Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
A salt-marsh sanctuary run by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, with trails to the bay for birdwatching, fiddler crabs and sea turtle rescue.
The Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is managed by the Massachusetts Audubon Society. About 4 km of trails cross pine forest, salt marsh and tidal flats to reach Cape Cod Bay, where you may see shorebirds, herons, fiddler crabs and diamondback terrapins. The visitor center has nature exhibits, and autumn and winter are the season for cold-stunned sea turtle rescues. In summer there are guided tidal flat walks and seal-watching boat trips. Admission is about $10, making it especially suitable for families and birdwatching enthusiasts.
Opening hours
Trail approx. 08:00–20:00; visitor center approx. 09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Marconi Beach & Marconi Station Site
- Nauset Light
- Cape Cod National Seashore (Salt Pond Visitor Center)
- Coast Guard Beach
- Fort Hill
- Nauset Beach (Orleans)
- Cape Cod Rail Trail
- Highland Light (Cape Cod Light)