From paddleboarding to fishing, dining to beachgoing—you can do it all on Cape Cod’s largest river in the towns of Dennis and Yarmouth!
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BASS RIVER AT A GLANCE
GETTING TO BASS RIVER:
NOAA Charts: 13229
The Bass River Story
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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, or learn more about the river on an educational cruise.
Dockage, Moorings & Service: Bass River Marina(508) 394-8341: Full-service marina with transient slips, fuel dock, ship’s store, rack valet service, and onsite restaurant. Located north of the Rte. 28 fixed bridge (clearance 15’ MHW).
Launch Ramp: A large and busy paved ramp with ample parking is located on the Yarmouth side of the Bass River, just inside the inlet. This ramp can handle very large boats. Day use only. Daily fee charged.
Also in Yarmouth is the Wilbur Park boat launch. This paved ramp is suitable for small to midsized boats but is subject to strong currents. Features a good number of parking for trailer rigs.
On the West Dennis side of the river, you’ll find a launch ramp for small to midsized boats and paddlecraft at Horsefoot Cove Landing on the east end of the Rte. 28 bridge spanning the river. It has parking space for 8 cars and 16 trailer rigs.
Anchorages: Two marked anchorages exist inside the Bass River: one near the mouth and one closer to town. One spot is just off the western tip of West Dennis Beach. If your vessel draws less than three feet, you may be able to tuck into the protected cove behind the West Dennis Beach marshes by following the side channel behind Stage Island just after clearing the inlet.
DESTINATION BASS RIVER
Dining: Summer Shanty(508) 394-0400: Waterfront restaurant at the Bass River Marina, specializing in seafood, burgers, and cocktails, plus live music on weekends. Dockage available, space-permitting. Boaters can also tie up along the dock in front of Sundancer’s restaurant.
Sundancer’s (508) 394-1600: Rocking waterfront restaurant with karaoke, live music, and dancing. Tie-up available along the long dock in front of the restaurant.
Edward Gorey House(508) 362-3909: Explore the life of one of America’s most famous illustrators, authors and puppeteers at his former home in Yarmouth.
Whydah Pirate Museum(508) 534-9571: Learn about real pirates and check out artifacts recovered from the wreck of theWydah gally off Cape Cod.
Cool Shops: The Cape Cat(508) 760-2500: Cat-lover’s shop featuring feline-themed shirts, caps, mugs, home décor items, and more.