Nantucket Boating, Fishing & Water Sports
From offshore fishing trips to harbor sailing and surf lessons, discover Nantucket experiences built around the water.
Photo by: Victoria Tibbetts
Explore Nantucket Water Activities
Nantucket’s connection to the ocean shapes nearly every part of island life. Visitors can spend the day fishing offshore, sailing through Nantucket Sound, paddleboarding calm harbor waters, or booking private charters for sunset cruises and custom excursions.
Whether you are planning a family outing, an active afternoon, or a full day on the water, Nantucket offers experiences for every pace and skill level.
Boat Charters
Private boat charters offer one of the best ways to experience Nantucket’s coastline, harbor, and surrounding waters. Visitors can choose from sailing charters, luxury yacht experiences, harbor cruises, and custom excursions designed for families, couples, and groups.
Many charters offer sunset cruises, private events, and island tours with experienced local captains.
The Tall Ship Lynx offers a one-of-a-kind sailing experience aboard a beautifully crafted interpretation of an 1812 privateer schooner. Departing from Nantucket during the summer season, the vessel combines scenic harbor sails with hands-on maritime education and living history. Whether joining a public cruise, sunset sail, or educational program, guests experience Nantucket’s seafaring heritage in an immersive and unforgettable way.
The Tall Ship Lynx offers a one-of-a-kind sailing experience aboard a beautifully crafted interpretation of an 1812 privateer schooner. Departing from Nantucket during the summer season, the vessel combines scenic harbor sails with hands-on maritime education and living history. Whether joining a public cruise, sunset sail, or educational program, guests experience Nantucket’s seafaring heritage in an immersive and unforgettable way.
Nantucket By Water offers a wide range of harbor cruises and private charters designed for families, couples, and groups looking to experience Nantucket from the water. From sunset and cocktail cruises to oyster tours, fishing trips, and narrated harbor adventures, each excursion blends scenic views with a relaxed island atmosphere. Departing from Straight Wharf, it’s one of the most versatile and approachable ways to explore Nantucket by boat.
Nantucket By Water offers a wide range of harbor cruises and private charters designed for families, couples, and groups looking to experience Nantucket from the water. From sunset and cocktail cruises to oyster tours, fishing trips, and narrated harbor adventures, each excursion blends scenic views with a relaxed island atmosphere. Departing from Straight Wharf, it’s one of the most versatile and approachable ways to explore Nantucket by boat.
The Blue Peter Yacht offers elegant private sailing charters aboard a beautifully restored classic yacht departing from Straight Wharf. Combining timeless craftsmanship with a relaxed Nantucket atmosphere, each sail delivers harbor views, ocean breezes, and a more intimate experience on the water. From sunset cruises to private gatherings and special occasions, it’s a refined way to experience the island by sea.
The Blue Peter Yacht offers elegant private sailing charters aboard a beautifully restored classic yacht departing from Straight Wharf. Combining timeless craftsmanship with a relaxed Nantucket atmosphere, each sail delivers harbor views, ocean breezes, and a more intimate experience on the water. From sunset cruises to private gatherings and special occasions, it’s a refined way to experience the island by sea.
Endeavor Sailing offers one of the most authentic ways to experience Nantucket from the water, with daytime sails, sunset cruises, and private charters aboard a classic Friendship sloop. Led by longtime island captain Jim Genthner, each excursion combines scenic harbor views with stories of Nantucket’s maritime history and relaxed coastal atmosphere. Whether helping raise the sails or simply unwinding on deck, it’s a timeless island experience.
Endeavor Sailing offers one of the most authentic ways to experience Nantucket from the water, with daytime sails, sunset cruises, and private charters aboard a classic Friendship sloop. Led by longtime island captain Jim Genthner, each excursion combines scenic harbor views with stories of Nantucket’s maritime history and relaxed coastal atmosphere. Whether helping raise the sails or simply unwinding on deck, it’s a timeless island experience.
Fishing Charters
Nantucket fishing charters range from relaxed family outings to serious offshore sport fishing adventures targeting striped bass, bluefish, and tuna.
Local captains provide equipment, guidance, and customized trips for both experienced anglers and first time visitors.
Herbert T offers family friendly sport fishing charters departing from Straight Wharf in Nantucket. Led by Captain Fred Tonkin, trips focus on blues and bass with all bait, tackle, and equipment provided for guests. The charter welcomes both beginners and experienced anglers, offering relaxed fishing trips designed to make Nantucket fishing approachable and memorable for all ages.
Herbert T offers family friendly sport fishing charters departing from Straight Wharf in Nantucket. Led by Captain Fred Tonkin, trips focus on blues and bass with all bait, tackle, and equipment provided for guests. The charter welcomes both beginners and experienced anglers, offering relaxed fishing trips designed to make Nantucket fishing approachable and memorable for all ages.
Steve Tuna’s Beach Fishing Adventures offers guided surf casting experiences across Nantucket’s remote beaches and shoreline fishing spots. Led by longtime local fisherman Steve “Tuna” Tornovish, each trip blends fishing, island exploration, and local knowledge in a relaxed, approachable format for all skill levels. From striped bass and bluefish to bonito and false albacore, it’s one of the most authentic ways to experience Nantucket’s coastline.
