Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary - A wooden building sits in front of a forest.
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Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary

4.6
·106 reviews·Edgartown, United States

Discover diverse habitats, abundant wildlife, and an engaging Discovery Center at this peaceful sanctuary.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Autumn mornings

Avoids summer bugs

CrowdLow
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Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary - A wooden building sits in front of a forest.

Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary

Best Time

Autumn mornings

Avoids summer bugs

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover diverse habitats, abundant wildlife, and an engaging Discovery Center at this peaceful sanctuary.

4.6
(106 reviews)

"Great for kids who like to run around in nature, with lots of beautiful shells to find."

Vertical photo
TIP

🦟 Bug Spray is a Must!

Mosquitoes are ferocious in summer. Bring repellent or buy it there.

🥾 Well-Marked Trails

Enjoy easy-to-follow paths through diverse habitats.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Discovery Center Wonders

Discovery Center Wonders

Discovery Center

Meet fascinating creatures like turtles, frogs, and snakes. Watch live cams of osprey and eagle nests.

Reddit
Shoreline & Tidal Ponds

Shoreline & Tidal Ponds

Shoreline trails

Explore marshlands, fields, woods, and the shoreline of a tidal pond. Look for deer and kingfishers.

Reddit
Wood Trails Adventure

Wood Trails Adventure

Wood trails

Enjoy peaceful, well-marked trails perfect for a nature walk. Great for kids who love to explore.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Best Time to Avoid Bugs

Summer brings ferocious mosquitoes! Visit in autumn for a more pleasant experience on the trails. If you must visit in summer, pack potent insect repellent or buy it on-site. Reddit

Trail Access & Facilities

Trails are generally well-marked and offer diverse scenery. Note that restrooms may not always be available to the public. Reddit

Best Times

When
Autumn mornings
Why
Avoids summer bugs
Crowd
Low
When
Thursday mornings
Why
Peaceful and not crowded
Crowd
Low
When
Moonrise Kayak Tour
Why
Unique wildlife viewing
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

the Edgartown edition (mostly) 1. Walk @MassAudubon's Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary 2. Find "side of the road" flowers to buy or to photograph 3. Take a biplane ride or watch them take off at the bar @classic_aviators 4. I saw on @thewinnetu's website that they allow non-guests to enjoy lunch by their pool... so we did... and then we enjoyed their beach ;) 5. Dinner snacks bought at @black_sheep_m...
alainapinto
1K likes • 34.7K views

🦟 Bug Spray is a Must!

Mosquitoes are ferocious in summer. Bring repellent or buy it there. Reddit+1

🥾 Well-Marked Trails

Enjoy easy-to-follow paths through diverse habitats. Reddit

Day 4: Martha’s Vineyard Outdoor Fun and Adventure Day Morning: * Breakfast at ArtCliff Diner * Kayaking at Sengekontacket Pond * Visit Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary Afternoon: * Picnic lunch at Joseph Sylvia State Beach * Hiking at Menemsha Hills * Explore Gay Head Cliffs Evening: * Sunset at Aquinnah Cliffs * Dinner at Outermost Inn Ready for adventure? Contact us today: 800-378-6120
 #Outdo...
worldtravelutopia
2 likes • 29 views
Point B Picks 🎥 September 16: Drop-In Mah Jongg at Edgartown Public Library, 1 PM 🀄 September 16: Live Music by Rose Colored Glasses at Nomans, 6 PM 🎶 September 17: Moonrise Kayak Tour at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, 5:15-7:15 PM 🌕🛶 September 18: Generations Exhibit at MV Museum, 10 AM 🖼️ September 19-21: MV Songwriters Festival in Oak Bluffs 🎤🎵 September 21: Tivoli Day Festival on Circuit...
pointbrealty
7 likes • 230 views

🐚 Shell Collecting Fun

Discover beautiful shells, including large horseshoe crab shells. Reddit

🛶 Kayak Access

Consider kayaking across Sengekontacket Pond for a unique arrival. Reddit

reddit.com

Cool things to do that ARE NOT food/fishing/drinking/biking/hiking/music based?

