The Chatham Fish Pier

April 2024

Opened in 1946, the Chatham Fish Pier has been a staple of the town for decades. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat, watch seals hopeful for food, or just take in the views of the Atlantic.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the Chatham Fish Pier, including when to go, how to get there, and what to do while you are there.

Finding Seals at the Chatham Fish Pier

One of the biggest draws to visiting the fish pier in Chatham is that it’s a great place to see seals! As boats pull into the pier after a long day of fishing, the seals know that it is time to eat.

Waiting patiently, the seals swim near the fishing boats or the pier hoping for scraps off the deck from the day’s catch.

Best Time to Visit and Where to Watch

The best time to visit the Chatham Fish Pier is when the boats are unloading from a day of fishing. Seal will often come up to the dock in hopes of catching scraps or a stray fish. Boats will often come in from mid to late afternoon, depending on the time of year.

The best place to view the seals or take in the working of the dock is from the newly constructed observation dock. The dock cost the town of Chatham almost $1.4 million dollars to build, before it opened in 2019.

In addition to watching the working of the pier, you can also see Aunt Lydia’s Cove, Tern Island Sanctuary, and further out into the Atlantic from the observation deck. It is a great place for taking scenic pictures and selfies. Visitors of all ages delight in rocking in the lobster trap chairs on the deck.

Where is Chatham Pier?

Chatham Pier is located at the corner of Shore Road and Barcliff Avenue on Aunt Lydia’s Cove at 54 Barcliff Road Extension. Parking in the lower lot is by permit only, but visitors can use the upper lot.

What is the Chatham Fish Pier?

The Chatham Fish Pier is, first and foremost, a working commercial fishing pier. Every suitable day for fishing, several boats travel anywhere from 3 to 100 miles from the pier to catch fish and other seafood for consumption. Some of the seafood brought into the pier includes:

• Haddock
• Cod
• Flounder
• Lobster
• Pollock
• Halibut

Once the seafood is brought back to the port, it’s put on ice and brought directly to New York, Boston, New Bedford, and other local markets.

In addition to being a working pier, the Chatham Fish Pier is also a great popular tourist destination due to the resident seals and a great place to grab a bite to eat!

Chatham Pier Fish Market

One of the reasons people come from far and wide to visit Cape Cod is to enjoy fresh seafood. What’s fresher than eating seafood that’s fresh off the boat?

Chatham has acquiesced to the needs and wants of tourists and locals alike by selling seafood that’s coming off the boats at Chatham Pier in the Chatham Pier Fish Market.

Depending on availability and the season, you can buy the following fish fresh from the Chatham Pier Fish Market:

• Flounder
• Sole
• Cod
• Haddock
• Halibut
• Striped Bass
• Bluefin Tuna
• Much More!

Don’t feel like cooking? Grab a meal at the Chatham Pier Fish Market. You can enjoy your meal right outside on the picnic tables while you take in the view and bustle of the pier. Since everything is fresh, your favorite may not always be available, but you can buy delicious favorites like clam chowder, shrimp rolls, fish and chips, lobster rolls, and much more.

Fishing Charter from Chatham Pier

Want to experience catching fish from the Chatham Pier firsthand? You will find several fishing charters for hire that leave directly from Chatham Pier, giving you the opportunity to catch and eventually eat your own fish.

Check our list of Cape Cod Fishing Charters to see if the one you want to take leave from Chatham Pier.

What’s Near the Chatham Pier?

While the Chatham Pier is a ton of fun, you may want to explore Chatham more while you are there! Some notable points of interest near Chatham Pier include:

• Chatham Light – the second lighthouse built on Cape Cod, was constructed in 1808.
• Atwood House Museum – The former home of a sea captain that was built in 1752.

Regardless of whether you are just visiting the pier or spending a day wandering around, the town of Chatham is a great place to visit!

Check out our Day Trip to Chatham for more ideas.