Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge protects the sandy barrier islands that curl south from Chatham, along with a mainland unit at Morris Island. The refuge protects habitat for migratory shorebirds, horseshoe crabs, tiger beetles and gray seals, and more than 3,500 acres are federally designated wilderness, which surround the historic Monomoy Light and the keepers house. The refuge grounds are open seven days a week, year-round, from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. The mainland Morris Island unit is reached from 30 Wikis Way in Chatham, where a trail runs through the dunes and beach; parts are intertidal and may be impassable at high tide. The islands are reached only by boat, and the refuge says it does not run a public boat service, so you need a private operator or your own boat. The visitor center at 791 Main Street in Chatham is the best first stop, with hours that depend on staff and volunteers.
Monomoy is a place for watching. The seals are the big draw, and the surrounding sandbars are a gathering place for gray seals in large numbers, so a boat trip is the way to see them close. Shorebirds crowd the flats during spring and autumn migration, and the islands are a major stop for birders. On the mainland, Morris Island is the easy option, with a short trail and a lookout toward the islands and the dunes, and it is a good place for a quiet walk in any season.
Know the rules. Parts of the refuge are closed to protect nesting birds, and the closures shift with the seasons, so respect posted Area Closed signs. Dogs are not allowed on Morris Island from May 1 to September 15, and are allowed on a leash on the trails from September 16 to April 30; they are never allowed on South Monomoy, North Monomoy or Minimoy. Drones, fires, camping, bicycling and picnicking are prohibited, and carts are not allowed in the Monomoy Wilderness. Check the tide table before walking the Morris Island trail.
Good to know
The Wikis Way kiosk is staffed from Memorial Day to Labor Day by volunteers, from ten to four when available. Parking at Morris Island fills in summer. In the cooler months the refuge is quiet, and a winter walk with binoculars can bring ducks and seals. Pair a visit with the Chatham Fish Pier and the lighthouse overlook, which are a few minutes away, and ask at the visitor center about licensed boat operators for island and seal trips.
Making it work
Bring binoculars and a field guide if you are a birder, wear waterproof footwear for the intertidal sections of the Morris Island trail and carry water, because there are no services on the trail. The visitor center on Main Street is the place to ask about current closures, tide times and licensed boat operators. Stay well back from seals and from fenced nesting areas, which are marked to protect the birds, and leave no trace of your visit.
A winter morning here, with a thermos and warm layers, is one of the most memorable quiet outings near Chatham, and the low sun on the dunes rewards the effort of an early start. Always check the tide and the weather before you set out.
What to expect
The experience
A mainland trail at Morris Island, plus boat-only access to the barrier islands and wilderness.
Best time
Spring and autumn for migrating shorebirds, and the cooler months for quiet seal watching.
How long
An hour on the Morris Island trail; half a day if you add a boat trip with a private operator.
Tips
Check the tide before walking the trail, obey closure signs, and note the seasonal dog rules.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Birders, seal watchers and anyone who likes a wild coast near Chatham.
- Families
- Morris Island is an easy walk; keep children back from seals and nesting areas.
- Couples
- A quiet winter walk or a seal boat trip followed by a Chatham dinner.
- Pair with
- The Chatham Fish Pier and Lighthouse and the National Seashore.
- Time needed
- One hour on foot, half a day with a boat.
Good questions
Is the refuge open all year?+
Yes, the grounds are open seven days a week, from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
How do I reach the islands?+
Only by boat. The refuge does not operate a public boat service, so use a private operator or your own boat.
Where is the mainland trail?+
At Morris Island, with parking at 30 Wikis Way in Chatham. Parts of the trail are intertidal and may be underwater at high tide.
Can I bring a dog?+
On Morris Island, no dogs from May 1 to September 15, and leashed dogs are allowed from September 16 to April 30. Dogs are never allowed on the islands.
Is there a fee?+
The refuge page does not mention an entrance fee. Boat operators charge their own fares.