Tips

from all over the internet

🦟 Bug Spray is a Must!

Mosquitoes are ferocious in summer. Bring repellent or buy it there. Reddit+1

🥾 Well-Marked Trails

Enjoy easy-to-follow paths through diverse habitats. Reddit

🐚 Shell Collecting Fun

Discover beautiful shells, including large horseshoe crab shells. Reddit

🛶 Kayak Access

Consider kayaking across Sengekontacket Pond for a unique arrival. Reddit

💰 Affordable Entry

A small entrance fee makes this a budget-friendly nature escape. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(106 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Felix Neck for its peaceful atmosphere, well-marked trails, and engaging Discovery Center, making it ideal for families and nature lovers. While some note the absence of restrooms and the prevalence of mosquitoes in summer, the affordable entry and diverse wildlife sightings make it a worthwhile natural escape.

"A great place to visit with children who like to run around in nature. Our 3 year old really enjoyed the ponds, shoreline and wood trails. We found lots of beautiful shells including a large old horseshoe crab shell. The trails are well marked and the friendly staff in the Discovery Center were most helpful with making a suggested route. The Discover Center is also worth a look around. We met some really cool creatures in here (turtle, frog, snake, caterpillars), plus could watch the osprey and eagle nests on the live cam."

Kim Wood

"day30(08OCT2024) sanctuary63:
level wide trails clearly marked at intersections.
i know from previous visits that mosquitoes and their kin are FEROCIOUS in the summer, so came in autumn to a avoid their predations.
pleasing vistas in marsh, fields, woods and shoreline of tidal pond.
deer like it here, i saw two near tip of peninsula and lots of their footprints on shoreline trail.
kingfisher at turtle pond."

Andy Tolland

"My wife and I visited Felix neck on a Thursday morning. Nice selection of short trails with bees of marshes, forests and ponds. Very peaceful and not crowded. Be forewarned that there were no restrooms available to the public."

Brahm Rockwood

What People Like

Peaceful nature trails
Engaging Discovery Center
Family-friendly exploration

What People Dislike

Summer mosquitoes
Limited restrooms

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can drive directly to the sanctuary. For a unique experience, consider kayaking across Sengekontacket Pond, launching near Island Spirit Kayak rental. InstagramReddit

Yes, parking is available at the sanctuary. Reddit

Information on public transport access is limited, driving or kayaking are the primary recommended methods. InstagramReddit

While driving is common, arriving by kayak offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. InstagramReddit

Special events like Moonrise Kayak Tours are sometimes offered. Check their schedule for unique experiences. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is approximately $4.50 per person. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required for general admission, but check for special events. Instagram

Hours can vary, and during certain periods like the virus, access might be restricted to specific directions. It's best to check their official website or call ahead. Reddit

Information on discounts is not widely available, but the general admission fee is quite affordable. Reddit

For group visits, it's advisable to contact the sanctuary directly to inquire about arrangements and any potential group rates. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Felix Neck offers a variety of well-marked trails, including wood trails, marsh paths, and shoreline routes. Reddit+1

Yes, the trails are great for children who enjoy running around and exploring nature. Reddit

You can spot deer, kingfishers, various birds like ospreys and eagles (via live cam), turtles, frogs, and snakes. Reddit

Restrooms may not always be available to the public, so plan accordingly. Reddit

The Discovery Center is a highlight, featuring live creatures and educational displays about local wildlife. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The diverse habitats, including marshes, tidal ponds, and shoreline, offer beautiful photographic opportunities. Look for wildlife and scenic vistas. Reddit

Yes, wildlife photography is encouraged, but always maintain a respectful distance from the animals. Reddit

General photography is permitted, but be mindful of other visitors and the natural environment. Drone usage may be restricted. Instagram

