Fishing, Swimming, Docking & Coastal Highlights

Welcome to a boater’s paradise! Renting a 24′ center-console in Falmouth Harbor opens up a world of sun-drenched adventure across Vineyard Sound. This comprehensive guide will navigate you from Falmouth Harbor east to Waquoit Bay, south to Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard, west toward Lambert’s Cove Beach, and north across the Sound to secluded Tarpaulin Cove – then back past Nobska Light and Surf Drive Beach to home port. (Woods Hole Passage and Buzzards Bay are intentionally avoided due to challenging currents and heavy traffic.) Below, discover the best fishing hotspots, swim-friendly coves, dock-and-dine venues, and a curated sightseeing itinerary – complete with tips on tides, no-wake zones, pet-friendly stops, and family-friendly fun. Let’s cast off on an unforgettable Cape Cod boating experience!

Boating Guide: Fishing, Swimming, Docking & Coastal Highlights

Welcome to a boater’s paradise. Renting a 24′ center-console from Falmouth Harbor unlocks a full or half day of sun-soaked exploration across Vineyard Sound. This guide charts the best destinations from Falmouth east to Waquoit Bay, south to Oak Bluffs, west to Lambert’s Cove Beach, and north to Tarpaulin Cove—then home via Nobska Light and Surf Drive Beach. (Woods Hole Passage and Buzzards Bay are excluded due to strong currents and vessel traffic.)

Explore top fishing grounds, calm swimming coves, docking and dining stops, and a scenic coastal itinerary. Read on for activity duration recommendations, navigation tips, and local advice for a safe and memorable boating adventure.🎣 Fishing Spots

Middle Ground Shoal (Full Day)
Located north of West Chop, this 2.5-mile shoal draws striped bass, bluefish, fluke, and squid, especially in spring and early summer. Fish the incoming tide for easier drifts. Use caution near the rip line, which can hit 3 knots, and watch depth sounders to avoid grounding atop 3-foot shoals. West end boulder piles (Bow Bell reef) are prime for big bass and sea bass.

Hedge Fence / Halfway Shoal (Both)
Halfway between Falmouth Heights and Oak Bluffs, this area offers excellent striper, fluke, bluefish, and occasional bonito. Hedge Fence is known for early summer sea bass near the wreck of the SS Port Hunter (buoy RG). Expect surface feeds in August and early false albacore runs. Tides matter—drift on an incoming tide for best results.

Nobska Point (Both)
At the tip of Falmouth near Woods Hole, Nobska Point produces big striped bass in early summer. Fish current seams and submerged rocks with soft plastics or swimming plugs. By fall, false albacore blitzes are common. Navigate with caution—underwater rocks lie up to 100 yards offshore.

Tarpaulin Cove (Both)
Better known for swimming, this Naushon Island cove also yields fluke, scup, and sea bass. Drift near the outer perimeter and bottom fish with squid strips. In fall, migrating bonito and albies occasionally feed outside the cove. Winds from the south or east can make conditions rough.

Fishing Season Summary:

• Spring (Apr–Jun): Stripers, squid, sea bass
• Summer (Jul–Aug): Bluefish, fluke, bonito
• Fall (Sep): False albacore, scup, sea bass

Always follow Massachusetts saltwater regulations and use a PFD while fishing in current or near shoals.

🏊 Swim Stops

Waquoit Bay / Washburn Island (Both)
About 5 nm east of Falmouth, Waquoit Bay offers warm, shallow water and sandy shores ideal for families. Anchor along Washburn Island’s south shore and wade ashore. Pet-friendly and no-wake zones apply. Best accessed mid- to high tide.

Tarpaulin Cove Beach (Full Day)
Accessible by boat only, this scenic, pebbled beach on Naushon Island features clear water, good snorkeling, and wildlife. Anchoring is easy in 11–15 ft of sand. Pet-friendly and rustic. Exposed to south/east winds—check weather before committing.

