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Private Yacht Charters in Martha's Vineyard, New England Massachusetts
Martha's Vineyard Yacht Charters: Coastal New England Elegance
A Martha's Vineyard yacht charter is a fully crewed private boat rental departing from Oak Bluffs Marina, Oak Bluffs that gives your group exclusive access to the beaches, lighthouses, harbors, and coastal villages of Martha's Vineyard aboard a luxury vessel with experienced captain and crew.
A Martha's Vineyard yacht charter is a fully crewed private boat rental that departs from Oak Bluffs Marina on the north shore of the island and cruises the 25 miles of beaches, 5 lighthouses, and 6 historic towns that define this 100 square mile New England landmark. Located 7 miles south of Cape Cod across Vineyard Sound, Martha's Vineyard sits in the warm Atlantic waters off Massachusetts and has been a destination for sailors, presidents, artists, and writers for more than two centuries. Charter guests board at Oak Bluffs Marina, motor out into the calm protected waters of Nantucket Sound, and spend their day visiting the gingerbread cottages of Oak Bluffs, the whaling village of Edgartown, the fishing harbor of Menemsha, and the dramatic red and orange Gay Head Cliffs of Aquinnah. Day Yacht Charters provides private chartered vessels with experienced local captains and crew who know every cove, every protected anchorage, and every restaurant tender dock between Vineyard Haven and Chappaquiddick Island. Guests typically include families spending the summer on the island, corporate groups based in Boston and New York, wedding parties celebrating milestones, and travelers passing through New England in the warm months between June and October. Each charter is customized around the group's interests, the day's wind direction, and the working tide cycles that shape the rhythm of life on the Vineyard. The result is a deeply local experience of one of the most distinctive coastal destinations in the United States, delivered with the comfort and privacy of a fully crewed luxury yacht.
Oak Bluffs Marina serves as the primary departure point for Martha's Vineyard yacht charters. The marina is located in the town of Oak Bluffs on the north shore of the island and sits inside a protected harbor immediately adjacent to the Steamship Authority ferry terminal. The marina has 156 slips and accommodates vessels up to 100 feet in length, with fuel service, fresh water, electricity, and full provisioning support available on site. Walking distance from the marina includes the famous Flying Horses Carousel (built in 1876, the oldest operating platform carousel in the United States), Circuit Avenue with its dining and shopping, and the gingerbread cottages of the Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association that give Oak Bluffs its distinctive Victorian architectural character. Most Martha's Vineyard charters depart Oak Bluffs Marina at 9 am or 10 am after guest arrival and pre-charter briefing, returning by 5 pm for half-day charters or 7 pm for sunset cruises. The departure routine begins with a tender or shore-side transfer from the guest's hotel or rental house, a 15 minute pre-departure briefing covering the day's planned itinerary and safety protocols, and a smooth motor out of the protected harbor into Nantucket Sound. Within 10 minutes of leaving the marina, charters can be cruising past the Edgartown Lighthouse 7 miles to the south or heading west across Vineyard Haven harbor toward Menemsha and Aquinnah. The marina is approximately 2 miles from the Oak Bluffs ferry terminal where the Hyannis and Woods Hole Steamship Authority ferries arrive throughout the day in summer, making Oak Bluffs the most accessible charter base for guests arriving from mainland Massachusetts. Martha's Vineyard Airport (MVY) is 6 miles southwest of Oak Bluffs and the marina arranges complimentary van service for groups arriving by private aircraft. The combination of central island location, protected harbor conditions, and walking access to the heart of Oak Bluffs makes the marina the natural choice for nearly all Martha's Vineyard yacht charters.
