The Ultimate Guide to Boating Excursions on Nantucket
04/13/2026
Nantucket's beautiful waters are an invitation to adventure. Whether you're an avid angler, a family seeking a hands-on marine experience, or someone who simply wants to relax out on the water, the island offers a boating excursion for every taste. From high-energy sportfishing trips to leisurely sunset cruises, Nantucket's wide variety of charters allow you to explore the island from a different perspective.
Fishing Charters
Surrounded by some of the richest waters in the Northeast, Nantucket is a fisherman’s paradise. The island offers a variety of fishing experiences onboard a boat, including inshore fishing and offshore and deep-sea fishing.
Inshore fishing: Perfect for beginners or families. Explore the island’s bays and coves and catch striped bass, bluefish, or flounder.
Offshore & Deep-Sea Fishing: For the more adventurous, charter a boat into the Atlantic for tuna, mahi-mahi, or even shark.
Topspin Fishing Charters
Offerings: 5 hour trip, 7.5 hour trip, full day trip, and 1.5 hour sunset cruises.
About: Topspin is a 35-foot Terry Jason boat that is equipped with state-of-the-art electronics for both inshore and offshore sportfishing. The type of fish you can expect to catch varies based on the length of your trip, but includes striped bass, black seabass, fluke, giant bluefin tuna, and shark.
To learn more about Topspin Fishing Charters, click here.
Albacore Charters
Offerings: 2.5 hour trip, 5 hour trip, 8 hour trip, full day inshore, and full day offshore.
About: The Albacore is a 35-foot custom Sport Fisherman, powered by a 500hp Cummins engine. Albacore offers trips for anyone ranging from a beginner fisherman not wanting to venture too far from shore (2.5 hour trip) all the way to experienced fishermen looking to catch mako, thresher, blue sharks, and giant bluefin tuna up to 1,000 pounds (full day offshore trip).
To learn more about Albacore Charters, click here.
Just Do It Too Charters
Offerings: 2.5 hour trip - running four times a day, 7 days a week during the summer.
About: Just Do It Too is a 34-foot custom sport fisherman that can accommodate up to 16 passengers, and is a great option for private charters, corporate outings, and sunset rides. Captain Marc provides anglers with an engaging and educational fishing experience, with an emphasis on catching local bluefish and stripers. Just Do It Too promises memorable outings on Nantucket’s surrounding waters!
To learn more about Just Do It Too Charters, click here.
Absolute Sport Fishing Charters
Offerings: 2.5 hour trip, 5 hour trip, full-day (8 hour) offshore trip, and harbor cruises.
About: The Absolute is a 40-foot fishing boat that’s extremely stable and roomy, thanks to its size and hull. The boat has room for up to 28 people, with a bridge large enough to accommodate four passengers. Trips on the Absolute can take you from off the shores of Coatue and Great Point (2.5 hour trip) all the way to 15 to 25 miles offshore (full day offshore trip).
To learn more about Absolute Sport Fishing Charters, click here.
Monomoy Charters
Offerings: Inquire with the company to explore their variety of offerings and to plan your trip.
About: The Monomoy is a 40-foot custom sportfish that can accommodate up to 21 passengers. The boat has a spacious cabin and deck, with both indoor and outdoor lounging available, as well as a fully enclosed cabin and bathroom. The boat features state-of-the-art electronics and navigational equipment for the highest level of safety and comfort. Captain Josh Eldridge has over 25 years of experience fishing in the waters of Nantucket, Florida, and Central America.
To learn more about Monomoy Charters, click here.
Starrfish Charters
Offerings: 3.5 hour trip, 5 hour trip, jumbo fluke trip, shark trip, tuna trip, and 1.5 hour sunset cruises.
About: The Starrfish is a down east custom-built 35’ Duffy and Duffy, powered by a Cummins 50hp diesel motor. These boats are renowned for their smooth dry ride and stability. With a cruising speed of 21 knots, Starrfish can reach fishing grounds fast, maximizing your fishing experience. Varying based on your trip, you can expect to catch striped bass, bluefish, black sea bass, fluke, jumbo fluke, shark, and tuna.
To learn more about Starrfish Charters, click here.
Althea K Charters
Offerings: 3 hour trip, ½ day trip, and full day trip.
About: The Althea K is a fully custom, 35-foot, Bruno & Stillman sportfishing vessel with a spacious flybridge for panoramic ocean views. The Althea K is incredibly seaworthy and excels in the rips and swells encountered offshore Nantucket. Captain Pete and his mate are expert in all gear types and fishing styles , and welcome all experience levels from beginner to expert.
To learn more about Althea K Fishing Charters, click here.
Critter Cruise
Offerings: 1 hour trip geared towards children
About: Critter Cruise takes place onboard the Monomoy, a USCG inspected vessel. Critter Cruise offers an interactive one-hour long experience for kids and their families, allowing them to cruise around the harbor, watch Captain Josh haul fish traps and lobster gear, and grab a fishing pole to do some fishing of their own! Once Captain Josh’s haul is up on deck, the critters go into a “touch tank” so everyone can see the catch up close and even pick the critters up.
To learn more about Critter Cruise, click here.
Looking to get out on the water but don’t want to go fishing?
Nantucket Mermaids
Offers over 10 different yacht options and a variety of charter options, from catered sunset cruises to island-hopping to watersports adventures.
To learn more about Nantucket Mermaids, click here.
Barton & Gray
Offers dayboating, adventure cruising, cuisine (with on-the-water menus from Lola 41 and PPX), events, stewards, stand-up-paddleboarding, and tubing. Barton & Gray has boats at the Nantucket Boat Basin, the White Elephant, and the Wauwinet.
To learn more about Barton & Gray, click here.
Nantucket By Water
Offers unique tours and cruises for individuals and families of all age groups. The Minke is a 26’ Classic Crosby Launch with a full canopy top, and can fit up to 23 passengers. Nantucket By Water is ideal for cocktail cruises, sunset cruises, whaling history tours, private charters, and harbor and ice cream cruises.
To learn more about Nantucket By Water, click here.
ACK Sail
Offers idyllic coastline views from the comfort of a historic sailing yacht or motor vessel, while celebrating the perfect island experience with family and friends. ACK Sail has day and sunset harbor cruises, day and sunset sailing cruises, and special event charters.
To learn more about ACK Sail, click here.
The Blue Peter Sailing Yacht
Offers its guests completely unique and customizable charters, whether you’re looking to relax with friends and family, celebrate with food and drink, or just escape dry land for a while.
To learn more about the Blue Peter Sailing Yacht, click here.
Island Boat Rental
Offers a variety of center console boats (ranging from 15-20 feet) to charter for a day on the water. Explore the harbor, fish Nantucket sound, or find your own slice of beach on Coutue. The boats can accommodate boaters of any experience level, and no license is necessary.
To learn more about Island Boat Rental, click here.
Nantucket Tug Company
Offers mid-day and sunset charters on an iconic, locally-crafted tugboat that's ready to take you on a one-of-a-kind journey through the picturesque Nantucket Harbor. Whether you're soaking in the stunning views or savoring your favorite beverage, every moment above Chugalugatug is designed to delight!
To learn more about the Nantucket Tug Company, click here.
Tips for a Successful Day on the Water
Dress in layers and bring sunscreen.
Pack snacks and drinks, especially for longer trips.
Bring a camera - the sunsets and views are Instagram-worthy.
Respect local regulations and catch limits.