Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

Boardwalk at Wellfleet Bay © Victoria Bettuelli
© Victoria Bettuelli

Wellfleet Bay provides peace and unmatched beauty on the hillsides and shoreline overlooking Wellfleet Harbor. Extensive trails bring you to a panoramic salt marsh, sandy barrier beach, and pine woodlands, each attracting a wide array of wildlife. The sanctuary features a universally accessible trail and an award-winning "green" nature center with numerous exhibits and aquariums. Please leave dogs and other pets at home.

Location: 291 State Highway Route 6, South Wellfleet, MA 02663
Phone: 508-349-2615
Hours: Open Daily, 9 am–4 pm • Trails open dawn to dusk

More information, property regulations, & directions >

Celebrate Pride LGBTQIA+ Evening Get-Together

Celebrate Pride LGBTQIA+ Evening Get-Together

This free program offers a special chance to enjoy the sanctuary after sunset! We’ll also relax by a fire to socialize and enjoy snacks. Save your spot >

In Search of Horseshoe Crabs: Tagging & Research

In Search of Horseshoe Crabs: Tagging & Research

Horseshoe crabs spawning at Wellfleet Bay © Mark Faherty
© Mark Faherty

To mark International Horseshoe Crab Day, you’ll learn about these ancient animals and how we’re working to conserve them in this free program. Register online >

Sanctuary News & Events

Cape Scientists Share a Day Camp Connection

Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

Nearly 30 years ago, Abby Franklin was a day camp counselor and one of her campers was Katie Castagno, a kindergartener. Eventually, Abby became a teacher/naturalist at Wellfleet Bay and Katie a camp counselor. Today, both are successful scientists on Cape Cod. They say their years at Wellfleet Bay had a lot to do with shaping their careers.

More News

Upcoming Programs

June 20, 2023 (Tuesday) 4:30-6:00pm
Join a naturalist to search for and learn about diamondback terrapins, a threatened species of salt marsh turtle. Read more
June 22, 2023 (Thursday) 9:00-11:00am
Use dip nets and magnifiers to search for swimming, flying, and burrowing wildlife on the sanctuary's beach at low tide. Read more
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