Provincetown's MacMillan Pier and Harbor

06/18/2026

Dinghy Dock Update at MacMillan Pier

It is always our aim to make MacMillan Pier safe and accessible to all. With that in mind, we’ve expanded the Dinghy Dock by adding the floating dock shown in the foreground of this photo, creating an additional 40 feet of space for dinghy users and improving access near the gangplank.

You’ll also notice a new seasonal tenant at the eastern end of the dock: Sailing for All Provincetown’s educational sailing vessel. This partnership with Sailing For All Provincetown supports sailing education, helps advance waterfront accessibility initiatives, and generates revenue that supports Pier operations and maintenance.

Together, these changes mean:

✔ More dock space for dinghy users
✔ Expanded sailing opportunities through a local nonprofit
✔ Additional support for MacMillan Pier operations

As we head into the busy summer season, please remember:

• Permit holders have priority for dock space
• Display your 2026 permit on the inside port transom
• Tie dinghies by the bow only (one point of contact)
• Do not lock vessels to the dock
• Keep docks clear of gear and debris

Thank you for helping us keep Provincetown Harbor safe, accessible, and welcoming for everyone.

06/13/2026

When something unexpectedly goes “boom”, it’s a good idea to stop everything and take a look…
👀
We closed MacMillan Pier briefly today after a loud noise and some surface cracking appeared in the concrete deck where the approach and main piers come together (right before the Harbormaster building).
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We inspected the structure from below and above and conferred with our maritime engineering team, who jumped on video calls on a moments notice.
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Thank you to the Provincetown Police Department’s Community Service Officers for their quick action, to Provincetown Fire Department for sending an engine and helping us pry up access panels, to our Assistant Harbormasters who assisted the Harbormaster with maneuvering one of our boats under the pier, handling traffic, finding tools, and making signs, & to the Highway Department for their quick sourcing and installation of steel plates.
💪
The Pier is structurally sound and was re-opened to all traffic within about 30 minutes, with the minor addition of those metal plates to protect the concrete. We’ll be adjusting the tolerances on some expansion joint plates and performing concrete repairs that are not expected to impact operations significantly.

06/13/2026

Please be safe, our staff is working with Town officials, the PD, FD and engineers to fix this issue.

UPDATE - June 15:

Engineers from Foth Infrastructure & Environment conducted a thorough inspection of the affected area at MacMillan Pier with Town staff, including both the pier deck and the structural components beneath the pier. The inspection confirmed that the issue is limited to the bridge joint area and that the pier's primary structural supports remain sound.

Based on the inspection, engineers are now designing a permanent repair that will be completed during a lower-traffic period later this year to minimize impacts to pier operations.

In the meantime, the Town is installing a reinforced temporary repair with steel plates that safely span the damaged area and is designed to accommodate all vehicle and pedestrian traffic, including commercial vehicles and emergency apparatus. The temporary repair is expected to remain in place until the permanent repair is completed, likely in the fall/winter.

While one lane was temporarily closed during inspection and repair work, both lanes of traffic are expected to be fully reopened.

MacMillan Pier remains open, safe, and fully operational for residents, visitors, businesses, and commercial users.

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Earlier this afternoon (June 13) Town staff were alerted to what appeared to be a large crack visible on the surface of MacMillan Pier near 16 MacMillan. Access to the Pier was restricted for a short time while a preliminary inspection could be performed.

At this time, the issue appears to be a surface crack from thermal expansion. Engineers will be on-site tomorrow morning to fully inspect the area and advise the Town on any immediate structural needs or concerns.

MacMillan Pier is now open to pedestrian and light vehicle traffic, pending tomorrow morning’s inspection.

Ferry traffic to/from Provincetown is continuing on its regular schedule at this time.

Pier users or any others with questions should contact the Provincetown Pier and Harbormaster Office at 508-487-7030.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

06/11/2026

⏰ FINAL 24 HOURS TO BID! ⛵

This is your chance to own a classic 1983 Seafarer 22 Sailboat at a great price.

This American-made fiberglass sloop is a proven coastal cruiser and an affordable way to get out on the water this season. With room to sleep four and a little TLC, she could be your ticket to sailing Provincetown Harbor and beyond.

Why this boat is a great opportunity:
⚓ Cabin sleeps up to four
⚓ Ideal for day sailing and weekend adventures
⚓ Docked at MacMillan Pier and available for viewing

Even better? Mooring permits are available for just $250 for the season. (Town voters age 65 and older receive 50% off their mooring permit.)

📅 Auction closes Friday, June 12 at 12:00 p.m.

🔗 Bid now through our link in bio.

06/08/2026

Kayak rack spaces are available now at locations throughout Provincetown.

Secure your spot today through the link in our bio (or provincetown-ma.gov/2626/kayak-racks).

