Massachusetts Kayaking Destinations: Kayak Cape Cod
Cape Cod is an amazingly diverse body of water that offers some really unique kayaking opportunities not far from Boston. There are islands, harbors, coves, ponds and rivers, which offer more than 60 different kayaking routes. Some are excellent options for kayakers of all skill, levels, other like the South Shore beaches which offer surf kayaking, are best left for the more advanced kayaker. Kayaking around The Cape is also an excellent way to see wildlife in their natural habitats.
But with so many kayaking trails how do you decide which one to take on your Cape Cod adventure? Here will briefly describe a few of the many great places to kayak around Cape Cod.
Best places to Kayak in Cape Cod
Waquoit Bay, Falmouth
Waquoit Bay is a national research reserve on the south side of Cape Cod. Its protected from waves and rough waters of Vineyard Sound by two beautiful sandy barrier beaches offering a gentle paddle. It offers the chance to explore undeveloped Washburn Island and spot lots of birds and marine life.
Herring River, Wellfleet
The Herring River located in the mid Cape area runs through more than 200 acres of Harwich conservation lands. It offers something for kayakers of all ages and skill levels with an opportunity to see egrets, great blue herons, and ospreys in the marshes upriver.
Great Island, Wellfleet
From the Herring River basin, paddle along the glacial bluffs of Great Island, mainland Cape Cod’s most isolated coastline. Great Island is a 6-mile barrier beach and island system that separates The Cape from Wellfleet Bay. You’ll have a chance to see ospreys and oyster catchers, along with wading and shorebirds.
Bass River, South Yarmouth
You can enter Bass River from Yarmouth, Dennis, or the boat launch at Smugglers Beach on Nantucket Sound. It is the Cape’s longest river at 5 miles and provides some quiet, some livelier paddling opportunities with many coves and inlets to explore. You’ll also find a few of marinas that offer kayak and paddle board rental. They also make for a great lunch stop. Powerboats are allowed on the river, so you’ll need to keep an eye out, but speed and wake restrictions are in place making for relatively smooth paddle. Keep heading north and you’ll end up in Kelleys Bay, Dinahs Pond, or Follins Pond.
Nauset Marsh, Eastham
Nauset Marsh is a great place for beginner kayakers with its extremely calm waters, but the sights bring back even the most experienced paddlers. Nauset Marsh is one of the most productive saltwater march habitats in the world, making it ideal for spotting wildlife. It is particularly known for its birds and otters, but you may also see some sunbathing seals on the barrier beaches. Small streams run through the marsh, but there are also tidal creeks and more open bodies of water, including Salt Pond Bay. Just keep an eye on the tides before heading out. Low tides can create some mud flats that may leave you stranded.
Storing Your Kayak after Your Cape Cod Trip
With its many inlets, coves and harbors, Cape Cod’s shoreline provides a seemingly endless kayaking adventure. But at some point, all adventures must come to an end. Make sure your kayak is safely stored when it’s time to take it out of the water and that your shoreline stays neat and orderly with our hand-crafted kayak racks. Our kayak racks are made from 100% norther cedar logs and can safely and beautifully store and display your kayaks for years to come. The durable frames are naturally weather-resistant and can store up to eight kayaks. Shop our kayak racks online now or contact us for a custom kayak storage solution to meet your Massachusetts kayak storage needs.