Martha’s Vineyard | Timeless Island Beauty

Martha’s Vineyard is an island in the Atlantic just south of Cape Cod. This picturesque New England island has harbor towns, lighthouses, sandy beaches, and farmland, and it’s accessible only by boat or air. We recommend visiting this lovely Island on a private Martha’s Vineyard yacht charter.

A Brief History of Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard has a long and interesting history. Before Europeans arrived, it was home to the Wampanoag Native American people. English settlers came in the early 1600s, and the island became known for its whaling industry in the 18th and 19th centuries. During this time, wealthy New Englanders started visiting the island as a summer getaway, leading to the construction of beautiful mansions and the growth of tourism.

Martha’s Vineyard also has a unique cultural legacy, with a historically high population of deaf individuals who use Martha’s Vineyard Sign Language. Today, the island remains a popular destination, offering stunning landscapes, a close-knit community, and a rich history to explore.

The Island is great for a day trip. However, spending a few days exploring all these vibrant areas is best. Popular destinations on Martha’s Vineyard include Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Aquinnah, and Menemsha. Each location offers something unique: sand beaches, historic lighthouses, or stunning cliffs.

Visit Martha’s Vineyard on a Massachusetts or Newport Yacht Charter to experience this historic Island.

Weather

On Martha’s Vineyard, summers are warm, humid, and windy. Winters are very cold, wet, and extremely windy. It is partly cloudy year-round.

The temperature typically varies from 24°F to 79°F. It is rarely below 10°F or above 85°F. For this reason, summer is the best time to visit.

Places to See

Visit The Granary Gallery. This is the oldest and largest art gallery on Martha’s Vineyard. In addition to this gallery, there are over a dozen public galleries on the Island.
Go to the Polly Hill Arboretum, a horticultural and botanical landmark. In 1958, Polly began an arboretum by sowing a seed, eventually bringing 20 acres under cultivation while preserving 40 acres as native woodland.
Children and adults will enjoy the Flying Horses Carousel. It’s the nation’s oldest continuously operating merry-go-round.

Things to Do

Be a pirate for a day! A family-friendly adventure that transforms your kids into a hearty pirate crew. Every new mate gets a pirate name, face-paint, dresses up, and learns how to talk like a pirate. Then sail along the shores of Oak Bluffs on a custom build pirate ship.
Have lunch or dinner at one of the Island’s many restaurants. Choose from local favorites like Chesca’s Restaurant, Atria, 19 Raw Oyster Bar, or Lucky Hank’s. Afterward, you can take a walk around Edgartown. It’s a great way to get a feel for the pace and flavor of the Vineyard.
Take a bus or trolly tour to see the whole Island.
Stop by Island Alpaca to observe the unique Island Alpaca. Have some fun browsing their gift shop.
Visit Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, a professional nonprofit theater.
Birdwatch. Over 300 species of birds frequent the Island.
Go for a hike in places like Manuel F. Correllus State Forest, where you can explore many trails, see different animals, and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Marinas

Vineyard Haven Marina offers beach frontage, a boaters lounge, and concierge services. The deepwater moorings and dockage can accommodate vessels up to 250 feet. The marina is in the center of one of New England’s most scenic harbors.

It’s within walking distance of many of Vineyard Haven’s best shops, galleries, and health clubs. The marina will arrange shoreside accommodations, dining reservations, special island tours, and air and ground transportation.

Oak Bluffs Marina is the largest marina on Martha’s Vineyard. It offers easy access to the Island. There are 81 slips, 50 moorings, and can Med-moor yachts up to 115 feet. On-site is a restaurant and lounge. There are also showers, bathrooms, and laundry facilities. The new fuel dock provides gas and diesel.

The Black Dog Wharf can accommodate vessels up to 190’ LOA with up to 10-foot drafts. In addition to the professional and friendly staff, the marina has bathrooms, private showers, and other amenities.

Sample Itinerary with Martha’s Vineyard

Day 1 | Newport, Rhode Island

Begin your journey in Newport, Rhode Island. Meet the captain and crew at the marina. They will welcome you aboard the yacht and help you settle in your cabin. After a brief safety meeting, you’ll set sail for Martha’s Vineyard.

Cruise along the beautiful coastline, soaking up the amazing ocean views. Drop anchor at Cuttyhunk Island, a chill spot where you can dive into the clear waters and play with the yacht’s water toys.

Days 2-4 | Martha’s Vineyard

Dock at Edgartown Harbor the perfect starting point to explore Martha’s Vineyard. Check out the cool Captain’s homes, and don’t miss the iconic Edgartown Lighthouse.

Find a quiet spot near Joseph Sylvia State Beach to relax on the sandy shores, paddleboard, or kayak with the yacht’s gear.
Enjoy the island’s history at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum or adventure in the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest. Take a hike and look for wildlife.
Experience the funky vibes of Oak Bluffs, where you can wander through the whimsical Gingerbread Cottages and enjoy the buzzing atmosphere.

Day 5 | Martha’s Vineyard to Nantucket

Sail from Martha’s Vineyard to the island of Nantucket.

Stroll through Nantucket’s cobblestone streets, check out the Whaling Museum, and shop at cute boutiques.
Go to the beach or try your luck at fishing.

Days 6-7 | Nantucket to Block Island, Rhode Island

Cruise to Block Island, a laid-back paradise known for its natural beauty. Anchor at Great Salt Pond or Block Island Boat Basin for easy access to the island’s delights.

Explore the stunning Mohegan Bluffs, catch incredible ocean views, and hike the nature trails.
Don’t miss the awesome Southeast Lighthouse, a historical landmark with a fantastic view.
Have a blast with the yacht’s water toys, whether jet skiing, tubing, or just splashing around in the crystal-clear waters.

Day 8 | Block Island to Newport

Bid farewell to Block Island as you sail back to Newport, enjoying the final day of cruising along the stunning New England coastline.

Please note that this is only a sample. We will work with you to customize an itinerary based on your preferences and interests.