BOATING ON THE ISLAND
Nantucket boasts sensational sunsets, delicious dishes, and breathtaking beaches. Yet its true beauty lies beyond its shores- to truly experience the island, you must take Nantucket by sea. We’ve made this easy by outlining three of our favorite approaches to Nantucket boating! With Nantucket Community Sailing the kids can get their tan on while learning the ropes of small (and big!) boat sailing. Meanwhile, the rest of the family can relax aboard Endeavor, enjoying a picnic lunch and listening to tales of island lore from Captain Jim. Shearwater Excursions lets you choose your own adventure- from laid back harbor cruises to whale watching. So get up and get out there!
Nantucket Community Sailing
This non-profit offers fantastic opportunities for the young and young at heart! to jump right in to boating on Nantucket. The sheltered Polpis Harbor offers a great space for kids as young as five to don life jackets and try their hand at harnessing Nantucket’s formidable winds. If you’re staying for a while, the Jetties Sailing Center is where more serious boating skills are built. The 420 Race Team offers opportunity for off-island travel and competition, while the Women’s Sailing Clinic welcomes all willing participants. If sailing isn’t your thing, NCS also offers wind surfing, kite boarding, and racing in a Hawaiian Outrigger canoe!
Fisher tip: NCS offers scholarship programs for year-round residents, as well as discounts for Jetties Sailing Center Members! For details, visit nantucketcommunitysailing.org
Endeavor Sailing Excursions
If you’re looking for a Nantucket boating staple, you’ve come to the right place. Captain Jim has been sailing Nantucket Sound for over 35 years! Watch as Endeavor transforms from a pirate ship hosting a 5th birthday celebration to a romantic private vessel for two. A sunset sail is a particularly popular way to marvel at the island’s natural wonders. On the flip side, there’s just something about dangling your feet overboard in the mid-afternoon sun. While the ocean and the sunshine can be mesmerizing, don’t forget to bring your curiosity. You’d be surprised how many species of birds and marine life Captain Jim can identify.
Fisher tip: Captain Jim built Endeavor! If you ask him about the process, you might get a hint as to why he chose this name for his vessel.
Shearwater Excursions
Options, options, options. For the family that can never decide, Shearwater offers it all. Head out to Great Point Light to check out grey seals on their home turf. Or if a glass of wine and raw bar is more your speed, try an hour and a half cocktail cruise- just enough time to take in the panoramic harbor views. Feeling hardy and have time to kill? Hop on a half day off-shore whale watch a see if you can spot a Humpback, Minke, dolphin, or sea turtle!
Fisher Tip: For a more personalized Nantucket boating experience, Shearwater allows you to charter the entire boat for many of their offerings. They can even provide catering upon request!
Born and raised on Nantucket, Lisa is incredibly excited to be back on the island as she prepares for her senior year at Dartmouth College. She feels most at home on the water and has an immense appreciation for the beauty and entertainment it provides. During the school year you may catch her taking a break from her economics studies to sail New Hampshire’s lakes. When she’s not assisting with marketing at Fisher, you can find her working on a new ceramic piece or catching the sunset on the south shore this summer!