Edgartown is the most photographed town on Martha's Vineyard and the primary destination for nearly every Vineyard yacht charter. Located on the southeast corner of the island approximately 7 miles by water from Oak Bluffs Marina, Edgartown sits in a protected harbor between the main island and Chappaquiddick Island. The harbor is one of the most beautiful in New England, with the white wooden Edgartown Lighthouse standing at the entrance and a working ferry called the Chappy On-Time linking the town to Chappaquiddick Island in a 3 minute crossing across the harbor mouth. Charter guests typically anchor in Edgartown harbor on the Chappaquiddick side and tender into the town dock at the foot of Main Street. The town itself is a near-perfect preserved whaling village, with white clapboard captain's houses dating to the 1820s and 1830s lining the streets that climb up from the harbor. The whaling era prosperity of the 1840s gave Edgartown the wealthy merchant architecture that still defines its character, and the town has retained its scale, its trees, and its architectural integrity in a way few American villages can match. Walking up Main Street from the dock takes visitors past the Old Whaling Church (built in 1843 with massive Doric columns), the Federated Church, the Vineyard Museum (formerly the Martha's Vineyard Historical Society), and the famous Pagoda Tree, a 200 year old tree imported as a seedling from China in 1837 by a sea captain. The Edgartown Lighthouse is a quintessential Vineyard photo stop. The current white wooden tower was floated to its present location in 1939 and rises 45 feet above the harbor entrance with a focal plane 45 feet above mean high water. Charter guests typically circle the lighthouse on departure or arrival, with the captain positioning the yacht for ideal photographs in morning or late afternoon light. The small beach at the base of the lighthouse is reached by a short walk from the town dock and offers calm swimming protected from outer Atlantic swells. Beyond the village center, Edgartown extends south along the famous Katama Road toward South Beach, a 3 mile stretch of barrier beach with strong Atlantic surf, dunes, and one of the most popular swimming beaches on the island. Charter yachts can anchor offshore from South Beach in calm summer conditions for swimming directly from the swim platform, or arrange tender service to the beach for an afternoon ashore. Chappaquiddick Island, reached by the small 3 car ferry from Edgartown, adds a wilder dimension to the charter itinerary. Chappy is approximately 7 square miles of dunes, salt marshes, and preserved coastline, with East Beach providing surf casting and undeveloped barrier beach experiences and Cape Poge offering the Cape Poge Lighthouse (built in 1893, automated in 1962) accessible by an oversand drive across the dunes. The Mytoi Garden, a quiet Japanese-style garden on Chappaquiddick maintained by The Trustees of Reservations, is a contemplative stop that adds depth to a Vineyard charter day. Lunch in Edgartown often features tender service to The Wharf, l'etoile, or the legendary Henry's Hotel for waterfront New England seafood with views back to the harbor and the lighthouse. The combination of architectural preservation, harbor scenery, and walking accessibility from the charter anchorage makes Edgartown the centerpiece of nearly every Martha's Vineyard yacht charter day.
Menemsha is a small working fishing village on the western shore of Martha's Vineyard, located approximately 14 miles by water from Oak Bluffs Marina and reached by cruising west through Vineyard Sound past the Tashmoo opening and the long beach at Lambert's Cove. The harbor at Menemsha is small and shallow, with a narrow channel between rock jetties and a fleet of working lobster boats, fishing draggers, and small charter vessels still pulling traps and nets from these waters every day. Unlike the polished Edgartown harbor, Menemsha remains a real fishing community, and a Vineyard charter day that includes Menemsha experiences the working coastal heritage of New England in its most authentic form. The famous Menemsha Beach is just outside the harbor jetty and is one of the only public beaches on the Vineyard that faces west, making it the iconic sunset beach on the island. Charter yachts anchor offshore from the beach in the late afternoon and guests come ashore by tender, often bringing chairs and blankets for a traditional Menemsha sunset picnic with lobster rolls from Larsen's Fish Market or chowder from The Bite. The sunset over Vineyard Sound from Menemsha Beach was filmed in the 1975 movie Jaws (much of which was shot on location around Menemsha), and the steady stream of visitors who come for the sunset and the lobster rolls has not slowed in the decades since. Larsen's Fish Market and Menemsha Fish Market both operate directly on the harbor and sell their day's catch by 4 pm. A charter day to Menemsha typically includes a midday or afternoon arrival to walk the harbor, watch the fishing boats unloading, and either pick up fresh seafood for an onboard chef preparation or order ready lobster rolls and clam chowder for an early evening beach picnic. The 14 mile cruise from Oak Bluffs takes approximately 90 minutes at displacement speeds and offers continuous coastal views of the north and west shores of the Vineyard, with stops possible at Lambert's Cove Beach or Cedar Tree Neck en route.