Birdwatching and capturing images of marine life like horseshoe crabs are popular subjects. Reddit

The varied landscapes, from wooded areas to open marshes, provide excellent opportunities for landscape shots. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary is a fantastic destination for families. The well-marked trails are perfect for little legs that love to run and explore, and the Discovery Center is a huge hit with children. They can get up close with fascinating creatures like turtles, frogs, and snakes, and watching the osprey and eagle nests on the live cam is captivating. Reddit

Don't miss the chance to explore the shoreline; kids often have a blast finding beautiful shells, including large horseshoe crab shells. The staff are friendly and can suggest kid-friendly routes. Just be sure to pack plenty of insect repellent if visiting during warmer months, as mosquitoes can be quite bothersome. Reddit+1

🚶‍♀️ Nature Walkers & Birdwatchers

For those who appreciate a peaceful nature walk and keen birdwatching, Felix Neck offers a serene escape. The sanctuary boasts a variety of well-marked trails that meander through diverse ecosystems, from woodlands to marshes and tidal pond shorelines. Reddit+1

Birdwatchers can look forward to spotting various species, including kingfishers and the impressive osprey and eagles (viewable via live cam in the Discovery Center). The varied habitats ensure a rich birding experience. Visiting during off-peak hours or seasons like autumn can enhance the tranquility and wildlife viewing opportunities. Reddit

🛶 Adventurous Arrivals

If you're looking for a unique way to experience Felix Neck, consider arriving by water. Kayaking across Sengekontacket Pond to reach the sanctuary is a popular and rewarding option, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities along the way. InstagramReddit

This adventurous approach allows you to appreciate the natural beauty of the area from a different perspective. It's a great way to combine water activities with a visit to the sanctuary, especially if you're staying nearby or renting kayaks. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Diverse Habitats

Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for biodiversity, showcasing a remarkable range of habitats. Visitors can traverse wood trails that wind through lush forests, offering a sense of seclusion and immersion in nature. These paths are often well-maintained and clearly marked, making them accessible for most visitors. Reddit

The sanctuary also features extensive marshlands and the picturesque shoreline of a tidal pond. These areas are crucial for various bird species and offer unique photographic opportunities. Keep an eye out for deer, which are known to frequent the area, and smaller creatures like kingfishers near the water. Reddit

For those seeking a more adventurous arrival, kayaking across Sengekontacket Pond provides a unique perspective and excellent chances for wildlife spotting before even reaching the sanctuary's trails. InstagramReddit

The Discovery Center Experience

The Discovery Center at Felix Neck is a must-visit, especially for families or anyone curious about local fauna. It houses a collection of live creatures, including turtles, frogs, and snakes, offering an up-close encounter with the sanctuary's inhabitants. Reddit

Beyond the live exhibits, the center provides educational insights into the local ecosystem. A particularly engaging feature is the live camera feed that allows visitors to observe osprey and eagle nests in real-time. This offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of these magnificent birds without disturbing them. Reddit

Staff at the Discovery Center are often noted for their helpfulness, providing recommendations for routes and sharing interesting facts about the wildlife. It's a great starting point to understand what to look for during your exploration of the sanctuary. Reddit

Seasonal Considerations and Wildlife

When planning your visit to Felix Neck, be aware of seasonal variations, particularly concerning insects. The summer months are notorious for ferocious mosquitoes, making insect repellent an absolute necessity. Many visitors recommend visiting in the autumn to avoid these biting pests and enjoy a more comfortable experience on the trails. Reddit+1

Despite the potential for bugs, the sanctuary is teeming with wildlife year-round. Deer are commonly spotted, and their footprints are a frequent sight along the shoreline trails. Birdwatchers will find plenty to observe, from the vibrant kingfisher to the majestic osprey and eagles visible via the Discovery Center's live cams. Reddit

Special events, such as Moonrise Kayak Tours, offer a unique way to experience the sanctuary and its wildlife under different conditions, providing a memorable adventure. Instagram

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