Tides are the rise and fall of ocean water levels that happen every day. They’re caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on Earth’s oceans. The moon’s pull is stronger because it’s closer, and it causes water to bulge out on the side of Earth facing the moon and also on the opposite side.

As Earth rotates, different areas move into these bulges, which is why we get two high tides and two low tides each day. It’s like the ocean is following the moon’s lead in a giant, watery dance.
Please check a tide chart for Wellfleet Harbor (in your guidebook) so that you can plan accordingly.

We love our neighbors! The neighborhood is quiet, picturesque, peaceful, and surrounded by water and nature, perfect for beach walks, kayaking, and hiking. There are many vacation rentals on the island and everyone is warm and friendly!

The door code access information is sent upon booking confirmation in the digital house manual

Island Pines on Lieutenant Island, brought to you by the Heart of Cape Cod, offers a luxurious and serene retreat for your Cape Cod winter getaway. Step inside and be captivated by the modern elegance of the open-concept living space, where contemporary furnishings blend seamlessly with natural elements inspired by the surrounding landscape. The gourmet kitchen, featuring an Italian induction oven and sleek Carrara marble countertops, is a chef's dream, perfect for baking holiday treats or preparing cozy winter dinners.

Each of the sumptuously appointed bedrooms provides a peaceful haven, with plush linens and tranquil forest views that invite relaxation. Begin your morning with a warm cup of coffee on the deck, bundled in a blanket, or savor a leisurely breakfast indoors with the backdrop of snow-dusted pines.

Immerse yourself in the cozy comforts of Island Pines as you spend afternoons curled up with a good book by the expansive windows or gather for a family board game night in the open living space. Winter invites scenic walks along island trails, quiet beach strolls, and evenings stargazing through skylights. After a day of exploring or simply relaxing, return to enjoy hot cocoa, soft music on the Sonos sound system, or the warm ambiance of your tranquil retreat.

Lieutenant Island offers a magical combination of seclusion and proximity to Cape Cod’s winter attractions, such as hiking in the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, exploring art galleries, or visiting the Cape's year-round eateries. Island Pines is more than just a vacation rental—it’s a luxurious, eco-friendly boutique experience, offering a harmonious blend of comfort and sustainability for an unforgettable winter escape.

• A custom, state-of-the-art house manual with recommendations is provided with each stay
• 2 Queens, 2 Twins, 1 sleeper sofa
• Luxurious linens, duvets, and Turkish bath towel sets provided for a comfy, cozy stay
• Dog friendly with $100 fee (no cats, monkeys, birds, ferrets, turtles, rabbits, sloths, Komodo dragons, chocolate Easter bunnies, or pet rocks—just a dog that says woof)
• Central and mini-split combo AC and heat in all rooms
• Sonos sound system throughout
• WiFi throughout
• Washer & Dryer
• Walk to beaches in 4 minutes (Hidden Beach) or 12 minutes (Island Beach)
• Indoor entertainment options include puzzles, board games, books, and streaming-ready TV for cozy evenings
• Many vacation add-ons available, such as Pack-n-Plays, Early Check-In/Later Check-Outs, Farm Fresh Eggs, Tours, and more! Details provided after booking
• All soaps, detergents, and cleaners are eco-friendly, non-toxic, and refillable
• Professionally cleaned by an award-winning, VRMA-recognized company that uses thorough checklists, followed by sanitization and disinfection of high-touch points throughout the home

The island is accessed by a bridge, and the road may become covered in water if the tide exceeds 10 feet. You will occasionally see island residents and guests pull over to the side of the road, waiting for the tide to recede. Depending on how high the tide is, it may only take 30–50 minutes before the road is tide-free (again, it depends on the tide).

For example:

• First high tide is at 2:47 am and is 10.73 ft
• Second high tide is at 3:05 pm and is 10.95 ft

Residents and guests with plans at 3:00 pm would simply arrive or leave between 2:00/2:30. If they miss the window, they wait 30–45 minutes until the tide recedes off the road. It isn’t a big deal and is part of island life. Do not drive through salt water.

We understand that things happen and plans may change, so we always recommend purchasing travel insurance for your vacation.