Now one of the most desirable boating and vacation destinations in the country, Nantucket Harbor has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a whaling port.
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This well-protected port welcomes mariners of a very different sort, who come to stroll the narrow cobblestone streets, dine in five-star restaurants, browse the boutiques and art galleries, or relax on the beautiful beaches.
Dockage, Moorings & Service: Nantucket Boat Basin(844) 213-6500: Full-service marina with transient slips for vessels up to 350 feet. WiFi, fuel dock, water, electric, showers, laundry, concierge service, and much more.
Nantucket Town Pier (508) 228-7261: Limited transient slips for vessels under 30 feet, on a first-come, first-served basis. Water, bathroom/showers, pump-out. Contact the harbormaster for availability.
Launch Ramp: A free launch ramp can be found at the base of Brant Point, adjacent to Children’s Beach. Street parking is extremely limited.
Anchorages: The anchorages in Nantucket Harbor are outside the main mooring fields and a good distance from the Town Pier (just south of the Boat Basin), where the public dinghy dock is located. You can often find room to anchor in 7 – 9 feet of water in a few spots east of the main mooring field. The holding ground is mixed sand and grass, but be aware that the strong, shifting currents can create rode issues, especially for deep-keeled sailboats. Another potential spot to drop the hook is northwest of Brant Point. This area is protected by the jetties and Brant Point, but is a rather long (and sometimes wet) dinghy ride to town.
Things To Do: Nantucket Whaling Museum (508) 228-1894: Features a restored 1847 candle factory, an expanded exhibition space, an observation deck overlooking Nantucket harbor, and a sperm whale skeleton.
Downtown Walking Tour(508) 228-1894: Embark on a one-hour journey through Nantucket’s past to learn about the rise and the fall of the whaling industry, the rise of tourism, and the impacts the island’s economy had on social and racial development on Nantucket. Held Mondays through Fridays.
Cisco Brewery(508) 325-5929: Brew pub, brewery tours and a lively beer garden with raw bar, live music, and wood-fired pizza.
The Sunken Ship(508) 228-9226: Eclectic retail store with large assortment of T-shirts, hat, gifts, souvenirs, children’s games, toys, beach stuff, and more. Also offers scuba lessons, tank fills, dive equipment and dive charters.