Nantucket
Nantucket Yacht Charter Guide
Experience a quintessential yachting haven with a Nantucket yacht charter. Sail the coastline where charming villages meet stretches of pristine beach and vibrant harborside scenes.
Just off the southern coast of Cape Cod, you can find Nantucket, an iconic New England yacht charter destination. Long celebrated as the world’s whaling capital, this yachting hub is rooted in yachting heritage from classic regattas to where superyachts now gather, especially at the famous Nantucket Boat Basin. The historic downtown is characterized by charming cobblestone streets where chic boutiques and galleries are dotted between waterfront bars and restaurants. Nantucket truly finds the sweet spot between refinement and its laid-back atmosphere for its visitors. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the coastline’s various hiking and cycling paths, tee off at prestigious golf clubs, explore windswept dunes, and relax on over 80 miles of beaches. While in Nantucket, be sure to indulge in the local culinary scene, visit iconic lighthouses, and soak up the New England beauty from the deck while including nearby yachting playgrounds such as Martha’s Vineyard and Newport on your itinerary.
Best Time To Visit: The summer season typically runs from June to September, with warm, sunny days. However, September and October also offer a particularly special experience with a temperate climate and fewer crowds.
Key Cruising Areas: Include Nantucket on a wider New England itinerary, with spots such as Newport, the Elizabethan islands, and Martha’s Vineyard.
Don’t Miss: Take a walk along the short out-and-back Bluff trail near ‘Sconset, which provides panoramic cliff views and a chance to admire the classic Nantucket cottages.
Best Spots for Wining and Dining: Nantucket has plenty of options for waterfront dining. For a unique feet-in-the-sand experience, secure a table at Galley Beach, once a clam shack; the fine dining spot boasts a wine cellar of over 5000 bottles. Don’t miss the legendary Chicken Box and Cisco Brewers for island-style vibes, live music, and drinks.
Best Local Dish: A selection of signature New England seafood dishes are available on most menus here. Be sure to enjoy the raw bar, featuring a variety of local Nantucket shellfish, at Cru.
Local Culture: As an 18th-century whaling port, pay a visit to the Nantucket Whaling Museum, where you can learn the island’s history. Fast-forward to today, and there are plenty of festivals, including the Nantucket Film Festival, well worth adding to the itinerary.
Best Beach: Nantucket offers a vast array of beaches to hop between, each suitable for various activities. Surfside Beach, toward the south of the island, is popular for catching a break, while the family-friendly Jetties Beach is perfect for calm waters.
IYC recommends: Time your yacht charter for the 4 July and enjoy the buzzing atmosphere in the Boat Basin, various holiday activities and parades, as well as the iconic fireworks over the harbor.
More To Explore
'Indian Summer,' also known as a 'second summer,' is a well-known American phrase referring to the unseasonably warm weather during the late fall, stretching into early November. A typical occurrence in New England, this commonly characterized weather is ideal for extending the opportunities for a yacht charter here.New England is a quintessential American cruising ground, spanning from Maine to Rhode Island on the East Coast of the US. Deeply rooted in yachting heritage, as the birthplace of the America's Cup and from influential families spending summers here to today's classic regattas and superyachts flocking to explore the array of yachting hotspots - the likes of Newport and Nantucket.While the summer is popular for yacht charters in New England, the real attraction is experiencing the region without the busy crowds. Chartering a yacht, between Newport and Nantucket, during this Indian Summer period is perfect for embracing the region's peacefulness.
With its rugged coastline, historic harbors, and sailing heritage, New England is a yachting hotspot not to miss. And for those chartering a yacht along this storied stretch of the US, the experience is just as much about the cuisine as the epic scenery.From coastal Maine to Cape Cod and beyond, New England’s food scene is based upon tradition, freshness, and its strong tie to the ocean. Here are the top specialties from New England that we recommend you try when exploring this American yachting hotspot:
Stretching down part of America's east coast is New England, one of the most quintessential regions for sailing and summer cruising. As the landing site of the Pilgrims' Mayflower, the birthplace of the America's Cup, and overflowing with second homes from the Gilded Age, it isn't hard to see why yachting - and the coastline - is so significant here.There are plenty of iconic destinations to include on a New England itinerary spanning from Maine to Newport. While a popular destination, there are still endless things to see and do far from the summer crowds. Charming villages with bustling art scenes, outdoor pursuits to enjoy, and stunning scenery while island-hopping, you can still find off-the-beaten-track wonders. Here, we have put together a guide to New England's best-kept secrets: