IPSWICH BAY

• USIPW
• Latitude: 42.7086
• Longitude: -70.7958
• US East Coast
• Marina in US

Location: US

Ipswich Bay is more of a geographic region along the northeastern coast of Massachusetts, rather than a single marine port. It is located north of Cape Ann and is bounded by the towns of Ipswich, Essex, and Rockport. While there may not be a major commercial marine port specifically named "Ipswich Bay," the surrounding areas have their own maritime facilities and harbors. Here’s a general description of the region and some of its notable marine-related features:

Geographic Area

• Location: Northeastern coast of Massachusetts
• Bounding Towns: Ipswich, Essex, Rockport

Notable Features

• Ipswich: Known for its scenic beauty, historic homes, and Crane Beach, Ipswich also has a small harbor that primarily caters to recreational boating and fishing activities.
• Essex: Famous for shipbuilding in the past, Essex has a marina and several boatyards. It is not a major commercial port but supports local maritime activities.
• Rockport: Known for its art community and picturesque harbors such as Rockport Harbor and Pigeon Cove. Like Essex and Ipswich, it's more focused on recreation and small-scale fishing.

Specifications and Facilities

• Type: Region with multiple small harbors and marinas
• Harbor Depth: Varies depending on the specific harbor; generally shallow to moderate depths, suitable for small to medium-sized vessels.
• Mooring and Docking: Various facilities available, mainly for recreational and fishing vessels.
• Navigational Aids: Markers, buoys, and lighthouses such as Ipswich Range Lights and Annisquam Harbor Light.
• Nearby Commercial Ports: The nearest significant commercial port is in Gloucester, which lies further south of Ipswich Bay and is a well-known fishing port with more extensive facilities.

Services

• Recreational Boating: Ample opportunities for sailing, kayaking, and other water sports.
• Fishing: Both commercial and recreational fishing are popular, with seasonal activities.
• Tourism: The region is popular for its natural beauty, with beaches, state parks, and wildlife reserves.

Transportation and Accessibility

• Road: Accessible via state and local highways, with the main routes being U.S. Route 1 and Massachusetts Route 133.
• Rail: The MBTA Commuter Rail's Newburyport/Rockport Line serves the general area, providing access to Boston and other locations.
• Airports: Closest major airport is Logan International Airport in Boston, about an hour's drive from Ipswich.

Environmental Considerations

• Tides: The region experiences significant tidal variations, which can affect navigation, especially in shallower harbor areas.
• Weather: Seasonal changes can bring varied weather conditions, from calm summer seas to harsh winter storms.

Other Points of Interest

• Crane Beach: A popular destination for swimming and bird watching.
• Parker River National Wildlife Refuge: Located nearby, it offers opportunities for observing diverse bird species and other wildlife.

In summary, while Ipswich Bay itself does not host a major commercial port, the surrounding towns offer a variety of smaller marine facilities that cater to local and recreational maritime activities. For significant commercial port needs, nearby Gloucester is the primary hub in the region.