Fall Schedules Posted

Both Hy-Line Cruises and the Steamship Authority have officially shifted to their end of year high-speed and traditional ferry schedules. View the schedules through December 31, 2015 here.

Hy-Line Announces High-Speed Ferry Fall Special!

Take an afternoon day trip to Nantucket aboard Hy-Line's high-speed ferry Grey Lady and walk around and shop the historic downtown area of Nantucket. This special includes adult round-trip high-speed ticket and a $25 restaurant certificate to The Rose and Crown OR B-ACK Yard BBQ.
 
The cost is just $77!

Offer good now through October 14, 2015.

Ferry departs Hyannis at 12:00 p.m. and leaves Nantucket at 7:20 p.m.

Call (800) 492-8082 to make reservations!

Nantucket's Fall Ferry Schedules Posted

While Labor Day marks the unofficial end to the summer season, the appeal of Nantucket hardly comes to a close. Enjoy the amazing fall foliage during a hike on Sanford Farm or visit the island's signature cranberry bogs. Find your fall ferry here.

Nantucket's Lighthouses

The Steamship Authority "spotlighted" Nantucket's three lighthouses in its August e-Newsletter. Read it below . . . and to subscribe to the SSA's monthly e-News, click here.

Nantucket is home to three picturesque lighthouses; Brant Point Light, Sankaty Light, and Great Point Light. The ever-shifting battalion of sandbars, or shoals, lurking beneath the waters that surround Nantucket have caused between 700 and 800 shipwrecks in recorded history. These beacons of safety have been guiding mariners into harbor for centuries.

Brant Point Light

Brant Point Light was built on the island of Nantucket in 1746. It was a wooden structure built on Nantucket Harbor. It was replaced several times over the years as it was destroyed by fire or storm. The first brick tower was built in 1856 and was lit on December 10th of that year and bore a Fourth order Fresnel lens that beamed a fixed light. Although this structure still stands, because of erosion a new tower was built in 1901. It was only 26 feet tall and was again constructed of wood. It was fitted with a Fifth order Fresnel lens. Some years later, the light would be changed to a flashing red so that it was more easily differentiated from the lights of the town.

Brant Point Light is still guiding mariners today. Although its flashing red light is only 26 feet above sea level, it can be seen ten miles out to sea. When you visit Nantucket, it is one of the first things you see as the ferry rounds Brant Point and heads into the harbor. You can walk to the grounds on which it stands but the lighthouse itself is not open to the public.

Sankaty Light

Built in 1850 of brick, Sankaty Light is located on Sankaty Head in Siasconset and stands 70 feet tall. The lighthouse was originally fitted with a Second order Fresnel lens, making it the first in the United States to have one of these lenses. The fixed white light that it emitted could be seen for 20 miles out to sea and was called by fishermen 'the blazing star'. The name of this lighthouse is derived from the language of the Native Americans who lived on Nantucket, the Wampanoags. Their word "sankoty" means highland, and even erosion hasn't changed the appropriateness of that name.

If you want to visit the lighthouse, leave Nantucket Village by Milestone Road and head out to Siasconset. When you reach the rotary, take Sankaty Avenue to Butterfly Lane and turn right. When you reach Baxter Street, turn left. At the end of Baxter, you will see where the original light was and the new one 400 feet from the original site.

Great Point Light

In 1785 the first lighthouse was constructed on what was then called Sandy Point and was made of wood. It was destroyed by fire in 1816 after which a 60-foot stone tower was built and finished in 1818. In 1857 a third order Fresnel lens was installed and in the 1950's, the light was automated.

As erosion began to threaten the lighthouse, Islanders appealed to the Coast Guard to move it inland. The request was rejected and in 1984, the lighthouse was destroyed. Because of the efforts of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, federal money was made available to build a replica of the original light some 300 yards from the old site. It is made of concrete and plastic and stands 60 feet high. A solar powered white light flashes every five seconds. 

You can reach Great Point from Nantucket Village by traveling east to Polpis Road and then turning north on Wauwinet Road. You will need a four-wheel drive vehicle and a permit to travel the seven miles from Wauwinet to the lighthouse.

Nantucket's August Calendar of Events

Click here for a day-by-day look at August events on Nantucket, courtesy of the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce.

