Rockport offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature and do sports. Fishing, golf, boat sailing, kayaking, hiking, you choose.

Try your luck with cods, paddocks and basses and hire a charter to go out fishing. There are several boats that will take you into the waters off Cape Ann, all being commanded by captains with extensive fishing experience. Rates for a 4 to 6 hours trip are about U$400 and about U$680 for one hour of Tuna Fishing. You can also hire a more diversified trip that will take you into rivers, bays and harbors. Three popular companies are Black Pearl Charters, North Coast Angler and Rockport Cast-Away's Charters.

If golf is your thing, go to Rockport Golf Club at Country Club Rd. It features a course with 9 holes along 2,946 yards from the longest tees for a par of 35. It costs $54 green fee on weekends and weekdays.

To see the area from the water, try a guided sea kayaking tour with  North Shore Kayak Outdoor Center at 9 Tuna Wharf (off Bearskin Neck).  Their tours include an introductory lesson and a 2 or 3-1/2 trip in fully-outfitted solo or tandem sea kayaks.  The shorter tour ($35) is appropriate for anyone (including beginners) and travels to Straitsmouth Island.  The longer tour  ($45) usually stops at Thacher Island, where you can hike the island and climb the lighthouse for a great view the coast line all the way to Boston.  They also rent bicycles for those who prefer a dryer way to see the area!

Halibut Point State Park is a great place for hiking while you admire the dramatic coast and experience the immensity of a sea that cloaks around you. On clear days, you can even see the coast of Maine. For further details about the park, check out http://www.halibutpointfriends.org/. You can also download the resource guide from this website and check the calendar of events.