If you’re looking for a fun day of kayaking on Cape Cod, the Bass River is a great place to start. Located between Dennis and Yarmouth on the southern side of the cape, this tidal estuary is the perfect place for beginners as well as for experienced paddlers looking for a challenging trip.
For a full list of other fun paddling adventures on the cape, check out:
- A big list of the best places to kayak on cape cod
- Our guide to kayaking at Nickerson State Park
Bass River Launch Points and Routes
Now that you’re all set, let’s explore where to launch your kayak on the Bass River and the best routes to take.
Popular Launch Sites
- Bass River Beach and Boat Access in Yarmouth ($)
- Uncle Freeman’s Road in West Dennis
- Ferry Street Landing
- Bass River Park
- Horsefoot Cove Landing
- Aunt Julia Ann’s Landing
- Cove Road North Landing
- Old Main Landing (in Grand Cove)
- Cove Landing South
- Highbank Road Landing (Wilbur Park Launch)
Many of the parking options above are free. There’s a daily charge at the Bass River Beach lot, and you have to paddle out at a busy double boat ramp, so this isn’t recommended for beginners or people with families. However, a quick paddle across the river lands you at the back side of Bass River Beach aka Smuggler’s Beach, which is one of the nicest places to pull off on the entire river.
Much calmer launch options can be found at Bass River Park, Uncle Freeman’s Road, and Wilbur Park. Free parking there too, which is a plus.
Beginner-Friendly Routes
For those new to kayaking, we recommend starting with these gentle routes:
- Route 1: Bass River Park under the Route 28 Bridge: A short, scenic paddle perfect for beginners. Plan to paddle into the tide going out so that you can have an easier paddle back. When the tide is out there are a lot of exposed sandbars and shallow areas to hop out of your kayak just across from the launch point. Great place to park for a while and let your dog hop out.
- Route 2: Wilbur Park north to Kelley’s Bay: Enjoy the calm waters and beautiful views on this leisurely paddle. Located on the northern side of the Bass River, beginners can stick to the sides to avoid boat traffic and passing water skiers. Wilbur Park has a small sandy beach which makes it easy to launch from. It’s not as nice a beach as further south at West Dennis Beach, but it’s the perfect launch point to go north into Kelley’s Bay and beyond into Follins Pond.
- Route 3: Bass River Park to Wilbur Park: Plan around the tides to determine which location to start from for the easiest paddle. If the tide is coming in, it will be easier to paddle upriver to Wilbur Park. If it’s going out, the downriver paddle to Bass River Park will be easiest. Both locations have ample free parking and a calm, open area to launch from so they’re great places for families or if you’re taking your dog on their first kayaking trip.
More Challenging Kayak Day Trips
If you’re looking for a full-day kayaking adventure, the Bass River provides! Full-length trips starting at the mouth of the river begin at the Bass River Beach and Boat lot in Yarmouth. It’s best to check the tides and wind conditions when planning your route.
If you’re looking to paddle upriver and back, Ideally you’ll paddle with the tides in each direction and if the weather cooperates you’d have the wind at your back for the ride back which makes for an easier, drier paddle home. If you’re planning a 6 hour roundtrip, try to begin paddling 3 hours before high tide, so that halfway through you reach slack tide, and then have the tide going out for the 3 hours of your return trip.
If you only want to travel one way, you can park a car at the mouth of the river and launch from a second vehicle further upriver. This is helpful if you’re looking for a lower-energy booze cruise and plan to stop off for extended rests on the beaches you pass.
- Follins Pond to Bass River Beach: This route will take you on a paddle through the entirety of the Bass River. The Follins Pond boat launch is located at the northern side of the river. It’s not ideal to launch boats due to the state of the boat ramp, so it gets less use than it used too, making Follins Pond a great spot to launch a kayak.
You’ll pass a few beaches and picnic spots along your way. Stop off for a bite mid-trip at Sundancer’s or the Summer Shanty as you rest up. You’ll end the trip by passing the backside of West Dennis Beach on your left, then exiting into Nantucket Sound and taking a right so you can land on Bass River Beach. Beware of conditions on the open ocean and watch out for boats in the channel.
If you’re able to park a second car at the other end and do a one-way trip, plan to ride the outgoing tide and with the wind for the easiest, driest paddle. If the tide is coming in on the day of your trip, start at the mouth of the river and work your way up.
Public Beaches on the Bass River
While much of the shoreline is developed by rich people who don’t want you on their private beaches, there are several public beaches to stop off at on your kayaking trip.
- The best public beach on the Bass River is the backside of West Dennis Beach. Popular with boats and kayaks, located just across the river near the Bass River Boat Launch in Yarmouth.
