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Private Yacht Charters in Nantucket, Massachusetts New England
Nantucket Yacht Charters: The Far Away Island in the Atlantic
A Nantucket yacht charter is a fully crewed private boat rental departing from Nantucket Boat Basin, Nantucket Town that gives your group exclusive access to the beaches, lighthouses, harbors, and coastal villages of Nantucket aboard a luxury vessel with experienced captain and crew.
A Nantucket yacht charter is a fully crewed private boat rental departing from Nantucket Boat Basin in the heart of Nantucket Town, cruising the 82 miles of coastline that ring this 14 mile by 3.5 mile island located 30 miles south of Cape Cod in the Atlantic Ocean. Nantucket is the most distinctive island in New England, with a strict preservation code that has kept the historic whaling town intact since the 1840s, cobblestone Main Street still paved with the original stones laid by ship ballast, and the working fishing and farming traditions that have shaped life on the island for 300 years. A yacht charter is the best way to experience the full island in a single day, with the protected harbor at the heart of Nantucket Town giving easy access to Brant Point Lighthouse, Great Point at the northern tip, Sconset on the eastern shore, and Madaket on the western shore. Day Yacht Charters operates a fully crewed fleet from Nantucket Boat Basin with local captains who know the shifting sandbars of Nantucket Sound, the seal colonies at Great Point, and the exact timing of the tides through the Madaket Channel. Charter guests typically include families spending the summer on the island, corporate groups based in Boston and New York, wedding parties celebrating milestones (Nantucket hosts over 200 weddings a year), and travelers wanting to experience the most preserved historic whaling town in America from the privacy of a private yacht. The combination of dramatic coastal scenery, working maritime culture, and the consistent summer southwest breezes that make Nantucket one of the great American sailing destinations creates a charter experience unlike any other in the country.
Nantucket Boat Basin sits in the heart of Nantucket Harbor in Nantucket Town and is the primary departure point for nearly all Nantucket yacht charters. The marina has 240 slips and accommodates vessels from 30 feet up to 300 feet at the outer face dock, with fuel, fresh water, electricity, pump-out service, and full concierge support available on site. The boat basin sits directly at the foot of Main Street, with walking access (a 2 minute walk) to the cobblestone shopping district, the Whaling Museum, the Nantucket Atheneum library, and the famous waterfront restaurants on Straight Wharf and Old South Wharf. The marina is one of the most beautiful and historic in the United States and has been the working harbor of Nantucket since the early 1700s. Most Nantucket charters depart Boat Basin at 9 am or 10 am after guest arrival, a pre-charter briefing covering safety and the planned itinerary, and a quiet motor through the harbor channel out into Nantucket Sound. The departure passes the iconic Brant Point Lighthouse (built in its current form in 1901, the 9th lighthouse on the same site) within 0.5 miles of the marina, often within 5 minutes of leaving the dock. The classic Nantucket tradition holds that a returning vessel tosses a penny overboard at Brant Point Light to ensure a future return to the island. The marina is approximately 4 miles from Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK) on the south side of the island and the marina arranges complimentary transfers as needed. The Steamship Authority ferry terminal and the Hy-Line Cruises fast ferry dock are both within walking distance of the marina (0.5 miles and 0.25 miles respectively), making Nantucket Boat Basin the most accessible charter departure point for guests arriving from Hyannis, Cape Cod. Summer population on the island swells from approximately 14,000 year-round residents to over 50,000 in July and August, and Boat Basin is the busy heart of the harbor scene throughout the summer.
