Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR) encompasses open waters, barrier beaches, marshlands and uplands on the south shore of Cape Cod in the towns of Falmouth and Mashpee.

The WBNERR is representative of the northern section (Cape Cod to Sandy Hook) of the Virginian biogeographic region.

[1] The reserve comprises several individual sites:[2] The following are salt ponds to the east of Waquoit Bay which are best explored by kayak: The following freshwater ponds drain to the Waquoit Bay at the northern side and offer kayaking and fishing: Artifacts dating back 450–1000 years, including hammer flakes and shell middens, have been found on the Washburn Island.

As late as the early 19th century, some Wampanoags still lived around Bourne and Caleb ponds, at a spring supplying fresh water to both settlers and Native Americans.

In addition to interpretive programs, the reserve offers opportunities for hiking, boating, camping, fishing, and restricted hunting.