Steve Tuna’s Beach Fishing Adventures offers guided surf casting experiences across Nantucket’s remote beaches and shoreline fishing spots. Led by longtime local fisherman Steve “Tuna” Tornovish, each trip blends fishing, island exploration, and local knowledge in a relaxed, approachable format for all skill levels. From striped bass and bluefish to bonito and false albacore, it’s one of the most authentic ways to experience Nantucket’s coastline.
Althea K Sport Fishing offers classic Nantucket sport fishing adventures led by longtime local captain Pete Kaizer, one of the island’s most respected fishermen. Trips range from family-friendly outings to serious offshore excursions targeting striped bass, bluefish, tuna, shark, cod, and more. With decades of experience on Nantucket waters, the Althea K delivers an authentic fishing experience focused on both action and local knowledge.
Althea K Sport Fishing offers classic Nantucket sport fishing adventures led by longtime local captain Pete Kaizer, one of the island’s most respected fishermen. Trips range from family-friendly outings to serious offshore excursions targeting striped bass, bluefish, tuna, shark, cod, and more. With decades of experience on Nantucket waters, the Althea K delivers an authentic fishing experience focused on both action and local knowledge.
Mooring Rentals
For visitors arriving by boat, Nantucket offers seasonal and short term mooring options throughout the harbor and surrounding marinas.
Mooring rentals provide convenient access to town, nearby beaches, dining, and harbor services during the boating season.
Availability can become limited during peak summer weekends and holiday periods, so advance planning is recommended.
Nantucket Moorings offers over 100 moorings in Nantucket Harbor for boats up to 85 feet, with advance reservations and seasonal availability. Conveniently located with launch access to town, it provides a flexible and reliable option for visiting boaters.
Nantucket Moorings offers over 100 moorings in Nantucket Harbor for boats up to 85 feet, with advance reservations and seasonal availability. Conveniently located with launch access to town, it provides a flexible and reliable option for visiting boaters.
Water Sports
Nantucket’s beaches and protected harbor waters create ideal conditions for surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, tubing, and other seasonal water activities.
Visitors can book lessons, guided tours, or equipment rentals depending on experience level and preferred pace.
Many activities are family friendly and suitable for beginners.
Explore Nantucket by Bike
Skip traffic. Cruise beaches. Explore more.
- Bike Paths & Maps
- Bike Rentals
- Tips & Guides
View Bike Guide
Planning a Nantucket Water Day
- Reserve charters early in summer
- Check weather conditions before departure
- Bring sun protection and light layers
- Confirm marina or harbor departure points
- Book moorings ahead for holiday weekends
Explore Nantucket Beaches
From calm harbor shores to wide ocean beaches, Nantucket offers something for every kind of beach day.
- Calm beaches for families
- Surf beaches
- Sunset spots
- Easy-access beaches near town
Find Your Perfect Beach
View Nantucket Beaches
Photo by Sonja O’Brien
Nantucket Shellfishing & Fishing Information
Seasonal shellfishing regulations, recreational limits, and permit information for Nantucket waters.
Steamers
Recreational Season:
Sunday only, Sept. 15 to June 14
Permit required
Limit: One 10 quart pail per week
Minimum shell size: 2 inches
Oysters
Recreational Season:
Sept. 1 to April 30
Permit required
Limit: One half bushel per week
Minimum size: 3 inches
Blue Claw Crab
Open Season:
May 1 to Dec. 31
No permit required unless using traps
Return egg bearing females
Minimum shell width: 4 1/8 inches spine to spine
Limit: 50 crabs per day
Mussels
Open season
No permit required
Quahogs
Open season
Permit required
Limit: One half bushel per week
Minimum shell size: 1 inch at the hinge
Bay Scallops
Closed season permit required
Recreational Season:
Wednesday through Sunday,
Oct. 1 to March 31
Limit: One bushel per week
Scallops must have a well defined raised growth ring
Shellfish Permits
Shellfish permits are issued by the Town of Nantucket Marine & Coastal Resources Department.
Location:
4 Fairgrounds Rd.
Fishing Permits
Fishing permits are issued by the state and are available online.
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Are there fishing charters on Nantucket?
Yes. Nantucket offers offshore and inshore fishing charters ranging from family friendly trips to full day offshore excursions targeting tuna, striped bass, and bluefish.
Can you rent boats on Nantucket?
Yes. Visitors can find both self guided boat rentals and captained private charters depending on experience level and trip type.
What water sports are popular on Nantucket?
Surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, and fishing are among the island’s most popular water activities during the warmer months.
Are Nantucket sailing cruises family friendly?
Many sailing excursions and harbor cruises welcome families and offer calm scenic routes suitable for children.
Do I need experience to go paddleboarding or kayaking?
No. Many Nantucket outfitters offer beginner friendly lessons, guided tours, and equipment rentals.
When is the best time for boating and fishing on Nantucket?
Late spring through early fall is the primary season for most boating and fishing activities, with peak demand during July and August.
Are sunset cruises available on Nantucket?
Yes. Sunset sailing and harbor cruises are among the island’s most popular evening activities during summer.