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Plymouth, Massachusetts : Cranberry World (Gone)

Museum was operated by Ocean Spray and dedicated to educating people about the cultivation and uses of cranberries. Had free cranberry juice samples and convenient rest rooms.

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Visitor Tips and News About Cranberry World

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Cranberry World has, alas, closed its doors and is no more.

Ocean Spray's Cranberry visitor's center in downtown Plymouth, within walking distance of Plymouth Rock and the Wax museum. Admittance is free, and you get to walk through the History of the Cranberry exhibit with the obligatory "Indians with Cranberries" diorama then on to the larger "How Cranberries are Processed" videos and exhibits. Take a picture of a loved one next to the giant cranberry model or the cranberry bog.

The highlight comes at the end of the self-guided tour when you enter the kitchen and get to try Ocean Spray products. About 12-15 enormous tanks, each holding a different variety of Ocean Spray juice (some are prototypes, not available to the public), are open to taste. When I was there they were offering samples of cranberry mustard on pretzels. The best part of Cranberry World, in my opinion, was that by showing your receipt at the door you could come in at any time during that day and go through the sampling room again and again.

Plymouth Rock is no reason to drive to Plymouth. Cranberry World, USA is however, worth the trip. Interesting exhibits, cranberry recipe tasting and all the cranberry juice products that you can drink. The juice does come in tiny little cups, so you've really got to plant yourself there for a while in order to drink a whole lot.

Still a pause that refreshes on Roadside America's Boring Tour .

We found Plymouth Rock to be a complete bust, but did discover "Cranberry World" in Plymouth. The museum is operated by Ocean Spray and dedicated to educating people about the cultivation and uses of cranberries. You can drink all the cranberry juice you can hold .

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Welcome to Our Cranberry Farm

Leo & Andrea Cakounes operate the largest organic cranberry bog on Cape Cod.  Located in Harwich, MA, daily tours of the bog are offered seasonally.  Learn about the 12 month operation of a cranberry bog.  See the equipment and visit with the farm animals. Please visit our FAQs page to see if our tour is right for your summer fun.   See tour times below and contact us here to book your tour.

*Tours Fill Quickly ~ Reservations Required*

Daily tour schedule, relaxed & informative tour for adults & kids, cape cod bog tour prices.

Adults $20    Children (under 18) $20

We DO NOT accept credit cards

Spring, Summer & Fall Tours

Before and after your tour, you are invited to visit our farm stand and gift shop.

Gifts ~ Farm Fresh Eggs ~ Cranberry-related items

New England Bucket List: Wading into a Cranberry Bog

Getting knee-deep into a cranberry bog with waders on has long been an item on my New England bucket list . Did you know cranberries are native to New England, like their cousin the blueberry? Without New England the world would not know the tart-sweetness of this red fruit. (England has a relative, but not quite our cranberry.) From a visit to a Cape Cod Festival years back my family found the recipe for our holiday favorite, Cranberry P’Cake . There are other cranberry bog tours in New England, but we loved our family run tour with Stone Bridge Farms in Acushnet, Massachusetts. It was the coolest thing my family experienced this fall– agreed on by the youngest of us to the senior members.

Table of Contents

A Little about Cranberries

Cranberries are grown in on low-lying vines in clay and sand-lined bogs. Bogs are sort of like valleys and were created by glaciers long ago. These bogs are a unique ecosystem for not only cranberries, but also unique life and there are many around New England. You can read more about them here.

About Stone Bridge Farm

One thing I love about the farm is that it is family-run for over 25 years. Most of the farms around New England are family-run, but also sell their fruit to large distributors such as Ocean Spray.

The cranberry farm sits in a residential neighborhood. There is a marked parking lot. If you take one of the first spots, it is a little confusing where you need to go. We almost knocked on a house door. If you walk to the other side of the parking lot, it will be more obvious to check in at the barn.

The house has a little store in it, with yummy things to buy, as well as cranberries.

How to book a tour at Stone Bridge Farm

Book a tour time online.  Tours are offered every half an hour, 7 days a week for the month of October. They sell out months in advance, so I would recommend booking your tour by the end of July if you want your choice of days and times. The cost is $30 a person. It was a bit confusing to book, because you book one reservation for your whole party and pay for everyone but the first person when you arrive at the farm.

What you Will Learn on the Cranberry Tour

The owners of the farm give the tour, which is pretty cool.

The tour starts with a history of cranberry farming in New England and a view of some of the tools used, both current and antique.

Then we learned about the difference between dry and wet cranberry harvesting. During October, the farm has both a dry bog and a wet blog. It is pretty interesting to compare the two.

I had no idea that all cranberries weren’t picked in flooded bogs! In dry harvesting, the berries are picked, using various methods, from the intact, above ground plants. Dry harvesting is used to get cranberries to use as fruit… pretty cranberries.

It makes sense to learn that wet harvests are quicker. The bog is flooded during a wet harvest and all the berries are reigned in and collected. But the fruit isn’t pretty as it has gone through a lot, so these berries are used for juicing and such.

The Highlight of the Cranberry Tour

The part we all came for- the donning of waders and climbing into the bog for a perfect picture opportunity. It was everything we hoped for and my ten-year-old son did not want to get out.

I was concerned about what shoes to wear as I didn’t want to ruin them getting into the bog. I shouldn’t have worried. You actually take your shoes off and the waders cover your clothing. The bog feels cold through the plastic waders, but you come out just as clean as you went in. The owner is happy to take pictures for you.

In reality, the whole tour was even better than we hoped. I came with two tweens, myself and three seniors. Everyone was educated and entertained. Be sure to add this experience to your New England fall bucket list.

Read on for more fabulous ideas for things to do in New England in fall .

Have you been to a cranberry bog? Tell me about it in the comments.

If you liked it, please share it. Thank you!

4 thoughts on “New England Bucket List: Wading into a Cranberry Bog”

We just finished the tour at Stonebridge Farms and absolutely loved it. We found the tour thanks to your blog. It was a great experience. I told the owners we found them through your blog and they asked for the link as more than one person had told them they found them through your blog.

I am so happy to hear that I helped to bring this experience to you!

Hi, I’m visiting in October. Can I wade into the bog during October?

Although the month of October is when they have farm tours their website says there will be done this year.

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We own the Candleberry Inn, a boutique bed and breakfast in central Cape Cod. We're glad to share our recommendations on all the great things to explore throughout Cape Cod.

3 Best Cranberry Bog Tours on Cape Cod to Experience This Year

Cape Cod is full of unique experiences, and taking cranberry bog tours is just one example. Did you know that, in the United States, Massachusetts is the second-largest producer of cranberries with over 14,000 acres of cranberry bogs spanning the Southeastern Massachusetts region? Let’s learn more about cranberries and cranberry bog tours on Cape Cod!

Get our free Cape Cod Vacation Guide, full of the best things to do in Cape Cod. The best activities, restaurants, museums, events, views, and much more!

