Welcome to Sipson Island
Plan your visit.
In July 2020 — just a month after Sipson Island was acquired for conservation — SIT opened the island to the public. Until then, it had been in private hands since Colonial times, off limits to all but owners and their guests. Public access has been a cornerstone of our mission from day one. We’re committed to finding creative, inclusive, sustainable ways to make the island’s treasures available to visitors through passive recreation, education, and research.
Help us care for the island!
Balancing recreation with preservation is a challenge for any organization charged with managing conserved land. Sipson Island features diverse and valuable habitats: woodland, upland meadows, coastal banks, beaches, dunes, and offshore marine habitat, providing shelter and sustenance for wildlife from marine invertebrates to songbirds and shorebirds. Its coastal landforms are protected under the State of Massachusetts and Town of Orleans laws. Also on the island are disturbed areas where houses were built and invasive plants run rampant. Preserving and restoring Sipson’s natural habitats is foundational to our work. Your help as an island visitor is vital!
Please observe guidelines below and signs on-island.
Getting there
You’ll reach Sipson Island by private boat, preferably via the beaches on the protected eastern shore. Access from the busy channel on the west side (The Narrows) is for kayaks and paddleboards only. Find navigation advice and our access map here. Because the island is surrounded by critical marine habitat, only shallow-draft boats (under 22 feet) may land. Dock at the north end of the island (“SIT Dock” on map) may be accessed only to drop off and pick up passengers; no tying up.
Exploring onshore
Signs will guide you to exploring the island safely while helping to protect it for generations to come. Conservation Restrictions prohibit pets, fires, or public camping anywhere on the island. On the beaches, don’t disturb grasses or other vegetation. In the uplands, stay on mowed pathways — ticks and poison ivy lurk outside. Keep away from steep, unstable bluffs. For safety, areas where dwellings now stand are off limits to the public until SIT “undevelops” and restores these sites.
When you leave…
The island is open from sunrise to sunset. Be sure to allow enough time to boat home safely, given available light, tides, and weather conditions. Carry-in/carry-out is the rule: If you brought it to the island, be sure to take it away — along with memories and photos of your visit to Sipson Island. Please visit our Facebook page and tell us about it!
A guide for your visit.
This map shows upland trails that are currently open in green. Last winter, trails along the bluffs were dangerously undercut by erosion and are being re-routed. Other trails are temporarily off limits to protect areas under restoration. Please stay on the mowed trails and observe directions on signs. All the beaches are open! Please observe marked landing areas on the east side. Thank you!
Current fire danger is high! Please, no smoking or any open flame.
Activities we support and encourage.
Scenic viewing
Walking, hiking, picnicking
Swimming and snorkeling
Birdwatching and observing wildlife
Photography, painting, sketching
Group visits (10 or more: contact SIT in advance)
Not allowed.
Pets or domestic animals
Open fires, camp stoves, grills
Fireworks or firearms
Hunting, trapping, harassing wildlife
Collecting plants, animals, or artifacts
Use of private beach (except to transit) or private dock on east side
Use of metal detectors
Visiting after dark
Boating “no’s”
Access via boats for hire
Landing deep-draft boats or boats longer than 22 feet
Landing outside designated areas
Docking without permission
Storing boats by the public
A tale of two signs. Above: Would-be visitors to the island once saw this message. Right: What they see today.