Aquinnah sits at the western tip of Martha's Vineyard, approximately 17 miles by water from Oak Bluffs Marina and 4 miles past Menemsha around the dramatic western point of the island. Aquinnah is the home of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head and the location of one of the most distinctive geological features on the New England coast: the Gay Head Cliffs, a 130 foot tall multicolored cliff face rising directly from the Atlantic Ocean and exposing strata of red, orange, brown, and gray clay deposited over 100 million years of geological history. The cliffs are a National Natural Landmark and have been a sacred site for the Wampanoag people for thousands of years. From the deck of a chartered yacht passing approximately 0.25 to 0.5 miles offshore, the Gay Head Cliffs are spectacular. The afternoon light from approximately 2 pm to 5 pm brings out the warm red and orange tones in the clay, and on calm days the contrast between the dramatic cliffs and the deep blue Atlantic water is one of the most photographed scenes in New England yachting. Charter captains typically slow to displacement speed off the cliffs and circle the western point of the island, giving guests on the foredeck time for photographs and for the experience of the geological scale of the cliffs. The Gay Head Lighthouse stands on the cliffs at the western tip of Aquinnah. The current red brick tower was completed in 1856 and was moved 134 feet back from the eroding cliff edge in 2015 in one of the largest lighthouse relocation projects in American history. Charter guests can come ashore at the small public landing in Aquinnah for a 15 minute walk up to the lighthouse and the Aquinnah Cultural Center, where the Wampanoag heritage of the island is presented in a series of exhibits. The Aquinnah Shop at the cliffs sells traditional Wampanoag artwork, jewelry, and pottery, and the small group of food vendors at the cliffs serves fresh seafood and traditional Wampanoag specialties. The combination of geological drama, working tribal heritage, and one of the great Atlantic lighthouses makes Aquinnah a centerpiece of any full-day Vineyard charter.
The marine activities available on a Martha's Vineyard yacht charter combine traditional New England coastal experiences with the comfort and reach of a private vessel. Coastal swimming directly from the yacht swim platform is one of the central pleasures of a Vineyard charter day. July water temperatures in the protected coves on the north shore reach approximately 68 degrees Fahrenheit, with the warmer south shore (off South Beach and the Edgartown Great Pond barrier) reaching the low 70s in late August. The captain reads the morning conditions and selects swim stops based on wind direction, with the calmer leeward shore providing the best swimming on any given day. Lambert's Cove on the north shore, Sengekontacket Pond barrier near Oak Bluffs, and the protected Katama Bay between Edgartown and Chappaquiddick are all popular swim anchorages. Lighthouse tours are a defining element of Vineyard yachting. The island has 5 historic lighthouses, all visible from the water on a typical charter itinerary: the East Chop Light in Oak Bluffs (built 1878, 40 feet tall), the West Chop Light on the Vineyard Haven point (built 1817, 45 feet tall), the Edgartown Lighthouse (relocated 1939, 45 feet tall), the Cape Poge Light on Chappaquiddick (built 1893, 35 feet tall), and the Gay Head Light at Aquinnah (built 1856, 51 feet tall). A full-day charter circling the island can include all 5 lighthouses, with the captain positioning the vessel for ideal photographs of each. Wildlife along the Vineyard coast is abundant in the summer months. Atlantic gray seals are common near Cape Poge and in the waters around Chappaquiddick, with colonies of 30 to 50 seals frequently visible on calm days. Striped bass and bluefish run through the waters around the island from May through October, with charter guests often catching their dinner directly from the yacht using light tackle. Bottlenose dolphins are occasional visitors to Vineyard Sound, and humpback whales pass through deeper waters offshore during their spring and fall migrations. The Cliff Walk along the north shore of Aquinnah, accessible by tender from the yacht, offers a 3.5 mile coastal path with sweeping views back to the Gay Head Cliffs and over the Elizabeth Islands and Buzzards Bay to the west. Sailing is the other classic Vineyard activity, and many charters opt for traditional sailing yachts that capture the steady 10 to 18 knot summer southwest breeze that funnels through Vineyard Sound between June and September. A full sailing day from Oak Bluffs to Menemsha and back is approximately 28 miles of coastal sailing in protected waters, with consistent winds and calm seas making the Vineyard one of the great American sailing destinations.
