CHATHAM HIKING FIELD GUIDE
A boat drop to a three‑mile sand spit: North Beach Island’s secluded Atlantic shore
A round‑trip shuttle from Chatham to North Beach Island for a day of swimming, hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing—useful for planning logistics and what to bring.
A boat drop to a three‑mile sand spit: North Beach Island’s secluded Atlantic shore.
North Beach Island sits opposite the Chatham Lighthouse as a three‑mile spit of sand and surf accessible only by boat. The island’s exposed Atlantic face and sheltered coves offer rolling waves, secluded swimming and clamming spots, and opportunities for seal viewing and fishing—an ideal, family‑friendly day escape into Cape Cod’s raw coastline.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Three miles of open Atlantic beach and sheltered coves
North Beach Island is a three‑mile spit visible from the Chatham Lighthouse; its exposed east side brings rolling Atlantic waves while sheltered coves offer quieter swimming and clamming.
Seal viewing—and a noted chance to spot a Great White
The island is known for seal viewing and, in rare instances, there is a chance of encountering larger pelagic predators; wildlife watching is one of the trip’s draws.
A boat drop that opens up beach time and shore activities
Because North Beach is reachable only by boat, the shuttle gives visitors hours ashore for swimming, sunbathing, hiking, fishing and bird watching—making it a flexible day trip for beachgoers.
What the day feels like
A day spent between ocean rollers and quiet coves
The outing feels like being delivered to a private stretch of Cape Cod: a short boat ride from Chatham deposits you on open sand where you can swim in Atlantic surf, stroll the spit, cast a line from shore, and scan for seals. It’s a relaxed, do‑your‑own‑thing day on one of the region’s most secluded beaches.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this shuttle serves best.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Pick‑ups are on the hour; first drop‑off is at 9:00 AM and the last pick‑up runs at 4:30 PM. Shuttle times may vary by five to ten minutes.
Bring coolers, chairs, beach toys and fishing poles—these items are explicitly recommended for the day on the island.
The shuttle is operated by Outermost Harbor Marine and runs from Chatham to North Beach Island.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What are the shuttle hours?
Pick‑ups are scheduled on the hour; the first drop‑off is at 9:00 AM and the last pick‑up is at 4:30 PM. Expect possible variations of five to ten minutes.
Is the trip round trip and who can go?
The outing is a round‑trip shuttle and is described as suitable for all ages—an option designed to accommodate families.
What activities are available on North Beach Island?
Visitors can swim, sunbathe, hike, fish, clam in secluded coves, and watch for seals and birds along the spit.
What should I bring for the day?
Recommended items include coolers, chairs, toys and fishing poles; bring any personal gear you need for a full day on the beach.
Who operates the shuttle and where does it depart from?
Outermost Harbor Marine operates the shuttle; departures run from Chatham to North Beach Island.