About Cranberries & Cranberry Bogs on Cape Cod

The wild cranberry is one of three species of fruits native to North America, and it was first domesticated on the Cape. The name is derived from the phrase “crane berry,” which references how the cranberry flower resembles the head of the Sandhill crane — the birds once frequented cranberry bogs.

History of Cranberry Bogs

For thousands of years, the Wampanoag People widely used wild cranberries (sasumuneash) as not only food but also as dye and medicine. When English settlers arrived in the area in 1620, the Native Americans taught them how to use this unique fruit for the same purposes.

The cultivation of cranberries didn’t begin until 1816 after Revolutionary War veteran Captain Henry Hall noticed that his wild cranberries would grow better when sand was blown over them. He started transplanting the vines and spreading sand on them, which others copied, steadily increasing the number of growers.

After the commercial cranberry industry caught on, the harvest season became vital to the Massachusetts and local economies by the early 1900s. Children were even excused from school to work on cranberry bogs. The industry continues to evolve to meet the demand for this fresh fruit.

How Cranberries Grow & Thrive

A special combination of factors must be present for cranberries to grow and survive — an adequate supply of fresh water and acidic peat soil. The fruit grows on low-lying vines in bogs (or marshes) that are layered with clay, gravel, peat, and sand.

The bogs were originally created by glacial deposits. However, new cranberry bogs have been formed from kettle ponds that are filled with clay, debris, and sand to create the perfect environment for the fruit vines to spread and thrive.

The Cranberry Season by Month

The cranberry season in Cape Cod extends from April to November. After going dormant through winter, the cranberry vines begin to wake in April, so the leaves start turning green. As the buds break in May, new cranberry vines grow.

Flowers emerge on the vines around mid-June, and native and migratory bees pollinate the blossoms. Then, tiny pinheads form and grow bigger through July and August. The berries start turning red by late August.

Early season cranberry varieties can be harvested around mid-September. The perfect time for harvesting most cranberry varieties is in October, though. About 95% of the berries are harvested by the end of the month. As the cranberry harvest season ends in November, the cranberry vines begin going dormant for the winter.

The best time to take a Cape Cod Cranberry Bog Tour is during the harvest season which is from mid-September to mid-December. The brilliant red berries floating on the bog’s surface make for some amazing fall color backdrops.

Learn More at the Harwich Historical Society Museum

If you want to learn more about cranberry bogs before taking a tour, head to the Harwich Historical Society Museum at Brooks Academy. It has a permanent Cranberry Culture exhibit, the largest dedicated to the cranberry history on Cape Cod.

The museum has other temporary exhibits to explore as well. But, after learning about cranberries and bogs at the museum, you can learn even more by heading to the source. There are three fantastic places for cranberry bog tours on Cape Cod.

Cape Cod Cranberry Bog Tours in Orleans

Based in Orleans, Cape Cod Cranberry Bog Tours has been growing cranberries for more than 35 years. It has multiple bog locations and offers educational tours at all of them. The specific bog that you visit will depend on bog activity when you reserve a tour.

No matter which bog you visit, you’ll learn about the history and cultivation from a cranberry grower with more than 35 years of experience and knowledge. Depending on the time of year, you’ll see the cranberries blooming, growing, or being harvested.

Since the cranberry bog tours are available throughout the growing and harvesting seasons, the weather will vary. Make sure that you dress appropriately, and wear comfortable walking shoes because you’ll be on your feet a lot. And, don’t forget your camera to capture your experience!

Orleans Restaurants Near Cape Cod Cranberry Bog Tours

With all that walking around with Cape Cod Cranberry Bog Tours, you might be hungry for a snack or full meal. Check out these awesome restaurants in Orleans.

Cibo Italian Kitchen & Market

For handmade and authentic Italian cuisine, the Cibo Italian Kitchen & Market is the best place to dine. The brother-and-sister team hails from Italy, and they use fresh, simple ingredients in every dish. The restaurant menu features hot and cold plates, panini, soups, and multicourse family meals.

Also in the building is a market where you can get handcrafted, prepackaged foods. Lavazza coffee, ice cream, and a range of desserts, breads, and pastries are available too.

We highly recommend making reservations at Ten Yen if you want the best sushi on Cape Cod. The food menu includes sashimi-style appetizers, maki, nigiri, ramen, and handrolls. Pair your meal with Japanese beer, cold sake, wine, and craft cocktails.

Young’s Fish Market

For some of the freshest seafood in Orleans, head to Young’s Fish Market by the Rock Harbor docks. The family-owned and operated market has an array of fish and seafood that’s locally caught daily — including lobster and shellfish. It’s a great place to get a lobster roll after a cranberry bog tour.

Ice Cream Cafe

If you’re taking your cranberry bog tour in the summer, you might want to cool off at the Ice Cream Cafe . It has 38 homemade ice cream flavors, including soft serve, non-dairy, and vegan options. You can get frozen yogurt, sorbet and sherbet, ice cream sandwiches, frozen fresh fruit drinks, and coffee as well.

Hot Chocolate Sparrow

If it’s chilly out during your spring or fall cranberry bog tour, you can warm up at Hot Chocolate Sparrow . This espresso and dessert bar is known across Cape Cod for its hand-dipped chocolates, fudge, desserts, and specialty coffee drinks, including hot cocoa.

Harwich Cranberry Bog Tours on Cape Cod

Operating the biggest organic cranberry bog on the Cape, Leo and Andrea Cakounes offer an inside look at how cranberry bogs are managed and harvested. At their Harwich farm, they offer Cranberry Bog Tours throughout spring, summer, and fall.

The times vary, but daily tours are offered from April through October and last about 1.5 hours. During each tour, the growers teach you about the 12-month bog operation, and you get to see the equipment that they use.

Cranberry Bog Tours are suitable for children who are old enough and interested in learning about cranberries. They’ll see various farm animals on the property too.

After the tour, you can stop by the cranberry farm stand to purchase fresh cranberries and sweetened dried cranberries. The shop also sells cranberry bog honey and assorted, all-natural handcrafted soaps.

We recommend that you contact the farm ahead of your Cape Cod visit because the tours fill up quickly. Also, take cash to use at the farm stand because it doesn’t accept credit cards.

Harwich Restaurants Near Cranberry Bog Tours

Before you leave Harwich after your cranberry bog tour, you could grab a bite to eat. The town has several delicious options for a snack, meal, or special Cape Cod experience.

First Crush Winery

One of the best Cape Cod wineries , First Crush Winery produces award-winning wines. The winery offers standard and premium wine tastings, which include a plate of local cheeses and crackers. Additionally, you can order wine by the glass and the turbo wine slushy.

Devil’s Purse Brewing Company

A Cape Cod brewery is a fantastic place to relax after walking cranberry bogs tours, and Devil’s Purse Brewing Company in South Dennis is one of the best. The brewery creates American-style beers with strong European influences. Here, you can have a draft with snacks on outdoor picnic tables.