A half-day Martha's Vineyard yacht charter typically runs 4 hours and covers the Oak Bluffs to Edgartown coastal arc. Departing Oak Bluffs Marina at 10 am, the route cruises south past the East Chop Light, around Cape Higgon, and into Edgartown harbor by 11 am for an extended anchorage. Guests tender ashore for an early lunch at one of the harbor restaurants or stay aboard with food and drinks served by the crew. Return to Oak Bluffs by 2 pm. The half-day charter covers approximately 14 nautical miles round trip and is ideal for groups with one fixed activity ashore on the same day. A full-day 8 hour charter expands the route to include either Menemsha to the west or Chappaquiddick and South Beach to the south. The classic full-day route departs Oak Bluffs at 9 am, runs west through Vineyard Sound to Menemsha by 11 am for a working harbor visit and lobster lunch, continues to Aquinnah for the Gay Head Cliffs by 2 pm, returns east with a Lambert's Cove swim stop, and arrives back at Oak Bluffs by 5 pm. The full-day covers approximately 32 nautical miles and provides the full Vineyard coastal experience in a single day. Multi-day Vineyard charters add overnight anchorages at Edgartown, Menemsha, or Tarpaulin Cove on Naushon Island in the Elizabeth Islands chain just across Vineyard Sound. A 3 day Vineyard charter typically includes Day 1 Oak Bluffs to Edgartown with a Chappaquiddick day, Day 2 Edgartown to Menemsha via the south coast, and Day 3 Menemsha to Aquinnah and the return to Oak Bluffs. Multi-day options include onboard dining with private chef, sunset cocktail hours, and tender service to shore restaurants. Sunset cruises are the most popular evening option. A 2 hour sunset charter departs Oak Bluffs at approximately 6 pm in July or 5 pm in September and either runs west toward Menemsha for the famous Vineyard Sound sunset or stays in protected waters near Oak Bluffs with chilled wine, hors d'oeuvres, and music. The west-facing orientation of the island and the wide horizon over Vineyard Sound make Vineyard sunsets among the best in coastal New England. We offer flexible packages, some include open bar, some allow BYOB, some add premium catering.
The Martha's Vineyard charter fleet includes sport motor yachts in the 32 to 50 foot range ideal for half-day and full-day charters in protected coastal waters, larger motor yachts in the 55 to 70 foot range with overnight cabins suitable for multi-day Vineyard and Elizabeth Islands cruises, sailing yachts and catamarans from 40 to 60 feet for guests wanting the traditional New England sailing experience, and full crewed superyachts for week-long charters extending from the Vineyard to Nantucket, Newport, and the Cape and Islands cruising grounds. Every vessel is licensed and inspected by the United States Coast Guard, carries a full safety equipment complement including life jackets and emergency communications, and is professionally maintained by local boatyards in Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, and Edgartown. Onboard amenities typically include forward sun pads and aft cockpit dining, fresh water swim showers, full galleys for onboard catering, premium audio systems with bluetooth, and complete provisioning to guest preferences. The captain and crew are local professionals with years of experience on Vineyard waters and detailed knowledge of every anchorage, every tide, and every restaurant tender dock on the island. The crew handles all navigation, anchoring, tender service, and onboard hospitality, with the goal of allowing guests to focus entirely on the experience of the day. Customization options include onboard private chef service with menus built around fresh New England seafood, custom flower arrangements for celebration charters, professional photography and videography, themed birthday and anniversary packages, and tender service coordination for restaurant dining ashore. Group sizes range from 2 to 25 guests depending on vessel selected, with the typical sweet spot at 6 to 12 guests for couples, families, and small celebration groups. Contact us for current pricing and availability. We offer flexible packages, some include open bar, some allow BYOB, some add premium catering with private chef service onboard. Each charter is built around your group's interests, the local conditions on your charter day, and the specific destinations and experiences you most want to include. Our team handles every detail so your group can focus entirely on enjoying Martha's Vineyard from the privacy and comfort of your own yacht.
