water.
We really do hope you join us on one of these trips this summer! Enjoy the way our company started, get a taste of our company and maritime history, and simply enjoy the ride! When will we see you?
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