Cape Cod Public Kayak Launch Sites

Free Saltwater and Freshwater Launching for Cape Kayaking Tours

Jul 18, 2008

Suggested pond and tidal launch sites for kayakers in Sandwich and Falmouth for access to the sea and ponds where town parking stickers are not needed during summer.

Surrounded by saltwater and generously dotted with freshwater ponds, Cape Cod is a kayaker’s dream. But in the busy tourist season access to launching sites and parking places is limited. These three sites offer plenty of good kayaking without needing a town parking sticker or paying a fee.

Sandwich Kayak Launch Site

Scorton Creek-This is a tidal river with access to saltwater marshes, tidal creeks and Cape Cod Bay. Although the launch area is often crowded, once on the marshes kayakers will usually find solitude to enjoy the local wildlife. In the opposite direction a short paddle leads to East Sandwich Beach on Cape Cod Bay.

Directions: Take Exit 3 off of Route 6 towards Sandwich. Go right onto Route 6A for about 1.5 miles. The State Wildlife Reservation, which is not signposted, is on the right just before the Scorton Creek Bridge. Drive to the launch site via the rough dirt road.

Falmouth Kayak Launch Sites

Coonamessett Pond- A 150 acre freshwater pond, Coonamessett is big enough to deserve a day’s exploration. A connecting creek takes kayakers to Pickerel Pond, where Coonamessett Farm, a Cape Cod organic farming research center, can be visited. The farm offers meals and snacks from 9-5. Goats, donkeys, alpaca and sheep add to the enjoyment of the visit. A second pond, Round Pond is at the opposite end of Coonamessett Pond. Use caution entering under the bridge as there is a local golf course crossing in the other direction. There is a sand beach for swimming and picnicking near this pond.

Directions: Take Route 151 to Sandwich Road toward Falmouth for 2.5 miles. Then go right onto Hatchville Road. Approximately .05 miles on the right look for a dirt road. There are no signs on Hatchville Road but once onto the dirt access road there will be a sign identifying it as the Matthew Sousa Conservation Area. Follow the dirt road to the end.

Childs River- On the Nantucket Sound side of Cape Cod, the town launch site at White’s Landing provides plenty of parking and easy access to a paved launch point for kayakers. Childs River connects with Seapit River, leading into Waquoit Bay. From here the Moonakis, Great and Little River, as well as Jehu, Hamblin and Sage Lot Ponds, can be explored. Washburn Island or South Cape Beach are great spots to stop for a picnic lunch or a swim.

Directions: The White’s Landing launch site is on Route 28 between Falmouth and Mashpee, approximately 3 miles from the Mashpee rotary. Keep an eye out for Edward’s Boatyard, which is next to the launch site at the Childs River Bridge.

Recommended Reading: Bull, S & F. 2000. Paddling Cape Cod: An Explorer’s Coastal Guide. The Countryman Press. Woodstock Vermont.

The copyright of the article Cape Cod Public Kayak Launch Sites in Paddle Sports is owned by Dawn M. Smith. Permission to republish Cape Cod Public Kayak Launch Sites in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.