Pleasant Lake Pizza Shark

Near Hinckleys Pond, you can enjoy some of the best pizza on Cape Cod at Pleasant Lake Pizza Shark . This fun place serves fast and easy lunches. You can order “Mako-Your-Own” pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. Ice cream by the pint and penny candy by the quarter-pound are available too.

The Seal Pub & Cafe

For American fare, check out The Seal Pub & Cafe . Serving lunch and dinner, this restaurant’s menu features pizza, sliders, and other entrees. You can order cafe drinks and pastries, as well as draft beer, wine, and cocktails.

Do you or someone in your party have a restricted diet? You’re likely to find a sweet treat at Sweet Izzy , the only 100% dairy-free ice cream shop on Cape Cod. Using a blend of non-dairy milks, all of the ice cream is soy and gluten-free as well as vegan. Many of the toppings are vegan and gluten-free too.

Also, patrons love how friendly the shop owner is!

Cranberry Bog Tours at Annie’s Crannies in Dennis

You won’t find advertisements about cranberry bog tours at Annies Crannies in Dennis. That’s because owner Annie Walker wants the experience of finding her farm to be an adventure.

After taking the tour, you’ll likely reap more benefits from the discovery. Annie brings history to life with her knowledge and passion. The love of her work shines through!

The cranberry bog is located on Molly’s Pasture, which Captain Hall struggled to make a success in the 1800s. However, Annie has turned the bog into a success by cultivating 457 barrels of cranberries, which those who take her tour note is an impressive feat.

Along with cultivating cranberries, Annie’s Crannies takes advantage of the bee population to produce multiple types of honey. The remaining bee wax is used to make various candles. You can purchase these items, fresh berries, and other products in the fantastic gift shop before you leave.

Annie’s lifelong friend Dean helps at the bog too. He owns the cranberry bog where Captain Hall began cultivating cranberries in the 1800s.

Dennis Restaurants Near Annie’s Crannies

If you need a bite to eat after your Annie’s Crannies bog tour, Dennis has a lot of options. Here are some of our top picks.

Kender & Sisters and Firestarter Pizza

You get two delicious experiences at this restaurant depending on when you dine. Until about mid-afternoon, Kender & Sisters serves brunch dishes, baked goods, and coffee. In the evenings, Firestarter Pizza is home to the Ultra Sauce and serves 13-inch pizzas and snacks.

The Pheasant

At The Pheasant , you can expect a creative, made-from-scratch menu that features fresh ingredients. The menu changes regularly depending on the meat, produce, and seafood available from local farms and fishermen. Also, you can have beer, cider, wine, and signature cocktails with your meal.

Scargo Cafe

Featuring a Colonial setting, Scargo Cafe is open for lunch and dinner. The menu includes entrees, small plates, and sandwiches. The restaurant has a decent selection of beer, wine, and specialty cocktails as well.

Cape Cod Creamery

For a sweet treat after your cranberry bog tour, head to Cape Cod Creamery . It makes the creamiest, smoothest, and most flavorful ice cream on Cape Cod. You have 26 flavors to choose from, and gelato, sorbet, yogurt, sugar-free, and vegan options are available.

Other Places to Buy Cape Cod Cranberries & Cranberry Products

As a superfood, cranberries offer unique health benefits. They’re rich in vitamins and dietary fiber and have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that improve cardiovascular and urinary tract health.

You can buy cranberries and cranberry products all across the Cape to take advantage of these benefits. Some grocers and markets actually sell cranberries from the above bogs. Here are a couple of other vendors.

Harwich Historical Society Museum

If you visit the Harwich Historical Society Museum, you can purchase cranberry products — jellies and jams — in the museum gift shop. The shop sells related books and gifts too.

In addition, the museum hosts the Farmers’ Market from June through October, where you can find lots of locally grown produce, handcrafted items, baked goods, and more.

P.J. Cranberries

In Sandwich, you can purchase fresh cranberries at P.J. Cranberries . This bog has been operating since 1990, growing Early Black cranberries and other varieties. You can get 5-pound bags of the bog’s cranberries, each of which comes with a recipe tag. You can even buy P.J. Cranberries in local stores.

Best Place to Stay Near Cranberry Bog Tours on Cape Cod

If you plan to explore these active cranberry bogs, stay at Candleberry Inn . Our bed and breakfast is located in Brewster Massachusetts and within a 15-minute drive of the cranberry bog tours on Cape Cod.

We offer comfortable rooms and suites , luxurious amenities , and special packages . Before you join your cranberry bog tour, you can indulge in our daily gourmet breakfast .

Check our availability for your next Cape Cod getaway!

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1 Bass Pro Drive Foxborough, MA 02035

The trail is home to the last remaining active cranberry bog in the town of Foxborough. Visitors will enjoy witnessing the Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog as it comes to life. Visitors will learn about the life cycle of a cranberry and educational facts about the bog when they visit the 16-acre site.

7 Acres of History – The Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog 

The American cranberry is synonymous with the holiday season. But how much do you know about how and where it grows?

As you stroll along our half mile walk and enjoy scenery, be sure to read up on the history and eco system. Bogs are low-lying areas where cranberries grow on vines.

The seven acres of bogs at The Nature Trail  and Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog at Patriot Place are real, functioning bogs. In fact, they were originally planted in 1929 and have been cultivated by growers ever since!

The area around The Nature Trail includes a “cranberry wetland system.” This system includes a reservoir, upland, ditches, roadways, sand sources and seven acres of cranberry producing bogs.

NATURE TRAIL AND OCEAN SPRAY CRANBERRY BOG – GALLERY

Visiting a Cranberry Bog in Massachusetts

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Have you ever wondered about visiting a cranberry bog in Massachusetts?

For the longest time, visiting a cranberry bog has been on my bucket list. One of the stranger items on my bucket list for sure. It probably started from seeing Ocean Spray commercials on TV and thinking how fun it looked to stomp around in a cranberry bog!

When I planned a fall trip to Massachusetts, it was the perfect time to finally make this bucket list dream come true. I knew one of my stops in Massachusetts would have to be a cranberry bog.

Fall is the harvest time for these tart red berries, and many bogs across Massachusetts offer tours that let you take a peek into the world of cranberry farming.

Historically, Massachusetts has been one of the top producers of cranberries in the United States. In fact, more than one-third of cranberries come from this small Northeastern state. Cranberries are inherently linked to fall, bringing to mind Thanksgiving dishes like cranberry sauce and cranberry pie.

Cranberries are one of the few fruits native to North America, and Native Americans used them for medicines, dyes, and food. Obviously, the Pilgrims caught on to the versatility of cranberries, and it makes sense that these bright red berries have had a long history in Massachusetts. 

If you’re interested in visiting a cranberry bog in Massachusetts for yourself, read on!

