Edgartown Great Pond in Massachusetts

by  guest-paddler

A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler

Trip Overview

Edgartown Great Pond is a salt pond on the south shore of Martha's Vineyard island. It has about 15 miles of shoreline due to the several coves. It is shaped like a hand, with the fingers being coves pointing north away from the ocean. A trip done this summer from the town launch on Mashaket Neck around Kanomika Neck and up Janes Cove and Wintucket cove is about 5 1/2 miles. About 150 yards up Wintucket Cove I spotted an otter in the water watching me. A little further there was an osprey family, busily teaching the young. Osprey can be seen frequently on the salt ponds of Martha's Vineyard. At the end of Wintucket Cove are 2 wooden walls spanning the cove, very old and decomposed. There is a small opening in each to paddle though, but watch your draft, as it is shallow.

Janes Cove, the next to the left, is more developed along the shore. I did see several white swans and a white heron, along with ducks and cormorants. The houses are large and expensive, but generally built without trashing the shoreline. There is rarely any activity on the pond. I usually have the cove to myself. Sometimes there is another paddler in the distance, or someone in a skiff or Sunfish heading over to South beach.

Accommodations:

The town landing is a sand area with parking for 20-30 cars. I have never seen it full, even in August. There are usually several quohoggers skiffs moored nearby, but the shallowness doesn't lend itself to bigger powerboats.

Directions:

From the West Tisbury Rd, take Meeting House Way ( a 2 lane dirt road with washboard sections) 1.3 miles to a dirt road on the right. Follow this .8 miles to the town landing on Mashaket Neck

Trip Details

  • Trip Duration: Day Trip
  • Sport/Activity: Kayaking, Canoeing
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Water Type: Flat/Sheltered Water

Trip Location