Nantucket Yacht Charter Guide

Nantucket, a tiny island just off Cape Cod, is prized for its laidback, slower pace of life. It’s architecturally defined by rows of unpainted cedar-shingled buildings and a special community spirit that welcomes all who visit. Age-old wharves sit alongside modern galleries, contemporary boutiques and gastronomic eateries. Get the most out of the area by venturing along one of the many cycle paths by bike, seek out the Nantucket lighthouse or rest a while on one of that many dune-backed beaches.

With a name meaning ‘The Faraway Land’ although it is only 3.5 miles wide, Nantucket boasts 90 miles of pristine beaches, and the downtown region is steeped in history with a number of museums. Developed from a sheep-farming community, the area thrived in the whaling era, and the mansions, blacksmiths, and boatbuilding shops that boomed during this time can still be seen. Whaling faded but the area continued to attract sailors, with summer visitors frequenting the island as early as the 1840s.

“Now one of the most popular and attractive destinations in the world, the present-day Nation of Nantucket is as prosperous a little 'elbow of sand' as Melville described it, as can be found anywhere in the world," says Elizabeth Oldham, Research Associate at the Nantucket Historical Association Research Library. The natural beauty of the island is being preserved, and you will find that nearly half of the island is protected land. This careful conservation is critical in maintaining the natural beauty of the island, and walking through the natural landscapes the visitor will feel a sense of nostalgia walking through a world of unmatched beauty. Although only 26 miles away, Nantucket feels a world away from the fast-paced life of the big cities whose bright lights glitter on the shores of the mainland.

With such natural splendour, it is no surprise that outdoor pursuits are popular on Nantucket. Swimming in the Sound, try your hand at sport fishing where a big game can be found, take a thrilling windsurf ride or a serene paddleboard around the waters. When you’ve worked up an appetite visit one of the many fantastic restaurants before heading to a theatrical performance or film, or grab an ice cream and sit on the waterfront to watch the sunset.