My Top Recommendation: Benson’s Pond

The cranberry bog I visited was Benson’s Pond in Middleboro, Massachusetts.

This family-owned cranberry bog is part of the Ocean Spray cooperative, which is headquartered in Plymouth, Massachusetts and has more than 700 member growers.

Benson’s Pond offers an experience called “Bogger for a Day” which I highly recommend.

You’ll learn all about cranberry growing, including how the berries are harvested every fall. You’ll get to don a set of waders and spend some time inside a bog yourself. And you’ll enjoy plenty of cranberry treats, including cranberry juice, chocolate-covered dried cranberries, cranberry bars, and more. (Plus you’ll get plenty of fresh berries to take home with you!)

This tour was on the pricier side ($99 per person) but it was definitely worth it!

You will not find a more unique experience than visiting a cranberry bog and getting to stomp around in all the berries. This is the perfect fun fall activity in Massachusetts!

Click here to learn more about this tour.

Other Cranberry Bogs to Visit

There are many other cranberry bogs around Massachusetts that offer tours.

However, not all of them involve a hands-on experience like Benson’s Pond where you get to don a pair of waders and actually go into  a cranberry bog. Check out the websites below for the complete details on what each of these bog tours offers!

• Annie’s Crannies in Dennis, MA
• Cape Code Cranberry Bog Tours in Harwich, MA
• Flax Pond Farms   in Carver, MA
• Mayflower Cranberries   in Plympton, MA
• Stone Bridge Farm   in Acushnet, MA

No matter where you choose to go, visiting a cranberry bog is a unique experience that can’t be missed when you’re in Massachusetts during the fall!

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About Denise Cruz

Denise is a marketing executive who escaped corporate to travel the world… twice. A Brazilian native living in the U.S., she’s lived in 4 countries and visited 35+ others. After side-hustling her way to financial independence, she curates solo destination guides, slow travel tips, and travel blogging advice on Wander Her Way. When she’s not on the road, you can find her in Miami with her dog Finnegan.

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Cranberry Bog Tours on Cape Cod

One of just three fruits native to New England, cranberries are a Cape Cod icon. The cranberry bog has been a central part of  New England farming  for hundreds of years. Even today, there is a distinct culture surrounding cranberry bogs, and visiting one during the harvest is a classic New England fall activity. If you've ever wondered what, exactly, a cranberry bog is and how to get the most out of visiting one, you're in luck. We've waded into the mire to get the inside scoop on Cape Cod's famous fruit.

                                                    Cape Cod & Beyond Properties

The History of Massachusetts Cranberry Bogs

Native Americans introduced European settlers to cranberries near what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts. They used the versatile fruit for food, dye, and medicine. The settlers learned to harvest wild cranberries and came to rely on them for nutrients and for bartering with their Native American neighbors. Whalers and merchants discovered that they could snack on cranberries during long stints at sea to fend off scurvy. Contrary to popular belief, cranberries don’t grow underwater. Instead, they thrive above ground on acidic peat moss with a steady supply of fresh water. They also benefit from exposure to sand, making them particularly perfect for the marshes, ponds, and bogs of coastal New England. Commercial cultivation of the cranberry began in earnest in 1816 and the berries were sold in Europe shortly thereafter. With the help of its unique climate, Cape Cod dominated the cranberry market along with other coastal New England areas. Cranberry bogs remain an economic engine in the region to this day, and a popular destination for visitors looking to appreciate their beauty and utility in New England.

When to Visit a Massachusetts Cranberry Bog

Cranberry bogs have a surprisingly long growing season, from April to November, and benefit from the freezing of the ground for a brief dormant period. Fall is the best time to come observe the berries in all their ripened glory. The bright red berries floating en masse during a wet harvest make for some striking New England imagery and form the cornerstone of an array of harvest festivities. For the main event in the world of cranberry bogs, visit Wareham, MA, in October for the Cranberry Harvest Celebration . Co-sponsored by the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association and Ocean Spray Cranberries, the festival features wet harvest demonstrations, artisan cranberry crafts and foods, boat rides through the bogs, vendors, and live music. Admission is inexpensive and parking is free, so this festival makes a great way to spend a day.

Cranberry Bog Tours

If you can’t make it to the festival, you can still get a feel for Massachusetts cranberry bogs with a visit to a working bog during the autumn months.  Each cranberry bog offers a slightly different package, ranging from cranberry bog tours to boat rides to the opportunity to step right into the bog yourself. Head to PJ’s Cranberries in East Sandwich, MA, for the chance to buy bags of freshly harvested cranberries. Each bag comes with paper recipes for cranberry pancakes and cranberry bread! Annie’s Crannies in Dennis, MA, also has Bogside Honey and Beeswax candles. Flax Pond Farms in Carver, MA, offers tours of their bog as well as a gift shop that includes cranberry condiments and cranberry candles. Really get your feet wet with Mayflower Cranberries ’s “Be The Grower” package in Plympton, MA, in which visitors don waders and lend a hand. The Cranberry Association  has a list of all Massachusetts cranberry bogs.

Where to Stay

After a day of wading through marshes and sampling their sweet crops, the thought of the car ride home can be daunting. Rather than buckling in for the long haul, sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery from a hotel just minutes from your cranberry bog of choice. Staying at one of the great Sandwich hotels puts you very close to Wareham and East Sandwich, while Plymouth hotels position you to explore Plympton nicely.

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Visiting Cranberry Bogs in Massachusetts

See and Taste New England's Most Colorful Fall Crop

You'd be hard-pressed to find a more photogenic crop than cranberries, which ripen and redden in the fall. In Massachusetts , the cranberry harvest coincides with fall foliage season , providing a double dose of visual splendor. According to the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association, 400 of North America's 1,000 or so cranberry farms are concentrated in Massachusetts: Most are south of Boston in Plymouth County and on Cape Cod .

Any drive in this region during Massachusetts' cranberry harvest season, which typically begins the last week of September and runs through October and sometimes into November, is likely to offer views of cranberry bogs, where growers are hard at work tending and picking the state's top agricultural cash crop. There's a good chance, too, you'll find yourself driving behind dump trucks brimming with red berries.

The Pilgrims discovered cranberries growing wild in bogs near their settlement in Plymouth and christened them "crane berries" because their spring blossoms resemble the shape of the shore bird's head and beak. From their Native American neighbors, the Pilgrims learned to use cranberries not only for food and medicinal purposes but as a natural dye.​

Cranberries are one of only three fruits native to North America that are now cultivated commercially. Like blueberries and Concord grapes, demand for cranberries has escalated worldwide as knowledge of their nutritive properties has increased.

If you'd like to set out on a fall driving tour to visit cranberry bogs in Massachusetts, here are some of your best bets for viewing the harvest in progress and purchasing fresh cranberries and cranberry products.

