I'll be going to a conference in Eastham, MA the first week of July and would like to do some snorkeling there. Can anyone recommend some areas? I'll be out of training by noon each day, so I'll have the afternoons free.
Thanks!

Anyone?

You can try this site dedicated to shore diving. I don't dive, but find these sites usually work for snorkelers too.

http://tinyurl.com/5cmg4p

I also found this local dive shop. You could call and see what they recommend.

http://www.capecodseasports.com/Snorkel.html

I'm not sure recreational snorkeling is a big activity on Cape Cod. I know of people lobstering with snorkel gear, I just haven't seen anybody except little kids at the beach playing around. But I could be way off.

Water temp first week in July is likely to be high 60's.

The ocean water is still in the 50s, may be 60s by July on Nantucket Sound, but Eastham is on open ocean or bay on the other side. You will need a wetsuit to stay in to snorkel. I think you will be very disappointed in what you can see and the water is not especially clear - full of plankton and other minute sea creatures (which is why we have whales feeding off our shores), none of the lovely coral or pretty fish you would find in the tropics. I wouldn't try lobstering as that requires a license - I doubt you could find much with a snorkel.

People also go spear fishing. As mentioned above you see few recreational snorkelers -- no pretty colors or fish.

My gut reaction is that you are not going to find much of interest in terms of snorkeling. The little activity I have seen is people looking for lobsters. you may have some luck in the inland waters of the outer Cape, but I suspect it will be boring. You may consider kayaking if you like that sort of thing. I'm pretty sure there are some rental places in Eastham, Wellfleet etc.

Snorkeling Cape Cod??

Don't bother. The water is cold and there's nothing to see.

I'm afraid this isn't the Caribean!!
You won't find snorkling here, though you may see a few people in the kettle ponds of Wellfleet.
You'll find lots of information where you're staying in Eastham- if you are attending one of the conferences there. Art's Dune Tour in Provincetown is a suggestion, you might enjoy- to see the Outer Beach where there is no access except for 4 wheel vehicles. Great bait and tackle shop in Eastham, that will take you fishing in the surf, and of course lots of Seashore activies,walking the outer beach, and of course maybe, if your very brave swimming in the surf!!
Check out the surfers at White Crest Beach in Wellfleet. If the wind if up, maybe even the kite riders will be out.
The bay will be pleasant for swimming, since it's been fairly warm. Have fun@

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I may just rethink the snorkeling and find something else to do - there's plenty to keep me busy!

Wait!!! There is a "Snorkel Adventure: The Kettle Ponds" offered free on Sundays by the National Seashore.
"Step into the crystal-clear freshwater Wellfleet kettle pond environment during this ranger-guide, underwater exploration. " By reservation only. Call Province lands Visitor Center, 508-487-1256 for details, and to register. All equipment provided. Experienced swimmers only.

Wow, Yellowbyrd- I never knew that!!
I know the grandchildren do that in the ponds, but did not realize there was a group led by the seashore. Wonder what kettle pond they go to-even those hidden away now are fairly well know, at least in Truro and Wellfleet.

Yea, the Seashore has been offering some new and exciting tours in addition to the kayaking, canoeing, beach fires, historical tours and walking tours that are part of the standard July-August program. I haven't done the clamming at Salt Pond but hope to take my young nephew this summer...that is if the red-tide ever leaves!

Wow, you all have some great ideas - thanks for the help. I looked at the visitor's center website and they have some great offerings that I'll definitely take advantage of!
I'd also like to go to a clambake while I'm there - any ideas on the best way to experience that?
Thanks

yellowbyrd - thanks for the tip on snorkeling - it's on my list for this summer! In terms of a clam bake, I'm a little stumped as generally friends and families get together and make it happen. If you could get the interest of a few associates who would like to have dinner on the beach, Clem and Ursie's will deliver a clambake to you at the National Seashore beaches in Provincetown. They give you a cooked meal with everything you need...it's fun and we have done it several times at sunset.

Hey seafox...thanks for returning the favor! I never knew that Clem and Ursies would deliver to the beach. Sure beats hauling all the stuff along the sand! This forum never ceases to amaze me...still learning after all these years!