Waterfront Activities on Martha’s Vineyard
Cruise, Sail, Fish and Explore
On Martha’s Vineyard, life is lived on the water.
For generations, families have vacationed at the Harbor View Hotel, and many of their most cherished memories are connected with our water activities on Martha’s Vineyard. Our ideal location right on the shore gives you exclusive access to cruising, sailing and fishing tours, excursions and lessons. Whether you’re seeking a sunset or picnic cruise, sport fishing, learning to sail or becoming a more seasoned angler or sailor, we make it easy. We have a private dock with our own boats. The expertise of our Dockmaster, marina staff, USCG Licensed Captains and US Certified Sailing Instructors will arrange water experiences to match your level of expertise and sense of discovery. All you need is to bring your bathing suit, windbreaker, sun block and perhaps a bottle of wine and picnic basket, which you may order through our Concierge. Stardust 39’ Bunker and Ellis Wooden Picnic Yacht
Step aboard Stardust and step back in time to 1960's New England. Designed and built by famed boat builders, Raymond Bunker and Ralph Ellis, who integrated the strength, stability and seaworthiness of a "Downeast lobster hull," to hand-craft Stardust in 1966. One of the first "picnic yachts," Stardust is one of a kind. Stardust is all wood, built with mahogany over stream bent oak framing. Since taking ownership in June 2007, the Harbor View has restored Stardust to its original condition with many modern enhancements. Scout 31' Stamas, 290 Tarpoon Center Console
A day on this boat is about the freedom to explore and experience all that the Islands and the maritime community has to offer. Take full advantage of the ocean playground from Nantucket to the Aquinnah clay cliffs, plus every secluded beach and hidden cove along the way aboard our 31-foot center console powerboat. Scout offers all the modern day conveniences for enjoying a day on the water with family and friends: cruising speeds up to 40 mph, swim platform, freshwater rinse shower, a sunbathing deck, plus full set of waterproof jackets and pants. Scout is ideal for charter fishing trips, equipped with live bait wells, rod holders and outriggers for coastal fishing. Our local fishing Captain always knows where the fish are running.
Sailing Instruction
One-hour private lessons introduce you to the sport of sailing. The curriculum focuses on wind awareness, how a tiller and rudder works, parts of the boat, steering a straight course and tacking.
Instructor is on board.
- 1-3 hours • 1-4 people
Please contact our Dockmaster at dockmaster@harbor-view.com or for further details at 508-627-7000.
4-Day Sailing Course
We have designed a four-day course to teach you the basics of sailing offered by Vineyard Sail Training. This course will guide a non-sailor through a complete Learn to Sail curriculm on a J24 keelboat. The course will prepare a student with the knowledge, skills and confidence to skipper a 18' - 27' keelboat in light to moderate conditions (5-15kts) on inland waters with both on the water and classroom sessions. US Sailing Student Certification is available to graduates.
- 4 days, 3 hours per day on the water and 2 hours per day in the classroom
Please contact our Dockmaster at dockmaster@harbor-view.com or for further details call 508-627-7000.
Sailing Instruction Adventurers
Sail To Vineyard Haven
Learn about trip planning, coastal navigation and sailing to a destination with an adventure sail between Vineyard Haven Harbor and Edgartown aboard a J24. The instructor will teach you how to read a navigational chart, plot your course and understand tidal currents during the 10-mile trip. Once in Vineyard Haven, go ashore, explore the town then take a taxi back to Edgartown. Or arrange for a ride to the Harbor View dock aboard Scout, our center console, if available.
- 2-4 hours * Up to 4 people
Please contact our Dockmaster at dockmaster@harbor-view.com or for further details call 508-627-7000.
Boat Charters
Private Martha’s Vineyard cruising for up to 6 persons aboard our classic 1966 all wood Bunker & Ellis Picnic Yacht is available through our Harbor View Concierge.
Sunset Harbor Cruise
Catch a Vineyard sunset aboard Stardust during a 2-hour harbor cruise. Tour Edgartown Harbor, Katama Bay then go into Cape Pogue for breathtaking views as the sun goes down over Vineyard Sound. Seats are sold either per person, or reserve the whole boat for two hours as a private charter. This is one of the most unforgettable Martha’s Vineyard activities.
- Offered Daily
- Leaves the dock 2 hours before sunset
Vineyard Tour by Boat
Take a Vineyard tour with your own private captain. Cruise the Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven harbors before heading to western end of Martha’s Vineyard for spectacular views of the clay cliffs of Aquinnah and the Gay Head Lighthouse. Stop off in Menemsha Harbor for fresh seafood then run to Tarpaulin Cove on Naushon Island. Cruise by Nobska Lighthouse off of Woods Hole before heading back to Edgartown.
- 3 1/2 hours • Up to 6 persons
Nantucket Island Hop
Take the day to experience Nantucket by boat with your own private captain. Walk the cobblestone streets, shop and enjoy Nantucket life, then explore the many beaches, coves and beautiful spots between Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Islands. Enjoy an optional picnic lunch.
- 5 hours • Up to 6 persons
- 7 hours • Up to 6 persons
* All water activities are exclusive for our Harbor View Hotel guests.
Our U.S. Coast Guard licensed Captains and certified instructors always put your safety first. They love to share their knowledge of Martha’s Vineyard, its history and life on the water. However you choose to spend you day on the water, you can be sure our staff will provide a fun, safe, welcoming atmosphere.
Fishing
Go Sport Fishing in Vineyard and Natucket Sound for striped bass, bluefish, bonito and false albacore. Whether you are a seasoned angler or just want to get the family and kids out fishing, our experienced fishing Captain will make it memorable. Scout is outfitted with all the gear, tackle and bait. Offshore fishing for big game (tuna/shark) also available. Contact Dockmaster for more info.
- 3 1/2, 5, 7 hours - Up to 6 people.