Mayflower Cranberries

If you want to make sure you don't miss out on the harvesting action at this small cranberry farm, which has three berry-producing bogs, make reservations well in advance for one of Mayflower Cranberries' Harvest Viewing Tours , available on select dates in October and November. If you want to don hip waders and venture into the bog to assist with the harvest, you can opt to reserve Mayflower's two-hour  " Be the Grower" Experience . It's pricey, but it may help you appreciate your day job! These experiences sell out far in advance of the harvest season. The new Adopt-A-Bog experience is also an option. You'll use a wooden scoop to dry harvest your own plot of cranberries and take home 30 pounds of fresh-picked fruit in a wooden crate.

Mayflower Cranberries also has a farm store and ships fresh-picked berries anywhere in the United States.

Flax Pond Farms

Kim Knox Beckius

Flax Pond Farms is an ideal place to learn a bit about the history of cranberry growing in Massachusetts. Inside the shop at Flax Pond Farms, you'll discover an antique Bailey Cranberry Separator that dates to 1924. Kids have a blast watching cranberries that pass a "bounce" test for quality scoot down the shoot and onto the conveyor belt, where they can be manually sorted by color and size. You can observe the machine in operation in this video .

Outside on a bog tour , you might meet grower Jack Angley, who has cultivated cranberries on 35 acres since 1967. Wet harvesting was a new innovation in the late '60s, but without a reliable source of water, which is critical to the process, Angley, his wife Dot, and their team of family and hard-working neighbors have "stayed with dry harvesting."

While picking cranberries with a motorized dry harvester is labor-intensive, it has an advantage. Cranberries that are harvested by flooding bogs are only suitable for processing into concentrate for juice, dried cranberries and other consumer products with an extended shelf life. Only dry harvested cranberries can be sold as fresh, whole berries.

Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and nutrients, and those who have tasted Flax Pond Farms' product come back year after year. Some folks who've visited these bogs on bus trips even call to order fresh-picked cranberries for mail order delivery. While most of the farm's crop is marketed by Massachusetts-based Ocean Spray —the largest cranberry cooperative in the world—2,000 pounds can be sold annually from the family's lovely farm store, where samples of hot mulled cranberry tea are served. 

Rocky Maple Bogs

When radiant red cranberries percolate to the surface of a flooded bog, it is quite a sight. When bogs are flooded using a sprinkler irrigation system, naturally buoyant cranberries wriggle themselves loose from their vines and pop to the surface. Wind propels the berries toward one corner of the bog, and a boom is used to corral the cranberries toward a pump truck or conveyor system on shore. 

You don't have to be on a guided tour to observe wet cranberry harvesting if you happen upon it: Just be respectful of private property, stay out of the bogs and don't ever pick cranberries without permission. After all, these are working farms: not tourist attractions. Rocky Maple Bogs (18 North Carver Road, Wareham, MA) is worth a drive-by if you're hoping to stumble upon a scene like this during cranberry season.

The cranberry beaters, sometimes called "eggbeaters," you may get to see in action don't actually pluck cranberries. Their paddle wheels agitate the water, coaxing reluctant cranberries to release from the vine. Once a bog is flooded, cranberry harvesters must work against the clock to get their product out of the bog and off to the processing plant before berries spoil.

Makepeace Farms

If you don't want to leave experiencing the cranberry harvest to chance,  A.D. Makepeace Company  offers guided bog tours on select dates during the season. View the  schedule  online, or call 508-322-4028 for details.

Whether or not you book a spot on this tour, make  Makepeace Farms  a stop on your cranberry bog driving tour. This farm market is  the  best place to shop for cranberry goodies and souvenirs, plus other locally produced gourmet delights and gifts including fresh cranberries, sweetened dried cranberries, cranberry granola, cranberry salad topping, cranberry salsa and Richard's Famous Garlic Salt.This all-natural seasoning is made in Carver, Massachusetts, at Cranberry Barn Kitchens.

Cranberry Bog Tours

Learn about organic cranberry farming on a tour of Cape Cod's largest organic bog. Starting in April and available daily through the fall harvest season, these kid-friendly and accessible tours require advance reservations. Before you leave, purchase sweetened dried cranberries and organic cranberry sauce at the farm stand. Fresh cranberries by the pound are also available during the harvest season.

Cape Cod Cranberry Bog Tours

You'll get an agricultural education on walking tours offered by this cranberry grower, which has cultivated 75 acres of bogs on Cape Cod for more than a quarter-century. Make reservations in advance for daily outings from mid-June to mid-December to view bogs in bloom, cranberries on the vine and ultimately, the harvest. The minimum group size is four people.

Annie's Crannies

Visit this Cape Cod cranberry grower on weekends during the harvest season for bog viewing and to shop for fresh fruit and farm-made products including Bogside Honey. Owner Annie Walker left her Broadway production wardrobe supervisor job in 1994 to tend this bog, which was once owned by her grandfather. Dennis is the first town in America where cranberries—a native wild fruit—were successfully cultivated. 

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What I Learned From Wading in an Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog

Submerged in a nine-acre bog among 270,000 pounds of fruit, I marveled at the lush redness of every cranberry, each the result of 16 months of meticulous calculations to ensure a good harvest.

As I lowered my foot into the water, I waited for my inevitable faux pas. Dressed in rubber waders — oversized overalls connected to boots — I had already been waddling around on the ground, so I was pretty sure I'd either trip over the underwater shrubbery and cause a disruptive splash or pounce my foot down and destroy the delicate crops I was immersing myself into.

But instead, a warm calm swept over me. My legs felt like they were wrapped up in a cozy hug, and I found my hands gently skimming the tiny red orbs floating in the water. And that's when I realized that despite the raucous machinery and farm tools surrounding me, harvesting cranberries in a bog might just be more relaxing than a trip to the spa.

Growing up in a bedroom with a fire-engine red carpet, I'd always found the fiery color angry and abrasive. But standing here, thigh-deep in a pool of perfectly ripened cranberries in the New Jersey Pinelands , I had a new fondness for the hue, finding it soothing and comforting.

And that's the same kind of unexpected contrast I kept stumbling upon from the moment I arrived at this Ocean Spray cranberry farm in Chatsworth, New Jersey.

Raised on Costco bags of the company's Craisins, I expected the familiar national brand to be part of a ginormous farming operation that mechanically churned out berries en masse. But instead, I turned off a rather nondescript stretch of road into Lee Brothers Incorporated , a delightful seventh-generation family-run farm, with only half a dozen people in the bog, including a Lee family cousin and son.

Find Gastropubs, Cheese Shops, and World-Class Farm-to-Table Restaurants in This Small New

I was welcomed by Steve Lee IV (part of the sixth generation), whose family has been harvesting cranberries on this exact land since 1868. He had tried to escape the family business by studying business and hospitality and then going to work for Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort.

