Kayaking is a favorite water activity on the Cape. The water conditions in almost all the kayaking locations are favorable to both beginner and expert kayakers and paddleboarders. Also, during the season, you can pair kayaking with fishing on some of the Cape’s waters. You may just have an impressive haul of black sea bass on your lucky day.
Spending some time on the Cape’s favorite kayaking spots will also allow you to take in the beautiful sites along the Cape’s shoreline. These are some of the most beautiful areas on the Cape and you will appreciate them more while on the water.
If you are visiting the Cape and you don’t have your own equipment, there are several equipment rental shops near the various launch points spread across Cape Cod. The only equipment you need is a paddle, a life jacket, and a kayak, of course. I have included some of the reliable establishments that rent out kayaking equipment on Cape Cod in this article. First, let’s cover the favorite spots you should explore.
Mashpee River
All the time and money that have been spent on Mashpee River conservation efforts guarantee that this is one of the most beautiful places to kayak in New England. If you love nature, you will enjoy your time here. Except for the area near Pirate’s Cove where there are some beautiful vacation properties, the rest of the ride has no developments.
The shorelines are lined with pristine marshes and woodlands with vibrant birdlife. Some of the birds you may spot along the way include kingfishers, robins, green herons, snowy egrets, great egrets, bald eagles, ospreys, and crows. The tidal river stretches some 4.8 miles. It flows from Mashpee and Wakeboy Ponds and drains into Pirate’s Cove.
Consider putting in at Mashpee Neck Road. You should start your trip on a rising tide and paddle back on a receding tide. A round trip will have you paddling an estimated 5+ miles. If time and conditions allow, you should also consider paddling around Popponesset Bay.
Little Pleasant Bay
Little Pleasant Bay in Orleans is one of the best spots to kayak on Cape Cod. It offers calm and relaxed paddleboarding opportunities on a bay protected by the Cape Cod National Seashore and the Nauset Beach. Because the crashing surf doesn’t make it here, it is beginner-friendly. Feel free to explore the nearby islands, the little coves, and the many hidden beaches on the bay. The paddling distance is an estimated 5+ miles for a round trip.
The place is very popular with boaters and traffic might be high during the peak summer months. The fall months are perfect but you will also find less boat traffic during the summer before July 4th.Kayaking on the Bass River West Dennis
There are several beautiful properties that have direct access to Little Pleasant Bay that are available for short term rentals. A popular spot to put in is where Little Pleasant Bay meets Paw-Waw pond – the place where Portanimicut Road ends. Two private islands, Hog Island and Sampson Island, are nearby. The islands welcome visitors but do not allow camping. Feel free to make a stop on either island for a nature walk.
Waquoit Bay
Waquoit Bay provides the perfect environment for a 2-hour paddling adventure in East Falmouth. Beautiful sandy barrier beaches provide a great backdrop for the shallow bay. It has direct access to the beautiful protected Washburn Island. The island is state-owned and sits on an impressive 355 acres.
The shallow bay averages about 5 feet in depth and it has a treasure trove of marine life. You can enjoy shellfishing and other fishing activities while on the bay. You will also spot many birds as you kayak southwards towards the Eel River East.
The two favorite places to put in are at Town Landing Road in East Falmouth and Will’s Work Road. Paddling around the bay and returning to either of the starting points is 4+ miles. You can make a stop at the Washburn Island State Park. Getting there will require that you cross the motorized boats channel. Pay attention to your surroundings as the dredged channel can be busy with marine traffic. If you are in for more adventure, you can explore the arms Sea pit as well as the rivers and ponds.
Nauset Marsh
The Nauset Marsh is a must-visit location in Eastham. It guarantees a perfect Cape Cod paddling experience with several opportunities to explore creeks, channels, and inlets. The area has a saltwater marsh, a barrier beach, sand flats, and a salt pond bay. Also, there are plenty of birds in the area and you’ll certainly spot many of them along the way.