Martha's Vineyard is reached by ferry, by air, or by private yacht. The most popular access for charter guests is the Steamship Authority ferry from Woods Hole on Cape Cod to Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs, a 45 minute crossing that operates approximately 20 trips per day in peak summer. Hy-Line Cruises operates a high-speed catamaran service from Hyannis to Oak Bluffs in 55 minutes. The Patriot ferry runs from Falmouth to Oak Bluffs in 35 minutes during the summer months. Martha's Vineyard Airport (MVY) is a 6 mile drive from Oak Bluffs Marina and receives seasonal direct flights from Boston Logan (BOS, 25 minute flight time), New York LaGuardia (LGA, 60 minutes), White Plains (HPN, 45 minutes), and Washington National (DCA, 90 minutes) on Cape Air, JetBlue, Delta, American, and others between May and October. Private aircraft can fly directly into MVY year round with full FBO services on site. From Boston Logan by ground and ferry, total transit to Oak Bluffs is approximately 2 hours via the Bourne Bridge to Woods Hole. Lodging options on the island span the full range from luxury historic hotels like the Harbor View Hotel at the Edgartown Lighthouse to the famous gingerbread cottages of the Camp Meeting Association in Oak Bluffs to private rental houses in every village. Most charter guests stay in hotels and rentals within 2 to 5 miles of Oak Bluffs Marina, with the marina arranging complimentary transfers as needed. The best charter season runs from late May through early October. July and August deliver the warmest water and the most consistent southwest breezes. June and September offer quieter harbors and the same favorable conditions with smaller crowds. The Fourth of July Edgartown fireworks, the August Agricultural Society Fair, and the September Tivoli Day in Oak Bluffs are local highlights that add to specific charter weeks. Contact us for current pricing and availability.
Below are the most common questions guests ask before booking a Martha's Vineyard yacht charter. Topics include access from the mainland, marina selection, the best months to charter, group sizes, and what to bring aboard. Our team is available at +1 (305) 515-4735 to answer any additional questions and to walk through current pricing, availability, and itinerary planning for your specific dates and group.
Charter pricing in Martha's Vineyard reflects the premium quality of the experience and varies based on vessel size, duration, and group size. Our team works with each client individually to build a charter package that delivers real value and the attention to detail that defines a Day Yacht Charters experience. Call +1 (305) 515-4735 or email info@DayYachtCharters.com for current pricing and availability.
With Day Yacht Charters Martha's Vineyard, you will have an experienced professional crew, thoughtful service, and a day on the water designed entirely around what your group wants. Contact us today and let us help you build the perfect itinerary.
Please note that the yachts shown on our website may not always reflect the most current availability, as we do not have a dedicated web designer to update the listings. Some yachts may be unavailable for reasons such as being sold by the owner, undergoing maintenance, relocated, or already booked by another client. To see a complete and up-to-date list of yachts available for rent in Martha's Vineyard, we recommend contacting us directly. We can provide detailed information, including photos, pricing for day trips, and confirm the availability of any specific yacht.
Port: Oak Bluffs Marina, Oak Bluffs
Experience the Luxury of Martha's Vineyard Yacht Charters - Private Charters Available
A VIP private charter in Martha's Vineyard combines the historic charm of coastal New England with the personalized luxury that defines a private yacht charter. From the moment you board at Oak Bluffs Marina, Oak Bluffs, every element is curated. A private chef joins your vessel with menus built around fresh New England seafood, the day's local catch, and the seasonal ingredients of coastal Massachusetts. Chilled Champagne and crisp white wines wait at the dock. The captain handles all reservations for tender visits to harbor restaurants ashore. When the sun sets from a quiet cove anchorage, your group is on deck with a cold drink in hand. Contact us at +1 (305) 515-4735 to design your perfect Martha's Vineyard VIP charter.
