Harwich Port can be very busy during the summer months. Photo/Tom Croke

The lovely village of Harwich Port—part of the larger Cape Cod town of Harwich—comprises three separate harbors. All connect immediately to Nantucket Sound, presenting transient boaters with a trio of cozy havens from which to choose.

First up for those approaching from the west is Allen Harbor, named for John Allen, who bought the surrounding land in the 1750s. The harbor is home to Allen Harbor Marine Service, a family-owned marina and boatyard founded in 1927 by Donald Dodge. The marina offers a fuel dock, slips with water and electric, pump-out, repair, and more.

Nearby is the Allen Harbor Yacht Club, which offers transient accommodations to members of reciprocating clubs. The harbor also has a public launch ramp with all-tide access and parking.

Roughly a mile to the east is tiny Wychmere Harbor, once home to the popular Thompson’s Clam Bar and now a venue for weddings and other events as part of the exclusive Wychmere Beach Club. However, long before that, Wychmere was an enclosed kettle pond around which horses were raced in the mid-1800s, until the channel to Nantucket Sound was created in 1887. Today, Wychmere is crowded with moored boats and served by Harwich Port Boat Yard, which offers a public fuel dock, but no transient accommodations.

The largest, busiest, and easternmost harbor in Harwich Port is Saquatucket, home to the Saquatucket Municipal Marina, the harbormaster’s headquarters, and a large state-municipal launch facility with convenient access to Route 28. Transient slips are available throughout the season, and reservations can be made for stays of up to two weeks.

Private homes and docks can be seen in Trinity Cove including one which takes on the shape of a windmill. Photo/Tom Croke

Saquatucket is also home to a popular restaurant called Brax Landing. Boaters can dock at the marina, space permitting, for $20 while they enjoy the restaurant’s outdoor patio overlooking the harbor.

Also based in Saquatucket is Monomoy Island Excursions. This 42-foot catamaran takes passengers for tours of the local waters, including Stage Harbor and Monomoy Island, for close encounters with seals and the occasional great white shark. For the young and young at heart, Cap’n Kids Fishing Adventures offers two-hour trips specifically designed for novice anglers.

Harwich Port makes a great jumping-off point for trips to other popular destinations. Nantucket Harbor is only about 20 nautical miles due south of Allen Harbor, making it a viable daytrip option. Chatham’s Stage Harbor and beautiful Monomoy Island are just five to six nautical miles east of Harwich Port, while Hyannis Harbor is some 10 nautical miles west of Allen Harbor.

Then there’s the fishing. Sport fishermen and charter captains alike appreciate Harwich Port’s quick access to the open waters of Nantucket Sound, as well as the striper-rich rips off Monomoy and the tuna grounds off the Outer Cape. Closer to shore, an artificial approximately two miles off Saquatucket serves as an oasis of life and shelter on an otherwise sandy bottom, and produces good catches of scup, sea bass, tautog, fluke, and more.

Folks who wish to explore inland will find a delightful and charming downtown within walking distance of Wychmere and Allen Harbors. This small stretch of Route 28 is lined by local shops and numerous restaurants catering to visitors of all ages. Whether you’re looking for antiques, coffee, jewelry, books, kites, clothing, beach toys, gifts, ice cream, or a full meal, you can find it here. In summer, there are several cultural events to enjoy, including musical strolls and art exhibitions in the local park.

Venturing outside the village and into other parts of Harwich, you can watch a play at the Harwich Junior Theater, visit the Cape Cod Lavender Farm, or catch a Cape Cod Baseball League game when the Harwich Mariners are in town. There are also golf courses and hiking trails on which to stretch your legs and enjoy the natural beauty of Cape Cod.

No matter how you choose to spend your time in Harwich Port and its three lovely harbors, the vast array of things to do and see are sure to create memories that will last a lifetime—and keep you coming back for more.