Surprisingly, Nantucket is not the only island within Nantucket County. The name refers to both the town and the island itself. There are a few smaller islands with their own names; Tuckernuck is just west of Madaket and is the largest of these additional islands, with a small population of summer residents. 

Off the electrical grid and with no grocery store or restaurants, Tuckernuck embodies a gritty and simple way of life. Its residents, who collectively own the island, plan to keep it that way. Very little has changed on Tuckernuck; the island feels stuck in time, when Nantucket was wild and inhabitants lived off the land. While you may be tempted to take a boat over for a day-trip, Tuckernuck Island is private property, accessed only by explicit permission by landowner(s).

So what makes Tuckernuck truly unique? You may never get to visit, but at least you can learn about this special spit of land.

Rare Plant and Animal Species

Due to its isolated location, the island is home to a number of rare plant and animal species that aren’t even found on Nantucket. If you are ever invited to Tuckernuck, you will find it’s a treasure trove of natural wonder. Tuckernuck offers a chance to see seals, rare birds, and unique plants in an even wilder setting than Nantucket.

Field Station

The Tuckernuck Land Trust has a small field station for visiting researchers. The station is packed with information about the island and its plant and animal inhabitants. The Trust is dedicated to preserving the island for generations to come; check out their website if you are interested in learning more about Tuckernuck and the Land Trust.

Go Fish

The easiest way to explore the coast of Tuckernuck is by fishing by boat around Tuckernuck. When heading to Tuckernuck, it’s impossible to miss boats fishing in the area. On the Northside, you might see anglers fly casting in the flats, while larger boats hit the bonito bar to the South. Head to Bill Fisher beforehand to get hooked up with the right set up, and you’ll (hopefully) catch yourself a keeper. If you are in need of a fishing charter, Bill Fisher Outfitters can help with that too.