Martha's Vineyard offers some of the most rewarding coastal cruising in New England. The combination of protected harbor waters, historic lighthouses, abundant wildlife, and the consistent summer southwest breezes that funnel between the island and the mainland creates ideal conditions for both relaxed motor yacht cruising and traditional sailing. Charter days typically include multiple lighthouse photo stops, wildlife observation anchorages, swim breaks from the yacht in protected coves, and tender visits to coastal villages for lunch ashore.
From the deck of a private yacht anchored just offshore from the working harbors and historic villages of Martha's Vineyard, your group experiences this iconic New England destination from the perspective that has defined the island for 300 years. The captain reads each morning's wind and tide conditions and selects the optimal route, whether that means a lighthouse-focused day, a wildlife and seal watching itinerary, a sailing day in the famous protected coastal waters, or a celebration cruise built around your group's milestone event. Every charter is built around your interests and the conditions of your day on the water.
Martha's Vineyard is one of the most distinctive yacht charter destinations on the United States East Coast. The combination of preserved historic villages, dramatic Atlantic lighthouses, abundant coastal wildlife, and the consistent summer southwest breezes that have shaped New England yachting for centuries creates a charter destination unlike any other in America. Our local team has decades of experience on these waters and builds every charter around the group's interests, the local conditions on the day, and the specific destinations and experiences each guest most wants to include.
Martha's Vineyard is reached by ferry from Cape Cod, by air into Martha's Vineyard Airport (MVY), or by private yacht. The Steamship Authority ferry from Woods Hole runs to Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs in 45 minutes with approximately 20 trips per day in peak summer. Hy-Line Cruises operates a fast ferry from Hyannis to Oak Bluffs in 55 minutes. By air, MVY is 6 miles from Oak Bluffs Marina and receives seasonal direct service from Boston, New York, White Plains, and Washington. From Boston Logan total transit to Oak Bluffs by ground and ferry is approximately 2 hours via the Bourne Bridge to Woods Hole.
Day Yacht Charters operates from Oak Bluffs Marina on the north shore of the island. The marina has 156 slips and accommodates vessels up to 100 feet, with fuel, water, electricity, and full provisioning support on site. The location offers walking access to the Flying Horses Carousel, Circuit Avenue dining and shopping, and the historic gingerbread cottages. Oak Bluffs Marina is centrally located for routes to Edgartown 7 miles south, Menemsha 14 miles west, or Aquinnah 17 miles to the southwestern tip of the island. The marina is 6 miles from Martha's Vineyard Airport and 2 miles from the main ferry terminal.
The Martha's Vineyard charter season runs from late May through early October. July and August deliver the warmest water (approximately 68 degrees Fahrenheit on the north shore and low 70s on the south shore) and the most consistent 10 to 18 knot southwest breezes that define summer sailing in Vineyard Sound. June and September offer the same favorable conditions with quieter harbors and smaller crowds. The Fourth of July Edgartown fireworks, the August Agricultural Society Fair, and the September Tivoli Day are local highlights. Spring and fall charters work well for guests preferring cooler weather and fewer visitors on the island.
A full-day yacht charter from Oak Bluffs Marina can reach all the principal coastal villages on the island in a single day. The classic route covers Oak Bluffs (departure), Vineyard Haven (north shore), Menemsha (west shore fishing village), Aquinnah (Gay Head Cliffs at the southwestern tip), and Edgartown (south coast whaling village), with Chappaquiddick Island visible from the Edgartown anchorage. The total coastal route is approximately 32 nautical miles around the western half of the island. West Tisbury and Chilmark are inland towns reached only by land. Most full-day charters cover 3 to 4 of the coastal towns in detail with shore visits at each.
