Sand Spit
Swim, beachcomb, dig for quahogs, or just soak in the sun with a beach day on Pocasset’s Sand Spit. Also known as Patuisset Beach, this quiet town-owned family shellfishing area provides sandy island vibes with great views from its position in bustling Hen Cove.
Features
Enjoy the best of summer with a relaxing day on the Sand Spit. As its name suggests, this small beach is not much more than a patch of sand that local currents have built up against the salt marsh on the eastern side of Pocasset’s Hen Cove. However, its position on the outer edge of the cove makes this a stellar spot to spend a summer day, splashing in the cove’s warm waters or watching sailboats breeze by on their way out to Buzzards Bay. Sand Spit is also a town-designated family shellfishing area, meaning that anyone with a non-commercial Bourne shellfishing permit can dig up quahogs here for a delicious dinner.
Because the Sand Spit is relatively small, it shrinks considerably at high tide. Be sure to check the local tide chart before planning your day at the beach. Additionally, parking here is limited to two or three pull-off spots; arrive early or adventure by bike or on foot to ensure you get a spot!
Habitats & Wildlife
Hen Cove’s shallow, sandy bottom is an ideal habitat for hard clams and other shellfish, and the border of salt marsh that lines the Sand Spit helps support this important population of marine life. Sheltered by the arms of Bassetts Island, this calm harbor is also a good place to find schoolie bluefish, or to set off by boat from nearby Hen Cove Landing to pursue larger stripers that hang out off the edge of Wings Neck.
On the water, look for a wide variety of bird life that visit Hen Cove throughout the year. Herons, ospreys, and egrets are often seen in the summer, and eiders and buffleheads raft out on the surface in winter.