But the cranberries called him back. "I missed my first cranberry harvest and learned that this was in my blood," he said. "I decided it was the last time I wanted to miss a harvest." So, he started steering his career back to the family farm, and after a decade in the hotel industry, he officially returned to the berry business and has now been at it for about 20 years. (His eldest son seems to be on the same track — currently in Cincinnati for college, he recently sent his dad a photo of a 64-ounce bottle of cranberry juice with the caption, "I miss home.")

And it's small family-run farms like this — more than 700 of them spread out through Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Oregon, Washington, Quebec, and Chile — that form a cooperative that makes up Ocean Spray, a perfect example of small businesses banding together to service a major consumer space.

Though the Ocean Spray cooperative was formed in 1930, Lee Brothers joined during its third generation in 1952. "We're multigenerational, so we're concerned about preserving and improving our operation here…[but] the thing I take most pride in is that we're bringing one of the major [staples] to the Thanksgiving table," Lee said.

Altogether, the Ocean Spray growers/owners, as they're called, harvest over 100 billion berries each season, with peak harvest in New Jersey going from mid-September through mid-November. Those will show up on Thanksgiving tables in the form of 70 million cans of cranberry sauce, as well as various juices and Craisins products.

But for a turkey garnish we may absentmindedly slather onto our meal, the process from farm to dinner table is intricately complicated. The 16-month plant cycle means that while the berries are being harvested for this season, next year's buds are already there, so there are always dueling schedules to consider.

Add that to the four different cranberry varieties that Lee Brothers grows — Stevens, Crimson Queen, Mullica Queen, Demoranville — each with slightly different timelines, plus the constant adjustments needed to account for weather changes and irrigation needs on the 1,886-acre farm, and it's a nonstop juggling gig.

"This is not for the faint of heart," Lee admitted, saying that dealing with regulatory measures and environmental concerns add to the challenges. And even in the midst of a global pandemic, they quickly instilled safety measures — mask requirements and equipment disinfection — and kept on going. "The cranberries don't read the newspaper," he joked. "They're still coming, so I've got to be ready."

The process goes way beyond bobbing for cranberries, as the Ocean Spray commercials in the mid-2000s might have suggested. In fact, the berries don't even grow in water. The pollination starts by renting bees from Pennsylvania in July, so that the fruits can start growing on the dry ground in August. At a quick glance, the dry bogs just look like low-lying shrubs, but a closer look reveals grape-sized fruits. (New Jersey's cranberries tend to grow large and are used to make SDC, shoptalk for sweet dried cranberries, better known as Craisins.)

By October, the berries on top turn that rich red hue, while the underside of the plants reveals white berries, which are earlier in the ripening process, but used to make white cranberry juice, which tastes milder and sweeter . The bogs are then flooded as part of the wet harvesting method, most common in New Jersey. "The reason we float them is that it's a much more efficient way to get them off," Lee explained while cutting open a berry to expose its hollow air chambers that make them so buoyant.

After strapping on a pair of waders, farm operations lead Paul Fitzpatrick — one of four full-time employees at Lee Brothers Incorporated and a third-generation New Jersey cranberry farmer himself — guided me into the center of a flooded bog, a nine-acre bed of the Stevens variety, which will produce 2,700 barrels at 100 pounds each.

He advised me to take large steps to avoid tripping over the plants underneath and not go too close to the edges, where there's a ditch around the circumference. But those worries melted away as soon as I was enveloped by berries as far as the eye could see.

It didn't take long to enter the mesmerizing trance of watching the cranberries disappear underwater into the berry pump, which transports the cranberries from the bog into a machine that cleans and sorts the fruit from the leaves. The berries then get put into the back of a truck, which can hold 40,000 pounds of fruit, while the leaves get sorted into compost for a blueberry farm in the area — just one aspect of the sustainable nature of the process. Another part: The water used to irrigate the bogs actually leaves cleaner than when it comes in, since the process serves as a natural filtration device.

"Our generation is more conscious of the environmental needs just because there's more awareness now," Lee said, noting that another device they've added monitors soil moisture so that they know exactly when the crops need to be watered, which doesn't just save water, but also cuts back on diesel fuel. And most importantly, the bogs actually renew the surrounding wetlands, netting a positive impact on its surroundings.

Before I knew it, I had a rake in my hand, helping to gently push the cranberries toward the pump. And when I mastered that task, I graduated to using large boards to guide the fruit in the right direction.

While harvesting always sounded like hard physical labor, this couldn't be further from that reality. I quickly understood why Lee hadn't been able to stay away for even one harvest; there is an intrinsically therapeutic quality to wet harvesting — so much so that all the others working the bog that day actually had other jobs, but took vacation days to join the harvest.

"The thing that's really amazing about our company is that at the end of the day, it's really a family." Lee said. "And what's really exciting for us is that people are now understanding the health component. Cranberries are good for you — it's rich in antioxidants, and cleanses and purifies the body. We've known that for a long time — that's why we look as good as we do!"

Related Articles

Ocean Spray visitor center moving to Carver

LAKEVILLE -- Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc. will move its Cranberry World visitor center from the Plymouth waterfront to Edaville Railroad in Carver.

Ocean Spray Cranberry World, a museum celebrating the history and heritage of the cranberry industry, will reopen at its new location next summer. It will be managed by the operators of Edaville USA, a 2,000-acre theme park featuring, among other things, an historic narrow-gauge train ride through 5.5 miles of cranberry bogs and surrounding uplands.

Officials of the Lakeville-based growers' cooperative said the move allows Ocean Spray to streamline its operations, while preserving Ocean Spray Cranberry World, which has been in operation for the past 24 years.

Ocean Spray will put up for sale the 5,000-square-foot building on Water Street in Plymouth which currently houses Cranberry World. Exhibits will be moved to Edaville over the next few months in preparation for a summer reopening.

The Cranberry World move affects about 25 part-time seasonal Ocean Spray employees, as well as one full-time position.

Ocean Spray's Cranberry House gift shop, which opened across the street from Cranberry World in Plymouth two years ago, will remain open at its current location.

5 Fantastic Factory Tours You Can Only Take In Massachusetts

Massachusetts native. Freelance writer and strawberry eater.

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Don’t you love those TV shows that take you behind the scenes where your favorite products are made? These factory tours in Massachusetts will let you experience the crafting process of everything from stunning glass art to delicious chocolate. Read on to learn more about taking this fun tours that are perfect for everything from a first date to a family outing.

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For more awesome Massachusetts day trip ideas, check out these 12 waterfront spots that will absolutely charm you.

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California factory tours | see it made in the usa.

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Take a Made in America California Factory Tour

California is a great place to see guitars being made, visit a winery , or tour a candy factory . You can see a working mill as well as woodworking tools being manufactured, visit a working nut farm, or see where popular tableware is produced.

