Wasque Reservation
A pristine coastal escape on Chappaquiddick Island, offering secluded beaches, tranquil marshes, and abundant wildlife. Perfect for relaxation and nat...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Wasque Reservation
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A pristine coastal escape on Chappaquiddick Island, offering secluded beaches, tranquil marshes, and abundant wildlife. Perfect for relaxation and nature lovers.
"The absolute seclusion is incredible. Take the Chappy Ferry with your vehicle, don't walk/bike on."
🚗 Vehicle Access is Key
A Trustees permit is needed for cars. Take the Chappy Ferry with your vehicle for the best experience.
⏰ Arrive Early in Summer
Summer ferry lines can be long; go early to avoid waits and secure parking.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wasque Beach
Southern tip of Chappaquiddick Island
A stunning, secluded beach with calm waters perfect for swimming and relaxation. Ideal for picnics and enjoying nature.
Coastal Trails
Throughout the reservation
Explore paths through grasslands and marshes, observing diverse birdlife like sandpipers and herons.
Wildlife Observation
Marshes and shoreline
Home to sandpipers, herons, and butterflies, offering a peaceful nature-watching experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Vehicle Access & Ferry
Best Time to Visit Wasque
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Vehicle Access is Key
A Trustees permit is needed for cars. Take the Chappy Ferry with your vehicle for the best experience.
⏰ Arrive Early in Summer
Summer ferry lines can be long; go early to avoid waits and secure parking.
💰 Entry Fee
A small fee ($5 per vehicle) is required to enter the Wasque Wildlife Preserve after reaching it.
🎒 Pack a Picnic
Bring your cooler with lunch and drinks as amenities are limited. Enjoy a relaxing BBQ.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Vehicle Access is Key
A Trustees permit is needed for cars. Take the Chappy Ferry with your vehicle for the best experience.
⏰ Arrive Early in Summer
Summer ferry lines can be long; go early to avoid waits and secure parking.
💰 Entry Fee
A small fee ($5 per vehicle) is required to enter the Wasque Wildlife Preserve after reaching it.
🎒 Pack a Picnic
Bring your cooler with lunch and drinks as amenities are limited. Enjoy a relaxing BBQ.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear comfortable shoes for walking the trails and exploring the beach area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Wasque Reservation's stunning, secluded beach and calm waters, calling it the 'most beautiful place on Martha's Vineyard.' The journey via the Chappy Ferry and the effort to reach the pristine shores are consistently described as 'totally worth it.' While access requires planning and a vehicle permit, the tranquility and natural beauty make it a highly recommended escape.
"10/10 if you can drive out to the beach"
TORSTRUP97 GAMING
"Amazing place to relax, BBQ and enjoy a good book. Obviously you need a car (and a trustees permit) to drive here. Nice and clean beach. But of course, you need to go early in the morning during summer days, otherwise the wait for the ferry will be long!"
Carlos
"It's a journey to get here...a relaxing and stress-free journey that takes effort, but is totally worth it. The absolute seclusion is incredible. Take the Chappy Ferry ($13) with your vehicle, don't walk/bike on. Drive about 4 miles to the entrance of Wasque Wildlife Preserve and pay $5 per vehicle to enter. Go about 1/2 mile to the end of the road on the left and park in the dirt lot- it only holds about 10 cars. Take your cooler (lunch/drinks) and your beach chair and Follow the short path through what looks like Sherwood Forrest to the beach . Your welcome."
M W
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary way to reach Wasque Reservation is via the Chappy Ferry from Martha's Vineyard. You can take your vehicle on the ferry, which is highly recommended for exploring the reservation. Be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak summer season.
While you can bike or walk onto the Chappy Ferry, it's a significant distance to Wasque from the ferry landing. Having a vehicle is much more practical for enjoying the reservation's amenities and reaching the beach.
Yes, a Trustees permit is required to drive your vehicle to Wasque Reservation. Ensure you have this in order before your visit.
Ferry hours vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Chappy Ferry schedule online for the most up-to-date operating times before planning your trip.
