The New Break at North Beach Chatham

Four days of strong northeast winds and waves in April 2007 created a break in Chatham's North Beach (an extension of Orleans' Nauset Beach). The Town of Chatham considered and rejected the idea of filling it in - the consensus was that another storm would just open it up again. In the summer of 2007 the Break offers a beautiful, wild and varied beach area. On the Pleasant Bay side the water is calm and shallow. On the ocean side there are waves. The tidal current running into and out of the Break is very strong (approx 2-3 mph at times). Unwary swimmers could be easily swept into deep water on either side.

Directions The break lies due east of Minister's Point in Pleasant Bay (Google satellite view does not show it as of August 20, 2007). Access is either by boat from Pleasant Bay or by driving over sand (permit required) from Nauset Beach in Orleans. Note that channel heading east of Minister's Point has less than 2' water at dead low tide (8/2007)
Activities: boating, fishing, surfing, clamming, swimming (away from break area itself - beware of strong currents flowing into and out of Pleasant Bay)
Anchorage: approx 1/4 mile southwest of the Break there is 5'+ water at low tide.
State: Massachusetts
Town: Chatham
Facilities: None
Safety: No lifeguards. Beware of strong current into and out of Pleasant Bay.

Map to Break at North Beach Chatham

Hen Cove, Pocasset

Map to Hen Cove

Directions: Take Route 28 S (MacArthur Blvd.) in Bourne to Barlows Landing Rd.
Turn right here & follow to end. Turn left on Shore Rd. & look for Island Dr. Turn
right here & go to end. Turn right on Circuit Ave. - Hen Cove will be on the right.
Activities: Swimming, walking
Parking: Street parking
State: Massachusetts
Town: Pocasset
Facilities: None
Safety: Lifeguards
Handicap Access: None

Description: This beach resides in a tidal cove off Red Brook Harbor. It is a large, crescent-shaped shoreline with white sand. Located in a quiet Pocasset, MA neighborhood setting, it’s ideal for a family day at the beach. No facilities exist here. Lifeguards are on duty in-season. Street parking is available in 43 designated spaces.