The two best places to put in are the Hemenway Road town landing in Eastham and the Salt Pond town landing on Route 6. The paddling distance for a round trip is an estimated 4+ miles. It is best to put in at least one hour before high tide. For a four-hour paddling session, you should spend half the time paddling on either side of the tide. During the low tide, keep left when approaching the marsh. It can be very shallow during low tide. During high tide, you can pretty much go anywhere.
Scorton Creek
The Barnstable Great Marsh is the largest salt marsh ecosystem on the Cape. It sits on over 3800 acres of a salt marsh habitat on the northern side of Cape Cod. One of the best ways to access the area to explore the Great Marsh is to kayak the Scorton Creek. Scorton Creek is a tidal river in East Sandwich, MA. The tidal flow here creates a calm river experience that makes paddling the Scorton Creek suitable for both beginner and advanced paddlers.
You will put in to the south of the Scorton Creek Bridge and then paddle eastwards to Barnstable. It is best to put in at least one hour before high tide. Along the way, you will encounter a rich salt marsh ecosystem that includes inhabitants such as gulls, ducks, willets, heron, and red-winged blackbird, among others. If you put in at North Shore Boulevard in East Sandwich and paddle upstream, you will be paddling an estimated round trip distance of 4+ miles.
Herring River
Herring River in West Harwich has been a favorite route for many paddlers for decades now. It runs through the Harwich Conservation Lands which is an expansive 200+ acres of breathtaking beauty. The scenery is enough reason to kayak this route and you can enjoy it during an effortless paddle with the currents on your side if you plan your trip well as per the tides.
Paddling the route is pretty straight forward. Off Route 28 where you will be putting in, there is a small parking lot plus a dock and ramp for boats and kayaks. From this launch point, paddle inland (up north). You will know where to turn back as it won’t make sense to go any farther. The turning point is at Bell’s Neck as the fish ladder.
You should pay close attention to tide charts as you have to plan your trip on this route according to the tides if you want a satisfying kayaking experience. You will launch during high tide and paddle inland for about one hour of high tide and push on for half an hour of slack tide. As slow tide begins, make an about-turn and paddle back. The currents will be working in your favor the whole way if you do this. The whole journey will take you about 3 hours.
Bass River
Bass River is the Cape’s largest river. It meets Nantucket Sound to the south and Mill Pond in the north, a distance of 7 miles. Putting in at Follins Pond Road in Yarmouth Port and taking out at Uncle Freemans Road in West Dennis, you will be kayaking an estimated 5.5 miles.
You should start the trip near high tide. While the Bass River is very beginner-friendly, it helps to be aware of the tidal currents and the wind direction. Water may be chopped up in some sections of the river when an ebb-tide current is being opposed by a stiff southwest wind and so make for a much more difficult paddle. There are lots of protected spots along the Bass River, though, and beginners will still be able to enjoy kayaking the route.
There’s a lot to see along the route. You can spot various birds on any given trip including egrets, heron, hawks, and osprey, among others. If you want to try your hand at fishing, bring a rod with you and you may catch some striped bass. Towards West Dennis Beach, there are beautiful marshes to explore. You can also make a stop at the sandy Boater’s Beach. A distance farther, there is the Wilber Reserve which makes for an excellent spot to picnic with friends and family if you are paddling as a group.
Great Island, Wellfleet
Wellfleet’s Great Island is an island system between Wellfleet Bay and Cape Cod Bay. The location can be easily accessed by trails with the 3-mile stretch being a friendly kayaking location for paddlers of all experience levels. You will be paddling out of the Herring River basin and then along the island’s glacial bluffs.
Prepare well for the trip as there are no facilities at the location. The nearest parking spot available is off Chequesset Neck Road which is 3.5 miles from Rt. 6. The nature trails, however, are great and are trafficked all year round. The nearby beach is also very popular.