Yes, there is parking available, including a small dirt lot at the end of the road on the left that holds about 10 cars. Arriving early is crucial, especially in summer.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a $5 per vehicle entrance fee for the Wasque Wildlife Preserve after you arrive.
Wasque Reservation is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, specific access might be tied to ferry operations and seasonal considerations. It's advisable to check with The Trustees for any specific closure notices.
Tickets for the Chappy Ferry are typically purchased at the terminal. For the Wasque Wildlife Preserve entrance, payment is usually made on-site.
Access is primarily via the Chappy Ferry. Vehicle access requires a Trustees permit. During peak times, parking can be limited.
The Trustees permit is required for vehicles to access certain Trustees properties, including Wasque Reservation, to help maintain these natural areas.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Wasque offers opportunities for relaxing on the beach, swimming in calm waters, picnicking, birdwatching, and exploring coastal trails through grasslands and marshes.
Absolutely! The calm water depth is perfect for kids swimming, and the beach provides ample space for play. Remember to pack snacks and drinks.
Yes, the reservation is a great spot for a BBQ. Make sure to bring all your supplies and dispose of any trash properly.
You can spot various shorebirds like sandpipers and herons, as well as butterflies in the grasslands and marshes.
Reviews consistently mention the beach is nice and clean, making it a pleasant place to spend the day.
📸 📸 Photography
The stunning coastal views, the serene beach, and the unique marshland landscapes offer excellent photographic opportunities. Capture the interplay of sand, sea, and sky.
Yes, with its diverse birdlife and coastal flora, Wasque is a fantastic location for nature photographers. Early morning light often provides the best conditions.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the most beautiful light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with The Trustees and local authorities regarding any restrictions on drone operation before flying.
The ferry itself can be a subject, or you can capture the journey across the water with the island in the background.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Packing a picnic is essential, as there are no concessions on-site. This allows families to enjoy a relaxed BBQ or a leisurely lunch with a view. The journey via the Chappy Ferry can also be an exciting part of the adventure for kids. Remember to bring sun protection and plenty of snacks and drinks to ensure a comfortable day out.
🚗 Vehicle Travelers
Driving onto Chappaquiddick Island allows you to easily transport all your beach gear, coolers, and picnic supplies. The drive to Wasque from the ferry is relatively short, and there is designated parking, though it can fill up quickly during peak times. Having a car maximizes your ability to explore the reservation at your own pace.
🚴♀️ Cyclists & Active Travelers
While you can bike to the reservation, be prepared for the distances involved once you're on the island. Carrying your gear might be more challenging, so pack light. The trails within Wasque are also suitable for walking and exploring on foot, offering a great way to immerse yourself in the natural surroundings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Chappaquiddick Island
Once on Chappaquiddick, the landscape shifts from the bustling towns of Martha's Vineyard to a more tranquil, natural environment. Wasque Reservation is a prime example of this, offering vast stretches of undeveloped coastline and marshland. The journey to Wasque involves a drive from the ferry landing, and the reservation itself has specific access points and fees for vehicles. This sense of remoteness is part of its appeal, providing an escape from the everyday.
For those who prefer a more active approach, biking on Chappaquiddick can be a rewarding experience. The island offers beautiful, relatively quiet roads perfect for cycling. While it might be quicker to get onto the ferry as a biker during busy times, remember the distances once you're on the island. Regardless of your chosen mode of transport, Chappaquiddick promises a distinct and peaceful island adventure.
The Natural Beauty of Wasque
The coastal area is particularly noteworthy for its calm waters, which are ideal for swimming and wading, making it a family-friendly destination. The beach itself is described as stunning and well worth the effort to reach, offering a sense of seclusion and tranquility. The natural beauty here is a significant draw, providing a peaceful retreat for those looking to relax and reconnect with nature.
Exploring the reservation involves walking along designated paths that wind through these natural landscapes. The experience is often described as relaxing and stress-free, a perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of daily life. The unspoiled environment of Wasque Reservation is a testament to its conservation efforts and a significant reason for its high ratings.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit