Navigating the Bass River Boat Channel

If you’re looking for a beautiful spot for kayaking or paddle boarding, Cape Cod’s Bass River is the perfect destination. Here at Bass River Kayaks and Paddle Boards, we want everyone to enjoy the water safely.

Our river is shared with motorboats, and the kayakers and paddle boarders paddle on the outsides of the boat channel while the motorboats stay inside of it. The boats must travel slowly (6mph or slower) as most of Bass River is a “No Wake Zone.” This means that boats are traveling slower to avoid making waves, except in the two designated “Speed Zones”

near the Salt Box neighborhood and way up in Follins Pond. Kayakers and paddle boarders can stay unaffected on the sides of the river when near the 'speed zones'.

 

The Bass River boat channel is marked by red and green buoys. Red buoys mark one side, green buoys mark the other side, and motorboats must stay inside of the channel. For a safe, relaxing paddle, we recommend staying between one color buoy and the shore. You can cross the channel, but make sure you are letting the boats pass first, then cross behind the boat(s). The stationary boats (boats on moorings), are not located in the boat channel, so if you're amongst the 'stationary boats', you know you're not in the channel. You can paddle any direction on either side of the channel.

By following these safety tips, you can make the most of your time on the water and help all of us enjoy Bass River together. Ready for your next adventure? Stop by Bass River Kayaks and Paddle Boards and we’ll help get you out there!