Navigation:
Barnstable Harbor, 10 miles eastward of Cape Cod Canal entrance, is the approach to the town of Barnstable and the village of Yarmouth Port. It is used mostly by local fishing and charter fishing boats and pleasure boats. A lighted bell buoy, about 2 miles northward of Beach Point, marks the approach. Mariners are urged to use caution when approaching the entrance and inside the harbor as there are a fair amount of lobster traps in the area, mostly outside the entrance.
Prominent features:
Prominent landmarks include the privately owned tower of a former lighthouse on the south side of Beach Point, a standpipe and a lighted radio tower at Barnstable and a spire in Yarmouth.
Channels:
The channel into Barnstable Harbor is marked by lighted and unlighted buoys. The bar channel and the channel through the harbor leading to Maraspin Creek are subject to continual change; strangers should obtain local information before entering. The harbor is nearly filled by flats and shoals; the chart is the best guide for navigating the channels. With northerly winds a heavy sea makes on the bar, and vessels bound to Barnstable should take shelter in the eastern entrance to Cape Cod Canal or anchor in Plymouth or Provincetown Harbors until the weather moderates.
Maraspin Creek Lighted Buoy 1, about 0.2 mile northward of Blish Point, marks the entrance to the channel; this private aid is maintained from May to November. From the lighted buoy to Blish Point, the channel is marked by private daybeacons.
Anchorages:
Sheltered anchorage is available north of the channel between Beach Point and Maraspin Creek entrance. Care should be taken to avoid the cable area extending southward from Beach Point.
Dangers:
The south side of the harbor is very foul with covered rocks and ledges most of which are unmarked; extreme caution should be exercised if heading for the yacht club without local knowledge. Several rocks near the channel leading to the yacht club are marked by private seasonal buoys; these aids should not be taken as marking the entrance to Maraspin Creek.
Current:
Velocities of the tidal current in the entrance at strength average 1.3 knots, flooding southward and ebbing northward.
Ice generally obstructs the harbor during a part of the winter.
Harbor regulations:
Berthage at the float landings along the western and southern sides of Maraspin Creek are under the control of the harbormaster, who may be contacted at 508–790– 6273 or VHF-FM channel 16.
Small-craft facilities:
A marina on the west side of the creek, about 200 yards southward of Blish Point, has 5 to 6 feet reported alongside its floats. Gasoline and diesel fuel are available at the service float, and ice, pump-out facility, provisions and marine supplies are obtainable nearby. There is a 20- ton mobile hoist that can haul out boats up to 55 feet in length for hull and engine repairs and dry covered or open winter storage.
A marina, on the east side of the creek, is used primarily by outboard boats. Gasoline, water and electricity are available at the float landings, which have a reported 3 feet alongside. Outboard motor repair and open winter storage are available for small craft that are hauled out using trailers. A paved town small-craft launching ramp is on the north side of this marina, and the state-run Blish Point boat ramp is just north of the small-craft ramp.
Limited transient berths with 3 to 6 feet alongside with water and electricity available are maintained by the town. A snack bar and other conveniences are at the harbor, and lodging, a grocery store and restaurants are within walking distance.
The Barnstable Yacht Club is on the southern side of Barnstable Harbor about 0.6 mile westward of the entrance to Maraspin Creek. Another paved town smallcraft launching ramp is about 0.3 mile westward of the yacht club.
