Whether you’re reeling in a striper at sunrise or sailing past the Brant Point Lighthouse with the breeze in your hair, there’s nothing quite like experiencing Nantucket from the water. From fishing and sailing charters to surfing lessons and kayak rentals, the island’s coastal lifestyle truly shines in the summer. In this updated water activity guide straight from the source, the 2025 Fisher Nantucket Travel Guide ©, you will find everything you need to plan memorable days enjoying all that Nantucket’s waterfront has to offer.
ON THE WATER
Bill Fisher Outfitters
203.962.8867 | billfisheroutfitters.com
A high-end charter and guide outfit based out of Madaket that specializes in fly and spin fishing.
Next Level Watersports
508.680.3343 | nextlevelwatersports.com
Premium kiteboard and watersport lessons with some of the best in the business. Learn to kiteboard, wakeboard, hydrofoil or go on unforgettable tubing excursions.
ACK Surf School
508.246.7872 | acksurfschool.com
Owned by Gaven Norton, a local surfer who was born and raised on the beaches of Nantucket,
ACK Surf provides lessons on Nobadeer Beach.
Nantucket Island Surf School
508.560.1020 | nantucketsurfing.com
A great surf school (since 1999) at Cisco Beach, run by Gary Kohner. They offer board rentals, private lessons, group lessons and mini camps for kids.
Steve Tuna’s Fishing Adventures
508.325.5587 | stevetuna.com
Steve “Tuna” Tornovish is a Nantucket native and active tournament fisherman. Learn how to fish safely in various locations around the island and get some local history throughout the trip.
Nantucket Community Sailing
508.228.6600 | nantucketcommunitysailing.org
An educational non-profit, NCS offers a wide range of private and group sailing programs, as well as boat rentals at their Polpis Harbor and Jetties Sailing Center locations.
Just Do It Too Sport Fishing
508.228.7448 | justdoittoo.com
With 35+ years experience, Captain Marc Genthner will put you on the Bass, Blues, and Bonito. Find them at Slip 1013 on Straight Wharf.
Endeavor Sailing Excursions
508.228.5585 | endeavorsailing.com
The longest operating sailing charter on Nantucket, enjoy private charters or per-person fare sailing trips. Help the crew or sit back, relax and enjoy refreshments.
Nantucket Boat Basin
844.213.6500 | nantucketboatbasin.com
A full-service marina with 240 slips in the historic Nantucket Harbor. Guests enjoy luxury amenities, pet-friendly docks and concierge service.
Absolute Sport Fishing
508.325.4000 | absolutesportfishing.com
A 40-foot sport fishing boat with room for up to 28 people. Join Captain Brian Borgeson and crew on 2.5, 5-hour or all-day offshore fishing trips.
Nantucket Boat & Fishing Rentals and Gear
Bill Fisher Tackle
508.228.2261 | billfishertackle.com
Premier source on island for fishing tackle. Also check out their website for fishing reports.
Island Boat Rental
508.325.1001 | nantucketboatrental.com
Rent a boat and explore the Harbor, fish the Nantucket Sound or find your own slice of beach on Coatue. Center console boats range from 15-20 feet and can accommodate boaters of any experience level. No license necessary.
Sea Nantucket Paddle Sports
508.228.7499 | seanantucketkayak.com
Moments from Main Street, Sea Nantucket offers one-and two-person kayaks, as well as SUP boards. They will also deliver their equipment to your home.
WHERE TO BEACH ON NANTUCKET
Jetties Beach | Close to town with parking, a playground and the Sandbar restaurant.
Brant Point | The best place to watch the boats and ferries round the point and the scenic lighthouse.
Children’s Beach | Closest beach to town. With a playground, stage and Gyp-Sea Café, it’s ideal for children.
Steps Beach | Picturesque beach between Dionis and Jetties Beach with views of the Nantucket Sound and Great Point.
Dionis Beach | Calm waters and peaceful beach with restrooms and parking. Approximately a 3-mile bike ride from town.
40th Pole Beach | A local favorite, with drive-on access and views of Smith’s Point & the Cape. Vehicle permit and 4-wheel drive required.
Miacomet Beach | Less busy South Shore beach 2.5 miles from town, and close to Bartlett’s Farm.
Cisco Beach | Very popular beach with a surf school on-site and various food carts/trucks often on-site.
Madaket Beach/Smith’s Point | Famous sunset-watching destination down the street from Millie’s Restaurant & Millie’s Market.
‘Sconset Beach | Accessible by NRTA shuttle or a 6-mile bike ride. Food available nearby in ‘Sconset Village.
Quidnet Beach | Typically a calmer water beach that borders Sesachacha Pond. No facilities or lifeguards.
Pocomo Beach | Warm water, great for kayaking.
Great Point Beach | Vehicle permit, or day pass, and 4-wheel drive required.
Written By Kelsey Gund
Born and raised in Weston, Massachusetts, Kelsey has spent every summer on Nantucket and considers the island her second home. She’s currently a rising junior at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she studies Consumer Behavior and Marketing. When she’s not assisting with Fisher’s marketing, you’ll likely find her running along the bike paths, playing tennis, or trying new foods on the island.