Nantucket Town is the centerpiece of every Nantucket yacht charter and one of the most architecturally preserved historic districts in the United States. The town was designated a National Historic District in 1966 and is protected by one of the strictest preservation codes in the country, with the cobblestone Main Street, the white captain's houses, and the working harbor preserved largely as they existed in the 1840s when Nantucket was the whaling capital of the world. From the deck of a yacht anchored in Nantucket Harbor or docked at Boat Basin, the entire town is reachable on foot within 10 minutes. The Whaling Museum on Broad Street is the essential first stop for any visitor. Operated by the Nantucket Historical Association, the museum is housed in a former spermaceti candle factory built in 1847 and tells the story of the 19th century Nantucket whaling industry through original ship logbooks, scrimshaw collections, a complete sperm whale skeleton recovered from a 1998 beach stranding, and the famous Nantucket Lightship Basket collection. The museum is approximately a 5 minute walk from Boat Basin. The cobblestone Main Street is the heart of the historic district and runs from the harbor uphill past elegant shops, restaurants, and the Pacific National Bank building. The cobblestones are the original ship ballast stones laid in the 1830s and 1840s and are still maintained as the town's principal street. The white wooden captain's houses on Main, Orange, and Pleasant Streets date to the same whaling era, with many built directly with profits from successful whaling voyages. The waterfront restaurants are the natural lunch destinations for a Nantucket charter day. Straight Wharf, the historic stone wharf extending into the harbor since 1723, hosts the famous Straight Wharf Restaurant and Cru Oyster Bar with views back to the captured fleet of yachts in the basin. Old South Wharf has Brotherhood of Thieves and the Boarding House. Tender service from anchored yachts in the harbor is straightforward in protected summer conditions. Brant Point Lighthouse stands at the entrance to Nantucket Harbor, 0.5 miles from Boat Basin. The current 26 foot tall white wooden tower was built in 1901 and is the 9th lighthouse on the site, with the first lighthouse on Brant Point dating to 1746 (the second oldest lighthouse station in the United States after Boston Light). The classic photograph of an arriving yacht passing Brant Point with the historic town in the background is one of the iconic images of New England yachting, and every Nantucket charter includes a pass of the lighthouse. The captain typically positions the yacht for ideal photographs in morning or late afternoon light.
Siasconset, universally known as Sconset, sits on the eastern shore of Nantucket approximately 11 miles by water from Nantucket Boat Basin via a coastal route around the northern tip of the island and back south along the east coast. By land, Sconset is 8 miles east of Nantucket Town along the Milestone Road. Sconset is a tiny village of approximately 200 year-round residents that swells to several thousand in summer, with the famous Sconset rose-covered cottages dating to the late 1700s when the village began as a small fishing station for the cod and bluefish industries off the eastern shore. The Sconset Bluff Walk, a 0.75 mile public path along the top of the eastern bluff, passes the rose cottages with their characteristic cedar shingles, white picket fences, and climbing pink rambler roses that give the village its iconic summer appearance. The Sankaty Head Lighthouse stands at the northeastern corner of Sconset and is one of the most photographed lighthouses in New England. The current 70 foot tall red-and-white striped tower was built in 1850 and was relocated 405 feet inland from the eroding bluff in 2007 in one of the largest lighthouse relocation projects in American history. The lighthouse is operated as an active aid to navigation by the U.S. Coast Guard, and the public grounds offer extensive views over Sankaty Bluff and the open Atlantic Ocean to the east. From a yacht passing 0.5 miles offshore, the Sankaty Light is dramatically visible against the green of the bluff and the sky. The Sconset Casino, founded in 1899 as a tennis and social club, is the heart of the village social scene and operates as a private members' club with public tennis tournaments and events during the summer. The Sconset Beach Club, the Summer House restaurant overlooking the ocean from the bluff, and the small cluster of shops at the village center all sit within easy walking distance of each other. Charter guests can come ashore at the small Sconset landing for a walk through the rose cottage district and a lunch at the Summer House or the Chanticleer (one of the most celebrated restaurants on the island), with tender service from the yacht anchored just offshore.
