Chatham

Welcome to Chatham

Kids enjoy leaping from the pilings at the Oyster River Landing.
Photos/New England Boating, Tom Richardson.

DOWNTOWN CHATHAM ISN’T EXACTLY CONVENIENT TO THE WATER, BUT THAT SHOULDN’T STOP YOU FROM VISITING THIS LOVELY TOWN BY BOAT. SET A COURSE FOR CHATHAM ROADS THEN HEAD NORTH TOWARDS STAGE HARBOR. AT THE TRUNCATED LIGHTHOUSE TO PORT, YOU HAVE 2 OPTIONS: CONTINUE NORTH INTO STAGE HARBOR AND GRAB A MOORING OR SLIP AT STAGE HARBOR MARINE, OYSTER RIVER BOAT YARD OR CHATHAM YACHT BASIN, OR BANG A RIGHT AND FOLLOW THE WINDING CHANNEL EAST TO OUTERMOST HARBORS, WHERE YOU CAN RENT A SLIP BEFORE STROLLING THE MILE OR SO INTO TOWN.

Chatham chart.

The marinas in Stage Harbor (the better choice for boats 30’ and up) can arrange a lift to Main Street, but it’s more fun to take a dinghy or kayak up either the Oyster River or the Mitchell River. Both feature public landings—or at least a place to beach your boat or kayak—close to Main Street, where you’ll find all manner of shops, galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Enjoy dinner, a beverage and live music at the famous Chatham Squire Tavern or the Red Nun, or spend a romantic night at the Chatham Inn on Main Street.

By the way, you can launch a skiff, kayak or SUP at the Oyster River Landing off Barn Hill Road and either make your way up the Oyster River or the Mitchell River to the downtown area. A kayak/SUP rental shop is located next to the launch ramp.

No matter how you get there, Chatham is a special place that’s worth the effort.