The water distance from Oak Bluffs Marina to Edgartown harbor is approximately 7 nautical miles, taking 30 to 45 minutes at cruising speed in a typical motor yacht and approximately 90 minutes under sail in light to moderate wind. The route runs south along the protected east coast of the island past the East Chop Light at Oak Bluffs, Sengekontacket Pond, Cape Higgon, and into the protected Edgartown harbor between the main island and Chappaquiddick. The route is one of the most scenic short coastal cruises in New England and is included in nearly every Vineyard yacht charter itinerary.
A standard Martha's Vineyard yacht charter includes the vessel, fuel for the planned itinerary, an experienced licensed captain, professional crew, all safety equipment, basic provisions including water and soft drinks, towels, snorkel gear where appropriate, and tender service for shore visits. Customization options include onboard private chef service with fresh New England seafood menus, custom flower arrangements for celebration charters, professional photography and videography, themed birthday and anniversary packages, and tender coordination for restaurant dining ashore. We offer flexible packages, some include open bar, some allow BYOB, some add premium catering. Contact us for current pricing and availability.
Group sizes range from 2 to 25 guests depending on the vessel selected. Smaller sport motor yachts from 32 to 45 feet are ideal for couples and intimate groups of up to 8. Mid-size motor yachts from 50 to 65 feet accommodate groups of 10 to 14 comfortably. Larger crewed yachts and catamarans handle groups of 15 to 25 for milestone celebrations, family vacations, and corporate retreats. The sweet spot for most Vineyard charters is 6 to 12 guests, which fits comfortably on the most popular charter vessels and allows for personalized crew service. Call us at +1 (305) 515-4735 to discuss your group size and dates.
Yes. The Gay Head Cliffs of Aquinnah are one of the iconic stops on any full-day Martha's Vineyard charter. The 130 foot tall multicolored clay cliffs are best viewed from approximately 0.25 to 0.5 miles offshore, with the afternoon light from 2 pm to 5 pm bringing out the warm red and orange tones in the clay. The Gay Head Lighthouse (built in 1856 and relocated 134 feet back from the eroding cliff edge in 2015) stands on the cliffs at the western tip of the island. Charters typically circle the western point at displacement speeds for photographs and can come ashore at the small public landing for the 15 minute walk up to the lighthouse and the Aquinnah Cultural Center.
Yes. All Day Yacht Charters Martha's Vineyard charters include water and soft drinks as standard. We offer flexible packages, some include open bar, some allow BYOB, some add premium catering with private chef service onboard. Onboard chef menus typically feature fresh New England seafood including lobster, oysters, clam chowder, and the catch of the day, plus local cheeses, summer salads, and seasonal desserts. We can also arrange tender service to shore restaurants in Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Menemsha, and Vineyard Haven for lunch or dinner ashore. Dietary preferences and custom menus are accommodated with advance notice when booking.
Yes. Every Martha's Vineyard yacht charter is built around the group's interests and the day's conditions. Common customizations include longer stops at Edgartown for shopping and dining, dedicated lighthouse photography routes covering all 5 island lighthouses, sunset-focused itineraries with the Menemsha sunset as the centerpiece, swim-focused days with multiple anchorages at protected coves, fishing-focused charters for striped bass and bluefish from June through October, and celebration packages with chef service, flowers, and music. Your captain reads the morning conditions and adjusts the route as needed to deliver the best possible day. Call +1 (305) 515-4735 to start planning.
We recommend layered clothing including a light sweater or windbreaker for cooler periods on the water, sunglasses with strap, sunscreen, a hat, soft-soled shoes or boat shoes (no high heels or hard soles), and a swimsuit and towel for swim stops (towels are also provided onboard). New England weather can shift quickly and a light layer is essential even on warm summer days. Cameras and phones are welcome, with charging available onboard. Any personal medications, motion sickness preferences, and special dietary items should be brought along. The crew handles food, drinks, safety gear, and tender service for shore visits. We will send a detailed pre-charter checklist after booking.