Great Point sits at the northern tip of Nantucket, approximately 7 miles by water from Boat Basin via the protected Nantucket Sound on the west side of the island or the Coatue inner harbor on the east. The Great Point peninsula extends 6 miles north from the main body of Nantucket as a narrow barrier beach of sand dunes, salt marshes, and beach grass, with the dramatic Great Point Lighthouse at the very tip and one of the largest and most accessible Atlantic gray seal colonies on the East Coast immediately offshore. The Great Point Lighthouse is a 71 foot tall white stone tower built in 1986 as an exact replica of the original 1818 lighthouse that previously stood at this iconic location. The lighthouse stands at the absolute northern tip of the island where Nantucket Sound meets the open Atlantic Ocean. The waters around Great Point are some of the most dynamic and consequential on the East Coast, with strong tidal currents, shifting sandbars, and the meeting of the Sound and ocean creating conditions that have shaped the maritime history of Nantucket for 300 years. Charter captains know the tide cycle and the current patterns and position the yacht for safe close-in viewing of the lighthouse. The Atlantic gray seal colony at Great Point is one of the great wildlife spectacles in New England. The colony has grown dramatically since the 1970s under federal protection and now numbers in the hundreds at peak season. Charter guests in calm summer conditions can typically observe groups of 30 to 100 seals hauled out on the offshore sandbars north and east of Great Point, with additional seals visible swimming in the surrounding waters. The seals are accustomed to the regular passage of charter yachts at respectful distances and continue their natural behavior, with mothers and pups, juveniles, and large adult males all visible during a typical wildlife stop. Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge covers the entire Great Point peninsula and the inner Coatue beach and is managed by The Trustees of Reservations. The 1,100 acre refuge protects critical bird habitat including piping plover, oystercatcher, and tern nesting sites, and offers excellent birding from the deck of a chartered yacht. Charter days that include Great Point typically combine a lighthouse photo stop, an extended seal watching anchorage, and lunch at anchor with the iconic lighthouse view.
The marine activities available on a Nantucket yacht charter combine the protected harbor cruising of the island's natural geography with abundant wildlife and three of the most photographed lighthouses in New England. Coastal cruising directly along the 82 miles of Nantucket coastline is the central pleasure of a Nantucket charter, with consistent 10 to 18 knot summer southwest breezes funneling between the island and Cape Cod through Nantucket Sound and providing reliable sailing conditions from June through September. July water temperatures in the protected harbor reach approximately 66 degrees Fahrenheit, with the south shore beaches reaching the high 60s in late August. The captain reads the morning conditions and selects routes based on wind direction, with the calmer leeward side providing the best swimming and anchoring on any given day. Lighthouse tours are a centerpiece of Nantucket yachting. The island has 3 historic lighthouses, all visible from the water on a typical charter itinerary: Brant Point Light at the harbor entrance (current tower built 1901, 26 feet tall, 2nd oldest lighthouse station in the United States after Boston Light), Sankaty Head Light at the northeastern corner near Sconset (built 1850, 70 feet tall, relocated 405 feet in 2007), and Great Point Light at the northern tip (current replica built 1986, 71 feet tall). A full-day charter circumnavigating the island includes all 3 lighthouses, with the captain positioning the yacht for ideal photographs of each. Wildlife around Nantucket is abundant and accessible. The Atlantic gray seal colony at Great Point is the headline attraction and one of the great wildlife spectacles in New England. Striped bass and bluefish run through Nantucket Sound and the south side beaches from May through October, with light tackle fishing directly from the yacht producing excellent results. Bottlenose dolphins are occasional visitors to Sound, and the offshore waters host humpback whales during spring and fall migrations. The Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge protects critical shorebird habitat including piping plover, oystercatcher, and several tern species visible from the deck of a chartered yacht. Sailing is the classic Nantucket activity, and many charters select traditional sailing yachts that capture the steady southwest breeze. A full sailing day from Boat Basin around the western side of the island to Madaket and back is approximately 24 miles in protected coastal waters, with consistent winds making the Nantucket coast one of the great American sailing destinations. The famous Opera House Cup regatta in August, the Nantucket Race Week, and the Figawi Race from Hyannis to Nantucket all draw international sailing fleets to the island during the summer.