Barnstable Harbor and the Great Marsh
The Great Marsh is one of the biggest salt marsh ecosystems on the Cape, hence the name. It sits on about 3800 acres of salt marsh habitat occasioned by Sandy Neck, a barrier beach that stretches some six miles on the northern shore of lower Cape. Barnstable Harbor offers an unmatched ecosystem to explore on a kayak. There is a variety of wildlife and birds to watch out for. Also, there is a hidden village that is definitely worth a tour.
A good tour of the Great Marsh will take about 3 hours. You have the option of putting in at Scudder’s Lane, Barnstable, or at an alternative spot at Milway Road. The estimated round-trip distance is 6 to 8 miles.
Equipment Rentals and Guided Tours
The following establishments offer equipment rentals and/or guided tours:
Perhaps the most important thing you should be aware of when paddling on Cape Cod is tides and weather conditions.
Up-to-date tide charts for all of the Cape’s harbors can be found online. To find the tide information for your desired Cape Cod kayaking location, just click on the links provided below:
Plan your trip so that you are paddling with the currents for most of the trip. It is critical that you are aware of the currents – the direction they are headed and how strong they are. Paddling with the currents is easy work. Paddling against currents, on the other hand, can be tiring and frustrating especially if you launched late and you are paddling your way back while dusk is fast approaching.
You should also be aware of the general weather conditions as well as the water temperature. Weather conditions can change quickly so you should carefully read the forecasts before you head out. When paddling in cold water, it helps to wear a dry suit or wet suit made especially to keep the body warm. If it is sunny, a UV protective top or a long-sleeved shirt will protect you from sunburns.
You should always wear a wet suit or dry suit whenever the water temperature is less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Experts recommend that you should only leave the suits at home when the combined air and water temperature is above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. I would follow these instructions strictly as hypothermia is no joke.
ii. Don’t Ignore Your Skill Level
While a great number of the paddling spots on the Cape are suitable for paddlers of all skill levels, it still helps to be aware of your skill level so that you don’t venture into areas that are only suitable for advanced kayakers and paddlers. Beginners who are very unfamiliar with Cape Cod’s harbors should hire guides. There are several establishments spread across Cape Cod that offer both equipment rentals and guided kayaking experiences. Some of them are in the list of establishments included above. Find one close to your desired launch point and reach out to them.
iii. Stay Close to the Riverbanks
In the rivers that are motorized by watercraft, you should always stay close to the riverbanks. The channels have red and green markers and the motorboats navigate between the markers. Motorboats have the right of way in the channels. Also, keeping close to the riverbanks makes it easy to enjoy the breathtaking flora and fauna that line Cape Cod river banks. I should also add that if you want a calmer paddle, you should keep to the sheltered (lee) side of the river. The water is calmer on the lee side and you will also be able to see deeper into the water.
iv. Bring All the Necessary Gear
Always carry and wear a life vest. Each boat occupant should have a life vest on, as required by the Coast Guard. Don’t just have a life vest on board the kayak, actually, wear it. It is amazing the number of people who ignore this basic guidance by the Coast Guard. I remember reading about a Coast Guard recreational boating specialist some years back telling the Cape Cod Times that of the 24 boating fatalities they had recorded up to that point that year in New England (it was July), 21 of the cases were not wearing life jackets. Most of these incidents can be avoided if people just wear life jackets.
Other safety gear that you should bring with you includes:
• Whistle: This is for when you need to call for help. Keep your whistle attached to your life vest or personal flotation device. Blast the whistle three times to call for help. Or just blast away until help arrives.
• Spare paddles: every person in your group should have a spare paddle.
• Towline: if someone in your group can’t get to the shore on their own, a towline will come in handy.
• Headlamp: if nightfall finds you still in the water, for whatever reason, a headlamp will come to your aid.
• Bilge pump: if you capsize and end up with a kayak full of water, you will need a bilge pump to pump the water out.
Cape’s shoreline. These are some of the most beautiful areas on the Cape and you will appreciate them more while on the water.
anywhere.
anywhere.