California Factories That Offer Tours

Alembic | Rohnert Park, CA

Alembic invites you to visit the factory and see how they make their fine hand-crafted, ready-to-play, and custom basses and guitars. Alembic also produces pre-amps and accessories. Tours are available with advance notice on the first Wednesday of the month

When Alembic started back in 1969, our goal was to create the finest quality American made instruments ever known.  Alembic

Bates Nut Farm | Valley Center, CA

Educational tours, weekdays from January through September. Spend time on the farm and learn how nuts are grown and harvested, the history of nut agriculture in California, tour the roasting, packaging, and storage area, enjoy a hayride, and more.

#Bates Nut Farm

Blue Ox Millworks | Eureka, CA

Tour a working mill that has made pieces for made pieces for state parks, historic cathedrals, Russian East Orthodox churches, two governor’s mansions, and even the White House twice. You’ll see all the woodworking trades that have made Blue Ox Millwork famous.

#Blue Ox Millworks

Heath Ceramics | Sausalito, CA

Visit the sweeping semi-circle factory where Heath Ceramics has been making dinnerware , drinkware , and serveware in the USA since 1959. Factory tour sizes are limited so reservations are required.

#Heath Ceramics

Intel | Santa Clara, CA

Intel offers self-guided visits, group tours, student tours, and field trips at the Intel Museum where you’ll learn about Intel’s history, the science behind the semiconductor industry, and much more.

Jet Propulsion Laboratory | Pasadena, CA

Visitor day tours for groups of 10 or less, public group tours, educational tours, and virtual tours. Guests may also visit the von Karman Visitor Center, the Space Flight Operations Facility, and the Spacecraft Assembly Facility.

#Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Lance Camper Mfg. Corp. | Lancaster, CA.

A behind-the-scenes look at Lance Campers for shoppers, owners, RV enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to learn how Lance campers are made. By appointment, tours are scheduled on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

Sherline | Vista, CA

Sherline manufactures lathes and woodworking tools at a 66,000-square-foot facility that hosts production, assembly, and administrative offices. They invite visitors to take a factory tour, Monday-Friday, excluding holidays.

Taylor | El Cajon, CA

Enjoy a showcase of Taylor guitars when you visit the USA headquarters in El Cajon, CA.

#Taylor Guitars

Shop Taylor Guitars on Amazon

U.S. Borax Visitor Center | Boron, CA

One of the biggest and richest deposits of borax on the planet is buried deep in the Mohave Desert. Take a trip to the visitors center where you’ll get free admission to historical and geological exhibits on the rim of the active borax mine.

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California Chocolate & Candy Factory Tours

Made in the USA Matters has a complete directory of United States chocolate and candy factories that offer tours . Check out the chocolate and candy factory tours in California .

California Cheese Factory Tours

Made in the USA Matters has a complete directory of United States cheese factories that offer tours . Check out the cheese factory tours in California .

California Dairy Farm Tours

Made in the USA Matters has a complete directory of United States dairy farm tours . Check out the dairy farm tours in California .

California Distillery and Brewery Tours

Made in the USA Matters has a complete directory of United States distilleries and breweries that offer tours . Check out the distillery and brewery tours in California .

California Vineyard & Winery Tours

Made in the USA Matters has a complete directory of United States vineyards and wineries that offer tours . Check out the vineyard and winery tours in California .

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The A.D. Makepeace Company, based in Wareham, is North America’s largest cranberry grower, the largest private property owner in eastern Massachusetts, and a recognized leader in environmentally responsible real estate development and stewardship. Cranberries are our heritage and our livelihood. Our 169-year history in the cranberry industry affects the way we do business, and it strengthens the communities we build.

LIFE on the BOG

Summer on the bog.

Meanwhile, the pollinators are at work. A.D. Makepeace Company growers work with a mix of bumblebees and honeybees. Bumblebees do their job even on chilly or rainy days. A typical honeybee prefers to work only in the sunshine and warmer temperatures. Because bumblebees are less likely to sting, those are typically used most in the areas, like around Rosebrook in Wareham and Redbrook in Plymouth, where they are more likely to be encountered by humans.

As with all farming, pest management is a crucial component of growing a good crop. We practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques as an ecological approach to pest control. IPM includes a combination of biological, cultural, or chemical control methods. Throughout the spring and summer, IPM scouts use insect nets and sticky traps to monitor pest activity.

PRESS RELEASES AND NEWS

Redbrook water system honored.

BOSTON – In honor of National Drinking Water Week, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) announced today that 45 public water systems, four certified operators, and one childcare center have […]

Tools Needed

Our partners at the Marion Institute are seeking assistance in securing tools for the Frogfoot Farm – Neighbors Feeding Neighbors initiative! As a start-up farm-to-food relief and gleaning program, Frogfoot […]

A.D. Makepeace Companies, Redbrook To Celebrate Earth Day By Planting “Tiny Forest”

PLYMOUTH – To celebrate Earth Day 2024, the A.D. Makepeace Companies, in coordination with Sustainable Redbrook, today announced the creation of a Miyawaki Forest at Redbrook. Commonly referred to as […]

Boogie at the Bog

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North America's largest cranberry grower. Proud Ocean Spray member. Environmentally responsible real estate developer.

Channel Islands Kayak Tours

California’s Channel Islands, located just off the coast of Santa Barbara and Ventura, are a National Park dream-come-true for marine nature lovers. The crystal clear Pacific channel waters, breathtaking cliffs, abundant wildlife, and mild weather combine to lure expert kayakers and novices alike to explore their natural wonders. Check out our tours below!

Adventure Sea Caves Kayak Tour

OUR MOST POPULAR TOUR!

Overview Experience the stunning beauty of Channel Islands National Park on our Adventure Sea Caves Kayak Tour at Scorpion Anchorage. On this tour, you’ll spend 2.5-3 hours exploring the unparalleled natural wonders of this unique area. With more sea cave kayaking opportunities than any other part of the park, Scorpion Anchorage is the ultimate destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and kayaking enthusiasts.

Availability The Adventure Tour meets on Santa Cruz Island daily at 10:30am and select days at 9:30am

Tour Time (~4 hours) ~1 hr – Orientation, gearing up, and paddle talk ~2.5-3 hours – Kayaking

Paddling Distance 2.5-3 miles

Level of Difficulty Beginner through advanced levels. Children under age 5 not permitted.

Ferry Tickets The 10:30am tour requires a ferry departure of 9am or earlier from Ventura Harbor. The 9:30am tour requires a ferry departure of 8am. Check-in is one hour prior to departure.

Ferry return times vary daily and will depart anywhere between 3:30pm and 5:00pm (arrival in Ventura between 4:30pm and 7:00pm). If you would like to know your exact ferry return time for a specific date, please call or email us.

Questions? Visit our FAQ’s page .

Public tours: $205 per adult + ferry transportation ($66)* $187 per child 12 and under + ferry transportation ($52)* Private tours: $1,640 (1-8 guests) + ferry transportation* $2,992 (9-16 guests) + ferry transportation* $4,488 (17-24 guests) + ferry transportation* Tours often sell out. Please book in advance. *Ferry tickets must be purchased to get to the island. You’ll have the option to add your ferry ticket to your cart. If you already have ferry tickets directly through Island Packers you can select to not add ferry tickets to your cart.