A half-day Nantucket yacht charter typically runs 4 hours and covers the Boat Basin to Brant Point and Coatue arc on the northern side of the island. Departing Boat Basin at 10 am, the route passes Brant Point Lighthouse within 5 minutes, continues across Nantucket Harbor to the Coatue beach (an undeveloped 7 mile barrier beach of dunes and grass), and includes a swim stop at one of the protected coves before returning to Boat Basin by 2 pm. The half-day covers approximately 8 nautical miles 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 Great Point at the northern tip and the seal colony, or runs the western route to Madaket for the famous Nantucket sunset over the western point. The classic full-day route departs Boat Basin at 9 am, runs north along Coatue past Brant Point Light, continues to Great Point for the lighthouse and the seal colony by 11 am, returns south along the eastern coast to Sconset for a Sankaty Light visit and lunch ashore by 2 pm, and returns west to Boat Basin by 5 pm. The full-day covers approximately 28 nautical miles and provides the full Nantucket coastal experience in a single day. Multi-day Nantucket charters add overnight anchorages at Coatue or in the protected harbor itself, with extensions to Martha's Vineyard 24 miles to the west or to the Elizabeth Islands chain further west. A 3 day Nantucket charter typically includes Day 1 with Boat Basin to Great Point and the seals, Day 2 with Sconset and the eastern shore, and Day 3 with Madaket and the western sunset. Multi-day options include onboard dining with private chef, sunset cocktail hours, and tender service to shore restaurants in town. Sunset cruises are particularly memorable from the western end of Nantucket. A 2 hour sunset charter departs Boat Basin at approximately 6 pm in July or 5 pm in September and runs west toward Madaket for the iconic western sunset over Madaket Harbor or stays in the protected harbor with chilled wine, hors d'oeuvres, and music. The western orientation of Madaket and the wide horizon over the open Atlantic make Nantucket sunsets among the most celebrated on the East Coast. We offer flexible packages, some include open bar, some allow BYOB, some add premium catering.
The Nantucket 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 Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard 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 Nantucket to the Vineyard, Newport, the Hamptons, and the wider 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 on the island. 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 Nantucket waters and detailed knowledge of every anchorage, every shifting sandbar, every tide cycle, 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 (including the famous Nantucket bay scallops in season from November through March), 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 Nantucket from the privacy and comfort of your own yacht.
Nantucket is reached by ferry, by air, or by private yacht. The Steamship Authority ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket runs in 2 hours 15 minutes on the conventional ferry and approximately 1 hour on the high-speed catamaran service. Hy-Line Cruises operates fast ferry service from Hyannis to Nantucket in 1 hour, with multiple departures per day in peak summer. Freedom Cruise Line operates seasonal service from Harwich Port on Cape Cod. Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK) is a 4 mile drive from Nantucket Boat Basin and receives seasonal direct flights from Boston Logan (BOS, 30 minute flight time), New York LaGuardia (LGA, 60 minutes), White Plains (HPN, 50 minutes), Washington National (DCA, 90 minutes), and Newark (EWR, 60 minutes) on Cape Air, JetBlue, Delta, and others between May and October. Private aircraft can fly directly into ACK year round with full FBO services on site. From Boston Logan by ground and ferry, total transit is approximately 3 hours via the Bourne Bridge to Hyannis. Lodging options on the island span from luxury historic hotels like the White Elephant on the harbor and the Wauwinet on Polpis Harbor to historic captain's house bed and breakfasts in the town center to private rental houses across all areas of the island. Most charter guests stay in hotels and rentals within 2 miles of Boat Basin, 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 August Opera House Cup regatta, the Daffodil Festival in April, the Cranberry Festival in October, and the Christmas Stroll in early December are local highlights. Contact us for current pricing and availability.
Below are the most common questions guests ask before booking a Nantucket yacht charter. Topics include access from the mainland, marina selection, the seal colony at Great Point, 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 Nantucket 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 Nantucket, 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 Nantucket, 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: Nantucket Boat Basin, Nantucket Town
Experience the Luxury of Nantucket Yacht Charters - Private Charters Available
A VIP private charter in Nantucket combines the historic charm of coastal New England with the personalized luxury that defines a private yacht charter. From the moment you board at Nantucket Boat Basin, Nantucket Town, 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 Nantucket VIP charter.
