Cape Cod Bay

Cape Cod Bay is a bay on the eastern coast of Massachusetts that stretches between the mainland and the Cape Cod peninsula. The water contains several harbors, including Plymouth Harbor and Provincetown Harbor, both of which serve as important water gateways.

Giovanni da Verrazzano first documented the bay in 1524 as a European explorer. It later became an important site for fishing and seafaring, leading to English settlement in the region.

The name Cape Cod comes from the abundance of codfish that early fishermen found in these waters. Today the bay is a place where people boat, fish, and enjoy the coastal landscape.

Visitors can reach the bay from shore through several coastal towns or explore it by boat. The best time to visit is from May to October, when weather is milder and boat tours are more frequently available.

The bay is known for whale watching, particularly fin whales and humpbacks that come to feed in the warmer months. These marine animals attract naturalists and visitors each year who want to see the creatures in their natural habitat.

Location: Massachusetts

Location: Barnstable County

Location: Plymouth County

Elevation above the sea: 0 m

GPS coordinates: 42.03344,-70.41614

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:04