Lambert’s Cove Beach (Both)
Located on Martha’s Vineyard’s north shore, this arc of white sand is perfect for a swim stop. Anchor ~150 ft offshore (outside swim buoys) in 8–12 ft. Water is calm in southwest breezes. Town beach access is restricted, but swimming from your boat is allowed. Jellyfish may appear in late summer.

Surf Drive Beach (Half Day)
Falmouth’s local beach lies just outside the harbor entrance. Anchor in 6–8 ft on a calm day for a quick swim. Not an official anchorage—best for short, supervised dips. Dogs not permitted ashore in summer.

Swimming Tips:

• Always secure your anchor
• Use a diver-down flag when snorkeling
• Beware of tides while swimming to shore
• Watch for harmless jellyfish in late summer

⚓ Docking & Marina Stops

Falmouth Harbor Marina (Both)
Your starting point offers transient slips (via Dockwa) and fuel. Navigate at 5 MPH through the dredged 6–7 ft channel. Town dinghy docks allow short-term tie-ups. Downtown and Surf Drive Beach are walkable.

Oak Bluffs Marina (Full Day)
Vineyard’s most popular harbor offers moorings and slips. Hail Harbormaster on VHF 71; launches operate on Ch. 77. Flat-rate $50 moorings are first-come, first-served. No-wake zone throughout. Fuel, pump-out, and amenities on site. Expect a lively scene in summer.

Docking Tips:

• Approach slowly with fenders and lines ready
• Monitor ferry traffic near Oak Bluffs
• Respect no-wake signs

🍽️ Dock & Dine Restaurants

Nancy’s, Oak Bluffs (Full Day)
Harbor-front eatery with casual seafood, sushi, and cocktails. Snack bar and upstairs dining with harbor views. Takeout available. Dogs welcome at outdoor tables.

Falmouth Raw Bar (Both)
On the harbor across from the ferry dock. Known for its massive lobster roll, oysters, and local vibe. Accessible via transient slip or dinghy dock. Pet-friendly deck.

Flying Bridge (Both)
Upscale option at harbor entrance. Award-winning seafood and harbor views. Limited guest docking—call ahead. Not pet-friendly.

Coop de Ville, Oak Bluffs (Half Day)
Laid-back spot on the OB bulkhead. Wings, beer, and casual fare. Docking can be limited—moor or walk from marina. Outdoor picnic tables; occasional live music.

Tip: Always call ahead for dock availability. Many places allow short-term docking for diners.

🗺️ Sightseeing Itinerary

Falmouth Harbor to Nobska Light (Half Day)
Cruise out of the harbor past Surf Drive, circle Nobska Light for photos, and admire the 1800s lighthouse and Keeper’s House. Avoid submerged shoals off the point.

Nobska to Oak Bluffs (Half Day)
Head across Vineyard Sound to East Chop Light and into Oak Bluffs Harbor. Walk to the historic gingerbread cottages, carousel, and downtown. Grab lunch.

Oak Bluffs to Lambert’s Cove (Half Day)
Cruise west along the Vineyard’s north shore, past lighthouses and state beaches. Anchor at Lambert’s Cove for swimming and scenery.

Lambert’s Cove to Tarpaulin Cove (Half Day)
Cross the Sound to Naushon Island. Anchor at Tarpaulin Cove to relax, swim, and photograph the lighthouse. Explore the beach (public access only).

Return to Falmouth (Half Day)
Head back northeast past Nobska. Avoid Woods Hole entrance. Sunset views over Surf Drive are a perfect ending.

🧭 Tips & Reminders

• Weather: Southwest winds are common. Avoid north winds.
• Navigation: Use GPS and charts. Avoid Woods Hole if inexperienced.
• Tides: Watch for sandbars in Waquoit Bay. Moderate range (2–3 ft).
• Wildlife: Respect marine life—no approaching seals or turtles.
• Pets & Kids: Washburn and Tarpaulin are dog-friendly. Falmouth and OB offer parks and treats.

Cast off, explore, and enjoy the best of Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard by boat!