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Discovery Sea Caves Kayak Tour

Overview Our Discovery Sea Caves Kayak Tour is a shortened version of our Adventure Sea Caves Kayak Tour. For 1-1.5 hours you’ll kayak through stunning sea caves, kelp forests, and pristine coastlines. Perfect for first-timers visiting the island, this tour allows you to pack in multiple experiences into one day, from hiking and snorkeling to birding and exploring endemic species. Don’t miss out on the rich history and breathtaking scenery that this national park has to offer.

Availability February-November: Most days

Meets on Santa Cruz Island at 9:30am and/or 10:30am as well as 12:30pm and/or 1:30pm (meet times depend on the ferry schedule to Santa Cruz Island – Scorpion Anchorage)

Tour Time (~2.5 hours) ~1 hr – Orientation, gearing up, and paddle talk ~1-1.5 hours – Kayaking

Paddling Distance 1.25 miles

Ferry Tickets The 9:30am tour requires an 8:00am ferry departure (7am check-in time). The 12:30pm tour requires a 10:00am ferry departure or earlier (check-in is one hour prior to ferry departure). Ferry options typically will be 8:00am, 9:00am or 10:00am. The 1:30pm tour requires a 4:30pm or later return from the island.

Public tours: $145 per adult + ferry transportation ($66)* $127 per child 12 and under + ferry transportation ($52)* Private tours (Phone bookings only): $1,160 (1-8 guests) + ferry transportation* $2,032 (9-16 guests) + ferry transportation* $3,046 (17-24 guests) + ferry transportation* Tours often sell out. Please book in advance. *Ferry tickets must be purchased to get to the island. You’ll have the option to add your ferry ticket to your cart. If you already have ferry tickets directly through Island Packers you can select to not add ferry tickets to your cart. Private tours available. Email [email protected] for pricing and more info.

Ultimate Sea Caves Kayak Tour

Overview The longest of our kayaking tour options, the Ultimate Sea Caves Kayak Tour is for the true ocean adventurer. We’ll explore incredible sea caves and kelp forests along our route to the famous Potato Harbor, a remote area of the park that allows for a truly breathtaking and memorable experience with its aqua-colored cove and pristine shoreline.

This tour is best for 1. Intermediate-Advanced kayakers who are looking for a longer day on the water, must have 8am ferry departure and 4:30pm return 2. Campers on their 2nd day at the island, so they can enjoy a first full day exploring the island on land

Availability This tour is offered on Friday-Sunday and Wednesdays from May through November. Meets on Santa Cruz Island at 9:30am.

Tour Time (~5 hours) ~1 hr – Orientation, gearing up, and paddle talk ~3-4 hours – Kayaking

Paddling Distance 4-5 miles

Level of Difficulty Intermediate – Advanced

Ferry Tickets This tour requires a ferry departure of 8am (check-in at 7am) or prior nights camping on Santa Cruz Island. This tour also requires a 4:30pm or later ferry return.

Ferry return times vary daily, departing at 4:30pm or 5:00pm (arrival in Ventura between 6:00pm and 7:00pm). If you would like to know your exact ferry return time for a specific date, please call or email us.

Public tours: $275 per person + ferry transportation (adults $66 / children 12 and under $52)* Private tours (Phone bookings only): $2,200 (1-8 guests) + ferry transportation* $4,240 (9-16 guests) + ferry transportation* $6,360 (17-24 guests) + ferry transportation* Tours often sell out. Please book in advance. *Ferry tickets must be purchased to get to the island. You’ll have the option to add your ferry ticket to your cart. If you already have ferry tickets directly through Island Packers you can select to not add ferry tickets to your cart. Private tours available. Email [email protected] for pricing and more info.

Snorkel & Sea Caves Kayak Tour

Overview Explore Channel Islands National Park both above and below the ocean’s surface on our expert-led Snorkel & Sea Caves Kayak Tour at Scorpion Anchorage. Kayak through vibrant kelp forests, sea caves, and the island’s pristine coastlines. Our knowledgeable guides will take you on a journey through marine ecology and the rich history of the island. Get up close with sea life and leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the underwater world.

This tour is best for

1. Guests who already have previous kayaking and snorkeling experience. Guests should be comfortable in the ocean and comfortable swimming with a snorkel. 2. Campers who are already on the island and want a full day of adventure on & in the water

Availability Our Snorkel & Kayak Tours run every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 9:30am from mid-June through September 30th on days when there is an 8am ferry departure

Snorkel & Sea Caves Kayak Tour Time (~5 hours) ~1 hr 45 min – Orientation, gearing up, and paddle talk ~1-1.5 hr – Kayaking ~15 min – Lunch ~45 min – Snorkeling ~30 min – Gearing down

Level of Difficulty Intermediate through advanced experience levels recommended. Minimum age 10; children 12 and under must be escorted by an adult guardian on the tour. All guests  MUST  know how to swim. Prior snorkeling experience is  REQUIRED .

Includes • Snorkel & Mask* • Fins • 3-piece, 7mm Wetsuit • Snorkel flotation device • PFD (personal flotation device) for kayaking • Ocean kayak** • Knowledgeable guide(s) on exploring sea caves as well as the local natural history and marine ecology

*We do not have prescription masks. If you have contact lenses, you should wear them. *We provide wetsuits and snorkel masks; however, if you would like to bring your own, you are more than welcome to do so. **By default, even-numbered parties will be paired in a tandem (2-person) kayak. For single or odd-numbered parties, single (1-person) kayaks will be provided.

Ferry Tickets This tour requires an 8am ferry departure (7am check-in) or prior nights camping on Santa Cruz Island. This tour also requires a 4:30pm or later return.

When booking ferry tickets on our website, the return times vary daily and will depart anywhere between 4:30pm and 5:00pm (arrival in Ventura between 5:00pm and 7:00pm). If you would like to know your exact ferry return time for a specific date, please call or email us.

Happy Adventurers

You have fun. We’ll handle the rest.

An Awesome Time!

Thanks for an incredible sea kayaking adventure on Santa Cruz in Channel Islands National Park! Well worth the money, especially with the wetsuits and extra outfitting that made paddling super comfy. "

One of the Best Family Days!

"Six of us went Kayaking in the Sea Caves and loved every minute. Our guide was fun and knowledgeable and was incredibly enthusiastic about the adventure. On the way home, we saw two whales and two pods of dolphins. Cannot imagine a better day!"

A Bucket List Adventure!

"An awesome adventure! While the Painted Cave is the highlight of the tour all of the caves are incredible. The wildlife is amazing along with the plants and everything else. The guides were super friendly and very informative."

Factory Tours

Celebrating american imagination and industry, 52 tours in california.