News

Boating Destination – Onset, MA


What’s Going on in Onset?

At Atlantic Boats, we’re kinda partial to the little town and harbor of Onset, mainly because our Stonebridge Marina is located there, just north of the Stone Bridge on the edge of Broad Cove.

But many other boaters have ventured into our home waters before, after or during a transit of the Cape Cod Canal and found our quaint little town and Buzzards Bay location to be quite charming. It’s been that way since Victorian times, when the trains brought in visitors from Boston and Providence to splash on our beaches, enjoy the food and drink in our little town, and even spent a night or three in one of our local inns.

The good news is that Onset is getting better and better. The Buzzards Bay Coalition, working with the town of Wareham (within which Onset lies) have been making plans and working away on two major improvement projects. 

First, there’s the reclamation of Wickets Island at the entrance to Onset Harbor. Work on this elevated islet (there are some 40-foot cliffs hidden in the underbrush) has included stripping out the invasive brush, vines and poison ivy and removal of a collapsed old house to allow visitors to safely walk around the island, splash in the water, dig for quahogs and enjoy a picnic. Once all the work is completed, Wickets should be a major attraction for boaters visiting the area.

The Coalition is also working on renovating the old Victorian Bathhouse on the shore in town, with the aim of turning it into a community education and recreation center, offering programs for kids of all ages.  We think this will be a great new addition to the town, and those who stop by for a visit.

Boaters can access Onset by turning in (to the north-northwest) from the Cape Cod Canal. Watch for the swift-running currents in the Canal, and follow the marked channel that leads up to Wickets Island and into the harbor. 

Visiting boaters are always welcome to stop in at the Stonebridge Marina, where we can handle boats up to 35 feet. We’ve got all the amenities including gas, stores, pump-out and more. Plus, our guests can use our complimentary gas grills or enjoy food and drink at the Stonebridge Bar and Grill.  There are some lovely sandy beaches nearby and all the shops, restaurants and cafes of the town of Onset are a short walk away.

We also offer boat rentals–both pontoons and small fishing boats–for those who want to explore the waters of Onset Bay. 

There are also some good anchorages nearby. Give a shout out to our harbormaster on Channel 09 and he’ll direct you.

If you come ashore, don’t miss our local eateries. Stash’s Onset Beach is a great little clam shack by the town pier, Quahog Republic, as the name suggests, offers delicious stuffies and other great food and drink, and Marc Anthony’s pizzeria is a popular spot.

There’s a whole lot goin’ on in Onset! Come on down this summer and take a look.