Our favorite webcam EVER!

Quite simply, it's the next best thing to being there. Hy-Line Cruises has installed a new state-of-the-art webcam at its Hyannis dock and you can practically feel the harbor breeze sweeping through your display screen. It also provides a nice peek into the loading/unloading process for those who are planning to travel aboard Hy-Line Cruises for the first time.

View the webcam here, and once it moves you to book a ferry, check out the current schedules between Hyannis and Nantucket here!

Upcoming Events on Nantucket

The Steamship Authority has included a list of upcoming Nantucket events in its latest e-News for Nantucket Travelers. Join the SSA's email list here.


July 15 – 18: Nantucket Comedy Festival

More than a dozen leading comedians, humorists and commentators will converge on Nantucket for the annual Nantucket Comedy Festival. The four-day festival includes women’s night, kids night, NY vs Boston Comedy Smackdown and VIP events for pass holders only. Proceeds benefit the Stand Up & Learn program for youth.

http://nantucketcomedyfestival.org


July 16: Annual Summer Kitchen Tour

Each year the Nantucket Preservation Trust opens kitchens in an historic neighborhood in the downtown area to educate about the significance of Nantucket’s historic houses and to broaden knowledge about the possibilities that exist in designing new and retaining historic kitchens in old houses.

http://www.nantucketpreservation.org/events/summer-kitchens-tour


July 17 – 19: Small Friends Arts & Artisans Shows

Every summer Small Friends on Nantucket hosts The Nantucket Art and Artisan Show.  The show brings together over 60 locally and nationally recognized artisans and features an unparalleled selection of pottery, jewelry, textiles, art, photography, handcrafted furniture, folk art and many one-of-a-kind masterworks created by today’s most celebrated artisans. All proceeds from the show benefit Small Friends on Nantucket, a non-profit Early Learning Center for infants, toddlers and preschool aged children.

http://smallfriendsnantucket.org


July 18 – 19: Nantucket Triathlon

The Steamship Authority is proud to be the official transportation sponsor of this USAT sanctioned event. Register to compete or cheer on your favorite athlete as they swim in the waters of Nantucket Sound, and then bike and run on the beautiful island of Nantucket. Part of all proceeds benefit The Town of Nantucket Scholarship Fund.
Saturday, July 18 - Nantucket Triathlon (Sprint distance)
Sunday, July 19 - Hero Triathlon (Olympic distance)

http://www.acktri.com


July 20 – 25: Atheneum Dance Festival

Enjoy a week of programs related to ballet. Free programs for the community include a lecture/demonstration with artistic director Tyler Angle (watch the 2014 lecture/demo here), youth master ballet classes taught by members of the dance festival company, and a children’s program. The festival ends with evening performances on Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25.
Tickets are available beginning July 1 at the library box office from 10 am – 4 pm, Monday through Saturday, or online. The Nantucket Atheneum Dance Festival is a major fundraising event for the Atheneum.

http://www.nantucketatheneum.org


July 22 – 23: Nantucket Garden Festival

The Annual Nantucket Garden Festival highlights the unique and beautiful garden ecosystems on Nantucket and focuses on the importance of sustainability, conservation and gardening ethics for the long-term health of the island. The festival celebrates gardening through creative workshops, exquisite garden tours, children’s workshops, family activities and an opening night party.

http://nantucketgardenfestival.net


July 29 – August 2: Antiques and Design Show of Nantucket

This event benefits the Nantucket Historical Association, and includes a week of social events, lectures, and activities.  The show is one of the most highly regarded antiques shows on the East Coast, attracting collectors and enthusiasts to the forty-four distinguished exhibitors who present American and European art and antique furniture, accessories, nautical items, garden and architectural ornament, and folk art.

http://www.nha.org

A Look Back at the Fourth of July

The Inquirer & Mirror's Nicole Harnishfeger recaps 2015 Fourth of July festivities on Nantucket here.

Nantucket Film Festival Opens Today!

Make plans to attend the 20th Annual Nantucket Film Festival, June 24-29! Now that we've rolled into the summer season, it's a good idea to book your ferry in advance. Find the schedules and contact info here.

"Book It" To This Weekend's Annual Festival!

Let the 2015 Nantucket Book Festival begin! It runs June 19th through the 21st. Find your ferry to this year's event here.

