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Day trip from Martha's Vineyard to Nantucket

Hello,

I am looking to do a day trip, but the return ferry leaves at 3:50PM - so very early. I was thinking of going on the first ferry and taking the 11:15AM bus tour of the island. I'd return at 12:30, but that only gives me about 3 hours to explore Nantucket on my own before I have to depart.

Questions:

1. Is there anywhere where I can rent a scooter near the ferry so I can get around a bit quicker? I have a disability, so I walk slowly.

2. Is there another option to get back to MV that evening?

3. I could take the 545PM ferry from Nantucket to Hyannis arrive at 645PM, then take the 725PM Ferry back to MV. I don't mind the cost and inconvenience, but I am concerned that if the ferry has an issue, I could get stuck in Hyannis overnight.

Any recommendations, or should I just spend an extra day in Martha's Vineyard? My accommodations are already booked for MV and I think it will be challenging to impossible to plan to spend the night in Nantucket.

Thank you,

It sounds like you're planning a fun and adventurous day trip to Nantucket! Given your concerns, I’ve provided answers and suggestions that should help you navigate your day trip more comfortably and avoid any stress along the way.

1. Renting a Scooter Near the Ferry Yes, there are options for renting mobility scooters near the ferry terminal in Nantucket. You can rent a scooter or electric wheelchair from places like Nantucket Wheelchair and Scooter Rental or even some local bike shops. It's a great way to get around the island more quickly, especially with a time constraint. I recommend calling ahead to ensure they have availability for your trip and confirming the drop-off point at the ferry terminal for a smooth return.

2. Alternative Return Options to Martha's Vineyard While the 3:50 PM ferry back to Martha's Vineyard is the most common, there is another ferry option later in the day. However, if you are concerned about getting stuck in Hyannis overnight, it would be better to stick to the earlier ferry from Nantucket. Unfortunately, the ferries from Nantucket to Martha’s Vineyard are relatively limited, so if you miss the 3:50 PM ferry, options are sparse for that day.

3. Taking the 5:45 PM Ferry from Nantucket to Hyannis The plan to take the 5:45 PM ferry from Nantucket to Hyannis, and then the 7:25 PM ferry from Hyannis to Martha’s Vineyard is possible, but it does carry some risk. If there are any ferry delays or cancellations (which can happen, especially if there are weather-related issues), you could indeed be stuck in Hyannis overnight. If you choose this option, be sure to keep an eye on the weather and ferry status in case there are any updates that could affect your travel plans. If the potential inconvenience or risk of being stranded is a concern, I’d recommend avoiding this option.

  • Alternative Suggestions:
  • If you're really keen on visiting Nantucket for the day, it may be worth considering spending the night there, especially if it’s within your flexibility. You could book a room for one night and take your time exploring without the time pressure. Some Nantucket hotels even offer easy ferry access, making it simpler to spend a night there and return the following day.
  • If returning to Martha's Vineyard on the same day is a must, it may be best to take the 3:50 PM ferry back, as it eliminates the risk of being stranded in Hyannis. You'll have a shorter time to explore Nantucket, but you can still get a sense of the island during your 3-hour window.
  • If you’re worried about not having enough time to explore Nantucket, you could also consider a private or semi-private tour. These tours can often be customized to include transportation and highlights of the island within a set timeframe, maximizing the time you do have available.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for a relaxed, safe trip, sticking with the 3:50 PM ferry would be your best option, and you can always plan a second trip to Nantucket with more time to explore. If you’re feeling adventurous, and willing to take the risk, the 5:45 PM ferry option can still work, but be mindful of possible delays.

Safe travels, and I hope you have a fantastic day on Nantucket, no matter which route you decide to take!

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