- Paddling out of the Bass River into the open ocean also gives you quick access to the lengthy shores of West Dennis Beach to the left, and Bass River Beach on the right. Keep in mind these beaches don’t allow dogs in the summer season.
- Wilbur Park has a public beach that does allow pets. It’s a great place to picnic. Good choice to launch for families who just want to let kids float around a bit
- While not truly a beach, the tidal flats at low tide across the launch from Bass River Park are a perfect place to hop out and anchor a kayak.
- Another small beach is accessible below the cliffs of the golf course as the tide recedes, on the left side as you head upriver.
Bars and Restaurants on the Bass River
There’s a few options if you want to grab food and drinks on your kayaking trip. If you have your dog with you, you’ll need to get your food to go.
- Sundancer’s: Just north of the Bass River Park launch sits the access point for Sundancer’s. There’s a long dock area for boats, and kayaks can pull up off the beach. By day it’s a riverside seafood eatery, by night it’s a club where people have been partying for decades. We don’t recommend getting drunk and paddling home at night though.
- Summer Shanty: The Summer Shanty is located just north of Sundancer’s at the Bass River Marina. Just be careful when crossing the thin channel leading to the Marina, boat traffic is often very heavy here. They have a seasonal outdoor patio and sometimes there is live music.
Dog-Friendly Kayaking Tips
Kayaking is even more fun with your dog! Here’s how to ensure they enjoy the adventure too.
If your dog hasn’t kayaked before, Introduce your dog to the kayak on dry land first. Use treats and positive reinforcement to make them feel comfortable. Equip them with a doggy life jacket for safety.
Safety Considerations
Keep your dog hydrated, and provide them with a comfortable spot to sit or lie down in the kayak. Shade is important on hot days, especially with older dogs. Always keep an eye on their well-being.
Make sure to use a dog life jacket, even if your dog is a good swimmer. Be careful letting your dogs swim in areas with boat traffic, or on days with limited visibility.
Preparing for Your Kayaking Adventure
Before hitting the water at the Bass River, let’s make sure you’re fully prepared for a safe and enjoyable kayaking trip.
How to Plan Your Kayaking Trip Around Tides
Whenever you’re kayaking in a tidal estuary like the Bass River, it’s important to pay attention to the tides. Check Bass River Tide Chart
Try to paddle your return trip so you’re going with the tide. The current will move the fastest 3 hours after the day’s posted high or low tides. Slack tide occurs when the current stops moving and changes direction.
What is the 50/90 rule for kayaking? The 50/90 rule states that the tide moves at about 50% speed the hour after high tide, 90% after hour two, 100% at hour three, then it backs down to 90% at hour four, 50% at hour 5, then slack tide occurs at the changeover to low tide at hour 6.
Keeping the tides in mind while planning your kayaking trip can save you a lot of effort and allow you to explore longer trips with the same amount of effort.
Choosing the Right Kayak
For beginners, a stable and comfortable kayak is key. Look for recreational kayaks designed for calm waters. They’re easy to maneuver and offer a great balance between stability and speed.
The wave conditions most days are small enough to be suitable for sit-inside kayaks. Windy days you can expect to kick up some spray paddling into the wind. Be careful by the mouth of the river or when passing boat wakes approach.
Sit-on-top kayaks work well too, but you should plan to get a little wet. Keeping scupper plugs inserted can elevate you out of the water a bit more, but also make you more susceptible to wind.
Essential Gear
Don’t forget these must-have items:
- Life jacket (for you and your dog)
- Paddle
- Dry bags for your belongings
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Plenty of water and snacks
Safety Tips
Safety first! Always wear your life jacket, check the weather forecast, and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid days with limited visibility or potential storms. A quick review of basic water safety can go a long way in ensuring a smooth trip.
The Bass River can get very busy with boat traffic. Be aware of channel markers and cross channels perpendicularly to minimize risk of passing boats.
After Your Kayaking Adventure
You did it! Here’s what to do next.
Post-Kayaking Care
Rinse off your kayak and gear with fresh water to remove any salt or dirt. Stretch and relax to ease any muscle tension. Crack a cold drink and relax – you earned it!
Time to chow down
Hungry? Check out our listings for dog-friendly restaurants on cape cod.
Find a beach and relax
If you wrap up early then find a beach! Check out our dog-friendly beaches page to find options nearby in Dennis and Yarmouth, and throughout Cape Cod.
Note: during the summer season, most public beaches near the Bass River don’t allow dogs, but if you’re willing to drive a little then your options increase. Consider one of the Cape Cod National Seashore Beaches for your best pet-friendly options.
Conclusion
Kayaking on the Bass River is a delightful experience for beginners and their dogs. The calm waters, beautiful scenery, and abundant wildlife make it an ideal spot for a day of adventure. So grab your kayak, gear up, and explore the Bass River—you and your furry friend are in for a treat!
