One of our most cherished traditions every summer? Nantucket boat tours. Over the years, we’ve been incredibly grateful to have soaked in the beauty of the island from the water, from private yachts to sunset sailing excursions, and even boat tour transfers from Town to Wauwinet. If you’re planning a visit, I highly recommend booking one of these experiences. Best of all, each company offers various different options, and there’s something for everyone (and every price point).
Best Nantucket Boat Tours
So what should you keep in mind in terms of booking a Nantucket boat tour? Also, what should you expect with each experience? After all, it’s helpful to know what to pack, how much they charge, tipping and gratuity details, etc. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Endeavor Sailing
No Nantucket boat tour guide would be complete without the one and only Endeavor. It’s Nantucket’s oldest sailing charter, and Captain Jim personally built this gorgeous boat. We’ve never missed a summer on Endeavor; it’s truly become one of our favorite and most cherished annual traditions. In fact, we always sail with our dear friends, Allie Provost and Carter Fish. Some of my best summer memories are on-board Endeavor.
There are a few ways to experience Endeavor, including private charters or per-person fare options. We book a private charter since we tend to capture a lot of content on-board and don’t want to disturb other passengers. 🙂 Bob and I learned that lesson 11 years ago during our first sail.
Plus, Captain Jim is so kind and patient with our influencer shenanigans in capturing photos and videos. He even goes as far to steer the beautiful boat towards the best angles for light and knows the best timing for captures on the island. He’s the ultimate pro (we truly adore him more than we can say).
Endeavor sails from May 20th through October 15th. Prices range from $135 per person for a 90-minute daytime sail (times available at 10 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM). Or, you can opt for $175 per person for a 90-minute sunset sail, and prices start at $1,400+ for a private charter. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during high season.
You are welcome to bring food and beverages on-board, and there’s plenty of storage in the hull. Endeavor is located conveniently at slip #1015 on Straight Wharf, directly across from the Hyline ticket office.
Nantucket Tug Co.
This summer, we had the chance to experience one of the newest boat tours, Nantucket Tug Co. Special thanks to our friend, Kristy, for introducing us to them! My first impression? This new boat is SO chic and sophisticated, with both interior and exterior spaces, comfortable seating, and beautiful design touches everywhere. Co-owners, Erika and Matthew have thought through every single detail. They’re super fun to talk to, and clearly smart and savvy business owners.
Nantucket Tug Co. offers private tugboat charters for groups of six guests, so the experience feels intimate and very special.
Similar to Endeavor, you’re allowed to bring food and beverages on-board. They even provide glasses and plates to help with a smooth and seamless experience. I highly recommend packaging things safely with the waves (i.e., no glass or breakable items!).
Additionally, Nantucket Tug Co announced a partnership with NanTukTuk, which makes island pedicab transfers to and from the boat incredibly seamless (keep in mind there are distance limits, though). We absolutely loved meeting the team behind NanTukTuk – they were so fun and made the entire experience so fabulous.
Currently, the company offers mid-day cruises for $1,275 plus 20% gratuity for the crew. Sunset cruises go for $1,381.25 plus 20% gratuity for the crew. I also love they personalize custom charter options for brand photo shoots, proposals, or groups looking for longer sails.
Nantucket Mermaids
Last but certainly not least is Nantucket Mermaids, founded by the most lovely Leah Jane Collins. The team organizes the most magnificent yacht boat charters on the island. Best of all, they have access to Nantucket’s largest fleet of yachts, so there’s truly something for everyone seeking a luxury or ultra-luxury experience.
From picnic boats to catamarans, Hinckley’s to power yachts, their team is able to truly customize an experience to suit your needs. sunset cruises to island hopping, they truly offer a weather of amazing options. Best of all, Leah is incredibly professional and responsive in all communications and just an overall joy!
Honorable Mentions
While we don’t have kids, we’ve heard great things about the Critter Cruise from our friends, Mackenzie and Will and also Kit and Charles. They said it’s a fun experience and very engaging for kids. Plus, it’s relatively affordable with tickets being $31.50 per infant, $79 per child, and $92.50 per adult.
Also, Barton & Gray Mariner’s Club receives exceptional reviews and feedback. I’ve had the opportunity to sail with them a few times, including with Lily Pulitzer during our Nantucket trip, and their crew is positively superb and flawless. In fact, the Club now runs 80+ yachts, in nearly 40 harbors. In essence, they host tens of thousands of passengers each year and know exactly what they’re doing. Here’s the only catch – Barton & Gray is membership-based.
Membership starts at initiation fees ranging are $24,000 and quarterly dues range from $9,875 to $29,625 depending on level.
What to Wear
In general, I always back the same items whenever taking a Nantucket boat tour, including:
- Sunscreen
- Hat (sturdy one that won’t get caught in the wind!)
- Comfortable sandals and shoes
- Clothes I’m not worried about possibly getting wet
- A sweater and/or cozy wrap in case it gets cold with the wind
- A sturdy tote (so helpful for packing smaller items)
- Sunglasses, of course!
- Extra hair ties and bobby pins (I always slick back my hair on a boat to avoid fly-aways)
What to Bring for Food & Beverages
Obviously, this list is completely distinct based on your dietary restrictions and preferences. Below, I’m sharing what we typically bring onboard and what works best for us:
- Stop at Murray’s Beverage Store to pick-up drinks. We typically get a bottle of Veuve Clicquot or Whispering Angel, sometimes Cisco Brewery Grey Lady (so good!). They also sell Nantucket branded plastic glasses and solo cups that we’ve purchased a bunch in the past.
- The Stop & Shop grocery store is directly next to the wharf, which makes it an easy spot for quick items, like charcuterie and cheese and dessert. Keep in mind they don’t sell alcohol, but they do have soft drinks and waters.
- Provisions is the perfect destination for sandwiches, chips, and other quick items.
- Nantucket Crisps is one of our favorite things to enjoy on the island. If we’re feeling extra bougie, we’ll stop at their store to pick-up caviar bag with chips. So good! Otherwise, we also swear by this chip flavor overall.
Best Nantucket Boat Tours – In Closing
I hope this blog post is helpful for anyone consider booking an experience with one of these companies. We are confident that you’ll have an amazing experience, and please DM me with any questions!