Discover more New England and Northeast charter destinations with Day Yacht Charters. Browse our Nantucket yacht charters, Newport Rhode Island yacht charters, or Hamptons yacht charters for more Northeast coastal options.
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Martha's Vineyard, New England: A Premier Destination for Yacht Charters
Martha's Vineyard occupies a special place in American yacht charter. The combination of preserved historic architecture, working maritime heritage, dramatic coastal scenery, and the consistent summer conditions that define New England yachting makes the island one of the great American charter destinations. Day Yacht Charters has built our Martha's Vineyard operation around guests who appreciate this depth and want operational excellence to match. Our captains know the local waters intimately, the chefs work with the freshest seasonal New England ingredients, and our itineraries are crafted around what each group most wants to experience.
Martha's Vineyard Yacht Charters
Discover the Best Places and Things to Do in Martha's Vineyard
Private Chef Excellence
Fresh New England seafood is the heart of Martha's Vineyard onboard dining. A private chef on your Vineyard charter prepares regional specialties: butter-poached lobster from Menemsha Fish Market, oysters from Katama Bay, fresh-caught striped bass and bluefish prepared simply with herbs and lemon, the legendary New England clam chowder, summer corn and tomato salads from West Tisbury farms, and seasonal desserts featuring local berries. Call us at +1 (305) 515-4735 to arrange a chef.
Photo and Video Services
Martha's Vineyard is one of the most photogenic coastal destinations in New England. The 5 historic lighthouses, the Gay Head Cliffs at Aquinnah with their multicolored clay layers, the white captain's houses of Edgartown, the working fishing harbor at Menemsha, and the gingerbread cottages of Oak Bluffs all provide extraordinary natural backdrops. Drone footage of yachts anchored off Edgartown Lighthouse, golden hour shots of Menemsha at sunset, and full-charter cinematic films are all available. Contact us when booking.
Decorations and Add-Ons
Celebrate your milestone in coastal New England elegance. Custom flower arrangements with local hydrangeas and roses, anniversary and birthday packages with private chef New England tasting menus, sunset celebrations from a Menemsha anchorage, proposal arrangements at quiet Chappaquiddick coves, and small-group reception styling are all available. The combination of historic villages, dramatic lighthouses, and the famous Vineyard summer atmosphere makes every celebration memorable. Contact us at +1 (305) 515-4735.
Oak Bluffs and Edgartown
Oak Bluffs and Edgartown together represent the iconic Martha's Vineyard yacht charter experience. Oak Bluffs delivers the Victorian gingerbread architecture, the 1876 Flying Horses Carousel, the Circuit Avenue dining scene, and the protected marina that serves as your departure point. Edgartown 7 miles south delivers the whaling village heritage, the Edgartown Lighthouse at the harbor entrance, the elegant captain's houses dating to the 1820s, and the easy tender access to Chappaquiddick Island. Combining both on a single charter day captures the heart of the Vineyard experience.
Martha's Vineyard Yacht Charters, Private Boat Rentals in New England
Planning Your Martha's Vineyard Yacht Charter
Planning a Martha's Vineyard yacht charter typically begins 4 to 12 weeks before the charter date for most summer dates and 3 to 6 months ahead for peak July and August weeks and for milestone celebrations. Our team works with each client to understand the group composition, the preferred dates, the home base for lodging on the island, and the priorities of the experience (sightseeing, sailing, swimming, dining, celebration). We then propose vessel options and recommended itineraries, with a deposit securing the date and the vessel. The balance is due on the charter day. Crew gratuity, typically 15 to 20 percent of the charter fee, is customarily paid in cash at the end of the charter and is separate from the charter price.
Payment options include credit card, PayPal, Zelle, and bank wire. Charter durations in Martha's Vineyard typically run from 4 hour half-day cruises up to multi-day overnight charters. Most Martha's Vineyard bookings are single-day full charters of 6 to 8 hours, with sunset cruises of 2 to 3 hours as the most popular evening option. Contact us at +1 (305) 515-4735 or info@DayYachtCharters.com to check availability and begin planning.