Cape Cod Paddleboard Rental – Where to Go

A Cape Cod paddleboard rental is one of the most popular activities during the summer season. If you have tried stand-up paddleboarding at least once and are comfortable with your abilities, then perhaps you would like to enjoy this activity over a guided SUP tour. With a rental, you are free to paddle at your own pace, stop when you like, maybe bring a small picnic with you out on the paddleboards, and even spend several hours out on the water. It’s also a great way to visit secluded beaches with fewer crowds. We can recommend areas to launch from in Bourne, Falmouth, Mashpee, Sandwich, and Barnstable that offer beautiful views, lovely beaches, and protected water.

Here are some of our favorite locations for paddleboarding. All have calm water and a reasonable amount of parking at the launch.

Falmouth

West Falmouth Harbor

Perfect for afternoons and sunset paddles, West Falmouth Harbor is located near the Shining Sea Bike Path, offering plenty of parking even during the peak of summer. Launch from the boat ramp and paddle further inland or out towards the jetty where at low tide, a sandy beach emerges where you can enjoy some time on the sand. Pick up deli sandwiches, snacks, and beverages at West Falmouth Market prior to launch. After your time on the water be sure to hit Eulinda’s Ice Cream because an afternoon on Cape Cod isn’t complete without ice cream.

Waquoit Bay

There is so much to see in Waquoit Bay one could literally spend the whole day exploring. You could paddleboard over to Washburn Island and explore the 330-acre island off the coast of East Falmouth. It lies between Falmouth and Mashpee and is home to 10 primitive campsites and is a part of Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. While you are there try your hand at digging for clams as they are plentiful in the bay. Once back on your paddleboard there are opportunities to see beautiful coastal birds, boats, more secluded beaches, and oyster farms. Afterward, head over to Bad Martha’s Brewery for a beer tasting and pizza.

Great Pond

This is a great location near the center of Falmouth that features a large salt pond and a couple of smaller coves to explore. Launch from the Falmouth Town Landing on Harrington Ave. Parking is available, but you have to get there early. Otherwise, drop your gear at the launch and park at nearby War-Mart or Teaticket Elementary School. It will be a 10-minute walk from either of these locations. Hit the Quahog Republic Dive Bar afterward for a draft beer and a stuffed quahog.

Mashpee

Popponesset Bay / Ockway Bay

Another great spot for paddleboarding and exploring is Popponesset Bay. This gorgeous body of water sits between Mashpee and Cotuit and is lined with beautiful boats and houses. The protected water makes for easy paddling and you can take your paddleboard rental up the Mashpee River (~2 hours) or around Popponesset Island for a longer cruise (~3 hours) that accesses “the Spit,” a long barrier beach that protects the Bay from Vineyard Sound and attracts boaters, fisherman, and sunbathers. While the Spit can be accessed on foot through the neighborhood of New Seabury, it is generally visited mostly by boaters due to very limited parking, making this a prime beach with lots of open space for walking or simply spreading out. Be sure to get a large dry bag with your paddleboard rental so you can pack a couple of towels and enjoy the beach for a bit.

Sandwich

Scorton Creek

This is a popular location for stand-up paddleboarders and kayakers of all abilities. Lots of Cape Cod paddleboard rental guests frequent Scorton Creek. This site is well protected from the southwest winds that blow throughout the summer and features a slow, meandering paddle through salt marsh all the way to Cape Cod Bay. Paddle the 1.25 miles to Scorton Harbor and beach the paddleboard rentals for a bit while you enjoy the uncrowded bay-side beach. For this paddle, time your launch about 2-3 hours prior to high tide so that you are not paddling against the creek’s current. Parking and launch are located at the Sandwich Game Farm property on Route 6A.

Looking for breakfast prior to launch, or lunch afterward? Check out Café Riverview, located only 1/2-mile away. This coffee and sandwich shop is operated by the Riverview School, a residential learning community for those living with a variety of learning differences and disabilities. The school hosts students from grades 7-12 and also has a post-high school program focusing on independent living skills. One of these skills is getting and maintaining employment and Café Riverview serves as a place where students may be learning the ropes of their first job. If you are in the area, then you should stop in for a bite to eat. The coffee is gourmet, the sandwiches are excellent, and you are supporting a person’s ability to be independent in the world, which is no small thing.

Launch Sites & Parking