Photo above:  Downtown Main Street, Nantucket, Massachusetts Photo taken by Bobak Ha'Eri August 2004.

Welcome to Visits of Nantucket, Massachusetts!

Nantucket Island is one of the most unique, historic, and visually stunning places in the world.  Throughout the pages of this web site you will learn about this beautiful island.  Thank you for stopping by today.

Nantucket Island was originally a successful whaling port.  It is now a National Historic District, which has artchitecturally changed very little since the 17th century.  Seaside cottages and old-fashioned lamp lighting still line its streets.

Great whaling ships once set out on hazardous journeys at the harbor front to return years later, if they ever returned at all.  The harbor front now has pleasure boats in one of the finest docking facilities in the world.

Photo above taken by Bobak Ha'Eri August 2004.

About 40 percent of Nantucket is protected conservation land.  There are several areas with natural groups of plants and animals rare to the region and even to the world.  The springtime blossoms with daffodils and forsythia.  The summer offers lush flowerings of roses and hydrangea and rich tawny hues in the autumn months.

Walk along wide, beautiful sandy beaches, swim in still, sparkling waters of the Nantucket sounds to the north, or be a bit braver and swim in the mighty Atlantic along the island's south shore.  Try surfcasting for stripers and bluefish or charter a boat for deep-sea fishing.  Let the clean, salty air refresh you as you sail on the ocean in sailboats.

There are boutique shops, art galleries and museums to explore.  There are year-round theatrical performances, music, art, film and literature to enjoy.  Enjoy a guided tour of the island.  Where would you stay?  What all is there to do?  Where would you eat?  And would you like to live in Nantucket?  All these questions and more will be answered throughout the pages of this web site. 

Navigate through the site using the menu bar to your left and at the bottom of each page. 

Photo above:  Circa 1870s Nantucket street scene by C. H. Shute & Son of Edgartown, MA Charles H. Shute (1818-1877) was a Nantucket native who operated a photography studio with his son on neighboring Martha's Vineyard from approximately 1858-1877. Public domain. Scan courtesy Stan Lair

It is easy to get around without a car on Nantucket.  They have seasonal shuttle buses running from May to October that provides sevice to the beaches and other island locations.  Bicycles are popular.  They have paved bike paths leading to all ends of the island.  Rental vehicles, taxis and limousine services are available.  You won't need to take your car, in fact, it is highly recommended you leave it behind to minimize traffic and help preserve the environment.

Transportation:

BY SEA

Steamship Authority South Street Dock, Hyannis, MA

Car ferry information and reservations: 508-477-8600; TDD 508-540-1394 Operates year-round Carries vehicles; car and truck reservations required Carries passengers, bicycles (for a fee) and pets No passenger reservations required Secured parking for a fee in Hyannis Approximate 2.15-hour cruise time Fast Ferry information and reservations: 508-495-FAST (3278) Reservations highly recommended No vehicles; limited bicycle space for a fee Secured parking for a fee in Hyannis Approximate 1-hour cruise time

Hy-Line Cruises Ocean Street Dock, Hyannis, MA

Hyannis office: 508-778-2600 Nantucket office: 508-228-3949 High Speed: 800-492-8082 or 508-778-0404 Traditional: 800-492-8082 or 508-778-2602 Year-round, high-speed catamaran ferry; approx. 1-hour cruise time Seasonal ferry service May-October; First-class section available. Carries passengers, pets, and bicycles Approx. 1 3/4-hour cruise time from Hyannis Parking fee at Hyannis location Seasonal inter-island service between Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard

Freedom Cruise Line Route 28, Saquatucket Harbor, Harwich Port, MA

Information/schedules: 508-432-8999 Seasonal fast ferry service May-October Additional service upon request Carries passengers, bicycles, and most pets Parking in private lot available, free parking for day trips. Approximate 1.25 hour cruise time

By Private Boat

When arriving by private boat, Nantucket offers some of the finest marina and mooring services on the East Coast including: Nantucket Boat Basin - 800-NAN-BOAT Nantucket Moorings - 508-228-4472 Town Pier/Harbormaster - 508-228-7261 Boating supplies/services are available at: Brant Point Marine - 508-228-6244 Grey Lady Marine - 508-228-6525 Madaket Marine - 508-228-1163 Nantucket Marine - 508-228-5510 Nantucket Ship Chandlery - 508-228-2300