Pirates Cove

**Location & Access:** Pirates Cove is located at the end of Mashpee Neck Road in Mashpee, MA, providing convenient access to Shoestring Bay and the Mashpee River. The site features a paved ramp ideal for kayaks, canoes, and small boats. Resident parking is available directly at the ramp, though space is limited; free public parking is available farther up Mashpee Neck Road with an easy carry down to the launch. Kayak drop-off at the ramp is permitted before parking.

**Seasonal Permits & Conditions:** A permit is required from June 15 through Labor Day. Check ahead before visiting, as the ramp may be closed during maintenance periods (typically scheduled for fall). When closures occur, nearby alternatives include Ockway Bay Boat Ramp and Great River Boat Ramp.

**Nearby Recreation:** The launch provides access to calm estuarine waters and connects paddlers to Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, which features open waters, barrier beaches, and marshlands. The scenic Cape Cod Canal area with its 14-mile paved recreational trail is also nearby, offering additional opportunities for walking, biking, and fishing.