$100 per season (through Nov. 15)

RACK SPACE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE AT:

📍MacMillan Pier (east side of the foot of MacMillan Pier

📍Ryder Street (west side of the MacMillan municipal parking lot)

📍Gosnold St. (near Crown & Anchor beach volleyball court)

📍Court St. (town landing next to Bubala’s)

📍Johnson St. (town landing next to Pepe’s Wharf)

06/06/2026

🦑 What’s with all the squid on the beach?! 🦑

Provincetown, if you’ve taken a stroll along the harbor beach lately, you may have noticed thousands of squid washed up on the sand. We’ve gotten a lot of questions, so let’s clear things up:

The squid are NOT dying from a toxic event, red tide, or pollution. This is a completely natural process! 🌊

What you’re seeing is the Atlantic longfin inshore squid (Doryteuthis pealeii) at the end of its life cycle. These squid migrate inshore to spawn — and like many species, the adults die shortly after spawning. It’s a mass spawning die-off. Add in the right combination of wind and tide, and the dying animals get pushed up onto the beach instead of staying out in the water.

Here’s the thing: this happens all the time. We just don’t usually see it, because the die-off normally happens underwater, where the bodies are quickly eaten by fish, crabs, and other marine predators. When they wash ashore, the gulls, crabs, and other land critters take over the clean-up. It’s the circle of life, folks. 🐦🦀

Will they smell? Possibly a little, as they break down. If the squid in front of your stretch of beach are bothering you, feel free to shovel them right back into the water — totally fine to do, and the tide and critters will handle the rest.

So no need to worry. Mother Nature is just doing her thing. 🙌

Questions? You know where to find us. 🧭

— Provincetown Harbormaster’s Office

06/01/2026

⚓ SET SAIL ON A GREAT DEAL — BIDDING STARTS AT JUST $100! ⚓
The Provincetown Marine Department is auctioning off a classic 1983 Seafarer 22 Sailboat and she's ready to find a new home.

This lightweight, American-made fiberglass sloop is a beloved coastal cruiser, perfect for day sailing around Provincetown Harbor and beyond. The cabin sleeps four, and with a little TLC she'll be ready to go. Best of all, she comes with a clean title, no liens, and registration current through July 2026, so the winning bidder can hit the water this season!

Want to take a look before you bid? She's docked at the North Floating Dock of MacMillan Pier (the one closest to the beach). It is the only sailboat docked in this location. Feel free to board and inspect her, or stop by the Harbormaster's Office at 24 MacMillan Pier or call us at (508) 487-7030 with any questions.

🗓️ Auction closes: Friday, June 12 at 12:00 p.m.

🔗 Place your bid:

The Town of Provincetown is offering for public auction this 1983 Seafarer 22sailboat, a classic American-made fiberglass sloop that has long been celebrated as one of the best entry-level coastal cruisers of its era. Lightweight, seaworthy, and easy to handle, thisSeafarer 22 will make forlovely da...

05/25/2026

It was an honor to watch the Provincetown Police Department, Provincetown Fire Department and the US Coast Guard present the colors today at the Memorial Day Ceremony held at Provincetown Town Hall.

A day to reflect and honor the men and women who gave their lives for this country defending the freedoms and liberties we cherish every day. They made the ultimate sacrifice and for that we are forever grateful.

The MacMillan Pier and Harbor team send their heartfelt gratitude to those who gave their lives for this country, the Veterans who fought for this country and the active duty members of the US Military who continue to fight for our freedom.

❤️🤍💙

05/16/2026

The season has officially started here on MacMillan Pier!
Today with the help of a Brass Band and the Provincetown Town Crier we welcomed back Bay State Cruises from Boston!
Boston harbor city cruises is also back on the Pier today!
We are excited to see all the familiar faces, and welcome new friends!

Here’s to a great 2026 season on MacMillan Pier and Provincetown Harbor! 🚢⚓️🌊

05/10/2026

Today we gather not only to mourn John DeMatteis, but to honor a life that became part of the rhythm and soul of the pier itself. For thirteen years, John stood as a steady presence on the waterfront — a familiar face through foggy mornings, hard tides, summer crowds, and quiet sunsets. He carried with him the kind of kindness and strength that cannot be taught, only given.

Some people pass through a workplace. Others become part of its foundation. John was one of those people.

He was deeply loved by his partner, Maxine Notaro, by his coworkers, and by the many people whose lives were made lighter simply by knowing him. His absence will be felt in countless small moments — in the harbor air, along the pier, in laughter remembered, and in the stories that will continue to be told about him for years to come.

May we remember John not only for the years he gave, but for the warmth he left behind. Some lights do not go out; they simply become part of the horizon, guiding the rest of us forward.

Jamie, Katie, Pete, Milos, Chris, Dave, Jesse, Mike, Dean