Cape Cod Canal (Massachusetts)

Cape Cod Canal is a man-made waterway located in Massachusetts USA. It connects Cape Cod Bay (located in the north) to Buzzards Bay (in the south).

• Part of Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the approx 11,3 km (7 ml) long canal traverses the tight neck of land which joins Cape Cod to state's mainland. Most of canal's length follows tidal rivers widened to 150 m (480 ft) and deepened to 9,8 m (32 ft) at mean low water, shaving 217 km (135 ml) off the trip around the Cape for its approx 14,000 annual users.
• Most of Cape Cod Canal is located in Bourne, Massachusetts. However, its northeastern terminus is situated in the town of Sandwich. Close to the north entrance of the canal lies Scusset Beach State Reservation, while Massachusetts Maritime Academy lies near its south. Swift running current alters direction every 6 hours and can reach 8,4 km (5,2 ml) per hour during receding ebb tide.
• Cape Cod Canal is maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and features no toll fees. It's spanned by Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge and 2 highway bridges - Sagamore and Bourne. Traffic lights found at either end govern vessels' approach over 19,8 m (65 ft).
• Although being artificial, the waterway is occasionally used by dolphins and whales including endangered North Atlantic right whales which can cause canal's closure.

Cape Cod Canal is used extensively by commercial and recreational vessels (day-trip riverboats and cruise ships). Service roads on both its sides provide access for fishing and are used by in-line walkers, skaters and bicyclists. Several parking areas are provided at access points. Visitors often just sit and watch boats and ships transiting Cape Cod. Bourne Scenic Park, adjacent to the Canal is leased by Corps of Engineers to Town of Bourne Recreation Authority for use as RV campground and a tent.

In the morning on October 2, 2015 (at around 10 am), the world's largest residential (privately-owned) cruise ship MS The World navigated through the Cape Cod Canal waterway passing under Sagamore, Bourne, railroad bridges. The large vessel has a total of 165 residences (privately-owned staterooms / appartments), including studios, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom suites.

Cape Cod Canal cruise terminal