Nantucket 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 Nantucket, 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.
Nantucket 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.
Nantucket is reached by ferry from Cape Cod, by air into Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK), or by private yacht. The Steamship Authority ferry from Hyannis runs in 2 hours 15 minutes on the conventional ferry and 1 hour on the high-speed catamaran. Hy-Line Cruises operates fast ferry service from Hyannis in approximately 1 hour. By air, ACK is 4 miles from Nantucket Boat Basin and receives seasonal direct service from Boston, New York, White Plains, Washington, and Newark. From Boston Logan by ground and ferry total transit is approximately 3 hours via the Bourne Bridge to Hyannis. Private aircraft can fly directly into ACK year round.
Day Yacht Charters operates from Nantucket Boat Basin in the heart of Nantucket Town. The marina has 240 slips and accommodates vessels from 30 feet up to 300 feet at the outer face dock, with fuel, fresh water, electricity, pump-out, and full concierge service on site. The location offers walking access (2 minutes) to cobblestone Main Street, the Whaling Museum, the Atheneum library, and the famous waterfront restaurants on Straight Wharf and Old South Wharf. Boat Basin is centrally located for charter routes to Brant Point 0.5 miles north, Great Point 7 miles north, Sconset 11 miles east by water, or Madaket on the western tip.
Yes. Great Point at the northern tip of Nantucket is one of the headline destinations on any full-day Nantucket yacht charter. The 7 mile water route from Boat Basin reaches Great Point Lighthouse (71 foot tall white stone tower built in 1986 as an exact replica of the 1818 original) in approximately 90 minutes at cruising speed. The Atlantic gray seal colony at Great Point numbers in the hundreds at peak season, with groups of 30 to 100 seals typically visible hauled out on the offshore sandbars. Charter captains position the yacht at respectful distances and the seals continue natural behavior. The combined lighthouse and seal watching stop is one of the great wildlife experiences in New England.
Sconset on the eastern shore of Nantucket is approximately 11 nautical miles by water from Boat Basin via the coastal route around the northern tip of the island and back south along the east coast. The route is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes at cruising speed and offers continuous coastal views of Coatue, Great Point, Sankaty Bluff, and the rose cottages of Sconset. By land Sconset is 8 miles east of Nantucket Town along the Milestone Road. The Sankaty Head Lighthouse (built 1850, 70 feet tall, relocated 405 feet inland in 2007) stands at the northeastern corner of Sconset and is one of the most photographed lighthouses in New England.
The Nantucket charter season runs from late May through early October. July and August deliver the warmest water (approximately 66 degrees Fahrenheit in the harbor and high 60s on the south shore beaches) and the most consistent 10 to 18 knot summer southwest breezes. June and September offer the same favorable conditions with quieter harbors and smaller crowds. Local highlights include the Daffodil Festival in April, the August Opera House Cup regatta, the Cranberry Festival in October, and the Christmas Stroll in early December. Summer population reaches over 50,000 versus 14,000 year-round residents, so harbor traffic peaks from mid-July to mid-August.
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 and catamarans from 50 to 65 feet accommodate groups of 10 to 14 comfortably. Larger crewed yachts and superyachts handle groups of 15 to 25 for milestone celebrations, family vacations, weddings, and corporate retreats. The sweet spot for most Nantucket 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.
A standard Nantucket 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, and tender service for shore visits. Customization options include onboard private chef service with fresh New England seafood menus (including the famous Nantucket bay scallops in season), 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.
Yes. The Atlantic gray seal colony at Great Point is one of the largest and most accessible on the East Coast and is the headline wildlife experience on Nantucket. The colony has grown dramatically since the 1970s under federal protection and now numbers in the hundreds at peak season. Charter guests in calm summer conditions typically observe groups of 30 to 100 seals hauled out on the offshore sandbars north and east of Great Point, with additional seals visible swimming in the surrounding waters. Mothers and pups, juveniles, and large adult males are all visible during a typical wildlife stop. The Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge protects the broader area, which also hosts piping plover, oystercatcher, and several tern species.
