[QUOTE=BamaVol]It's been 35 years since I spent my summers on the Cape but I'm pretty sure the water is still warm and comfortable for swimming on the bay side. Cape Cod Bay is shallow and protected and much warmer than the ocean side. At low tide, it is enjoyable to walk way out and wade through tidal pools looking at the stranded sealife. The downside, is that the waves are way smaller if you're into surfing or just jumping into the big rollers.


I grew up on Cape Cod (living in sunny AZ now) and travel back every summer to see my grandparents. Having spent many a summer in the ocean, I can assure that it is definitely warm enough to swim. However, Cape Cod Bay (the north side of the cape) is by far the coldest water you wille experience. It is protected and not in the warm gulf stream waters so it is substantially chillier. Waves are much smaller on the bay side although the towns and villages are just as cozy.

The Cape Cod National Seashore (beginning in Eastham and running all the way to Provincetown) is not to be missed. Waves here can be huge and great for surfing or body boarding. Here the water is also a little bit colder becasue you are directly accessing the Atlantic Ocean. The warmest waters (mid to high 70's) in the summer can be found on the south shore of the Cape. Specifically, the towns of Dennis, Barnstable, Yarmouth and Harwich. Here, waves are smaller but the water is warm because you are directly in the gulf stream and shallower water of Nantucket sound.

There is also a lot to do in the evening on the Cape;ebverything from great restaurants to nationally acclaimed theatre and the Cape Cod Baseball League (where many of the country's baseball talents started out).

I'd be happy to answer any question you have about the Cape. It's a great place and I hope you conisder it.