Traditional Ferry Schedules Expand This Week

On Wednesday, June 17, the Steamship Authority will double its traditional ferry trips between Hyannis and Nantucket. SSA ferries will depart from both Hyannis and Nantucket at 6:30 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The voyage lasts two hours and 15 minutes. Hy-Line Cruises will expand its traditional ferry service on Saturday, June 20. You'll find the complete summer high-speed and traditional ferry schedules for both Hy-Line and the Steamship Authority here.

Traditional Ferry Summer Schedules

The high-speed ferry schedules to and from Nantucket are set for both Hy-Line Cruises and the Steamship Authority from now through Labor Day, however, the traditional ferries offered by each line will expand as the official start of summer approaches. The current ferry schedules are posted here, the same page reflecting the updated summer traditional ferry schedules can be viewed here. Happy sailing!

Hy-Line's Webcam: The Next Best Thing to Being There

UPDATE: Hy-Line is upgrading to a new high-definition, continuous stream webcam! We'll update you next week when it's rolling!

You know you're a Nantucket Island enthusiast when you find yourself punching up Hy-Line Cruises' webcam several times a day. What's that? You didn't know that Hy-Line's website features a webcam that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week? See for yourself right here! For those who have traveled through Hy-Line's Hyannis dock before, it's a most welcome sight. You can "virtually" smell the harbor as you watch ferry riders pull in to the temporary parking lots to unload luggage on to the blue rolling carts before boarding. For those planning their first trip aboard Hy-Line's ferries, the webcam gives you a nice visual of what you can expect when you arrive. Enjoy!

A frame shot from Hy-Line's webcam on Thursday, June 4th. 

Hy-Line Rewards Program

Whether you plan to ride Hy-Line's ferries to and from Nantucket one time this summer or multiple times, NOW is the time to enroll in the Hy-Line Rewards Program! Earn one point for every dollar spent and for every 500 points you receive $10 in Hy-Line Bucks good on all Hy-Line services, including tickets, snack bar and parking. Receive special Birthday Bucks on your birthday, too! Learn more about Hy-Line's Rewards program here or fill out the official Hy-Line Rewards Program form here.

How early should you get to the ferry?

 A Nantucket visit or vacation should be smooth and hassle-free from start to finish, so set the tone for your island trip by arriving to the ferry terminal at a minimum of 30-45 minutes before departure time. If you are traveling with children, luggage and/or bikes, then arriving at least one hour prior is advisable. That will enable you to calmly unload, check-in and park your vehicle. If you are hoping to travel on one of the high-speed ferries in the summer months without a reservation, then an early arrival is a must in order to purchase a ticket. The high-speed ferries have limited capacity, so availability of tickets cannot be guaranteed without first making a reservation. Building in extra time for your arrival also helps if there is an unexpected traffic delay getting to the terminal. Is it really possible to arrive at the terminal too early? We don't think so. Sit on the dock and enjoy a cup of coffee and a bagel while gazing at beautiful Hyannis Harbor. Your vacation has already started.

Hyannis Harbor Cruise

Did you know that Hy-Line Cruises offers a one-hour Hyannis Harbor Cruise? Learn about the history of Hyannis and local area landmarks on your way to view the historic Kennedy Compound in Hyannisport. Points of interest include Great Island, the Kennedy Memorial, Egg Island, St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, Squaw Island and Point Gammon Light. Kids ride FREE on morning trips all season! Learn more here.

Extra Ferry Runs Slated for Nantucket's Wine Fest!

The 2015 Nantucket Wine Festival begins tomorrow, May 15, and runs through Sunday, May 17. Check out the expanded ferry schedules for each day here.

Kids Ride Hy-Line's Traditional Ferry for FREE!

From Hy-Line Cruises . . .

Start making your summer family plans now & join us on our Traditional Ferries to Nantucket & the Vineyard where KIDS RIDE FREE! We are the only mid-Cape departure point to both islands, making it convenient to take the family to whichever island they choose. There are plenty of sights to see, fun to be had & memories to be made for the entire family...& the kids ride free all season! Traditional Ferry service to Nantucket begins May 16th & Traditional Ferry service to Martha's Vineyard begins May 23rd. We hope to welcome you & your family aboard this summer!  

