Things to Do on Wequaquet Lake in Centerville

Sitting on the south side of Barnstable between the Mid-Cape Highway and Craigville Beach, Centerville is a mostly residential village with plenty to offer those lucky enough to own property there. The neighborhood is quiet, yet has easy access to amenities like Cape Cod Mall, Hyannis Harbor, and the numerous beaches on both Nantucket Sound and Cape Cod Bay, creating the ideal living situations for its residents.

One of the village's most notable features is Wequaquet Lake, a 654-acre body of water with 7.5 miles of shoreline, a 34-foot maximum depth, and all kinds of recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Whether you buy a waterfront home on Wequaquet Lake or visit from another part of Cape Cod, you'll be blown away by the peaceful atmosphere and calm waters that the lake provides.

Life on the Cape doesn't always have to mean spending time near the ocean, as places like Wequaquet Lake provide allow for an entirely different way to hang out on the water.

Head to the Beach

Although much of Wequaquet Lake is surrounded by private real estate, there is a public beach on the northwest corner of the lake off Shootflying Hill Road. This beach is relatively small but has indoor washrooms, a roped-off swimming area, and picnic tables. There are a limited number of parking spaces found at the beach, as well.

The beach at Wequaquet Lake is usually uncrowded, and the water is calm and warm, making it the ideal place for young children. Keep in mind that you'll only find lifeguards there during the high season and that you'll need a beach sticker to park near the water.

Do Some Boating

Boating is a popular activity on Wequaquet Lake because there's plenty of space to explore, and since there isn't a whole lot of parking near the water, it rarely gets too busy. There's a boat ramp at Wequaquet Lake beach, making it the most natural place to put your boat in the water. From there, you can easily float around the lake or find some places to waterski or wakeboard.

The calms waters of Wequaquet Lake also create a wonderful place for canoeing and kayaking, as you won't have to worry about waves or severe storms like you would on the ocean. It's also worth noting that if you have a small boat, you'll find a few other access points around the lake. Remember, however, that you'll have to carry your boat from the road to the water at these locations because there's only one public boat ramp.

Catch Some Fish

There's some excellent fishing at Wequaquet Lake, making it a popular location for local anglers. Species that you'll find in the lake include largemouth bass, chain pickerel, brown bullhead, yellow perch, and pumpkinseed, in addition to a few smaller species that aren't really worth catching. Alefish also swim up the Centerville River to breed in Wequaquet Lake.

The average depth of Wequaquet Lake is only 14 feet, so you'll find plenty of shallow places to put your line in the water.

Join the Wequaquet Lake Yacht Club

Those who plan to spend a lot of time on the lake might consider investing in a membership at the Wequaquet Lake Yacht Club. The club limits its membership to 110 families and only accepts new members before the summer season with sponsorship from an existing member. If you know someone with a membership, it might be worth checking out for the coming summer.

Membership at the Wequaquet Lake Yacht Club gives you access to their clubhouse, which holds numerous events throughout the year, as well as mooring rentals, sailing lessons, and swimming lessons for the kids. There is also a small private beach at the yacht club, so if you don't feel fighting the crowds for parking, the Wequaquet Lake Yacht Club is an option.

Spending Your Time on Wequaquet Lake

Once you visit Wequaquet Lake, you're sure to return time after time because it provides a little bit of everything. The lake is large enough that you'll find plenty of open space if you want to relax on the water, while still offering the weather protection of a closed body of water.

This lake is the perfect place to teach the kids how to paddle, sail, and swim or to learn these skills yourself with worrying about ocean currents or the weather making your journey dangerous.

Living on Cape Cod means being close to the recreational opportunities of Wequaquet Lake and the other great kettle ponds and lakes scattered throughout the region all year round.