Shining Tides Beach
At the head of Mattapoisett Harbor sits Shining Tides Beach, a town beach that holds a special place in the heart of many local nature lovers. The beach’s secluded setting makes it a favorite for families, who can play in the sand and splash in the harbor’s calm waters. Beyond the beach, explore the scenic salt marsh on Eel Pond, a favorite spot for catching blue crabs in summer.
Features
Swimming, paddling, quahogging, crabbing – Shining Tides Beach truly offers it all for local residents. Stay and play on the sandy beach, with its family-friendly waters and scenic views of sailboats on Mattapoisett Harbor. Dig for quahogs in the shallows just beyond the shore, or launch a kayak and paddle around the harbor.
Shining Tides Beach is a gateway to exploration on the shores of Buzzards Bay. Discover Eel Pond, a stunning salt marsh just behind the beach where crabs and birds are abundant. Or take a long walk down the beach through the Mattapoisett YMCA’s Camp Massasoit to the mouth of the Mattapoisett River.
Kids (and their parents) will be amazed by the wildlife you can find in the salt marsh along Eel Pond, just behind Shining Tides Beach in Mattapoisett.
Habitats & Wildlife
A big part of what makes Shining Tides Beach so special is its habitats and wildlife. Scrubby vegetation like beach plum and cedar trees grow along the shoreline, separating the beach from the salt marsh. A tidal creek cuts through the beach, connecting Eel Pond with Mattapoisett Harbor. Look for quahogs and hermit crabs among the rocks and mud – and even the occasional horseshoe crab!
Wildlife abound along Eel Pond’s marshy shores. From shorebirds and ospreys to egrets and herons, you’re sure to see a variety of birds here. And locals know that Eel Pond is a stellar spot to catch blue crabs, which is a fantastic summer activity to do with your kids.
