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Sipson Island
Photograph: Sipson Island Trust

You can visit this private island off the coast of Cape Cod for the first time in 300 years

Sipson Island awaits.

Anna Rahmanan
Written by
Anna Rahmanan
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Sipson Island is a conservation area with limited public access off the coast of Cape Cod that was bought by early English colonists from the Monomoyick people back in 1711 and now, for the first time in 300 years, folks can visit it—albeit following some rules, of course.

The island went up for sale a few years ago and, given its location within an area of critical environmental concern, plenty of conservation organizations tried to purchase it to protect and preserve it. In June, the Friends of Pleasant Bay organization was able to help raise enough capital to make the purchase and the destination is now officially fully open to the public.

Restrictions do apply, though: only shallow boats under 22 feet can gain access to the shore, guests are encouraged to access the area through the eastern portion of the land, social distancing guidelines are to be respected, you're to keep away from "existing island structures" and cannot bring along pets, start fires, go hunting or camping. 

The regulations aim to keep the land as pristine and natural as possible, a status that will make your sailing, snorkeling, kayaking and birdwatching expeditions that much more exciting. You're even encouraged to set up a picnic on the local pristine white beaches.

One more fun fact before you go off perusing the beautiful area: this was the last island in Pleasant Bay that was still privately owned and not open to the public so treat it with the respect it deserves.

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