Cape Cod vacation week: Tourists back, whale watches resume

HYANNIS, Mass. — It’s one of the most popular vacation weeks of the summer on Cape Cod and after a busy holiday weekend, there’s renewed optimism that tourism may begin to rebound.

Scott Dumond arrived in Hyannis around 10 a.m. on Monday from Connecticut.

“Being stuck inside for so long and not having made it up here last year, we made it a point to come up here again,” he said.

According to Elizabeth Wurfbain, Executive Director of the Hyannis Main Street Business Improvement District, small businesses were encouraged by a bustling July 4, even if wasn’t as lucrative as last year.

“It was a fabulous weekend overall for Cape Cod. I mean, a lot of people are here and they’re at the beaches, they’re on Main Street, they’re at the shops and they’re dining,” she said Monday.

There are, however, new concerns about visitors following social distancing guidelines and wearing masks, despite signs posted throughout downtown.

Over the holiday weekend, Boston 25 News observed a majority of people following guidelines until about dinner time. That’s when some people appeared to be walking down Main Street without any form of face covering.

Wurfbain confirmed that there have been some concerns about visitors not following those guidelines, and reminded people Monday that they should continue to be vigilant, even while in vacation mode.

“I think people need to remember it’s not over just because its summer and it feels good,” she said.

Monday was also a big day on the water, as several Cape Cod whale watches set out on their first voyages of the season.

“We have been waiting for this moment for months now, and this is sort of our kickoff, our trial,” said Captain Jon Brink, a Captain at Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises.

His excitement was also shared by passengers.

“We did it last minute here, and I’m pretty pumped about it,” Jay Brown told Boston 25 News as he prepared to board the boat.

The first voyage left the dock at 11 a.m., with the boat filled at 40% capacity.

According to Captain Brink, every other row of seating was blocked off for social distancing.

“What we can only do now is hope that when the whale comes up off the port bow, that everyone is ready to stay distant because it’s an exciting time and we’re happy to be back on the water.”

Brink added that railings are also now color-coded so people remember to stay in their designated spaces, and not slide too close to one another.

“I think people are comfortable and we’re going to do everything we can to keep them safe as we always do, COVID or no COVID,” he said.

Download the free Boston 25 News app for up-to-the-minute push alerts

>> Complete local and national coronavirus coverage here

RESOURCES:

- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information

- Boston Coronavirus Information

- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter | Watch Boston 25 NOW

- Download our free apps for your phone and smart TV