Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve protects 2,750 acres of coastal habitat on Cape Cod, supporting research, education, and coastal management.

The estuary supports diverse fish, invertebrates, and birds. Horseshoe crabs spawn on beaches. The productive bay serves as nursery habitat.

Salt marsh, barrier beach, and upland habitats provide ecological diversity.

Waquoit Bay is a drowned river valley estuary typical of Cape Cod.

Moderate maritime climate typical of Cape Cod.

The Wampanoag people utilized these shores for millennia.

Established in 1988 as part of the national estuarine research reserve system.

Trails explore diverse habitats. The visitor center offers educational programs.

The visitor center provides exhibits and programs. The reserve is accessible from Route 28.

Research informs coastal management throughout the region. The reserve monitors water quality and habitat conditions.