Yes. All Day Yacht Charters Nantucket 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 Nantucket bay scallops in season (November through March), Atlantic lobster from Polpis Harbor, the day's catch from local fishermen, plus oysters, summer salads from island farms, and seasonal desserts. We can also arrange tender service to shore restaurants on Straight Wharf, Old South Wharf, in Sconset, and elsewhere on the island. Dietary preferences and custom menus are accommodated with advance notice when booking.
Yes. Nantucket has 3 historic lighthouses, all visible from the water on a typical charter itinerary. Brant Point Light at the harbor entrance is the 2nd oldest lighthouse station in the United States (after Boston Light) with the first tower built in 1746 and the current 26 foot wooden tower built in 1901. Sankaty Head Light at the northeastern corner of Sconset is a 70 foot tall red-and-white striped tower built in 1850 and relocated 405 feet inland in 2007. Great Point Light at the northern tip is a 71 foot tall white stone replica of the 1818 original. A full-day charter typically passes all 3 lighthouses with the captain positioning the yacht for ideal photographs of each.
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 confirming your itinerary.
Discover more New England and Northeast charter destinations with Day Yacht Charters. Browse our Martha's Vineyard yacht charters, Newport Rhode Island yacht charters, or Hamptons yacht charters for more Northeast coastal options.
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Nantucket, Massachusetts: A Premier Destination for Yacht Charters
Nantucket 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 Nantucket 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.
Nantucket Yacht Charters
Discover the Best Places and Things to Do in Nantucket
Private Chef Excellence
Fresh New England seafood is the centerpiece of Nantucket onboard dining. A private chef on your Nantucket charter prepares regional specialties: butter-poached Atlantic lobster, the famous Nantucket bay scallops in season from November through March, fresh oysters from Polpis Harbor, line-caught striped bass and bluefish prepared simply with herbs, the legendary New England clam chowder, summer salads from local Bartlett's Farm produce, and seasonal desserts featuring local berries and cranberries. Call us at +1 (305) 515-4735 to arrange a chef.
Photo and Video Services
Nantucket is one of the most photographed coastal destinations in the United States. The 3 historic lighthouses, the cobblestone Main Street, the white captain's houses, the working fishing harbor, the seal colony at Great Point, and the rose-covered cottages of Sconset all provide extraordinary natural backdrops. Drone footage of yachts passing Brant Point Lighthouse on arrival, golden hour shots of Sankaty Light at Sconset, lifestyle photography on deck during sunset, and full-charter cinematic films are all available. Contact us when booking.
Decorations and Add-Ons
Celebrate your milestone on the Far Away Island in classic coastal New England style. Custom flower arrangements with local hydrangeas and roses, anniversary and birthday packages with private chef New England tasting menus, sunset celebrations from a Madaket anchorage, proposal arrangements at quiet Coatue coves, and the famous Nantucket wedding package styling are all available. Nantucket hosts over 200 weddings a year and our team has decades of local experience. The combination of historic architecture, dramatic lighthouses, and the famous Nantucket atmosphere makes every celebration memorable. Contact us at +1 (305) 515-4735.
Nantucket Town and Sconset
Nantucket Town and Sconset together represent the iconic Nantucket yacht charter experience. Nantucket Town delivers the cobblestone Main Street, the Whaling Museum, the captain's houses dating to the 1820s and 1830s, the working harbor at Boat Basin, and the famous waterfront dining on Straight Wharf and Old South Wharf. Sconset 11 miles east by water delivers the rose-covered cottages, the Sankaty Head Lighthouse, the Bluff Walk along the eastern shore, and the more intimate village scale that has drawn visitors since the 1700s. Combining both on a single charter day captures the heart of the Nantucket experience.
Nantucket Yacht Charters, Private Boat Rentals in New England
Planning Your Nantucket Yacht Charter
Planning a Nantucket 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 Nantucket typically run from 4 hour half-day cruises up to multi-day overnight charters. Most Nantucket 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.