Bounded by Nantucket Sound and the North Atlantic, this quintessential Cape Cod town offers twin harbors—and multiple rewards—for the visiting boater.
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CHATHAM AT A GLANCE
GETTING TO CHATHAM:
CHATHAM HARBOR • NOAA Charts: 13248
NANTUCKET SOUND • NOAA Charts: 13237
The Chatham Story
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This picturesque town on the elbow of Cape Cod features two very different harbors, miles of white-sand beaches, amazing scenery and wildlife, great fishing, and a charming village center.
Stage Harbor Marine (508) 945-1860: Transient slips and moorings, launch ramp, repairs, gas and diesel.
Chatham Harbor/Pleasant Bay:
Outermost Harbor Marine(508) 945-2030: Can be accessed from the west (via Morris Island channel, from mid-tide on) and via Chatham Harbor Inlet. Offers seasonal and transient slips and moorings, rack valet storage, launch service, dinghy dock, marine store, and gas dock. Outermost also hosts cruises to Monomoy, shark- and whale-watch tours, sportfishing charters, and a beach shuttle.
Launch Ramp: Recreational boaters wishing to use one of Chatham’s town-managed launch ramps (listed below) must first obtain a Waterways User Permit via the harbormaster’s office. The nearest public launch facility with ample parking is at Saquatucket Harbor in Harwich Port.
Bridge St. Landing/Mitchell River (Stage Harbor): Public ramp on Bridge Street with limited parking. May not be usable at low tide.
Ryder’s Cove (Pleasant Bay): Public ramp adjacent to the boatyard at the end of Ryder’s Cove Road. No on-site parking, but extended parking available at Old Comers Road.
Anchorages: Overnight anchoring in Chatham waters is allowed so long as the vessel does not anchor in a mooring area so as to impede navigation or moored vessels. Also, boaters must notify the harbormaster of their anchorage.
DESTINATION CHATHAM
Dining: Chatham Squire(508) 945-0945: Beloved downtown watering hole serving pub food, Italian dishes, and seafood. The singalong entertainment is not to be missed.
Delmar Bistro (508) 945-9988: Serves a wide selection of delicately prepared seafood, meat, pasta, salads, and wood-fired pizza.
Red Nun Bar & Grill (508) 348-0469: Another casual dining favorite among locals, the Red Nun is a popular stop for nachos, chili, burgers, steaks, and seafood.
Wequassett Inn (508) 432-5400: Officially in the town of Harwich, the Wequassett represents the only restaurant in the Chatham area that can be directly accessed by water. Has several on-site restaurants/bars with both indoor and outdoor dining. Guests can anchor or grab a mooring in Pleasant Bay then take a launch or dinghy to the inn’s dock.
Chatham Bars Inn Resort(508) 945-0096: Offers both casual and fine dining at three separate restaurants in an elegant setting overlooking Chatham Inlet.
Chatham Fish Pier Market (508) 945-3474: Fresh, delicious seafood prepared right at the fish pier on Aunt Lydia’s Cove. Enjoy lobster rolls, creamy chowder, fried clams, and more. Also serves sushi.
Provisions: Chatham Village Market (508) 945-9783: Well-stocked grocery store with fresh produce, meats, bakery, prepared foods, beer/wine, and more.
DESTINATION CHATHAM
Things To Do: Atwood House Museum (508) 945-2493: Learn about the history and culture of Chatham and vicinity via exhibits, art, artifacts, archives, and places of historical interest.
Outermost Adventures (508) 945-2030: Seal, shark, and birding cruises, as well as fishing trips, out of Outermost Harbors Marine, just south of Chatham Light.
Beachcomber Tours (508) 945-5265: Based at the Commercial Fish Pier; offers transportation to North Beach, seal tours, and customized trips for birders.
Cool Shops: Chatham Candy Manor(508) 945-0825: Huge variety of hand-dipped chocolates, fudge, ocean-themed treats, and other sweet stuff.
Maps of Antiquity(508) 945-1660: Over 15,000 antique maps, charts, and prints. Inventory includes early-American maps from the late 1700s, nautical charts, town maps, hand-colored 19th century country and state maps, reproductions, natural history and historical prints.
Tale of the Cod(508) 945-0347: Large selection of gifts, home furnishings, furniture, souvenirs, bags, shells, serving platters, jewelry, toys, and much more.
Where to Stay: Chatham Bars Inn(508) 945-0096: Luxury resort and spa with a beautiful beach, incredible ocean views, tennis courts, and several dining options. Close to downtown.
Wequassett Inn (508) 432-5400: Luxury resort hotel on Pleasant Bay. Offers guest moorings, a golf course, spa, pool, and a host of dining options.