Sunrise at Bass River Marina in West Dennis. Photo/Benjamin Boynton

Close to the heart of Cape Cod, separating the towns of Yarmouth and Dennis, flows the Bass River. For many Cape boaters, this scenic estuary, which opens into Nantucket Sound, is a favorite destination—a place where they can dine at waterside restaurants, relax on a white-sand beach, take in a round of golf, rent a kayak or paddleboard, or learn more about the river on an educational cruise.

Once considered a viable location for a canal that would bisect Cape Cod, the Bass is the largest river spanned by the Mid-Cape Highway. The mouth of the river separates Smugglers Beach on the Yarmouth side (site of an outstanding launch ramp) and West Dennis Beach, on the Dennis side. The Dennis side is also where you’ll find what is referred to as “Boater’s Beach.”

On steamy summer days, the white-sand beach is often surrounded by boats anchored gunwale to gunwale as their owners enjoy the warm, protected water or sun themselves on shore. Boaters can also explore upriver, cruising under the Route 28 bridge, past the Bass River Golf Course, and eventually into Follins Pond. However, be aware that the Route 28 bridge, some 1.5 miles north of the river mouth, has a 30-foot fixed span with 15 feet of clearance at mean high water.

The Summer Shanty overlooks the river at Bass River Marina. Photo/NEB Staff

There are four marinas on the river: Bass River Marina and Mayfair Boat Yard & Marina on the Dennis side, and Ship Shops Marina and Packet Landing on the Yarmouth side. Bass River Marina, on Horsefoot Cove just north of the Route 28 bridge, is the largest facility, with 160 seasonal slips and a limited number of transient slips. It’s also home to the popular Summer Shanty restaurant, which features live music on Friday and Saturday evenings. The marina may have dock space available for boaters, but you can also tie up along the 150-foot-long dock (owned by Bass River Marina) on Horsefoot Cove and make the short walk to the restaurant.

That same dock can also be used if you wish to visit Sundancer’s restaurant and bar, known for live music and a seafood-based menu. It’s a lively place, especially on weekends.

Aside from Bass River Marina, transient options are limited on the river. Packet Landing, which is run by the town of Yarmouth, has but one transient slip, available on a first-come, first-served basis. That said, daytrippers can still have a blast on the Bass, as there are several launch ramps on the river, most notably the big, triple-lane facility just inside the inlet. This ramp features plenty of parking and puts you within minutes of Nantucket Sound. If conditions are rough in the Sound, heading upriver will bring you to areas that are ideal for waterskiing and tubing, or fishing among protected coves.

Naturally, the river affords excellent paddling opportunities. If you don’t have your own kayak or SUP, stop by Bass River Kayaks & Paddleboards, at the eastern end of the Route 28 bridge. The friendly staff here can set you up with all the gear you’ll need for a day of exploration and exercise amid the local beaches, sandbars, and marshes.

When kayaking or paddleboarding on the river, it’s recommended that you arrive in the morning before the wind picks up. Also, keep in mind that the current can be quite strong in spots, so plan accordingly if you are a novice.

The Bass River area also offers some interesting shoreside diversions. The nearby Whydah Pirate Museum offers an interactive experience, combining artifacts and genuine treasures to paint a historically accurate portrait of pirates from the 18th century. The Cultural Center of Cape Cod features performances and exhibitions, while the Edward Gorey House, a short drive away, provides an in-depth look into the life of one of America’s most famous (and creepy) illustrators, who lived in Yarmouth from 1986 to 2000.

For a challenging 18 holes of golf on a course designed by Donald Ross, there’s the Bass River Golf Course, founded in 1900. Less arduous, but plenty of fun, is Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf, a pirate-themed mini-golf course set among waterfalls and caves.

With all that the conveniently located Bass River offers boaters, from watersports and dining to museums, beaches and golf, it’s easy to understand why this remains one of Cape Cod’s premier destinations.