Daffodil Weekend Just Days Away!

For the convenience of ferry travelers planning to take part in Daffodil Weekend Festivities, April 24-26, Hy-Line Cruises has expanded its high-speed ferry schedule.

View a combined listing of Daffodil Weekend ferry departures and arrivals between Hyannis and Nantucket here.

Learn more about Nantucket's 2015 Daffodil Weekend here.

Steamship Authority Announces Welcome Back Celebration on April 15, 2015

The Steamship Authority will be hosting a Welcome Back Celebration on Wednesday, April 15, 2015, rain or shine, as they welcome their high-speed ferry, the M/V Iyanough, back to service for the 2015 season.

The day’s festivities will include:

Free food and beverages all day on-board the Iyanough

Steamship Authority gifts and round-trip high-speed passenger tickets will be given away to lucky winners at the end of each trip

Reservations are recommended for high-speed travel to Nantucket. For schedule and complete fare information or to book online visit www.Steamshipauthority.com or call 508-495-FAST (3278).

Hy-Line Adjusts Weekend Schedule (Mar. 27-29, 2015)

From Hy-Line Cruises . . . 

To Our Valued Customers,  

To keep you updated, we anticipate Grey Lady to be at the shipyard for one more week. We hope she will resume service on Wednesday, April 1st.

We are operating Lady Martha, in her place. She is a smaller boat; we cannot stress enough the importance of reservations during this time.

In addition, she will be operating our 6-trip schedule to better accommodate passengers on the following dates:

Friday, March 27th | Saturday, March 28th | Sunday, March 29th

This is the 6-trip schedule:

It is always recommended that you make reservations as we are approaching a busier time of the season.  As a reminder, unclaimed reservations may be released to standby passengers 15 minutes prior to departure.

For reservations, please call (800) 492-8082 or (508) 228-3949.

Grey Lady Maintenance Notice

From Hy-Line Cruises . . . 

Grey Lady is headed to the shipyard for regularly scheduled maintenance on Tuesday, March 10th. We anticipate her being at the shipyard for 3 weeks.

We will be operating Lady Martha, in her place, for approximately three weeks. She is a smaller boat; we cannot stress enough the importance of reservations during this time.

In addition, she will be operating our 6-trip schedule to better accommodate passengers on the following dates:

Friday, March 13th | Saturday, March 14th | Sunday, March 15th

Friday, March 20th | Saturday, March 21st | Sunday, March 22nd

It is always recommended that you make reservations as we are approaching a busier time of the season.

For reservations, please call (800) 492-8082 or (508) 228-3949 or visit us online

Nantucket's Daffodil Festival Set For April 24-26!

From the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce . . .

After a long winter--Siberian style--our Faraway Island is over-eager to embrace spring.....Kick off the season with the Daffodil Festival in April--a jubilant celebration of the bountiful bloom--followed by the Wine Festival and Figawi Race Weekend in May, and Spring Restaurant Week in June. Flowers, fancy fare, fume blanc, and frigates for (extra) fun.  Stir, shake, and garnish with a ray of sunshine for the perfect spring cocktail!

Daffo-Dalliance 2015
Celebrate the arrival of spring with a daffo-dalliance on Nantucket!  Our 41st annual Daffodil Festival Weekend--April 24-26--promises to banish your winter "doldrums" as the island pays homage to a bold and brilliant bloom. View over 100 antique cars--bedecked in their festal finery--on Main Street before they parade out to 'Sconset for the traditional Tailgate Picnic. Pack a lunch--or grab some takeout--and follow the venerable vehicles out to the charming village.  Watch humans and hounds "strut their stuff" for coveted awards at the wacky and whimsical Daffy Hat Pageant and Daffy Dog Parade.  Little tykes star in their own procession, decorating bikes and wheeled conveyances "Daffy" style. Gather with locals to "nosh" at the Children's Beach Family Picnic--a mini-festival in itself--where local bands hold court, a Festival Marketplace features wondrous wares, and kids can indulge in face painting, storytelling, and more.  Satisfy your inner sleuth by taking part in the weekend-long Scavenger Hunt.  We invite you to join us in a daffo-delirious weekend of fun.....because it IS the brightest bulb in the box!